Idris Elba Turns Kids into Theatre Stars

Golden Globe-winning actor, producer, and humanitarian Idris Elba visits PS 294 in the Bronx, New York City to teach students the fundamentals of acting and drama. This episode of Celebrity Substitute celebrates confidence, creativity, self-expression, and the power of theatre to help young people discover their voices.

Idris begins by introducing students to the basics of acting through a series of improv exercises and scene work, encouraging them to think on their feet, make bold choices, and fully commit to the moment. Then, he helps the class build their own original characters from scratch, guiding them through character development, backstory, physicality, and emotional motivation. With Idris’s mentorship, the students step into entirely new personas and learn how actors bring characters to life on stage.

The lesson culminates in a powerful monologue showcase for the students’ teachers, where each young performer takes center stage as the original character they created alongside Idris. Through imagination, collaboration, and a lot of courage, the students experience the transformative magic of stage storytelling.
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