Education

“Kids these days are bombarded by distractions from screens: in their homes, schools, even in their pockets,” he said. “Theater offers a welcome respite from these daily distractions, helping kids develop the intense focus and creativity of the arts, while giving them the same kind of confidence and dedication you get from sports. Theater is about problem solving: How do I memorize my part? How do we bring a river on stage? How do we make someone fly? What better place to develop these skills than the interactive teamwork of the theater.” – Peter Royston 

For nearly 20 years, Peter Royston and Anywhere Theatre Company staff members have offered enriching and educational theatrical experiences to schools, families, and community groups throughout Westchester and the Hudson Valley.

What are teachers, administrators, students and parents saying about
Anywhere Theatre Company’s education programs?

ADMINISTRATORS

“Each class did such a great job demonstrating how they scripted an original folktale, developed parts and lines, created costumes, and ultimately presented using creative dramatics, voice, and teamwork…We are so proud of our second graders.”

“With standing ovations and cheers, all students and teachers should feel very proud of their work ‘bringing literature to life.”

TEACHERS

“Theater is a powerful medium, especially for young children. Combined with children’s literature, it brings expressive qualities to a new level and enables them to fully understand and appreciate the creative process.”

“This is a different way of learning that allows everyone to be successful.”

“It’s learning through discovery, discovering yourself, and discovering different parts of literature. The students’ creativity was at its peak as they created their own scripts.”

“The students were able to bring the performance to life and truly understand a complex text. They each stepped out of their comfort zone and became actors. They learned how to block, how to project, how to react to other actors on the stage, and how gestures coincide with feelings.”

“It was a challenging process to memorize lines, especially in a language that seems foreign to many. However, Mr. Royston took the time to explain the words to the students and helped them to think about what they were saying, why they were saying it, and what impact those words had on the rest of the scenes in the play.”

STUDENTS

“I really enjoyed our Shakespeare unit and performance because it was a fun and different way to look at a text, especially such a long and difficult one.”

“It was a valuable experience to participate in a unit that includes not only the writing and reading, and interpreting aspects, but also teaches us how to perform on stage in character, and gives us lessons on how to efficiently speak in public, which is a lesson that will be essential for the rest of our lives.”

PARENTS

“Thank you for all the hard work and dedication you’ve put forth for our children!”

“All of the performances were so well done and entertaining, and the pride on the kids’ faces was the best part.”

“The children were outstanding. I loved their enthusiasm and energy. Thank you for your inspiration and motivation for our children.”

“This was one of the best school productions I have ever seen. Bravo to the director, cast, stage manager, and all who worked on this show! A great evening of theatre in our town”

“We are SO grateful for all your untiring efforts to put on such a wonderful show! It looked like the whole cast was well-prepared, happy, and extremely talented!!! “

“I have no real constructive feedback because we thought it was all perfect!”

“Congratulations and THANK YOU! Please extend our gratitude to your whole team!”

“From auditions to performance, the process was smooth and encouraging for the children.”

“We liked the inclusivity of the production – how all kids –  different ages and different experience levels – all had important and very visible roles to play in the production.  This really helps students who are new to the theater.”