Education
Programs for Pre-K to 12
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.
Play Me a Story
Experience the fun and magic of theater on Saturday mornings with Play Me a Story! All ages enjoy a performance of a children’s stories streamed on Facebook. Further this experience with an interactive acting workshop with Portland Stage’s Education Artists for $5. Sign up for the month 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.
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.
Student Matinees
Touring Programs
Teacher Resources
Virtual Education Resources
Explore tutorials, improv games, warm-ups, and other fun theatrical activities right from the comfort of your own home or classroom with these resources created by our Education team just for you!
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.