Arts in Education has been an integral part of The Pearl’s programming since our inception in 1984. Our formalized program, Classics in the Classroom, has made classical theatre accessible and exciting to 200 underserved New York City students every year since 1992. Our teaching artists (culled from our Resident Acting Company) work with classes from four high schools for a season-long intensive program aimed at supporting each teacher’s curriculum through arts education by providing students with the tools to understand, analyze and synthesize a play. It is our hope that exposure to the arts and direct contact between artists and students will not only build a future audience of theatre-lovers but provide a unique educational experience that will excite the next generation.

Basic Program Components:

• Every teacher is provided a Study Guide (developed by our resident dramaturge and Education Director) for his/her students which provides social, historical and literary context about the playwright, time period and play.
• Teaching Artists visit the classes at each school and conduct pre-show and post-show workshops. Using interactive exercises and lively discussions, they introduce each title as well as help the class gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the story and its characters and how these plays remain relevant and immediate to their own lives.
• Students attend each production of the season. Every performance is followed by a talkback with the actors, teaching artists and sometimes production personnel where students can share their experiences during and thoughts about the show and ask any questions they might have.

Current “Classics in the Classroom” Partners:

• Young Women’s Leadership School of Harlem
• Notre Dame High School
• Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
• DreamYard Preparatory School