Education

Our Teaching Philosophy

As a leading cultural institution, education is central to our Mission.  All classes and workshops are taught by professionally trained Teaching Artists and focus on literacy, cultural awareness, imaginative problem-solving, collaborative play, and creative thinking. Our teaching philosophy highlights process over product, deepening students’ ability to analyze, synthesize, and think critically while making connections to the thoughts and ideas behind the written word.

Education for Everyone

Portland Stage Education strives to welcome and celebrate all people regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, national origin, religion, gender identity, neurological, or physical ability.


Financial Aid

Portland Stage strives to eliminate financial barriers to accessing our programs. Please click here to apply for financial aid and contact us directly with any questions!

Caregivers and educators can join the Education Email List for updates!

For more information call 207.774.1043 x104 or send us an email.


Play Me a Story

Experience the fun and magic of theater on Saturday mornings with Play Me a Story! Ages 4 – 10 enjoy a performance of children’s stories followed by an interactive acting workshop with Portland Stage’s Education Artists for $15. Sign up for the month and save or pick individual days that work for you. Build literacy, encourage creativity and spark dramatic dreams!


Classes

Classes at Portland Stage produce a safe environment for young people to find a higher sense of play, stretch their imaginations, and gain valuable social skills such as listening, risk-taking, ensemble building, public speaking, and leadership through storytelling. These classes are wildly fun, collaborative, spontaneous, and begin to build skills for the young actor or non-actors’ creative toolbox.

Portland Stage reserves the right to combine programs or extend the ages of the participants at its discretion.

Upcoming Classes


Camps

Dive into theater for five exciting days while on your school breaks! Our theater camps immerse participants in all aspects of theater, culminating in an open studio performance for friends and family at the end of the week! Camps are taught by professional actors, directors, and artisans. Students are invited to think imaginatively, critically, and creatively in an environment of inclusivity and safe play.

Vacation Camps

Summer Camps

Camp Cancellation Policies


Student Matinees

Our Student Matinees, offered for most of our Mainstage season programming, connect and reinforce Common Core Standards and are designed to grow with students as they progress through all grade levels.


Touring Programs

Our Touring Programs, including PLAY and Directors Lab, connect and reinforce Common Core Standards and are designed to grow with students as they progress through all grade levels.

At Portland Stage, we have developed a series of Education Programs that connect and reinforce Common Core Standards and are designed to grow with students as they progress through all grade-levels (K-12). Our touring programming focuses on building and enhancing literacy, cultural awareness, collaborative play, and creative thinking through a multidimensional approach to learning. All programs are accompanied by a comprehensive resource guide to enhance and support student/teacher engagement.

PLAY Program (For Grades Pre-K to 5)

Directors Lab (For Grades 5 to 12)


Virtual Education Resources

With our community staying safe at home in the early phases of the pandemic, Portland Stage created a variety of virtual education resources to continue engaging young people, families, teachers, and students. Resources include: Tutorial Videos, Games to Play at Home, Follow-Along Videos, and other Interactive Activities. These resources are designed to get your bodies and creativity moving, all from the comfort of your own home! 


Apprenticeship Positions

Applications are open for the Summer 2024 Education Apprenticeships (due Feb 15) and the Season-Long Apprenticeships in Production, Arts Administration, Directing/Dramaturgy, Education, and Stage Management (due Mar 1).


Education Program Supporters

Portland Stage would like to thank the Onion Foundation, Maine Arts Commission, and the Robert and Dorothy Goldberg Charitable Foundation for their generous support of our K-12 Education Programs.

Portland Stage would like to thank Susie Konkel for her support of our In-Theater programming, and Bud & Cheryl Higgins for establishing the Jamie Higgins Endowment toward our Education Programs.


Enhance Your Theatrical Experience

Teachers and other audience members can enhance their theatrical experience with PlayNotes, our resource guide. Created by the Portland Stage Literary department, these extensive guides present a broad spectrum of information and perspectives on each play in our Mainstage season. PlayNotes appeals to a wide audience of student and adult readers who wish to delve more deeply into the plays on our stage.