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PHILOSOPHY (back to top)
Riverside Theatre Education programs have been inspiring the Iowa City community for over 12 years. Studying theatre means learning about life. Theatre education enriches lives by bringing people together to share ideas, develop theatre skills and expand their imaginations. As individuals pursue their own artistic path, Riverside provides a place for theatre collaboration between students and professional actors, directors, designers, writers and technicians.

Riverside Theatre is committed to providing year-round classes and workshops taught by professional artists for students at a range of levels. Riverside Theatre Education programs encourage creativity, curiosity and challenge ways of perception. They stimulate diverse ways of thinking, problem solving, self-expression and personal growth.

Through the medium of theatre, students deepen their knowledge of who they are and the world around them. Our programs aim to empower artists of all ages as they develop their craft and creative process.

INFO FOR PARENTS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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• How do I enroll in a Riverside Theatre Class?
You can register for classes by calling the Riverside Theatre Box Office at (319) 338-7672 or stopping by in-person, Monday – Friday, Noon – 5 pm. You can also register for classes when the Box Office is open one hour before performances!

• What kind of experience is necessary for me/my child to participate in Riverside Theatre Classes?
No experience is necessary to take Riverside Theatre classes, only an enthusiasm to learn! Our instructors are experienced in working with students at a range of levels and aim to create a trust-filled environment where everyone feels safe and challenged participating in class activities.

• Is there financial aid?
Yes! Tuition assistance is available based on need. If you are applying for financial aid, you need to fill out a Tuition Assistance Form and may be eligible to receive full or partial scholarships for all Riverside Theatre Programs.

• My child isn’t x years old, but she/he is very mature, can she/he take the class?
We occasionally do allow younger or older students to attend classes specifically listed for a different age range, but priority is given to students that the classes are designed for. If you are interested in registering for a class outside your age-range, call Education Director, Alisa Weinstein at (319) 887-1360 to discuss your needs and interest and hear more about the class make-up.

• What does my child need to bring to class?
Generally loose, comfortable clothing and sneakers or shoes that won’t slip off are best for theatre classes. A notepad and pencil are also important to have with you in order to write down any notes about class or do in-class writing activities. If other supplies are needed, we will let you know over the phone or in a letter confirming your registration.

• Will there be supervision on breaks during class sessions and rehearsals?
If your child chooses to remain inside the theatre or studio space, a Riverside Theatre staff member will be supervising at all times. If your child leaves the space without the instructor, Riverside Theatre will no longer provide supervision or be responsible for that child while outside the building.

• Why do I need to buy tickets for YPC and YPC performances when I have already paid tuition?
Although tuition helps support our education programs, hiring professional instructors and using the theatre space costs more than the tuition we receive from you. Rather than raising tuition and preventing some students from participating, we try to keep our fees as low as possible and sell tickets to our productions. Having performances at our theatre space requires additional staff and costs to operate, but we feel it is important to give young people this kind of “professional” experience. Buying a ticket to see a play shows young people that their work and efforts are valued as much as a professional production. , If you would prefer to take care of all costs at one time, tickets for these events may be purchased when you pay for your tuition.

INFO FOR TEACHERS (back to top)
IN-SCHOOL & AFTER-SCHOOL WORKSHOPS
Let us come to you! Riverside Theatre Education Director, Alisa Weinstein, is available to visit your class or after-school program! Workshop topics include drama, storytelling, puppetry, creative movement, story theatre and Shakespeare. These special programs and can be designed to fit your educational theatre needs! Or you pick a topic from any subject in your curriculum and we will plan a workshop that uses drama as the tool for active learning! Open to Elementary, Junior High and High Schools.

Workshops are also available that use drama to explore themes from The Laramie Project, Emily Dickinson and I and Cloning Mary Shelley (for high school students).

PLAN A WILL POWER VISIT
I need Will Power! Schedule a Will Power presentation featuring Riverside Theatre Shakespeare Festival actors at your Junior High school and workshops on Shakespeare with Festival actors guiding small classes. Participants receive two free tickets to the Will Power final dress rehearsal of Much Ado About Nothing on June 15, 2004 at 7 pm. Junior High students are also eligible to enter the What You Will Poetry Contest. Submit an original Shakespeare-inspired poem to the Riverside Theatre What You Will Poetry Contest sponsored by Iowa State Bank & Trust Company and win fabulous prizes!
(connect to Will Power and contest info.)
CONTESTS FOR STUDENTS

FAMILY NIGHTS (back to top)
Make your evening with a Shakespeare a family affair. Adults accompanied by a youth (18 or younger) receive their tickets at the youth price. Family night for Much Ado About Nothing is Tuesday, June 29 and for Measure for Measure is Tuesday, July 6.

JOIN EDUCATION E-MAIL LIST (back to top)
Email your name, address, phone, number, and email address to us at info@riversidetheatre.org. Be sure to mention that you would like to receive information about education programs! Or call the box office at (319) 388-7672 and ask to join our education mailing list.