Performances are scheduled for tonight (Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012) at 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m.

All youth shows are free; however donations to the youth scholarship fund are gladly appreciated.

Directed by Artistic Associate Kelly Kitchens, the Seattle Public Theater Youth Program performs their adaptation of Shakespeare’s longest work, exploring themes of treachery and revenge. To be or not to be? Definitely be at SPT to see these shows!

For those loyal fans who wonder what ever happened to those two minor Hamlet characters, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, now’s the chance to come for Shakespeare and stay for Stoppard! SPT’s mainstage is performing a well- received production of Tom Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead in repertory now through February 19th.

For more information, call SPT at (206) 524-1300 or visit them online at seattlepublictheater.org.

The Seattle Public Theater is a My Green Lake advertiser.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2012.

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The camps will be held at the Green Lake Bathhouse (7312 West Green Lake Dr N) Feb. 21-25, 2012. Financial aid is available.

SPT provided the following information about the theater camps, which were created by SPT Artistic and Education Director Shana Bestock:

Circus Skills for Actors – Under the direction of Sam Vance, students will develop their physical theater skills in this unique partnership between SPT and Teatro ZinZanni! Classic clowning, circus skills, mime, lazzi and character development–all these skills are great tools whether kids are beginners or seasoned actors. Students will practice flexibility and specificity, deepen their craft, and have fun working in an ensemble. Plus, they’ll get a few master classes from world-famous professional circus performers! The week culminates in a sharing for family and friends full of laughing, gasping, and applauding! Open to students in grades 3-5.

Orpheus In the Underworld – Under the stage direction of SPT Artistic Associate Kelly Kitchens and the music direction of Seattle Opera Youth Program Director Barbara Lynne Jamison, students will dive into Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld. This camp continues SPT’s successful and growing relationship with Seattle Opera. Open to students in grades 6-12.

Technical Internships and Teaching Assistant positions available for grades 9-12; get service learning hours while having fun, giving back to your community, and gaining valuable life and leadership skills.

For more information about theater camp registration or scholarships, please call Kenna at (206) 523-1370 or check the SPT education page.

The Seattle Public Theater is a My Green Lake advertiser.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2012.

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Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is considering re-opening the John Marshall High School building (520 NE Ravenna Blvd) as a middle school in 2013.

The new school would be part of a district-wide response to growing student enrollment numbers. SPS is currently studying these numbers and doing capacity management planning.

A slide from a June School Board work session titled “Demographics, Capital and Capacity Planning” indicates that opening John Marshall as a middle school would cost the district more than five million dollars. The building would have capacity for 760 students and would ease enrollment crowding in the Eckstein Attendance Area.

The John Marshall building was last used by SPS as an alternative high school. The John Marshall High School closed in 2008.

The building currently houses several tenants, including the Northwest Girlchoir, the Seattle Area German American (SAGA) School, the Lifetime Learning Center, the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine and Little Explorers School. It is also being used as a temporary location for Engine 16 during the renovation of  Fire Station 16.

SPS spokesperson Teresa Wippel confirmed on Tuesday (Nov. 17, 2011) that the re-opening of John Marshall school is a possibility. She stressed that no decisions have been made yet.

“The [Capacity Management] planning involves identifying areas of the school district with the highest projected enrollment growth and developing scenarios and solutions to address that growth,” Wippel explained.

Before deciding how best to serve the growing student population in Seattle, SPS is collecting input from the public at three upcoming community meetings:

Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, 6-7:30 p.m. at Denny International Middle School Library (2601 SW Kenyon St).

Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011, 6-7:30 p.m. at Eckstein Middle School Library (3003 NE 75th St).

Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, 6-7:30 p.m. at Washington Middle School Library (2101 S. Jackson St).

The meetings will include presentations by Seattle Public School Capital Projects and Planning staff members, followed by a question and answer period. Comments from the community will be collected, recorded, considered and included in the District’s Short Term Capacity Management planning process.

Comments and questions can also be directed to capacity [at] seattleschools.org.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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From Billings:

Ms. Tudor will share her expertise around the topic of “Identity Development in Early Adolescence, or Becoming You in the Tortuous Temperamental Middle School Years”. Hosted by the Billings Parent Association, this Parent Education Night is free and open to the public.

