LARP @AcMW
Characters, Costumes, and Community
Is there anything more compelling than a great story? An engrossing tale will capture your imagination and stay with you for years.
What if you could be one of the heroes in your own story? What if you had a say in which direction your story goes?
What if you got the chance to work together with other heroes to accomplish great things together?
Welcome to LARP@Academy MetroWest, where kids gain new perspectives, become masters of their own adventure and work together to solve problems.
"In the LARP program, you get to meet new kids, have fun and let your imagination run wild - both literally and figuratively!"
ND - LARP@AcMW Participant
What is a LARP?
LARP or Live Action Role Play transports its participants into their own saga. Kids and adolescents create their own characters, complete with unique strengths and weaknesses. They interact with other characters as part of an overarching story. Individual and group decisions have direct impacts on the direction a story takes as well as on its eventual outcomes. Combined with costumes, props, and scenery rooted in stagecraft, participants in a LARP immerse themselves fully into their tale.
For many years, Academy MetroWest has offered a LARP week as part of our Creative Adventures Summer Program. We are now offering an ongoing LARP program that will enable our participants to delve deeper into their characters and stories, and exert a more powerful influence on the direction of their sagas.
Benefits of the Program
Since 1994, Academy MetroWest has been helping children address self-image and social skills. Our program focuses not only on teaching kids how to make friends but also on why it's worthwhile to keep trying. By structuring groups in a way that maximizes fun and success, our counselors provide a stress-free environment where kids enjoy themselves while being part of a supportive community and receiving vital feedback on their interaction style.
As part of a Live Action Role Play, participants are encouraged to take on the perspective of their character while interacting with other characters. As the story unfolds, we drive home the message that every character brings their own unique outlook to the proceedings. Those perspectives need to be respected and honored if the story's protagonists are to have a chance at succeeding. Additionally, as the group members work hard to accomplish their goals within the existing story, they become acutely aware of the importance of teamwork and community.
Staff
Adam Hurley
Adam has been affiliated with Academy MetroWest in a number of capacities for over 20 years. He has been an integral part of both our school year and summer programs. He brings a mix of energy, compassion, creativity, and an unparalleled ability to forge connections with kids to our programs. In addition, Adam has been part of the area LARP community since 2006. He has been a participant in LARPs and has also worked as a writer, stage director, and general jack-of-all trades with numerous LARPs and LARP organizations.
Tim Couto, M.A., LMHC
Tim has been a member of our professional counseling staff since 2017. After obtaining a B.S. in Psychology Tim spent a year working at a regional charter school on Cape Cod both as a substitute teacher and as a teaching assistant for students with learning disabilities. Following the completion of his internship at Academy MetroWest, Tim interned at the Worcester Veterans Center as a readjustment counselor for active and retired service members. Tim graduated with a Masters in Counseling Psychology from WJC in May 2018.
2024/2025 Schedule & Rates
LARP @AcMW sessions will come in 10 week blocks. Currently, we have 3 LARP sessions operating on Saturdays. Groups run from 10-11:30am, Noon to 1:30pm, and 2:00 to 3:30pm. We are also working on putting together a LARP group that will meet on Friday afternoons.
The cost for LARP@AcMW is $84.00 per session.
Enrollment
For more information about LARP@AcMW or to register, please contact us at 508-655-9200 or info@academymetrowest.com. Prior to enrolling, all participants must have an initial interview. If your child has already been interviewed for the purposes of enrolling in our weekly social skills groups, he or she does not need to schedule another one.