The World Theatre Project

Instituted in 1984, the World Theatre Project combines the experience of seeing a classical play with in-depth classroom work and professional development for teachers. The World Theatre Project uses a holistic approach to developing listening, speaking, reading, writing and critical thinking skills. The program was designed with the thought that if properly prepared, young people will respond to the timeless themes of classical plays.

The World Theatre Project is a 13-week program which introduces students to Shakespeare and other great playwrights. All lessons are hands-on and address State Learning Standards in English Language Arts, the Arts, and the New York City Curriculum Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in Theater.

World Theatre Project Components Include:

• Ten teaching artist visits to the classroom. In partnership with the classroom teacher, the Theatre for a New Audience trained teaching artist will use the first three visits to prepare students to see the play by teaching the plot, themes and characters from the play. The remaining sessions will be used to identify themes from the play that students wish to focus on; identifying scenes from the play that illustrate those themes, and writing and rehearsing the material for a performance.

• Nine hours of professional development workshops for teachers. With the assistance of a Theatre for a New Audience teaching artist, teachers refine strategies for linking the play to Language Arts or another curriculum. Teachers are directly involved in planning for the needs of their students. They receive Curriculum Guides with grade appropriate lesson plans and a copy of the play.

• Attendance at Theatre for a New Audience’s Off-Broadway production of Shakespeare or another classical play. Seen by students in morning matinees, this is the same full production also seen by regular theatergoers.

• A Culminating Event, at which students perform scenes from the play for parents, administrators and their peers. After attending the play, teachers and students choose a scene that they interpret and perform. The artist returns to the classroom to help rehearse. Students expand their horizons and the scope of their literate environment by being exposed to new ideas and participating in creative activities.

• A Reflection Session. The teaching artist, students, and teachers reflect on the experience of the residency and culminating event.

By Milton Glaser

Thanks to the support of various private and public funds, we are able to offer a select number of NYC public schools a subsidy that will cover approximately 70% of the program cost.  If you are interested in applying to become a partner school, download this Application and return it to education@tfana.org or fax it to Education, 212-229-2911.

For further information regarding our programs, please contact:
Katie Miller
Education Director
T: 212-229-2819 ext. 18
E: kmiller@tfana.org