Drama Classes at Langston: Kibibi Monie Inspires Youth Through the Art of Storytelling
In a recent episode of The Day with Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed Kibibi Monie, an accomplished performer and educator. Monie discussed her drama classes at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, aimed at empowering young people. Titled Let’s Tell Stories, the program offers weekly sessions through November 20th, following a “Pay What You Can” model to ensure accessibility for all.
The classes teach foundational theater skills, including vocal projection, character analysis, and public speaking, with Monie emphasizing the importance of imagination in developing empathy and self-awareness.
"It's not just about pretending," she explained. "It's about becoming—transforming from imagination to embodiment." The approach encourages students to fully immerse themselves in roles, using movement and sensory experiences to bring characters to life.
Monie's lifelong dedication to the arts is rooted in her childhood fascination with classic films and theater. Her journey began with writing and performing plays at a young age, eventually evolving into a career that spans directing, acting, and community arts leadership. She credits her success to a sense of divine calling, viewing her work as a duty to nurture the brilliance of young talent.
Throughout the interview, Monie highlighted the critical role of unstructured play in childhood development, expressing concern that modern technology limits imaginative experiences. She believes drama provides an essential outlet for young people to explore different perspectives and prepare for life's challenges.
As a member of the African American Writers’ Alliance and a committed voice coach, Monie continues to use storytelling to uplift the community. Her classes at Langston aim to inspire the next generation to harness their creativity, gain confidence, and embrace their unique voices.
For more information visit https://www.langstonseattle.org/programs/lets-tell-stories/.
To see more guests like Monie, tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
