As part of the education and outreach program of the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company, I have been invited to observe a run-thru of Magee Secondary School’s production of Anything Goes on Friday and then talk with the students involved.
The Playhouse’s educational programs are the cornerstone of our extensive outreach activities. Studies have shown that young people exposed to live theatre in school are far more likely to become regular theatregoers later in life.
Theresa Webber, director of Anything Goes says that a key component to the Magee theatre program is the opportunity for the students in the program to work with proven professionals. I’m excited to have the opportunity to give some creative feedback to these students.
Anything Goes is on the Magee Mainstage, April 28-30 and May 5-7. Tickets are $12, available at the door.
Other Education and Outreach initiatives at the Playhouse include:
• Teachers directly involved in the creation of the on-line Study Guides for each production.
• Thousands of young people are introduced to live theatre through Playhouse productions each season.
• Each production has a dedicated school matinee which includes a post-performance talkback with the actors.
• E-Stage Young Playwrights encourages a new generation of playwrights.
• Special educational initiatives are designed around specific productions, most recently, The Love List.
• The newly established Darlene S. Howard Award for Excellence in the Arts recognizes the achievements of high school students in music and theatre.
Max
