In a small, mirrored studio at ArtSouth, a dozen elementary and middle school students are learning about characters, conflict and compromise in their drama class -- heavy concepts for younger children.

But it's all part of their daily activities: Students can choose improv acting as part of their after-school arts program, which started Oct. 5 and runs Monday through Friday at ArtSouth in Homestead.

And many do.

Recently, students improvised scenes set up for them by the drama instructors, exploring tactics for acting and for reaching common ground.

``It's the relationship between characters, just like the relationships in your own lives, that makes drama work,'' instructor Carlos Alayeto said to the class.

Children benefit from the extra attention as well as learning about improv acting, said ArtSouth's executive director Rosa Brito.

``It's really great to be able to offer this program,'' she said.

ArtSouth at 240 N. Krome Ave. started its first after-school program in March after receiving a grant from the Dade Community Foundation. The grant was enough to carry the program through the end of the school year -- 10 weeks. But the program was limited to drama classes, which were only available two days a week.

So Brito started gathering steam for a bigger and better after-school program at the beginning of the grant period in May. While ArtSouth held its summer arts camp, the new program began to take shape.

``We saw that there was a demand,'' Alayeto said. ``We serve a wide variety of children.''

With combined funding from the Florida Department of Cultural Affairs and the Youth Enrichment Program, as well as $50,000 in federal stimulus money, ArtSouth opened its doors last week with a diverse program that will continue through May 28.

Brito said the $50,000 of stimulus money was especially helpful this year: ArtSouth was able to cover administrative costs and teachers' salaries without dipping into operating funds.

``That's how we're able to provide scholarships,'' she said.

There is a fee of $25 per week for ArtSouth's after-school program.

Of the 25 children currently enrolled, all are on scholarship.

But it won't be long before the scholarship money runs out, Brito said.

To generate more funding, ArtSouth must increase its enrollment. Brito hopes to encourage more parents to enroll their children.

``It's such a hard economy right now, people can't afford it,'' Brito said. ``But we really offer a lot for $25.''

In addition to drama, children can take classes in drawing, painting, ceramics, fashion design and textile arts.

ArtSouth's after-school students range in age from 7 to 18 and include home-schoolers, foster children and at-risk youth. Many of them would not otherwise be exposed to art classes.

Sewing instructor Marie Jouberthe knows how important accessibility to the arts is for these children.

``We are empowering their minds and they are growing up,'' she said. ``Art is very good for kids, any kind of art, because they learn how to express themselves.''

Alayeto agrees.

He believes the most beneficial lessons the children learn at ArtSouth are about communication skills and confidence.

``They pick up skills that are useful not only in an artistic realm but also in the workplace,'' he said.

They even learn to teach.

Children who catch on quickly in their classes are encouraged to help newcomers with tasks like operating a sewing machine.

With additional funding, Brito hopes to eventually add dance and graphic design to the class offerings.

``It could always be something to look forward to in the next program,'' she said. ``The most important thing for us is making it fun for the kids.''

Applications for ArtSouth's after-school program are found at www.artsouthhomestead.org under Programs.

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