Published Date: May 14, 2003
Two educational programs of Ensemble Theatre are bringing the appreciation and understanding of live theatre to inner-city youngsters in Cincinnati, thanks to funding from the Dater Foundation.
Through the Fairy Godmother Program, students are invited at no cost to see ETC's holiday world premiere musical production. They get snacks at intermission, meet the cast after the performance and leave with a visual arts project to help them express what they learned from the show. Teachers get a study guide to use for in-class work.
The shows are written by local writers Joe McDonough and David Kisor and feature a life lesson, such as the importance of truth or the definition of inner beauty.
Additionally, ETC offers a community preview, inviting members of local social support organizations to see these shows.
The Prelude Program takes ETC into at-risk schools. Workshops are presented that help students develop plays based on their own lives, feelings and experiences. The program was developed and is administered by Producing Artistic Director D. Lynn Meyers, who along with ETC's Intern Company present the workshop performances and guide students as they develop and produce full productions of the plays they write.
The Dater Foundation's support of ETC dates to 1992. Foundation director John Silvati has served on the board and been an active supporter. Information about ETC is available through the web site link below.
Pictured below is a scene from a performance by Dohn School students on the stage at ETC.