The Princess Theatre is proud to offer many opportunities in arts education to the schools in Decatur, Morgan County and north Alabama. In partnership with various school systems and schools, the Princess Theatre is an arts education resource and committed to providing quality performances, workshops and residency activities in the arts designed to enrich the curriculum and to expand students’ understanding and appreciation of the arts. Teachers have opportunities to broaden their teaching skills and learn how to use the arts in the classroom.

An arts education program is an essential component of a student’s education. These programs help schools meet the requirements of the new Alabama Course of Study forArts Education. Studies have shown that arts education in schools:

• Provides greater motivation to learn in all subjects.
• Increases attendance rates for students and teachers.
• Raises test scores including standardized achievement tests.
• Engages students more fully in the learning process.
• Gives teachers a sense of renewal and challenge, especially when the arts are integrated with other subjects.
• Develops higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.

For more information, please contact:
Lindy Ashwander, Executive Director
lindy@princesstheatre.org
Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts
112 2nd Avenue NE
Decatur, AL 35601-2349
256.350.1745 x 302

2007-2008 Arts Education Summary of Programs:

• Young Audience Professional Series
• Professional Development for Teachers
• Lecture Series
• School Discount Rental Fee
• Discount Tickets for Teachers and Students
• On Site Classroom Visits by Artists
• Collaboration on Arts Projects
• Arts Education Advisory Committee
• Community Arts Education Resources

Young Audience Professional Series (Elementary Schools)

The series is a selection of high quality performing arts events for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, designed to expose students to a variety of art forms in a theatrical setting. Curriculum study guides are provided to teachers to assist in preparing students for performances and to help schools meet the requirements of the Alabama Course of Study for Arts Education. All performances held at the 677-seat historic Princess Theatre. After unloading students in front of the Theatre, free parking for buses along Holly Street and adjacent to the Theatre.

Reservations:

Students: $5.00
Teachers: Complimentary

Reservation forms are distributed to principals of participating schools in August. Each school returns the completed reservation form to the Princess Theatre. Performances dates are assigned for each grade of the school and a written confirmation and invoice will be sent to the principal. For assistance, contact Debbie Nieberlein at 350.1745 ext. 301 or debbie@princesstheatre.org.

Program Forms (available to download)

• Registration Form
• Young Audience Series Fact Sheet
• Transportation Information
• Evaluation Form

2007-2008 Schedule of Events for the Young Audience Professional Series:

Professional Development for Teachers

The Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts and the Decatur City Schools are members of the Kennedy Center Partners in Education. Selected because of their demonstrated commitment to the improvement in education in and through the arts, the partnership team participates in collaborative efforts to make the arts integral to education.

View the Lecture Schedule

Other lectures to be announced, including the Calhoun Writer’s Conference featured author.

The Decatur City Schools provides in-service credit towards professional development for teachers attending performances. For workshop reservations, call the Princess Theatre at 350.1745 ext. 302 and for tickets to performances call 340.1778.

The 2007-2008 Princess Theatre Lecture Series is a collaboration of the Princess Theatre & Calhoun Community College (S/T: $5 at door)

The full 2007-2008 Princess Theatre Professional Series, Special Events, Lecture and other events schedule is available at our website: www.princesstheatre.org

Special teacher and student discount tickets are available on many performances. The Decatur City Schools provides in-service credit towards professional development for teachers attending performances.

School Collaborations:

BIG BAND BASH XV

Thursday, April 3, 2008 7:00 p.m.

Featuring the jazz bands of the Decatur City Schools & other area bands.

VIOLINS! VIOLINS! VIOLINS!

Monday, May 12, 2008 7:00 p.m.

Featuring the string programs of Decatur City Schools & the Decatur Youth Orchestra

Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts School Partnerships:

Decatur City Schools:

• Dr. Sam L. Houston, Superintendent
• Dr. Jeanne Payne, Curriculum/Staff Development
• Dr. Ed Nichols, Assistant Superintendent

Hartselle City Schools:

• Dr. Mike Reed, Superintendent

Morgan County Schools:

• Mr. Bob Balch, Superintendent
• Mrs. Anne Vest, Director of Elementary Education

Community Resources:

• Backstage Theatre: 308-2300
• Decatur Civic Chorus: 301-9620
• DreamWeavers:

Related Education Links:

• Alabama Alliance for Arts Education
• Alabama Dance Council
• Arts Edge – Kennedy Center

These arts in education programs are made possible by: