As an arts organization with a dual mission both artistic and civic, our education programs looks at the intersection between arts, culture, social change and education. Our education programs develop youth and adults who recognize the importance and power of the arts and culture of the African diaspora and embrace the values of community and democracy that are part of these traditions.

Our in-school, afterschool and evening workshops in performing arts are the core of our Educational programs. Our classes stress collaborative art-making while valuing our students' cultural heritage and background.

2008-2009 Upcoming Programs

THE YOUNG COMPANY is Black Rep's new intensive 3-year Theater program for high school
students, offering rigorous instruction and long-term mentorships with some of the most accomplished theatrical minds in New England. Developing artistic talent and civic responsibility side by side, the Young Company strives to empower young leaders to use their creative voices to challenge and redefine the social, economic, and cultural challenges facing the next generation and to become catalysts for positive change in their community. Students who are accepted into the program will pursue their training over three key areas: Artistic Training, Integration with the Professional Company, and Community Outreach.

How to Apply: The Young Company will only accept 15 students to participate in the program. Experience is not necessary, but interested candidates must demonstrate strong potential and commitment to the artistic process. Auditions will be held in November 2008--more specific information will continue to be posted in the upcoming months. To receive updates on this program, please continue to visit this page, or sign up for our email list by contacting Kim Hammann, Director of Education at kim@blackrep.org.

STUDENT MATINEES: Black Rep offers discounted tickets to high school groups during our Theater season. Matinees are held Thursday and Friday mornings at 10am with a 20-minute Talkback immediately following the play. Pre and post play workshops are available to groups who wish to explore the play on a deeper level. For more information, please contact the Education Department.

2007-2008 Highlights

Carnival in the Capital, a new intensive summer program for young artists in grades 5-8, celebrated its inaugural year alongside Sound Session '08. Over the course of 3 weeks, students were introduced to the collaborative, artistic, and cultural traditions of Carnival around the world through Storytelling, Masquerade (Mask and Costume Making), Music, and Street Theater--four main elements of the Carnival experience. The program culminated on July 10th when family, friends, and neighbors joined the first ever Kid's Parade, which started at Black Rep and ended with a youth performance at Kennedy Plaza's Burnside Park. Special thanks to the City of Providence's Department of Art, Culture & Tourism and Department of Recreation, the June Rockwell Levy Foundation, Paul Cuffee Charter School, The Florence S. Mellor Scholarship Fund, the Tyra Club, Tonya's Trucking, and Councilman Cliff Wood for helping to bring this extraordinary pprogram to life.

The First Annual Young Artists Showcase took place on May 22nd at the Black Rep. The event featured original work and performances by our young artists at Birch Vocational High School, Mount Pleasant High School, and Paul Cuffee Middle School and was attended by nearly 100 family and community members.


2007-2008 Programs:

Afro-Caribbean Drumming: Students from Paul Cuffee Charter School learned the history and technique of Afro-Carribbean percussion during this afterschool workshop series.

Birds of a Feather: In this 10-week program, students at Pawtucket Substance Abuse Prevention used creative writing, movement and theater techniques to highlight and celebrate the common threads that connect them to each other and their community.

Expression Explosions: Students in this 12-week residency developed and expressed their artistic voices through Afro-Caribbean Percussion or Spoken Word techniques. Students from Birch Vocational worked with students from Mount Pleasant High School to create original works based on a common theme inspired by their lives and the world around them. The program culminated with a collaborative performance.

For questions or to sign up to receive updates on new programs and opportunities, please contact Kim Hammann, Director of Education.