Thank you for your interest in Invisibuilders Kids Camp! Here's a little FAQ:
Q: Who are you?
A: So glad you asked! Broken Box Mime Theater (BKBX) is a Brooklyn-based arts nonprofit founded in 2011. We have 20 company members who make art together, plus a core group of fantastic resident collaborators, musicians, and technicians. Our work in schools and shows for kids have been a central part of our organization since our founding. All company members are trained teaching artists with BKBX. Our extensive partnerships with the NYC Department of Education, L'Alliance, Boys & Girls Club of Harlem, the Arthur Miller Foundation, Classical Theatre of Harlem, urbanStages, the NYC Public Libraries have brought our workshops, classes, and shows to kids across all five boroughs and beyond. We also love to train other educators on our teaching methods, which mix storytelling, ensemble creation, and embodied learning beyond spoken language barriers.
Q: What do you teach?
A: Physical Storytelling! This is the basis of what we do, and is rooted in our expertise of contemporary mime. We find that mime is a fantastic entrypoint for exploring imaginative play, non-speaking communication, body language, embodied social-emotional learning (aka big feelings), and collaborative creation. During camp, kids will play games inspired by these skills, as well as do some fun group storytelling and problem-solving. We will take breaks for lunch and playground free play.
Q: Where is it?
A: The South end of Prospect Park! We will confirm exact location and rain back-up location closer to the date. Camp will take place outside.
Q: What will the schedule be like?
A: We will gather at 9a and dismiss at 3p at our meeting place in the park. The morning will be spent with games and activities that teach the basics of mime technique and activate our imaginations. We will break for free play and self-packed lunch, and then hold a second session of games and activities in the afternoon. Students will be asked to move their bodies, act things out, and think creatively. Both days will culminate in a group storytelling scene. On Friday, loved ones will be invited to see our culminating “mini-play.” Though many of the games are played without words, we will speak throughout the day :)
Q: Who will be teaching at camp?
A: Camp will be led by Becky Baumwoll, founding Artistic Director of BKBX and Education Co-Lead. She will be joined by 1 or 2 other folks from BKBX during the camp! She is the proud auntie to two kiddos at P.S.130. Becky is an experienced teaching artist, facilitator, and childcare professional.
Q: My kid has some access needs. Is that okay?
A: Absolutely! In the RSVP form, there is space to describe what your kiddo needs. We will also follow up via email, phone, or text if we need more clarification.
Q: We can't afford the $100 per day per kid. Can we still join?
A: Yes! In the RSVP form, there's a space to check off that you'd like to discuss how to pay on a sliding scale. We want camp to be accessible to all. Email us at brokenboxmime@gmail.com to chat further and we'll make it work.
Q: We aren't sure we want to do both days. What should we do?
A: You are welcome to sign up for one or both, but encourage both! Because this is a pilot program, we may have few kids for the first round. We’ll let you know what to expect before the 5th!
Q: What should I bring?
A: Lunch, a change of clothes, and a waterbottle.
Q: How do we confirm our spot?
A: RSVP via the link! It includes details on payment information and more.
Q: What if we have more questions?
A: Email us at brokenboxmime@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!