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 for Arts 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
- 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 are held at the 677-seat historic Princess Theatre. After unloading students in front of the Theatre, free parking is available for buses along Holly Street and adjacent to the Theatre.
Reservations:
Students: $7.00
Teachers: Complimentary
Reservation forms are distributed to principals of participating schools in August. Each school returns the completed reservation form to the Princess Theatre. Performance 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)
ZORRO!
Grades: 3, 4 & 5
Your senses will be bombarded as you are immersed in exciting Hispanic costumes, dance, music and impressive action scenes with the "Fox" himself, Zorro! Based on the 1919 novella by Johnston McCulley, this BCT production focuses on HISPANIC CULTURE and the HISTORY of settling the Missions of California.
bct123.orgDates:
- Monday, October 25, 2010 - 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 26, 2010 - 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Curriculum Connections: Literature-based; Drama, Dance, Music, History & Language Arts
Charlotte's Web
Grades: K, 1, 2
Theatreworks' production of Charlotte's Web is based on E.B. White's loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman -- she will create a "miracle." Spinning the words "Some Pig" in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig, but ensures his place on the farm forever. This treasured tale, featuring mad-cap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning of friendship. (approximately one-hour in length)
Dates:
- Thursday, February 17, 2011 - 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
- Friday, February 18, 2011 - 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Curriculum Connections: Literature Based, Communication & Language Arts, Relationships & Family
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.
TEACHER WORKSHOPS
“America’s First Professional Writer, Edgar Allan Poe” by Dr. Don Noble
Thursday, October 7, 2010 3:30 PM
Recently retired as English Professor at the University of Alabama, Dr. Noble’s specialties are Southern and American literature. Dr. Noble also hosts Bookmark on Alabama Public Television.
BIG READ DECATUR
Keynote on Edgar Allan Poe by Dr. Don Noble
Thursday, October 7, 2010 7:00 PM
Presented on the Anniversary of the Author’s Death
“Using Drama to Teach Literature” through the works of Edgar Allan Poe by actor Will Stutts
Tuesday, October 19, 2010 3:30 PM
“Musical Heritage Along the Tennessee River”
Date TBA 2011
in collaboration with the Year of Alabama Music & Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area
"All Modes of Writing with Author Rick Shelton”
Dates TBA
The Decatur City Schools provide in-service credit towards professional development for teachers attending lectures and workshops. For workshop reservations, call the Princess Theatre at 256.350.1745 ext. 302 and for tickets to performances call 256.340.1778.
Special teacher and student discount tickets are available for many performances at the Princess Theatre.
National Endowment for the Arts BIG READ DECATUR:
“THE GREAT TALES AND POEMS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE”
October 1-31, 2010
The largest literature project in the U.S. is a month-long literary promotion of the works of Edgar Allan Poe. He invented the detective story, perfected the horror tale, and first articulated the theory of the modern short story as well as the idea of pure poetry. Poe is one of the classic authors of American literature—a master of the short story, a magician of the short poem, and a critic of brilliance and originality. And no small part of his artistic sleight of hand is that he appeals to readers from childhood to old age.
The Big Read hopes to unite communities through great literature as well as inspire students to become life-long readers.
BIG BAND BASH XVIII
Thursday, April 7, 2011 - 7:00 p.m.
The annual benefit concert celebrates the talents of Alabama musicians playing the classic big band sounds! The event showcases the best jazz bands from area schools and around the state.
VIOLINS! VIOLINS! VIOLINS!
Monday, May 9, 2011 - 7:00 p.m.
Featuring the string programs of Decatur City Schools & the Decatur Youth Orchestra
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
- Decatur Civic Chorus: 301-9620
- DreamWeavers Children’s Theatre: tg2301@charter.net
These arts in education programs are made possible by:
The Daniel Foundation of Alabama
Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts, Decatur's Historic Theatre
112 Second Avenue NE | Decatur, Alabama 35601
(256) 350-1745 | Box Office: (256) 340-1778
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.