Among many of us is an artist, a vocalist, an actor, a chef. Art is around us every day in various forms whether it be crafting, singing, acting or writing— and growing that talent let alone harnessing it in the first place is crucial, simply and poetically put, for the soul.
Whether it’s you or your child, you have a unique voice, perspective or skill in the arts that we bet hardly gets put to use in the ebb and flow of everyday life. When it comes to the arts, our schedules can often get in the way.
But that’s where performing arts centers like Romeo + Juliet come in.
The Science Behind the Arts
In the United States, the Americans for the Arts center reported that 81% of Americans believe the Arts are a “positive experience in the world,” and 73% believe the Arts give them “pure pleasure to experience and participate in,” while 69% believe the Arts “lift me beyond everyday experiences.”
Better yet, research proves that any engagement with artistic fields “builds a sense of accomplishment for all ages in just 45 minutes”, while other research capitalizes on the importance of art for well-being, mental health and happiness in both children and adults.
For example, the Smithsonian Magazine reports that “children in schools have worked with art therapists [over the years] to deal with social and emotional difficulties, behavioral disorders, ADHD, low self-esteem and other issues.” And the healing through various art and talent programs isn’t just for kids— adults experience the same increased levels of happiness.
One more tidbit: research has shown the arts also benefit the actual city they’re in. Indeed, the University of Pennsylvania researchers have demonstrated “that a high concentration of the arts in a city leads to higher civic engagement and a more connected community. Neighborhoods with a vital cultural life also enjoy ‘spillover effects’— including stronger community and civic engagement; better health, schooling, and personal security,” as reported by the Art of Education University.
More than A Theatre: Romeo + Juliet
It’s not often that you hear a theatre also being the place a student, adult or even 3-year-old child can take classes in acting, art, dance, vocals, clay pottery, cooking and other creative activities.
It’s what makes the Romeo + Juliet studio— located in both Staten Island and Freehold, NJ— more than just a theatre but an open, inspiring community for all skill ranges and ages.
To this end, anyone who is interested in blossoming their passions for a plethora of art forms can check out the studio and be trained based on their selected level. Many adults and youngsters find themselves going into the studio to engage in one art form but walk out interested in several more.
“Everyone is welcome to join our studio and flourish in the talent they wish to pursue,” Victoria Punina, a director and art teacher of the studio, shared. “We have a team of professional vocal, art, dance and acting teachers who come from all over the world to make dreams come true: we’ve even had professional directors fly in to produce English and Russian plays where attendees perform all around America with the play they practiced at our studio.”
Indeed, the Romeo + Juliet studio helps actors of all ages practice their skills in front of wide audiences all throughout the states, helping them gain real-world experience outside the studio. Working closely with qualified, renowned directors, the actors have not only a chance to work with a role model from their industry but also with a partner who cares to see them succeed.
The studio also offers Saturday day camp programs where parents can drop off their kids for art, dance, cooking or acting classes from 11 am to 4 pm, with snacks provided throughout the day. These day camps are available at both Romeo + Juliet locations.
The studio offers three forms of classes: regular classes, private classes, or “mommy and me” classes, each with various price packages that can be checked out at this link.
A gallery of the various work children have engaged in during their time at the studio can easily be found on Romeo + Juliet’s Instagram page. The posts showcase the wide range of artistic capabilities kids and students come in for and the inevitable joy, ambition and growth they experience as result.
The Net-Net
In reading this feature, have you thought about yourself, your loved ones, or your kids and their artistic abilities? Their ability to perform, dance, or sing? Do you or anyone you know need a place to unwind, detox and meet friends in a beautiful, open-hearted setting that instills the values of creativity and passion?
If you answered yes to any of these, the Romeo + Juliet studio is the community for you or your kids or family.
“We are waiting for newcomers with open arms,” Iryna Karpenko, a theater and film director and acting teacher of the studio, said. “We are a place that champions all talent, all skill and all passion— let’s fuel it into wonderful modes of expression that leave this world a better place.”
If you’d like to sign up for Romeo + Juliet classes, visit https://www.romeoidj.com/ today
