Imagination Stage Hits Home Run in Second Year of 'Learning through Theatre DC'

Imagination Stage celebrates the continued success of Learning through Theatre DC, a partnership designed specifically for third grade DC Public and DC Public Charter schools. Learning through Theatre DC enhances student learning through an impactful, interactive program, which integrates elements of Live Theatre into existing school curriculum to transform STEM into STEAM and draw connections to students' lives.

During three weeks this Fall at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, DC, Imagination Stage will once again bring nearly 3,000 third grade DC students to attend a free performance of Imagination Stage's Looking for Roberto Clemente, the hit musical with humor, heart, and heroes! To R.S.V.P. to the reception held on Thursday, November 3 at 9:30 a.m. at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, email events@imaginationstage.org.

Using Live Theatre as a springboard, Imagination Stage faculty members are collaborating with DCPS educators to build an arts-based curriculum designed to enhance students' creativity. Imagination Stage has developed a unique set of tools to engage students and teachers, including a specially-produced video, professional development for teachers, and a tailored Theatre Arts Guide (T.A.G.), along with an evaluation component. In addition, tickets to attend the production, as well as transportation to and from the theatre are provided at no cost to participating schools.

Bonnie Fogel, Founder and Executive Director of Imagination Stage, says, "We are delighted to be hosting third grade students and their teachers for a second year in Washington, DC. Student and teacher evaluations last year indicated that their collaboration with Imagination Stage exceeded expectations."

This partnership is possible thanks to the continued leadership support of major corporations, such as The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, Walmart, and Pepco, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, along with other leading local foundations, corporations and individuals.

Sam and Charlie are best friends and baseball fanatics in Pittsburgh, PA, in the year 1972. Puerto Rican superstar Roberto Clemente is the hero of the Pittsburgh Pirates, having led the team to victory after years of losing. When a mysterious fly ball transforms Sam into a Little League Superstar pitcher, he is invited onto the most prestigious Little League team in town, while Charlie is rejected for being a girl. Charlie forms her own team with the less athletic kids and her new friend Tommy, a boy with a disability. Sam and Charlie ultimately discover what it truly means to be a "hero" when their final game coincides with Clemente's fateful decision to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Founded in 1979, Imagination Stage is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission is to inspire creativity through theatre and arts education programs that nurture, challenge, and empower young people of all abilities. Imagination Stage offers year-round professional theatre for young audiences and classes in creative drama/acting, musical theatre, dance, and filmmaking for ages 1-18.

The Atlas Performing Arts Center brings people together through the arts to create, connect and engage through compelling performances, events and initiatives spanning a range of artistic expressions, traditions and cultures. The Atlas is where the arts, culture and connection happen on H Street. Learn more at atlasarts.org.

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