“ You can write your own lines. It’s really fun. When you first come to class you are afraid, but everyone works together.”

- Adrian Puricelli, Foundations

In-School Program - Models

THEATRE IN THE CLASSROOM- ACTING-BASED model using movement and vocal activities, games, storytelling, and improvisation to introduce students to the world of theatre. The entire class works as an ensemble, learning techniques which support public speaking, physical expression and self-confidence. Students apply these techniques in rehearsal and performance in the classroom. Grades K-12

WRITE-A-PLAY TODAY! - PLAYWRITING & PRODUCTION-BASED model challenging students to create original plays. Choosing age-appropriate themes, students learn the ingredients of a play: Character, Setting, Dialogue and Conflict. Short plays are written by the entire class; edited, rehearsed, and shared as a collection of work, promoting literacy, collaboration and the development of an authentic voice. Grades K-12

DRAMA ACROSS THE CURRICULUM - In this CURRICULUM-BASED model, students use theatre and drama to explore and respond to an area of school curriculum. Through research, scene writing, and performance, students illuminate an area of study, making meaningful personal connections to an important historical, scientific, or social event.Grades K-12

THEATRE PRODUCTION - This extensive residency employs a PRODUCTION-BASED model that challenges students to rehearse and perform an entire play or musical production. Students work with professional directors, choreographers and musical directors. Grades 6-12

“READERS’ THEATRE” LITERACY-BUILDER - This LITERATURE-BASED model utilizes creative drama to help increase vocabulary and comprehension skills. Grades 1-3 explore and dramatize an age-appropriate book. Grades 4 and up create and perform adaptations of a literary work or develop an original performance piece in response to the theme, plot, conflict, or character. This model is especially suitable for ESL classes. Grades K-12

THEATRE SNACKS - This interactive presentation lets students explore a character or theme within a current City Lights production, all during a single class period. Students are then invited to the show; their new insights informing their theatrical experience. Grades K-12

DANCE THEATRE - Students utilize dance movements as dialogue for their original plays in these unique City Lights Youth Theatre Residencies. With a solid literacy component, students flex their vocabulary and challenge their comprehension skills as they create original stories in response to chosen themes, using Hip Hop, Step, Jazz and World Dance forms as their text. Grades K-12

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT - City Lights teaching artists lead workshops for professional educators. These workshops are very much like a gymnasium for teachers. Education professionals learn and practice drama techniques, and receive valuable support in applying these skills to their classroom repertoire and teaching. Teaching artists continue their mentorship by visiting schools to support the implementation of the acquired skills. This approach allows teachers to model self-confidence and creativity in their classrooms. School Educators

INTERDISCIPLINARY ARTS - A process-based classroom residency using art and music as the language for original performance-art plays. Students generate responses to themes, building exhibitions of artwork and composing scores with rhythm instruments. Grades K-12