JumpStart Theatre
Creating new sustainable theatre programs in under-resourced middle schools
A collaboration between the Educational Theatre Foundation, Music Theatre International (MTI), iTheatrics, and Broadway Media, JumpStart Theatre is a three-year scalable program designed to build sustainable musical theatre programs in schools that currently do not have access to theatre. JumpStart Theatre aims to:
- be sustainable and easily implemented in under-resourced schools nationwide;
- engage as many students as possible in all aspects of theatre including performance and technical theatre;
- cultivate school and community interest and value in the arts.
JumpStart Theatre is a key component of ETF’s access and equity strategies. It addresses the needs of underserved children in Title 1 schools who do not have access to theatre in their curriculum, it provides innovative opportunities for parents and caregivers to participate in their children’s school activities (a proven step in increasing student academic performance), and provides a sustainable model for school that are chronically underfunded.
How Does It Work?
The JumpStart Theatre program provides middle schools and their teachers with the training and materials necessary to begin presenting musical theatre productions in their schools.
Our partners at regional cultural institutions recruit middle schools who need support in building after-school theatre programs. Over the course of three years, each school receives services and materials annually in the form of training, mentoring, and stipends for technical equipment and teacher compensation. The ultimate goal is for schools to begin the tradition of presenting an annual musical for their community. Students are involved in every aspect of the production: performance, costumes, sets, technical support, and design.
Choosing a Show
Each school selects a title from MTI’s Broadway Junior® catalog of musicals adapted specifically for young performers. MTI donates the ShowKit® that supplies teachers with the resources they need to direct, choreograph, and teach the show’s music.
Teacher Training
Teams of three teachers from each school participate in professional development “boot camps” led by a master teacher certified by iTheatrics, who developed the quintessential methodology and curriculum for creating quality musical theatre programs. These workshops provide training in all areas of theatre production, with the goal of empowering the teachers to guide the programs independently.
Rehearsals & Performances
In the first year, schools receive support from a program mentor, who coaches them through every part of the theatre-making process, from pre-production and auditions to dress rehearsals and final performances. Broadway Media provides technical tools and resources to help make the show a success.
The schools mount at least two public performances for their school and community and come together with other participating schools in a culminating community celebration showcase of each school’s achievements, held on stage at their partnering cultural institution.
The support evolves in years two and three, placing more responsibility on the teachers and school community, until the program becomes fully sustainable. When schools reach their third year, the program receives Thespian troupe status, ensuring continued support from the Educational Theatre Association for the life of the program.
Sustainability & Lasting Impact
Throughout three years of participation in the JumpStart program, schools take on increasing responsibility for the program, until they are ready to take the reigns themselves. The school’s program is then poised to make a powerful impact on thousands of students as it continues, providing them with a more expansive education that teaches creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking – social emotional skills that foster a sense of belonging in the school community. Through continued discounts with MTI and Broadway Media, and a continued relationship with their local cultural institution, and access to resources from EdTA in the form of a Thespian troupe and the benefits associated with membership, the school further develops the sense of theatrical community.
Interested in bringing JumpStart Theatre to your school or supporting the program?
Let us know a little bit about your interest in the JumpStart Theatre program by completing the form below.
JumpStart Theatre Interest Form
Thank You to Our Partnering Cultural Institutions
JumpStart Theatre schools also receive generous support and resources from our additional partners
