The Public Theatre Announces 100,000 School Children Served
By: Courtnie Mele
This season The Public Theatre, performed for its 100,000th student. The Public Theatre strives to combat nationwide budget cuts in arts education and the national challenge of a "graying audience" by making school field trips affordable, inspiring, and educational. The theatre has made it a priority to bring the Arts into the hearts and lives of Maine students, developing the creative workforce and theatergoers of tomorrow.
In 2010, The Public Theatre created a special youth priced ticket allowing anyone 18 years of age or younger to attend any performance for only $5.00 - the lowest for professional theatre in New England. In response to this discounted ticket, the theatre's youth attendance has increased by nearly 700%. This accessible ticket level is underwritten by generous support from business sponsors and foundations such as: The Sun Journal, Austin Associates, Gleason Media Services, Platz Associates, The Shubert Foundation, Liberty Mutual Insurance, Androscoggin Bank, Emerson Toyota, and Cross Insurance among others. Thanks to these community partners, over 100 different schools throughout Maine have brought 100,000 students to attend The Public Theatre's award-winning professional productions.
All students who attend a student matinee performance are also given the unique opportunity to participate in the Post-Show Discussion, featuring the actors and director, interacting with the people who created the performance. Free detailed Study Guides written by Bates Professor, Martin Andrucki, are also created for each production to enhance a student's viewing experience, and are available free of charge on the Public Theatre's website at www.thepublictheatre.org.
The Principal of Manchester and Mount Vernon Elementary School, Pia Holmes, believes that giving students the chance to talk with and question Broadway/TV/Film actors right here in Maine is a "once in a lifetime opportunity for many students," and called The Public Theatre "an incredible resource for Maine children".
In addition to its student matinee program and youth priced ticket, additional educational opportunities at The Public Theatre include middle school, high school and college level internships, as well as a Professional Summer Training Program for Young Actors ages 10-16, who are interested in pursuing a future in acting.
For information on all educational opportunities and the student matinee schedule for The Public Theatre's upcoming season, please call 782-3200 or visit their website at www.thepublictheatre.org.
PHOTO: The cast and director of the Tony Award winning play Good People discuss the play with students from Franklin Alternative School, Lisbon High School, Oxford Hills Christian Academy and Lisbon MTM Center who attended the performance.
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