An extension of the Target Young Audiences Program, Target YAP + includes added support for classroom teachers. Teachers still attend an educational conference and use the Discovery Guide with their classes; additionally, some lessons will be led by a trained teaching artist at in-class sessions both before and after the play.
Our Target Young Audiences Program has ended for the 2008-2009 season. We have taken quite a journey this year – traveling from Spring Awakening, to The School of Night, to Taking Over, Pippin, Frost/Nixon and finally Ain’t Misbehavin’. While these plays differed widely in style, time period and genre, certain themes kept appearing: the need for truth and authenticity, the need for our stories to be told, the need for the voiceless to be given voice and the invisible made visible; ideas both universal and deeply personal.
In post-show discussions with our high school audiences we explored being a teenager in Spring Awakening, the role of the artist in The School of Night, neighborhood change in Taking Over and the need for apology in Frost/Nixon. Our middle school audiences reflected upon their own “corner of the sky” in Pippin and shared why humans need music in our lives following Ain’t Misbehavin’. We also had the great pleasure of sharing Darwin with elementary schools and families as part of DouglasPlus, and with our audience, discovered the power of compassion and creativity.
At all the shows, the students had the great pleasure of meeting some of the artists involved. Questions ranged from inquiries about the artists’ training and background to curiosity about the themes in the plays. The artists were so generous – sharing both their art and their passion with our young audience members.
Spring Awakening
Music by Duncan Sheik
Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater
On Wednesday, November 5, 2008, Center Theatre Group hosted over 800 Los Angeles area high school students at a matinee of Spring Awakening. Here’s a little of what they had to say about the show:
“This play helped me remember how people reacted when something serious happened, how ignorant people were, and how all that still goes on today. I liked the part when Moritz struggled to recite something and the teacher began to yell at him and Melchior stood up to defend Moritz. It reminded me of one time in the 8th grade…” – Danny K.
“It was a blast going and dressing up all cute to see the play. … I personally loved the cast. Their characters in the play and the way they were in real life. They are great actors. And in a strange way they taught me never to judge a book by its cover.” – Katherine G.
“It made me think about life as a teenager.” – Ester P.
Requirements: Target YAP + is open to all schools on a first come, first served basis. All teachers are required to attend the educational conference prior to the performance.
Fees: Enrollment is $100 for each 30 students, up to 150 students. Enrollment fees defray costs for the educational sessions, materials and conference—theatre tickets are underwritten by our generous donors. Each play is booked separately.
Title Sponsor
Main Photo Credit
Students in "Access."
Photo by Craig Schwartz.
Inset Photo Credits
Post-play discussion for "Blazin'."
Photo by Craig Schwartz.
Students on the Plaza after "Spring Awakening"
Photo © Ryan Miller/Capturing Imaging
