Becoming A Leader: 

This class is open to any teens interested in leadership. It is also a required course for any teens applying to our BYLP (BackStory Youth Leadership Program).

Becoming A Leader Prerequisite class, may attend in person, hybrid or view class recordings asynchronously. Class will culminate in a portfolio that students applying for BYLP will present at their interview. (All required portfolio items will be created during class time).
CLASS RUNS: Sat. January 28th  - March 18th at 11:00am - 12:30pm
Class overview: 
-Intro to Leadership -Ethics - Creating your Own Code of Ethics (Portfolio item) - Leadership Styles (Portfolio item) - Personality Inventories (Portfolio item) - Success Paradox -Goal Setting (Portfolio item) -Ethical Dilemmas and Case Studies -Resumes, Project Management, Planning & Organizing (Portfolio item/s)

Kelly Bidstrup Graham has been teaching leadership to young people for nearly a decade through workshops, formal classes, and developing leadership structures within her performing arts programs. In this course teens will learn about ethics, leadership styles, problem solving, communication, and how to be effective as a leader whether you are in charge or not. This class will provide you with the foundational understanding nessesary to be a BYLP member, a production team member, a cast mate, an awesome student, a good director, or a future trainer, teacher, speaker, or employee. Whether you plan to be a leader, find yourself in that position or never have to be in charge, learning about leadership and what effective leadership looks like is a valuable skill applicable not only to the performing arts but to every field of study or future job you may find yourself in. By the end of the class students will be able to identify their own codes of ethics, what leadership style/s best fit them and how their strengths and personality both help and weaken their effectiveness, and students will leave with tangible tools and knowledge that prepares them for whatever leadership and planning work their future holds.  This is an Advanced level class, lecture and discussion based. 

Important info for students interested in BYLP:

*note, BYLP participation is not a requirement for the leadership class

• ALL Current BYLP Members will need to reapply for 2023 just the same as prospective new members. (Current seniors are still eligible through the summer)
• This Leadership Class offered in January is a mandatory prerequisite and part of the BYLP application process. (There will be multiple ways for students to "attend" this class as needed - more details below and at the parent meeting).
• BYLP members are required to volunteer for at least 1 outreach event each year.
• BYLP members must commit to be mentored by a BST teaching artist and to Co-teach at least 1, 2-week long summer camp class.
• Parents, with their prospective BYLP students, must attend a mandatory informational meetings. (see below for upcoming dates) If neither meeting time is an option, you may schedule a time with Mary and/or Kelly to review.

Save the Dates:

• Mandatory Prospective BYLP Meetings - Parent/guardian and student must attend either 1 of these 2 virtual meetings:

• BYLP Mandatory Retreat - May 7th - All Day

At the parent meeting we will discuss outreach sign ups for 2023 as well as application deadlines, what to expect with summer co-teaching, and interview dates. Sign ups and further application details will also be shared during class. We will also have the summer teaching schedule ready for your reference - final scheduling conflicts are due by the retreat.

Class meets Saturdays 11:00am - 12:30pm @ BackStory Theatre (555 Burbank St, Unit Q, Broomfield, CO 80020 - we are the last unit in the last building on your left as you enter the parking lot.)

Students should wear clothes they can move freely in and closed-toed shoes
Flip-flops and other slip-on shoes present tripping hazards in class. If your class requires other clothing, please take note in the class description.

Please bring a WATER BOTTLE, and if applicable, bring a pencil, and highlighter to every class.
If your class is scripted, once scripts are distributed, they should also be brought to every class. Any materials you are provided, or are asked to bring, should be brought to every class.

Class details, such as performances or other information, will be sent by the directing team during the class week to the email used to register for class.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND SNACKS WITH NUTS OR ANYTHING "CRUMBLY".
WATER ONLY - SUGARY & DYED BEVERAGES MAY DAMAGE COSTUMES & PROPS.

PLEASE SAVE THIS INFORMATION & CLASS DATES/TIMES WHEN REGISTERING.

Please be mindful of prompt drop-off and pick-up times as late arrivals negatively impact the entire cast and late pick-ups may prevent instructors from meeting other evening performance and teaching obligations.

Please review our COVID policies for health and safety prior to class at www.backstorytheatre.org.