Artist-in-Residency Programs for Schools

In addition to educational school assemblies, affordable artist-in-residency programs are available to expand upon the learning opportunities. Each residency includes shows for the entire student body and hands-on, minds-on workshops desgned to re-inforce curriculum standards.

Drawing upon extensive experience as performers the Ac!vated Actors make the learning fun, memorable and stimulating. Because the children retain information better when their senses are engaged, tangible objects and physical activities are incorporated whenever possible.

Residency Programs may be one day to one week long. The program is tailored to suit your needs and class schedules.

Each residency program begins with a series of performances; followed by a discussion of the presentations with the students and an analysis of the techniques used to give them an understanding of the general principles involved. A family night program is optional.

View Teacher's Guide for Residency Objectives (.pdf) for an example of class objectives and core curriculum and national art standards addressed by grade level in a week long Artist-in-Residency program.

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Program Themes

From Page to Stage - 6 day residency

Our most extensive residency program, From Page to Stage succeeds at getting students and parents involved in a dynamic learning experience. The Act!vated Actors arrive on a Wednesday, and kick off the program with shows for the whole student body. Then they begin working with the students on writing and rehearsing a show. By the following Tuesday the students are on stage putting on a show for parents. Parents are invited to a Saturday session to help the students make costumes and props. After school workshops are included.

Expository Writing

This residency program focuses on writing and is a popular one for getting students ready for testing. The exercises we use are developed and adapted by an award-winning professional writer, and may range from such familiar concepts as clustering to a trigger for creativity that we call The Magic Sentence.

The session begins with collaborative activities designed to reduce inhibitions and effectively demonstrate brainstorming. We then break into smaller groups and progress to opportunities for individual projects.

When students complete the workshops, they have a firmer grasp of the process involved in expressing their ideas and experiences on paper. (one day to one week / 3rd grade and up)

Performing Arts

This residency teaches self-esteem and team work through theatre arts and physical comedy. Students learn warm-up exercises, and performance art skills such as: theatre, vocal techniques, comedy and mime. Basic theatre terms and history are introduced, as are tips for giving an outstanding performance whether onstage or delivering a book report. (one day to one week / adaptable for Preschool - Junior High)

American Sign Language

A residency program that allows students to learn kinetically. Interactive games and songs teach that American Sign Language (ASL) is not just for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Use ASL to communicate, study vocabulary words, reinforce curriculum and more. (one day to one week / all ages)

Mix and Match

With this week long residency the teachers are free to choose from any of our Hands-on, Minds-on Workshops to fill out the school day or week. Please see our workshop page for options.

Send a booking request, call (800) 429-6576 or send us an Email to schedule a date or request more information.

For rate information check our Booking Information page.

I can't thank you enough for bringing your talents to our students.
I love being a part of a small, farming community but one of the concerns I have is the lack of artistic opportunities for my child. The arts had such an incredible impact on my life as I grew up and I have wanted Devon to experience that "magical feeling". You have "lit the candle" and she is now eager for so much more!
Today, the school is a little quieter and there is a noticeable void now that you have gone. We will truly miss you and your special gifts but please know that you have brought talents to the surface that people here never knew existed. ~Friends, Brenda Wood, School Counselor, Mount Ayr Community Elementary School