Chicago Guide for Teaching and Learning in the Arts: Theater

A number of theater teachers and classroom teachers have given invaluable input to our work in the initial phases of developing the Chicago Guide to Teaching and Learning in the Arts (a curriculum map for Visual Art, Dance, Music and Theater). Teacher representatives from elementary and high schools contributed to the planning phase of this important document.

Guide related events for this year:

4/9/10 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Professional Development Day

Honoring Student Voices

One innovative theater/literary arts program is our collaboration with the Office of eLearning and Global Writes on a three year initiative, “Honoring Student Voices.” The program combines literacy instruction, theater performance, and technology within the framework of a scientifically based research project to determine the impact on student achievement of arts integration with the core curriculum. Students participate in writing workshops that culminate in poetry slam via videoconference between students in the Bronx and Chicago. This program demonstrates an important model for nurturing students as creative, disciplined thinkers. It involves students at Brighton Park, Pope and Chalmers elementary schools.

High School Theater Competition

The Second Annual High School Theater Competition 2010 will take place on two separate dates this spring: May 8th and May 10th. Student performances will be evaluated by judges representing the diversity of the Chicago theater community including Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre and Victory Gardens Theater. Applications will be available in December and professional development sessions will be scheduled for teachers who plan to participate.

Word is Rhythm: CPS Elementary Poetry Festival

Word is Rhythm: The Chicago Public Schools Elementary Poetry Festival 2009 was produced in partnership with The Gwendolyn Brooks Center for Black Literature and Creative Writing at Chicago State University and Young Chicago Authors. The event was held at The Old Town School of Folk Music. More than 500 CPS students presented a wide range of poetic skills.

The second annual Word is Rhythm Festival will take place April 13-16, 2010 at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Applications will be available in December and professional development sessions will be scheduled for teachers who plan to participate.

Storytelling Professional Development Initiative

The Office of Arts Education will partner with Adventure Stage Chicago (ASC) and eta Creative Arts Foundation (eta) to present a year long professional development course in the art of storytelling. This program is designed for teachers who would like to use a variety of storytelling techniques in the classroom to connect with curriculum. Please contact ASC (773-278-7471) or eta (773-752-3955) for registration information. Each of these programs will begin in October 2009.