Outreach Programs

Education at NBYT

Since 2010, NBYT has served thousands of children and teenagers in school programs, drama classes, and productions. In schools and childcare centers throughout Connecticut, NBYT has provided literacy-based programming that promotes social, emotional, and creative development. Programs are based upon National Core Arts Standards, and the curriculum is designed to align with the Common Core State Standards for English and Language Arts. All programs include not only processed-based drama activities and some level of performing, but also grade-level appropriate study of the source material—plays, poetry, folktales, or music. Creative input through either verbal participation or writing—either original or adapted work—are also encouraged and expected of each child as time allows. Physical and vocal warm-ups and exercises are also included and practiced each program day.

To discuss bringing a program to your school or group—or even customizing a program specifically for your youth—contact Education and Engagement Coordinator at nicki@nbyt.org or call 860-462-2994.

NBYT directors are also available, at no cost, to speak to parent and teacher groups about developing or leading drama programs of their own. They can also advise on staffing and producing school theatrical productions at any level.

Educational and Community Outreach Program Offerings

A sampling of educational outreach programs is listed here. Programs may be built and customized to any grade level, group size, or length of time.

Bringing Books to Life!
An introductory acting class combines with story-time as children engage in listening, discussing, and performing to better understand the themes of a book. They use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to pantomime characters and actions which are included in bringing the chosen book “to life.”

Bringing Scripts to Life!
In this introduction to dramatic literature, students learn that plays are intended not only to be read, but to be performed! Approaching a script as an actor enhances students’ understanding of plot, themes, and the emotional journeys of the characters. The script may be one already read in class, or may be new to the students. Successful scripts used in past classrooms have been dramatic adaptations of Charlotte’s Web, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Little Women.

Page to Stage
Students work with a Teaching Artist to create a short adaptation based upon a piece of literature or topic studied in class. The class begins by briefly discussing the creation and performance of theater, and then groups brainstorm and exchange ideas. In one or two follow-up visits, groups explore and put their ideas into presentation form, and then revise and perform their dramatic work.

Introducing Improv!
Students get a basic understanding of improvisational theater concepts and are  introduced to short-form improv games designed to build teamwork and have fun! Students will be able to take what they learn and use it to not only become improv performers, but also better listeners, thinkers, and speakers.

Dramatic Literature in Performance
Students explore language, characters, and themes while focusing on a specific work of dramatic literature. All or select students also get on their feet to perform selected scenes with a Teaching Artist directing. Previous classes have focused on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, or Twelfth Night, or Aristophanes’ The Birds.