Educational Outreach

Vanguard Theater’s Mission is to challenge social and cultural narratives through professional theater dedicated to DREAM: Diversity, Reciprocity, Education, Activism, and Mentorship. With our educational programs, we bring this mission to your school. Our professional actors and teaching artists have some of the best training in the area and are passionate about their craft. From professional touring shows, to ESL classes to workshops and more we strive to bring you the best education in the arts.

Bring A Midsummer Night’s Dream to Your School!

Vanguard Theater Company is thrilled to offer an in-school residency performance of Shakespeare’s magical comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Our abridged production runs 45–60 minutes and features 12 diverse professional actors in a vibrant staging filled with colorful ribbons, masks, and movement. The show uses Shakespeare’s original text, presented in a way that is engaging, clear, and attainable for students from elementary through high school.

Schools can select from several options:

  • Performance Only – 45–60 minute abridged play, with teacher prep materials provided.

  • Performance + Talkback – A lively Q&A with the actors after the show.

  • Performance + Workshops – Pre- or post-show Shakespeare workshops that bring the text and characters to life.

What We Need: Just a stage or open performance space. No amplification required if the room has good acoustics—we bring everything else!

This program makes Shakespeare’s timeless story of love, magic, and mischief accessible, inclusive, and unforgettablefor your students.

For available dates, rates, and more information, email: Melissa@dreamvtc.org

In-School Residencies

Empowering students to create, perform, and connect through theater!

Our in-school and after-school residencies integrate creative exploration into education. Designed to align with state and national standards, these residencies give students the chance to build collaboration, self-expression, and critical thinking skills while working with industry professionals.

Benefits of Residencies:

  • Flexible, affordable programming customized to your school’s needs

  • Professional teaching artists with real-world theater experience

  • Alignment with curriculum standards across subjects

  • Dedicated program manager support for seamless integration

Residency Options:

  • Storybook Theatre (K–5) – Creative drama and storytelling

  • Scenes for the Young Actor (3–8) – Acting and character exploration

  • Stories that Shape Us (6–12) – Curriculum-integrated theater (History/English focus)

  • Playwriting & Musical Theatre Writing (6–12) – Original student-written work

  • ESL Acting & Playwriting (6–12) – Building language and confidence through theater

  • Project Harmony (K–12) – Music program designed for autistic students

In-School Performances

Bringing Professional Theatre to You!

Vanguard works with your school to bring high-quality productions right to your students. Our performances are accessible, engaging, and tailored to fit your school day—perfect for assemblies or special programming. Run times range from 40–60 minutes.

Benefits of In-School Performances:

  1. Introduce students to professional artists in their own community

  2. Foster a love of theater and the performing arts

  3. Encourage collaboration and celebration of diverse stories

  4. Empower students to embrace their creativity and ambitions

  5. Explore meaningful themes such as inclusion, empathy, and anti-bullying

Our Shows:

  • Walk in My Gravity (Grades 6–12)

  • Mainstage Connections (Grades 6–12) – Select Vanguard mainstage productions are adapted for school audiences. Students not only see powerful professional work, but also connect classroom learning to larger conversations happening on our stage.

Mobile Masterclasses

Vanguard offers flexible, 1–2 hour masterclasses led by professional teaching artists across a wide range of disciplines. Whether it’s theater, dance, music, or behind-the-scenes work, students learn directly from artists actively working in the field.

Sample Workshops:

  • Acting

  • Acting through Song

  • Musical Theatre Dance (Tap, Jazz, Ballet)

  • Stage Combat & Intimacy Direction

  • Shakespeare

  • Playwriting & Directing

Musical Co-Productions

Partner with Vanguard to produce a full-scale musical or play at your school. Our teaching artists mentor students and staff every step of the way—from auditions to opening night—helping your community shine on stage.

Curriculum Connections: Theater, Dance, Music, English/Language Arts, Social & Emotional Development