Education & Community Programs

CENTERSTAGE serves our community, both locally and nationally, by striving to bring the arts to Maryland students; partnering with local and national civic groups and arts advocacy organizations; and working to educate the public about the process of creating live theater.

Programs for Young Artists & Audiences

Our education programs are designed to help young people explore their imaginations as writers, critics, audience members, and performers. CENTERSTAGE provides internship, shadowing, and volunteer opportunities for students hoping to pursue a career in the performing arts.

• Encounter & Apprenticeships >>
  Two service-oriented tracks—an after-school performanced-based program and hands-on theater apprenticeships—for high school students age 14–18 
  
• Student Critics Program >>
  Training the next generation of theater reviewers 
  
• Summer Intensive >>
  A two-week summer theater program for students in grades 5–12 
  
• Young Playwrights Festival >>
  An original play writing contest for students in grades 1–12  
  
• College Night >>
  Pre-show parties with food and fun before our Preview Tuesday performance  In the Classroom

We offer training for teachers hoping to provide their students with a practical understanding of the creative process, and facilitate customized workshops based on the plays produced in the CENTERSTAGE season.

• Next Stage Resource Guide >>
  Context, information, and resources for each production  
• Student Matinees >>
  10:30 am performances for school groups, with pre-performance in-class visits and a post-show talkback
  
• Discounts for Teachers and Their Classes >>
  Membership, group rates, and other discounts for teachers and their students 
  
• Teacher Training & Workshops >>
  Resources for helping teachers integrate CENTERSTAGE productions into the classroom  
  
• Additional Resources: Our Community Programs & Education Department is here to help teachers augment their classroom curriculum. Among the resources we offer:
  • Scripts: To request a copy of the production text used in our performances, e-mail us at education@centerstage.org.
  • Our Staff: Of course, nothing is more valuable than having a professional at your disposal to field questions, respond to ideas, or brainstorm about a project. For more information on connecting with a CENTERSTAGE theater professional, e-mail us at education@centerstage.org or call 410.986.4050.
    

Lifelong Learning Opportunities

• Professional Internship Program>>
  Season-long placements for recent college graduates making the transition to a professional theater environment 

• Community Classes >> 
  Arts-related evening and weekend classes—from dance and yoga to professional actor training—for students of all ages 

For Parents & Families

• Parental Guidelines >> 
  Information and resources to help parents determine which shows are most (and least) appropriate for children or various ages and levels of maturity 
  
• Kickin' it with the 'Rents >> 
  M&T Bank sponsors this series offering discounted tickets, a pre-show family-style dinner, and visits with the artists before select Pearlstone and Short Work Series plays 
• Child's Play >> 
  On-site theater-related “play care” for children ages 4–10 while parents enjoy a Saturday matinee