Changing Learning Through the Arts
We believe everyone should have opportunities to express themselves through the arts—a movement that starts with our formal and non-formal educators. Learning through the arts encourages personal development and student achievement and provides opportunities to cultivate and grow talents and appreciation for the arts. This belief fuels our dedication to the educators that make arts experiences possible for students. Find out more about our resources and programs for educators below:
Virtual Field Trips
- In response to COVID-19, Overture Center for the Arts is offering virtual arts field trips led by experienced professional artists from our community. Professional artists and Overture education staff will provide a kaleidoscope of demonstrations, discussions and mini-performances to meet your curricular goals around a theme of your choice. A subsidy is available for qualifying schools.
International Festival Content for Schools
- Our 2021 online International Festival is still available for FREE for schools and features 45 performances, demonstrations and more from local cultural and artist groups. All content was created by people living right here in Dane County. The content is FREE but we do ask that all educators register using this link so that we can track how these resources are used to inform us for future years. Please register here and you will be sent a link to the online content. New content and a study guide for schools for International Festival 2022 will be posted on February 14, 2022.
VIRTUAL KIDS IN THE ROTUNDA PERFORMANCES
- A number of free virtual performances, specially designed for young children are available to stream at any time online. Early childhood centers, daycares, preschools, community centers and youth groups are encouraged to use the content.
Professional Development Workshops
- Experts in arts-integration strategies provide educators with tools and support to transform their classrooms. For the most impact, we suggest booking these for teaching teams or a school-wide approach but they also available for community and district settings. In person workshops are not available at this time. If you are interested in a particular workshop virtually please contact us.
Special performances and discounts for students and educators
- OnStage Student Field Trip Performances – subsidies available for qualifying schools and resource guides available for each show. See the season at a glance:
- Student and Educator Broadway Group Tickets (prices range from $22.50/student).
Amplify Storytime
- Through our OnStage student matinee series, we welcome students and their teachers to see favorite stories come to life on our stages. Although school now looks very different, we’re still here as a resource to make the most out of a good story. Here is a collection of resource guides for literature-based shows filled with discussion ideas, creative projects, art lessons and more we’ve used throughout the years to enhance the storytelling on our stages.
Performance opportunities for students
- Jerry Awards and Ensemble – encouraging, recognizing and honoring excellence in high school musical theater.
- Disney Musicals in Schools – working to create sustainable musical theater in programs in elementary schools.
Networking and resource events
- Arts Education Roundtable – networking and professional development opportunities for Madison area arts and culture organizations.
