A grant from Pitney Bowes Foundation's Reading & Arts grant program to support The Ridgefield Playhouse's Arts in Education Program made possible a partnership with Shelter Rock Elementary School, a Title 1 school in Danbury, CT, whereby free tickets and bus transportation to the recent Stuart Little production were provided to third grade students. As a global leader in helping businesses communicate more effectively, Pitney Bowes believes that their support of literacy and education programs can improve countless lives, strengthen the fabric of our communities and help build a strong competitive workforce for the future.
At a special classroom workshop to set the stage, each student received a copy of the E. B. White book from Jodi Stewart, Arts in Education Coordinator for The Ridgefield Playhouse. As part of the pre-show workshop, students wrote their own adventure stories about the little mouse, which they shared with the class. For some of these students, the Playhouse experience was especially memorable as it as their first live theater arts event.
"We are so grateful to the Pitney Bowes Foundation and The Ridgefield Playhouse for giving our third graders a wonderful arts education experience. The pre-show workshop, receiving a copy of the book and then coming to see the show was a great combination of a literacy and arts education, which helped them to appreciate the story on a much deeper level than we can do just in class. The students were very proud of the original Stuart Little stories they wrote, and it made them even more excited to attend the excellent production," commented Shaniece Carter, 3rd grade teacher at Shelter Rock Elementary School.
Through its Arts in Education program, The Ridgefield Playhouse provides students and educators with a full performing arts experience including the unique opportunity to speak directly with the performers after the show. When lessons are framed in the performing arts, education becomes a positive experience with lasting memories. The generosity of organizations such as Pitney Bowes Foundation allows the Playhouse to keep ticket prices for students and educators who attend these events at a nominal $10.
For more information about The Ridgefield Playhouse Arts in Education shows, visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org or call 203-438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse org, 203-438-5795.