2021 Virtual Educational Programs
In an ongoing commitment to arts in education for all students in Western North Carolina, even during a pandemic, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is offering virtual programs at no cost through Wortham’s Youth Education Scholarship Fund with additional support from the Asheville Area Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest and Shakespeare in American Communities. Space is limited.
For information and reservations contact Shana Adams at 828-257-4512 or shana@worthamarts.org.
“As I return to the classroom every year, one of the first things on my ‘to do’ list is to check the Wortham Center website and see what’s offered for student groups for the year. I make my reservations early. The Wortham Center provides a great service to educators!”
-John Hall, Artspace Charter School
What teachers are saying about Wortham Center programs for students and families:
“We want [our students] to connect to the characters and plot on a visceral level that can only be found in live performance. Research tells us that this type of learning not only builds greater knowledge of the story, but creates the space for developing historical empathy and understanding, as well as critical thinking skills.
—Middle School teacher, on bringing his students to see Shakespeare
“The arts bring life to what might have been for a student just another ‘ordinary day’…”
—JoAnn McLaughlin, Smoky Mountain High School
“The love of reading I have desperately tried so hard all year to instill in their little hearts is sealed after one of your shows.”
—Rena Eller, Pisgah Elementary
“There is so much to learn in terms of culture and theater etiquette just by attending a live theater performance as opposed to film. I have had students say, ‘This is just like a movie only you’re really there!’ They are often amazed by the skills of the actors, dancers, set, costume, and light designers. It makes them aware of the many arts involved in producing a play. If they like to build things or play with color, they suddenly see that there is a livelihood in the performing arts towards which they could aspire. The quality of the performances is superb. That alone teaches them what ‘quality’ is. Every production we have attended has sparked excited and surprising discussion. I wish I could bring students to every show.”
—Becky Stone, Vertias Christian Academy
“Besides offering a wide range of low-cost, entertaining, and engaging live performances that are relevant to the curriculum, the DWT enables teachers to expose to professional theatrical productions students who might not normally have the opportunity to have this enriching arts experience.”
—Bill Feste, Owen Middle School
“Wonderful, educational performance; this is the way kids need to learn!”
—Buncombe County High School teacher
