The Workshop’s Artists-in-Schools program brings long-term performing arts experiences to youth in schools and child development centers.  Artists-in-Schools prioritizes programming to schools with high populations of youth often referred to as at-risk.  It is an effective and tested program that builds confidence, leadership, and respect in addition to other skills.  Artists visit schools once a week for between 10-30 weeks, providing standards-aligned programming.

Partnerships

We view our work with schools as partnerships.  An artist’s first visit to the school is a sit-down meeting with teachers so that both parties can discuss goals and relevant information about each unique classroom.  While we recommend viewing our classes with an open mind, your teaching artist is also a partner at your school.  Workshop artists are encouraged to solicit feedback and constantly reflect upon their teaching.  Many are open to collaborating over the curricula and have your goals in mind. 

Some artists may even be willing to assist with preparing students for an assembly or performance; however, please remember doing so is at their discretion.  They have their own goals for what they want students to accomplish that often require methods incompatible with spending each visit in a rehearsal. 

Finally, we also hope you learn from our teaching artists, as they similarly value your input as professionals.  For information about the programs we offer, please click here.

Special Education

Artists-in-Schools helps students with a wide range of physical, mental, emotional, and learning disabilities improve verbal and non-verbal communication, coordination, and social skills.  The program serves both classes with inclusion students and Special Day Classes.  Click here to read stories about our special education classroom partners.

Preschool

Sequential performing arts programming in preschool develops students’ language, cooperation, and ability to recall and reflect.  It lays the early groundwork for innovation and creative thinking and contributes to a complete educational experience.  Click here for activities you can use to bring the performing arts into your classroom!

Professional Development Workshops

For over thirty years, Performing Arts Workshop has brought the performing arts into classrooms and the practice of classroom teachers. Workshop Artist Mentors will provide site-based or off-site professional development workshops for your staff, tailored to your needs and goals.
Workshop Fee Structure:
$250/hour
$375 for 1.5 hours
$750 for 3 hours
$2,000 for 8 hours
Workshop fees may be negotiable. Please contact Jessica Mele for more information.

Teacher Coaching Project

In 2007, Performing Arts Workshop began its Teacher Coaching project, a one-on-one professional development program for teachers. Teachers meet with a senior artist – a “Teacher Coach” - eight times outside of class time to co-develop learning goals and an arts-integrated curriculum. At the same time (before every “coaching” session), the Teacher Coach will teach an arts residency class (once a week for at least 10 weeks). Each coaching session will be used to debrief the last residency class, and prepare for the next. At the end of the residency, Teacher Coaches and Classroom teachers will co-implement their lesson during the residency hour, with their own students.

Download: Teacher Partnership Project: Examples
Download: Teacher Partnership Project: Testimonials