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The Essentials Educational Philosophy

Roanda, SLJ 2008, Amherst 2012 We believe that a truly effective arts education program requires that students have a stake in the success of the artistic process. With this in mind, our programs culminate with live performances by the students, and give students a say in as many of the production elements as possible. We establish a culture of high expectations, collaborative problem solving, and craftsmanship. While we are encouraging and supportive, we also demand much of our students, and they produce work of the highest artistic quality.

The Essential Residency
The Essentials teaching artists work with students and their teachers to collaboratively create an innovative new production of a classic play.

  • The Essentials teaching artists offer breakout sessions in acting, voice & speech, design, and stage combat
  • Students (under supervision of the teaching artists) design, cast, act, and produce all aspects of the play.
  • The School provides space and time for The Essentials to develop their own piece of theater, culminating with a performance for the school community.
  • Students will have opportunities to assist and intern on The Essentials production.
 Skye, teen poet and rebel