Educational Outreach
The Kalamazoo Civic Theatre partners with schools and youth-serving organizations to bring high-quality theatre education directly into the community. Our programs are designed to engage young people in creative expression, build confidence, and develop collaboration skills in a supportive environment. By working with afterschool providers and other nonprofits, we make theatre accessible to students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate. All outreach programs are part of the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre’s Academy, extending the theatre’s mission to inspire and educate through the performing arts. For more information, or to discuss the specific needs and ideas of your organization, please contact the Director of Education and Outreach.
Organizations we have worked with include
- Communities in Schools
- El Concilio
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo
- Paramount Charter Academy
- WoodsEdge Learning Center
- Interfaith Community Center
- Eastside Youth Strong
- Ark
- Camp Sunshine
- Kalamazoo Public Library
If your non-profit organization offers out-of-school programming for youth and would like to learn more about our Outreach Programs, please contact our Director of Education and Outreach.
Theatre in the Classroom
This program brings theatre directly into classrooms using children’s literature as the starting point. Teachers select a book, and our instructors guide students through activities that explore character, movement, and voice while connecting the story to theatre concepts. Each session is designed to engage students in active storytelling, encourage self-expression, and build collaboration skills. The program supports classroom learning by linking theatre activities to literacy development and curriculum goals while keeping the experience fun and memorable for students.
Special Events
The Civic Theatre collaborates with schools and youth organizations to design theatre experiences that fit the needs and imagination of each group. Whether you’re interested in a hands-on workshop, a unique performance opportunity, or something entirely new, we welcome the chance to explore your ideas. Together, we can create meaningful experiences that connect your students to theatre in engaging and memorable ways. To discuss possibilities for your organization, please contact the Director of Education and Outreach.
Featured Programs and Partnerships
Read and Write Kalamazoo (RAWK) – We partner with Read and Write Kalamazoo (RAWK) each year to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The program offers youth the opportunity to share their voices in celebration of Dr. King.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo – We host the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo each summer for their Summer Arts Showcase. Youth participate in 4-hour sessions each day, 4 days a week, for 9 weeks. Participants work with a director/choreographer and a musical director to take risks and gain confidence, while using theatre as the medium to accomplish this. Youth have the opportunity to explore “behind the scenes” theatre skills such as lighting, painting and props. The Summer Arts Spectacular concludes with a full production of a musical, with lights, sound, music, all before a live audience. Significantly, this experience is offered at no cost to the participants, which is made possible through the generous support of our Foundation Sponsors.
El Concilio – We offer after-school programming at El Concilio at no cost to participants and their families. In the summer of 2023, we offered the first-of-its-kind learning opportunity that extended the after-school enrichment classes. For 8 weeks, 3 hours each week, youth participants worked to learn the songs, dances and scene work for the musical, Pajama Party. Participants then enjoyed the excite of performing this piece for loved ones at the end of the program on stage in the Civic Auditorium.
Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation (Kzoo Parks) – We partner with Kazoo Parks each summer to offer free weekly performing arts workshops. This program concludes with a Youth and Teen Talent Show in Bronson Park.
