Theater program open for kids

Laughtrack Theater Company is launching its first instructional program for kids. The training program, highlighting the instruction of improvisational theater, kicks off on Feb. 8 and is open to youth ages 11 to 16. Classes taught by Sharon Winpenny and Larrisa Nielsen will meet twice a week from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays for ages 11 to 13; and on Tuesdays and Thursdays for ages 13 to 16.

The sessions are designed to incorporate life skills such as peer communication and confidence-building in a fun, safe and nonjudgmental environment through games and exercises. Students will also learn about acting basics, stage presence, direction and theater terminology. The eight-week session culminates with a short form improvised showcase for an audience of family and friends.

Tuition is $200. All classes are held at Laughtrack Theater, 1123 Bethel St., across from the Hawaii Theatre. Call Kim Potter at 384-3362 or register online at www.laughtracktheater.com.

Nature program is family-friendly

Learn why bees are attracted to flowers and how plants produce fruit at Hawaii Nature Center’s "Secret of Flowers" program on Jan. 30 from 1 to 3 p.m. The program is designed for families and children ages 3 to 5. Cost is $10 per session. For more information or to register, call Pauline Kawamata at 955-0100, ext. 118.

Other Nature Center programs include:

» Wearable Art from Nature: Make a necklace using items collected from nature and a T-shirt with a leaf print, 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 19. Designed for 3 to 5 year olds.

» Taro Patch Party: Learn about the cultural importance of taro, parts of the plant and how it is grown, 10 a.m. to noon on Feb. 26. For ages 6 and up.

» Stream Sensations: Design your own boat, feed a Tahitian prawn and dunk nets into miniature waterfalls, 1 to 3 p.m. on March 6. For ages 5 and up.

» Nuuanu Adventure: Explore Kapena Falls and the Nuuanu Petroglyphs, Nuuanu-Judd Loop Trail and Kamehameha III’s summer place on an easy 3-mile hike, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 12. For ages 7 and up. Led by Ken Suzuki.