Theater class throws spotlight on teen girls

Kids acting up? That may be a good thing if they're with Libby Oberlin at the Theater School or at The Club at Maxwell Village.

"The Club" opened its doors on Monday, Aug. 17 at the Maxwell Village Shopping Center. It not only provides more services and space for Boys & Girls Clubs teen members, but will serve more as a community center, offering classes and workshops open to non-members. The first of these workshops is an acting class taught by Libby Oberlin, founder and director of the Theater School, scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug 26 at The Club at Maxwel Village.

Wednesday's workshop is open to all high school girls – sorry, fellas, it's girls-only in this act, according to Teen Program Director Nick Haley.

'Libby's going to get together a group of our members and practice improv, general theater, and talk about women's empowerment,' he said.

Oberlin, a New York University graduate with a master's in educational theater, said she starts off each workshop or class by working with her students to create a contract outlining the behaviors expected of each student.

'I never know what the contract will be, because we all create it together,' she said.

Her class will consist of improvisation exercises, acting games, and various activities that allow participants to share their thoughts.

'There's always an element of self-expression,' she said.

Oberlin is glad that this workshop will be an exclusive 'girls night out.' She said single-sex workshops have a different dynamic than when she holds co-ed theater classes. 'They're able to be honest in a different way, as opposed to when there are boys in the class.'

When the lifelong actress first moved to Sonoma about a year ago, one of the first things she did was introduce herself to the Boys & Girls Clubs. And recently, she reconnected with the Boys & Girls Clubs through a recommendation from one of her student's parents.

'I'm excited to be there in the Boys & Girls Clubs. If it takes off, it's something we're gonna continue,' Oberlin said.

Oberlin is also educational director for Sonoma Arts Live, and coordinates the company's Teens 'N Training program, directing its productions and leading workshops.

'We specialize in small classes so that everyone can shine,' she said.

Though Wednesday's workshop will be for girls, most of the future programs will be open to any high school teen.

'We have a bunch of workshops, and they're kind of centered on college and career, health and lifestyle and good characters and citizenship – these are our three categories,' said Donovan DiLorenzo, director of teen programs, services and athletics.

Oberlin's theater class is the first of many workshops the Boys & Girls Clubs has planned for teens. In October, a photography series consisting of three workshops will begin. There are also plans to do graphic design classes and dance classes.

'We're trying to open the space for the community,' DiLorenzo said.

The Club Maxwell Village will hold a public open house from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sept 12. Community members are invited to check out the space and learn about available programs and future classes and workshops for teens. Food and drinks will be provided.

To take a class with Libby Oberlin and to learn more about the Theater School, visit thetheaterschool.com. To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs and its programs, visit bgcsonoma.org.