Right about now, parents may be running out of ways to keep kids entertained, and with temperatures heating up, playing outside is not always a safe option.
Arizona Broadway Theatre is offering virtual craft classes for kids, teens, and parents. No talent is required. No fancy equipment is required either.
These crafts, created by Mary Rooney at ABT, are designed to let people create their own experience.
"You're doing something creative," Rooney said. "You're making your own art. You're discovering so many things about yourself."
Rooney is the Props Master at ABT. It is her job to make sure all the performers on stage have the items they need to tell the story in their productions.
"You need suitcases that you can dance on? Okay! I'll make them," Rooney laughed.
With full houses on hold right now due to the coronavirus, Rooney wanted to do something to hep the community stay connected through creativity.
"I think it's so important right now to just stay curious and stay adventurous with whatever you can do," Rooney said. "Whenever and wherever."
Rooney is now posting what is called 'Makers Mondays' on the ABT Facebook and YouTube pages every week with a different project to tackle.
"I don't know if you can see in the background," Rooney said, pointing behind herself. "I did this little wall-hanging of paper and fabric and we did journals, art journals... it's just a way to decorate something really simple and then use it to put their thoughts in."
It turns out, crafting is not just a project to fill time.
Research has shown, it has similar effects to meditation and helps relieve stress and anxiety.
The Rebound Arizona asked Rooney what crafts do for her emotionally and mentally.
"Oh! It's such a good distraction, you know," Rooney explained. "I just... I don't know what I would do without it. I'm so glad we're doing this weekly because it helps me keep busy."
To see Rooney's past Makers Mondays, click here.
Her next class on rock painting will be posted on ABT's Facebook and YouTube this coming Monday.