NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Before graduation day, some local drama students are making a mark with a one-of-a-kind performance, bringing theater to elementary school students across New Haven. Students from Southern Connecticut State University are doing three performances they’ve been working on for weeks. While the audience is little kids, they hope to make a big impact.
Kira Kelly, a graduating senior at Southern Connecticut State University, is part of a group of students taking a performance on the road to three local schools. “My whole thing is I want to be a teacher, so like knowing that I get to like go into like schools and like make them laugh and giggle and have a good time. Just like it’s so much joy. Like I’m really excited,” Kelly said.
Tuesday was the final rehearsal on campus in a partnership with New Haven’s Shubert Theater. Bringing theater to students
Kelly Wuzzardo is with the Shubert, where tickets can be costly. They hope this new partnership sets the stage for a new generation. “Basically I said, if we really want to serve more kids, we need to be able to bring the theatre to them,” Wuzzardo said.
“My job is access, right? So we love all of our supporters that buy tickets, but not everybody can always afford a ticket. In this case, the barrier might be getting a bus to get the kids to the school. So my job is just to sort of knock down the rest of those barriers and then make sure that everybody has access,” Wuzzardo said.
Focus on kindness
The play focuses on kindness and was written and produced by Michael Skinner’s drama students. “For the college students, I mean, they get to perform another show in front of audiences. The energy from children is a lot different than older audiences do, so it’s a good experience to learn that. And taking a show on tour is not something that we really get to do a lot here at Southern. So it’s really good to get them out on the road and see what it’s like,” Skinner said.
Eight students are in the cast and two are on the crew. They hope the performance will make memories and a difference. “Yeah, I can’t lie. This is my last show because I’m like directing another one but this is the last one I’m acting in and I’m really glad it’s a child show but I’m not going to lie, I’m going to cry at the end. I’m going to do that,” Kelly said.
The three performances are happening at Bishop Woods, Hill Central and the Obama School. They’re already planning to expand the program and head into more local schools next fall.
Benefits of the Partnership
This collaboration between Southern Connecticut State University and the Shubert Theater offers several key benefits:
- Increased Access: By bringing theater directly to schools, the program ensures that students who may not have the opportunity to attend traditional performances can still experience live theater.
- Educational Value: The performances provide valuable learning experiences for both the university students and the elementary school children. For the students, it’s a chance to practice their craft in a real-world setting. For the children, it’s an engaging way to learn about storytelling and the performing arts.
- Community Engagement: The initiative fosters a sense of community by connecting local institutions and encouraging collaboration between different groups.
The Role of the Students
The students involved in the project play a crucial role in its success. They are not only performers but also educators and role models. Kira Kelly, for example, is eager to use her experience as a future teacher to inspire young minds. Her enthusiasm reflects the broader mission of the program: to create meaningful connections and leave a lasting impression on the students they meet.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the organizers are already thinking about expanding the program. They plan to introduce more schools to the initiative next fall, which could significantly increase the number of students who benefit from the performances. This expansion would also allow the university students to gain even more experience in touring and adapting their performances to different audiences.
Impact on the Community
The impact of this program extends beyond the immediate performances. It helps to build a culture of appreciation for the arts within the community. By exposing young students to theater, the program encourages creativity and critical thinking. Additionally, it provides a platform for the university students to showcase their talents and contribute to the local community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the partnership between Southern Connecticut State University and the Shubert Theater is a positive step toward making theater more accessible and inclusive. It offers numerous benefits, including increased access to the arts, educational opportunities, and community engagement. As the program continues to grow, it has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of both students and educators alike.
