Actors Theatre of Louisville

EDUCATION

THE LINCOLN PROJECT
Passionate about performing (or burning to try it)? Interested in getting to know other young people from across the city and around the state? Want to work with professionals at Actors Theatre of Louisville to create a play about freedom, justice and the legacy of Abraham Lincoln?

In August of 2008, Actors Theatre will bring together ten high school students from across Louisville to participate in a groundbreaking theatrical event: an original play created from your stories and your voices. You will work alongside professional artists from the theatre to research, write and perform the play, which will include documentary materials, visual imagery and your own stories. At the heart of the process will be the following questions: How does the dream of Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglas, and other leaders of the time affect us today? Are we still pursuing that dream, or has it been realized?

In the winter, the theatre staff will criss-cross the state to create similar plays with two other communities from eastern and southern Kentucky. Then, on Lincoln’s birthday in 2009 (February 12), the three groups will come to Actors Theatre to meet each other, present their plays to a public audience on our mainstage and talk about the process and the issues they raise. The goal: to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s Kentucky birth by creating works of art that entertain, challenge and provoke – with your stories at the core.

Interested?
Interviews will be held on May 17, 10 am – 2 pm, at Actors Theatre of Louisville and
May 29, 4 pm – 7 pm at the Louisville Central Community Center. Call Jess Jung, Assistant Director of Education at 584-1265, ext. 3065, to schedule an interview. Please see project details for rehearsal dates

Lincoln Project Details and Application Form

2008-09 EDUCATION PROGRAMS & STUDENT MATINEES
Classroom Programs
2008-09 Student Matinees On Sale Now!

At Actors Theatre, our education mission is to provide innovative and meaningful programs to students of all ages, nurturing the creative spirit, the inquisitive mind and a life-long appreciation for the arts. Whether you’re looking for a performance, workshop or classroom residency, Actors Theatre has a program to fit both Kentucky/Indiana Education Standards and the needs of your students.

Last year, over 15,000 area students participated in our education programs. These programs are designed to help students make sense of and communicate ideas of drama/theatre as well as reinforce other school curriculum. Recent studies have shown direct correlation between arts education and gains in reading, self-concept, motivation and empathy for others.

At Actors, we believe in educating the whole child, understanding that the future of our world is dependent upon creative, insightful and compassionate human beings. We look forward to meeting you and your students.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Katie Blackerby Weible, Director of Education
Jess Jung, Assistant Director of Education
Lee Look, New Voices Playwriting Coordinator
Ganelle Paxton, 2007-08 Intern
Stephanie Ong, 2007-08 Intern