Ms. Tudor will provide a brief explanation of how we form our sense of self, and the risk factors and strength practices that can affect a child’s emotionally healthy identity development. She will also discuss the unique developmental challenges and emotional tasks required of children from multicultural, multiethnic, and minority households. Children, from majority or minority families, who are in the gender identity minority, must master tasks of individuation and autonomy, differently, in order to develop a healthy sense of self.

Darcia Tudor was a trial attorney for twenty years before she changed her practice emphasis to collaborative conflict resolution and helping families heal from unexpected or undesired life transitions, manage and regulate emotions, and reduce family conflict, she works with children, and adolescents suffering from adjustment and mood disorders, emotional deregulation, impulsive behaviors, and assist in development of functional family systems, identity development, and healthy self esteem in children and adolescents.

The mother of four adolescent girls, and a parent of an adopted child, Ms. Tudor has weathered the storms of every developmental stage. She enjoys most sharing the life lesson’s she has experienced along the way in humor and humility. She is a frequent lecturer at seminars, and workshops on topics such as, enhancing the resiliency of children and families through education, collaboration, and the reduction of conflict; raising professional awareness of the importance of cultural competence in our global world; and psycho ‒legal subjects involving incapacity, alienation of affection, and how to co-parent after divorce, legal separation, or the end of a domestic partnership.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Kelsie is a student in the University of Washington Department of Communication News Laboratory, an advanced reporting class in which students produce news stories and packages for local neighborhood and ethnic newspapers and online sites.

Nagging parents. Surly teenagers. The conflict between the two has become something of a cliche, one that movies and television shows consistently portray as normal and expected. But some would say this conflict doesn’t need to exist and, in fact, it shouldn’t.

The desire to see more “harmony and enjoyment” in the home is what led local ADD/ADHD coach Margit Crane to write her latest book, “How To Train Your Parents in 6 1/2 Days: A Teen’s Guide to Raising People You Can Live With.”

Mockingbird Books (7220 Woodlawn Ave NE) is hosting a discussion and book-signing on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011 for Crane’s “parenting book for teens.” The book focuses on building positive and supportive relationships between teenagers and their parents.

“Family affects every other relationship you have,” Crane explained in a recent conversation over coffee at the Green Lake Peet’s, and healthy relationships are built on mutual respect. To achieve this, teens and their parents need to learn how to communicate effectively. In her book, Crane dwells on the importance of being honest, open-minded, and willing to make changes.

“We want power conversations,” Crane said, “not power struggles.”‘

Crane’s goal is to “empower the teen and the parents,” first by encouraging them to see things from each other’s point of view. Dissecting the non-verbal elements of a conversation, such as tone, facial expressions and body language, can lead to more understanding and fewer arguments.

It’s as simple as “knowing when to step back and give someone space, when to move forward and let them know that you’re there,” Crane said, taking a sip of her coffee.

As a teacher and school counselor for over 25 years, she is aware of the nearly universal struggles of teens. She recognizes that they are highly influential but often underestimated, even by their parents. Young people are just as capable, if not more so, of easing tension in the family.

“I tell them ‘you have so much more power than you think you have’ and that they can use it for good,” she said, laughing. “And it’s true!”

By nature, teenagers are more “raw and honest” and they expect the same from those around them.

“They are the first to point out hypocrisy,” Crane said, and are sure to hold people to their word. These traits make teens perfect for taking on a leadership role in the family.

Though the book is aimed at teenagers, Crane has included plenty of helpful information for parents as well. Just as conflict doesn’t always stem from one source, both sides of a relationship must be working toward the same goal to see any progress.

“It’s not about good or bad,” she said, speaking of how quickly someone can be labeled a “bad kid” or a “bad parent.” Instead, “it’s about retraining your brain” to change how people interact with each other.

The tips described in her book spring from Crane’s professional experience. Coaching clients with ADD/ADHD, she focuses on skills building as well as developing behavior plans and communication strategies for the tweens/teens and their parents. She also actively advocates for these families in schools, laying out solutions to create better learning environments for these youths.

