Covenant Players in Taiwan

"I have never spoken so much English in my life!"

That's one comment from the Drama Camp that Covenant Players led in Hsinchu, Taiwan. For six straight days Covenant Players David Kitch and Stephanie Foster led five-hour workshops in English for Taiwanese students. Three days were for the Senior students and three for the Juniors. The workshop culminated in a final presentation in which everyone spoke at least one line in English. David Kitch writes, "The Seniors had quite complex dialogue in many cases. Also for all their presentations, they chose their story, wrote out a script, memorized their lines and incorporated props. They used professional presentation skills and we included affirmation."

Affirmation is a significant element of any Covenant Players workshop. This refers to the positive identification of what others have done RIGHT - as opposed to criticizing or identifying mistakes. It is an opportunity for the workshop participants to encourage and build up one another. The workshop becomes a positive, uplifting, and gratifying experience.

(It is similar to our own methodology for teaching and education within Covenant Players' ministry where, in addition to the affirmations from the audience, a time of professional critique by the supervising director gives additional instruction and equipping to the actor/missioners.)

Taiwanese students lives are often dominated by the high pressure to excel and perform. Often they go to school in the day, then again in the evening (cram school), and then after that they do their homework.

In this drama camp, Covenant Players gave the students the opportunity to practice their English in an entertaining and non-threatening way, and to be encouraged at the same time. (see our link about ELCP) We close with this quote from one of the students:

"I want to tell you how grateful I am. I have always wanted to improve my English - especially speaking. Sometimes I feel embarrassed. I need more practice - that's why I came here. During the camp I practised (sic) a lot and found speaking English was not that difficult. Actually, I have never spoken English so much in a short day. Even in the cram school we focus on grammar and reading - speaking is a little part. However, as far as I am concerned, I think speaking is the most important part because I may use it very often. I also learned a lot about drama. I learned to communicate by using my body, my expression, and my voice. These skills would always be with me, be part of me. I just want to thank you a lot. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience." -- English Camp Student

Thank you David and Stephanie for giving these students an unforgettable experience.