The Ridgefield Playhouse Arts in Education program presented by the Leir Foundation has wrapped up its 21st season of bringing curriculum-rich, live theatre to students.
Hosting more than 15,000 students and teachers each year—over 60% of whom come from Title I communities—the Playhouse enhances classroom learning through live theater and enrichment programs, all offered free of charge.
As part of the “From Page to Stage” enrichment program, 5,700 books were gifted to students, each tied to a performance they attended. While tickets are free, many schools face challenges in affording field trips. To help overcome these barriers, the Playhouse collaborated with teachers to cover the cost of 45 buses and provided nutritious lunches to more than 1,500 students during the school year.
From a first-grade teacher at a Title 1 school after seeing A Year With Frog and Toad, “Our students were absolutely beaming with excitement throughout the entire experience, and it was truly a magical moment for them to see the characters they’ve been reading about come to life on stage.”
“We are proud of our mission to introduce area students to the power of live theater. Hosting students from Ridgefield and all across our region builds excitement for learning, fosters creativity and expands imaginations. It also contributes to social-emotional growth as most students are seeing their first live production,” says Jodi Simon Stewart, Arts in Education Director.
This program is made possible entirely free of charge to schools thanks to the generosity of our Board of Directors, The Leir Foundation and a community of dedicated supporters. We’ve made great strides—but there’s still so much more we can do with your help.
Join us in bringing the magic of live theater to the next generation. Your support makes it all possible.
If you are interested in supporting the Arts in Education program, please contact Jodi Simon
Stewart at jodistewart@ridgefieldplayhouse.org.