“I’m always for the underdog,” Crane said, smiling. Diagnosed with ADD at the age of 23, she can relate her clients’ experiences both in the classroom and at home to her own. It’s this knowledge that enabled her to write her book with confidence and make the lessons applicable to nearly every family. So too, have the three master’s degrees she’s earned, in education, school counseling and Spanish, which she affectionately calls her “ADD Ph.D.”

Recently, Crane’s blog “Gifted With ADD” was voted second best Parenting Blog in King5 Evening Magazine’s “Best of Western Washington” contest. She was “absolutely thrilled” when she heard the news.

“This is a really good time for me,” she said. “I’m so happy that this is what I get to do.”

She said it’s incredibly validating when she sees her clients, whom she calls “heroes,” fully committed to change. “I love seeing them get better,” she said, and the results can be “pretty freaking amazing!”

Striving to strengthen families, and especially teens, is something Crane has always been passionate about.

“How many wars would be avoided if families got along better?” she asked.

The discussion and book signing takes place at 7 p.m. at Mockingbird Books, located in the Great Hall at Green Lake (7220 Woodlawn Ave NE), on Nov. 18.

©UW News Lab for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Performances are scheduled for Friday, November 4, 2011 at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 5 at 7 p.m., Sunday, November 6 at 2 p.m., Friday, November 11 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, November 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

All youth shows are free; however donations to the youth scholarship fund are gladly appreciated.

Directed by Artistic and Education Director, Shana Bestock, Anon(ymous) features the work of Adam Shulda-Maui, Alex Helme, Anna Marie Yanny, Audrey Delaney-Hanna, Denny Le, Ella Conte, Leo Campbell-Klein, Nicolas Reide-Walton, Nicole Armstrong, Sara Albertson, Spencer Bradley, Blair Feehan, Sophie Von Veh, Tessa Garcia-Duarte, Lauren Brackenbury, Michael Chinn, Andrew Marques, Emily Fassler, Erica Hansen, and Percy Boyle.

“Separated from his mother, a young refugee called Anon journeys through the United States, encountering a wide variety of people — some kind, some dangerous and cruel — as he searches for his family,” reads a press release from SPT. “From a sinister one-eyed butcher to beguiling barflies to a sweatshop, Anon must navigate through a chaotic, ever-changing landscape in this entrancing adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey. As abundant, funny, anguished and hopeful as America itself, Anon(ymous) offers a rich and witty exploration of how we all search for home and identity.”

The audience is invited to join the cast after each performance for panel discussions about the issues and themes of the play. Special guests include refugee students from North Seattle Community College sharing their poems of identity on Sunday, November 6, and members of Peace on the Streets by Kids from the Streets on Saturday, November 12.

On Saturday, November 5, there will be a post-play discussion with New Horizons Ministries, a group leading the movement to break the cycle of youth homelessness.

In addition to the post-play discussions, the SPT board has sponsored an essay contest for all ages. More info is available at seattlepublictheater.org.

The Seattle Public Theater youth ensemble will be holding a sock drive October 31-November 12. Socks may be dropped off during the show or anytime during normal box office hours.

SPT wishes to thank New Horizons, 826 Seattle, Teen Feed, Youth Care, Faith Advocacy, Sanctuary Arts Center, Amara Parenting, and Asian Counseling and Referral Service for their help with this production.

For more information, call SPT at (206) 524-1300 or visit them online at seattlepublictheater.org.

The Seattle Public Theater is a My Green Lake advertiser.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Green Lake Bathhouse
Photo courtesy of Daniela Dombrowski
of The Murphy & Dombrowski Real Estate Group

The Seattle Public Theater (SPT) at the Green Lake Bathhouse (7312 West Green Lake Dr N) invites you to a free Youth Ensemble production of #Macbeth.

