Halcyon Center Wants Children to Learn, Not Just Have Fun

A future actress, Sarah Shuttleworth, 10, looks forward to practicing her craft again this summer at the Halcyon Center for Child Studies in Van Nuys.

“I liked performing in the plays the best,” said Sarah of her experience at the center last summer when she took classes in acting, mural painting, puppetry and creative writing.

“All those imaginary games we played, I’m sure now that I want to be an actress, an artist,” she said.

Sarah said Halcyon allows her to participate in activities that use her imagination.

The center was founded in 1982 as an alternative to more sports-oriented programs, said executive director Gloria Gold.

Children should be enriched by summer activities and not do things just to keep busy, Gold said. Summer activities should teach, if possible, and provide a productive way to express feelings.

By writing a poem or acting out a skit, Gold said, kids learn about their likes and dislikes and develop the sense of creativity.

“We want the children to have fun, but learn something at the same time,” she said.

The classes at the Center for Child Studies are held for 10 weeks from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at North Hollywood Park and in cooperation with Actors Alley, a North Hollywood theater company.

“Children have different styles and need to learn that their style of expression would be respected.”

Classes cost $30 each.

Sarah said the program has not only taught her how to express herself, but has also prepared her for an acting career. “Now I’m ready.”

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Wish list

Halcyon Center for Child Studies

(818) 781-7554

* Tempera paints: $3 each

* Vellum Bristol paper: $20 per 100 sheets

* Brushes: $15 per set

* Paint trays: $5 each

* Disposable cameras: $15 each

* Composition notebooks: $5 each