Artists-in-the-Schools

Through its Artists-in-the-Schools (AIS) initiative, Court Theatre partners with six South Side high schools annually to enhance existing theatre arts programs or to implement programs where there currently are none. This is accomplished through in-class artist residencies, free tickets to Court’s Student Matinees, and performance workshops culminating in the annual High School Performance Festival. Artist residencies, taught by professional actors, directors and designers who are hired and trained by the Theatre, usually last for a period of six to twelve weeks, depending on individual school calendars. Teaching artists typically work at a two-to-one ratio with classroom instructors to create curricula and teach lessons.

AIS endeavors not only to cultivate a life-long appreciation for classic theatre, but also to nurture fundamental skills such as literacy and teamwork and to build self esteem. The AIS curriculum guides students through a thorough analysis of a classic text, encouraging them to interpret the work in a modern context and to respect the creative ideas of their peers. By providing students with the tools to understand and participate in the creative process, we hope that they will make connections between their lives and the work onstage, ultimately furthering our goal of making theatre engaging and meaningful for students of all backgrounds.