South Coast Repertory Inc
PROGRAMS
Theatre Access
Launched in 2006, Theatre Access is a special ticketing program that makes it possible for high school and college students to experience live professional theatre through free admission to an SCR play. Local educators and community service leaders—primarily in lower-income areas—bring groups to the theatre for a production that enhances their course of study. The program currently serves approximately 5,000 young people each year, Demand continues to grow each year as teachers look for ways to provide cultural learning opportunities for their students.
SCR has become a leading provider of free tickets, allowing local students—primarily in lower income areas—to enjoy high quality cultural enrichment in their own community. Theatre Access gives students direct access to one of Orange County’s premier cultural organizations, and makes live theatre part of a well-rounded educational experience. The program makes theatre-going a part of formal education in an academically significant way at no cost to schools or participants, giving young adults the chance to discover the value of live theatre for themselves. This school-based theatre experience is an important stepping stone to regular attendance with family and friends and is also utilized by teachers back in the classroom through discussions and writings about themes and important teachable moments.
Neighborhood Conservatory
Established in 1986, Neighborhood Conservatory is a free after-school workshop that gives at-risk youth the opportunity to practice creative dramatics with their peers. Held in local schools, the 10-week curriculum helps young people develop life skills while they learn basic theatre practices. Led by professional actor/educators, lessons focus on team building, observation skills, recognizing and understanding non-verbal expressions and language and physical awareness. Exceptional students are offered scholarships to SCR’s Theatre Conservatory classes held at the theatre.
Neighborhood Conservatory is an important community outreach program designed to serve diverse youth in difficult circumstances. For more than 25 years, SCR has utilized the lessons and activities enjoyed by students in tuition-based classes at the Theatre Conservatory into the community for those who can’t afford acting classes. In recent years, SCR has partnered with NMUSD to bring the program to Title One elementary schools, where budget cuts have vastly eliminated the arts from the curriculum. Past workshops have taken place in underserved areas throughout Orange County, from Santa Ana to Garden Grove and San Juan Capistrano. Neighborhood Conservatory workshops make theatre a regular part of life for youth, regardless of socio-economic background. SCR also offers scholarships to our onsite Theatre Conservatory to those identified by the instructors as especially engaged and promising.
Theatre for Young Audiences
Founded in 2003, Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) is a series of plays based on the finest and most enjoyable works from children’s literature. Each season, SCR welcomes approximately 10,000 Orange County elementary school children—primarily from Title One (low-income) schools—to enjoy free matinee performances. Qualifying underserved schools also receive bus subsidies to cover transportation costs. TYA shows have the same exacting standards of artistic excellence as our adult presentations, using many of the same professional actors, designers, and directors.
Over the past two decades, SCR has served more than 150,000 students through Theatre for Young Audiences. The TYA plays on the Julianne Argyros Stage include such titles as: Alice's Wonderland, Snow White, Last Stop on Market Street, Red Riding Hood, The Velveteen Rabbit, The Wind in the Willows, Charlotte’s Web, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business, and A Wrinkle in Time. Not only does SCR contribute to the breadth of children’s theatre by also commissioning the finest playwrights to develop new works, the theatre forges relationships with Orange County’s education community to ensure that the arts are part of early education. “Many students do not have opportunities to see performing arts. Thanks to organizations like yours, children in lower economic areas can also participate in the arts.” (Teacher, Westminster School District).
CONTACT
South Coast Repertory Inc
655 TOWN CENTER DR
PO Box 2197
COSTA MESA, CA 92628
Domenick Ietto
Phone: 714-708-5500