Education Experience for Every Age!
Wayside is the only professional theatre in the area offering tools and workshops to create confidence, instill discipline, build self-esteem, and foster creativity in our youth. Wayside Theatre's vision is to enrich the lives of our community members by placing special emphasis on developing the talents of our youth, and by providing opportunities for our youth to and contribute to the arts in meaningful ways.
Emerging Artists Production This Is A Test @ Warren County Middle School, Spring 2011.
Wayside Theatre's Education in Action programs fill a strong need for the youth in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. Since its inception in 2000 the programs have grown each and every year and continue to do so at a rapid pace. From performing Shakespeare to playwrighting, from backstage assignments to improvisation, children participating in any of Wayside Theatre’s Education programs receive an immersive experience that offer them the chance to excel.
- Wayside in the classroom - programs that bring the benefits of Wayside to you.
- Emerging Artists Productions - professionally produced performances with a youth cast
- YPW - Young Performers' Workshop - classes for ages 4 to 18 designed to build theatre skills
- YPF - Young Playwrights Festival - a yearly play writing competition for middle and high schoolers
- One-on-One Workshops - individual sessions to learn acting techniques from professionals
- Travelling Plays & Workshops - one-man and one-woman educational performances
YPW Summer Session @ The Youth Development Center, Winchester. 2006.
Why These Programs Are Important
Students who participate in theatre develop more than just acting skills. Theatre has all the benefits of teamwork, cooperation and leadership skills that sports offer and more. It builds creative problem-solving skills, improves literacy, and allows for creative expression of emotions. It also lets the kids explore relationships, emotions, characteristics and situations. Theatre provides an outlet for students who are not necessarily comfortable in the classroom or the soccer field. They are able to play, explore, interact and learn without the pressure of grades or the competitiveness of the field. On stage, they are comfortable using their voices, standing strong and expressing themselves. In every group, you are sure to find at least one student who will find their place on the stage. It is a wonderful thing to see.
According to the American Alliance for Theatre and Education (www.aate.com) being involved in theatre activities leads to a plethora of educational and personal benefits including:
- Improved test scores, literacy and attendance records
- Better reading comprehension
- Greater problem-solving skills
- Ability to focus
- Improved social skills
- Teamwork
- More confidence and ideas of self-worth
- Greater creativity
- Ability to focus
The Theatre Communications Group (the trade association for not-for-profit Theatres) published results from a survey that showed:
- Children who participate in theatre activities score on average 80% higher on SATs.
- Children who participate in theatre activities are more tolerant of the difference in our society, whether those differences are racial, cultural or economic.
- Children who participate in theatre activities at an early age are more likely to be successful in their college careers.
Thank you to our sponsors: Harrison and Johnston Attorneys at Law, Apple Valley Hyundai, BCK Anesthesia, Thomas and Rebecca Lawson, Harvest Moon Natural Foods, Dewein Construction and Maintenance. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
