WESTFIELD-Hillary Wildman is passionate about the theater and shares that passion with young people once a month during gatherings of The Acting Out Club at the Westfield Woman’s Club.
Wildman, who joined the Westfield Theatre Group two years ago, directs the classes and invites a guest to each session to also share a unique aspect of the theater.
Choreographer Caitlin Odell discusses a dance routine that participants in The Acting Out Club will be learning Thursday night.
“Our local community members have so much to offer and I want to show kids that adults play too,” said Wildman.
On Thursday night, some core members as well as new recruits joined Wildman and guest choreographer Caitlin Odell for two hours of physical and vocal warm-ups, silly camp songs, and an acting game called ‘whodunit.’
Olivia Hart listens to a cue from Hillary Wildman, director of The Acting Out Club.
The ‘main event’ of the evening was learning a dance routine to the song ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ from the Broadway hit Hairspray.
“Learning routines like these helps you work on your memory,” said Odell to her captive audience, stressing that choreography requires “a lot of preparation.” Odell serves as a board member of the Westfield Theatre Group which is a division of the Westfield Woman’s Club.
Molly Wildman participates in the “whodunit” exercise.
While some kids may gravitate to the theater because of their love of dance or acting, others may be curious about the different aspects that the theater has to offer.
“For kids who haven’t found their passion yet, theater can help kids to open up and consider the wide range of opportunities available,” said Wildman.
For Wildman, her extensive experience as a stage hand, stage manager, director, and spotlight director, provide her with a unique perspective that she wants to share to inspire others.
Choreographer Caitlin Odell demonstrates one of the dance routines to members of The Acting Out Club.
“My hope is that the club will be a place for kids to be comfortable and to be themselves,” she said.
On Thursday night, kids were clearly comfortable with all of the fun exercises, especially when asked to “strike a pose!”
During several water breaks, young people including Olivia Hart shared their enthusiasm for the club.
“I like to act and dance and I like to have fun when I come here,” said Hart.
Noiel Dziedzic shared a similar sentiment.
Ari Hopkins-Fuller and Noiel Dziedzic, both in foreground, practice a dance routine.
“I want to learn to dance,” said Dziedzic, who also has begun piano lessons in recent weeks.
Ayslin Dziedzic echoed her brother’s comment.
“I like meeting new people and I love dance,” she said.
Ari Hopkins-Fuller, who was recruited by her good friend Ayslin, added “I like dancing and meeting new people, and it is good to learn new things.”
Molly Wildman, one of the core club members, concurred.
“I like the club because it let’s me express my feelings in theater,” she said.
As the club grows, Wildman’s aspirations for the participants includes learning all aspects of the theater – from prop making to roles “behind the scenes.”
Sammi Noska and Tyler Whalen, both in foreground, follow the choreographer’s instructions.
“Building bonds with each other keeps kids coming back,” said Wildman. “Ultimately, my hope is to create a place where the club members will conduct a performance once a year as part of the Westfield Theatre Group.”
For more information, visit the Facebook link at WTG’sactingoutclub or email Wildman at [email protected]. The club meets the second Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Westfield Woman’s Club on Court Street. All youth in the greater Westfield area, ages 10 to 18, are invited to participate.
Ayslin Dziedzic, in foreground, follows the lead of choreographer Caitlin Odell.
“My hope is that as membership grows the kids will help create the club and one day will become leaders within the organization to keep theater thriving in the city,” said Wildman.