Directed by Artistic and Education Director Shana Bestock, #Macbeth stars Anna Klein, Bridget Boyle, Charlie Tadlock, Eden Williams, Gabe Airth, Giny Long, Ingamar Christophersen, Jamie Blue, Julia Shoemig, Kayla Brooks, Nate Mascis, Nora Hammen,  Olive Royal, Skylar Tibbetts, Sophis Clemon-Herndon and Suji Sivarajan.  The crew is comprised of Audre Bennett, Haley Barton, Rusty Bauder, Ingrid Christophersen, Davey Moody and Corinne Boroff.

“In this dynamic, modern-day setting, the language remains Shakespeare’s but the action is in an urban jungle of teenage turf warfare,” reads a press release from SPT. “With little adult oversight, teenagers are left to figure out for themselves what it means to ‘be a man.’  MacBeth is top-dog of the in-crowd, and loyal friend to gang leader Duncan, but when he is told by three weird outsiders that he will be the next leader, Macbeth can’t shake the thirst for power. Driven by what they think is destiny, MacBeth and his sister kill Duncan, but soon find that holding on to power comes at great cost.”

“Seattle Public Theater doesn’t just put on fantastic plays, but it builds a community of lifelong friendships,” says actor Anna Klein.  “When I do any show here, I’m surrounded by a cast and crew of people that are talented and enthusiastic. I am so proud of this show.”

Performances are scheduled for Friday, October 28, 2011 at 7 p.m., Saturday, October 29 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, October 30 at 2 p.m.

All youth shows are free, however donations to the scholarship fund are gladly accepted.

For more information call SPT at (206) 524-1300 or visit them online at seattlepublictheater.org.

The Seattle Public Theater is a My Green Lake advertiser.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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The fourth annual Seattle City Championships table tennis tournament will be held Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30, 2011 at the Green Lake Table Tennis Center (GLTTC).

The GLTCC is based out of the Green Lake Community Center gymnasium (7201 E Green Lake Drive N).

Anyone can enter the championships, from beginners up to Olympic level athletes. Players will compete for cash prizes, trophies, and awards. The tournament offers 20 separate events based on age, gender and level.

The highlight of the tournament will be the “Finals and Exhibition” on Sunday, October 30 at 2 p.m. It will feature Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, who will “hit the first ball” with Acting Deputy Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation, Eric Friedli. Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata will also be present.

The exhibition will be followed by the under-19-years singles final and the open singles final. Several professional athletes from China are expected to enter the open division. Admission to the Sunday “Finals and Exhibition” is $3 per adult and $2 per child.

There will be free coaching for kids Sunday at 1:30 p.m., just prior to the Finals and Exhibition.

For more information, contact info [at] glttc.com or the Green Lake Community Center at (206) 684-0780.

The event was featured on KING 5 News on Tuesday, October 11:

The 4th Seattle Table Tennis Championships are sponsored by Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Green Lake Advisory Council, the Green Lake Table Tennis Center, the Washington Table Tennis Center, the Seattle Pacific Table Tennis Club, the Northwest Senior Games, and Paddle Palace.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Rehearsals begin Monday, Sept. 26, 2011.

No experience is necessary. Youth of color are encouraged to apply. Financial aid available for all in need.

In addition to performing in the production, youth can act or work behind the scenes as technical theater interns.

For more information call SPT at (206) 523-1370 or visit them online at seattlepublictheater.org.

The Seattle Public Theater is a My Green Lake advertiser.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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The event, which is free and open to all ages and abilities, is sponsored by Youth Employment Skateboarding (YES), a program administered by Skate Like a Girl, through a City of Seattle Department of Neighborhoods grant.

The event’s Facebook page lists the following schedule:

10:00 AM BEGINER LESSONS
12:00 PM BOWL JAM
BEGINNER FUNTESTS
LADIES JAM
2:00 PM MASTERS (30+) JAM
BBQ (FREE FOR THOSE THAT SIGN IN)
GAME OF SKATE
3:00 PM ADVANCED JAM
4:00 PM BEST TRICK
4:45 PM EVERYONE HELPS CLEAN-UP

The Lower Woodland Skatepark is located at the western end of the space between Soccer Field #2 and the cloverleaf ball diamonds at Woodland Park.

©Amy Duncan for My Green Lake | Seattle's Green Lake Blog, 2011.

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Post tags: kids, skateboarding, teens, woodland park