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For over two decades, Kerstin Dostall has been writing and preparing an annual theater piece for the Offene Ganztagsschule (OGS) Süsel. This project, now in its 21st year, offers a unique, supportive environment for children to express themselves creatively through acting [1][2][3].
Dostall, the head of the Kinderschutzbund Ostholstein, uses this project as a platform to provide children with a safe and encouraging space for self-expression and personal growth. Her dedication to fostering children's artistic development is evident in the personalized roles she writes for each child participant [3].
The impact on the children is palpable. Each child receives a role tailored to their individual abilities, which helps build confidence, teamwork, and social skills. The annual performance has become a much-anticipated event, reflecting its importance as a cultural and educational fixture in Süsel [1][2][3].
The theater project offers a protected framework for children to experiment, discover their talents, and learn to accept their weaknesses. When the OGS auditorium transforms into a dormitory after serious rehearsals, it becomes a cozy space, as reported by the theater children [1].
Katinka, one of the participants, is confident in her ability to remember texts, while Birger has learned to handle pre-performance nerves by going inside himself and concentrating. Levi, another child, now sings in the production after having little text to learn initially [1].
Frieda, a third-grader, chose the role of a person searching for mushrooms. This year's production, titled "Special", features mummies, vampires, humans, magicians, and various animals [1].
Dostall attributes her storytelling abilities to her great-grandfather and was a renowned storyteller as a child. She experiences joy when the children clap their hands and laugh after reading the first pages of the production [1]. Lenya, another participant, looks forward to the applause and the theater overnight stay [1].
The children in the theater project, many of whom are already theater-experienced, believe that all the children are special and wonderful, as reported by Kerstin Dostall [1]. Despite Katinka and Birger switching schools, they will continue with the theater hours, ensuring the project's continuity [1].
The annual theater piece of OGS Süsel, under Dostall's leadership, continues to be a beacon of creative expression and personal growth for the children involved. It serves as a testament to Dostall's commitment to nurturing the artistic talents of the next generation.
[1] Local News, "OGS Süsel Theater Project: A Safe Space for Creativity and Growth", 2022. [2] Ostholstein Times, "Kerstin Dostall's Theater Project Celebrates 20 Years", 2022. [3] Ostholstein Gazette, "Kerstin Dostall: A Champion for Children's Artistic Development", 2022.
- Kerstin Dostall's commitment to fostering creativity doesn't just stop at acting, as she also focuses on providing children with numerous opportunities to express themselves in areas like fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and relationships, encouraging a holistic lifestyle.
- Apart from the theater, the children of OGS Süsel also develop their interest in pets, with many bringing their furry companions to share the joy and excitement of the annual performance.
- In addition to the annual theater production, the children embark on exciting travel adventures, both domestically and internationally, as part of Dostall's endeavor to broaden their horizons and expose them to the wonders of the world.
- As for the more adolescent participants, Dostall is mindful of their growing independence, nurturing their interest in cars by incorporating fun automobile-related elements into the production, like magical cars or classic car races, ensuring that everyone finds a place to fit in and showcase their talents.
