About BSC Educational Outreach

BSC Education programs provide exceptional theatre arts experiences to youth and young adults.

Our programs include:

• Playwright Mentoring Project (PMP)
  PMP is an intensive, seven-month, out-of-school activity that uses theatre as a catalyst to help at-risk youth learn valuable life skills that can aid them in developing positive self-images. Over the course of the program, teens create an original performance piece based on their own stories in a safe and confidential environment where they can express themselves, develop conflict resolution skills, and together create a supportive community. Currently the program serves 50 students across three Berkshire communities, including a court-mandated program in association with the Pittsfield Juvenile Courts.
  
  In 2007, the PMP received the national “Coming Up Taller Award” from the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. This is the nation’s highest honor for after-school and out-of-school programs in the arts and humanities.
  
  
• Creative Transitions Initiative
  Through the new Creative Transitions Initiative, students of the PMP gain work experience at BSC in theatre production, education, and development. Two students are selected to participate each trimester. Participants are paid a stipend and gain important vocational training from BSC staff. At the end of the term, participants are given the opportunity to meet with school counselors and given direct access to local employment resources via the web, informational packets, and an exit interview with a theatre arts professional.
  
  
• Youth Theatre
  The Youth Theatre is designed to extend the professionalism of BSC’s MainStage to local youth. Student actors and technicians sign a contract and receive a weekly stipend. This aspect of the program is unique to BSC; typically students pay to participate in similar programs. Under a professional director and choreographer, the students mount a production that is presented for a five-week run. This extended run teaches the students the discipline and spontaneity necessary to repeat a performance 40 times in five weeks.
  
  
• KidsAct!
  KidsAct! is an acting program for students ages 8-15. Over the course of three weeks, students collaborate to create an original work for performance, drawing music from the musical theatre canon. The program begins with ensemble-building and improvisation exercises, vocal training, movement, and stage combat. Under the guidance of experienced theatre instructors, the students create a script, which they then perform for families, friends and the community. Sessions are held in Great Barrington and Pittsfield and draw students from Sheffield to North Adams.
  
  
• Professional Internship Program (PIP)
  PIP is a summer intensive offered to college-age students interested in pursuing careers in theatre. Participants are chosen through an application process to gain professional experience in various facets of Professional Equity Theatre. Concentrations include: stage management, production, scenic design, costume design, lighting and sound design, arts management, development, and educational theatre. Housing and a stipend are provided.

For more information about these programs, contact Cynthia Quinones, Director of Education at 413.499.5446 x118