STOP-GAP Takes a BIG step into the next 30 years.

After nearly 30 years of bringing award-winning drama and education to the kids of Southern California , STOP-GAP is inviting them to come to us.

STOP-GAP is launching an exciting new summer program for kids 11 to 15. Developed by STOP-GAP founder Don Laffoon and his creative staff (including new staff member Danny Oberbeck).

REHEARSALS FOR LIFE is a week- long summer program giving kids a chance to rehearse life's more challenging moments.

Some of these Rehearsals will be:

• LEADERSHIP SKILLS – Casting yourself in the role of Leader and finding your own unique style.
  
• WHAT IS MY ROLE IN LIFE? – Who is the Casting Agent? Learning the art of self- Casting and never allowing anyone cast you in unhealthy roles.
  
• KEEPING SAFE – How to protect yourSELF – Emotionally and Physically.
  
• NEGOTIATION – How to move situations toward WIN-WIN.
  
• DEVELOPING EMPATHY – Role-Reversal – How to walk in someone else's shoes.

Led by a team of professional STOP-GAP actor/educators, kids will explore a wide range of LIFESKILLS, using fun and engaging theatre activities. Always done in a SAFE and EXCITING environment.

The first two sessions begin July7th and July14th @ MARINERS CAMPUS in Irvine . We will be adding more locations through August 29 th very soon.

A word from Don Laffoon,
Executive director of STOP-GAP

Why “Rehearsals”? Quite simply in the world of theatre, film and television performers get to prepare before going in front of the audience and/or cameras. But in real life those very same actors and all of the rest of us need to remember Shakespeare's reminder that “The world is a stage…”And most of us don't know our lines! No wonder that a school campus can be terrifying. Where is the script? Why didn't Shakespeare, our parents or someone warn us that there is no script! Life is actually a very, very long improvisation.

A word from William M. Habermehl,
County Superintendent of Schools – Orange Co.

The unique STOP-GAP Method of interactive theatre engages children on many levels.
The support that STOP-GAP gives our students and teachers, and it's enrichment of our curricula is invaluable.