As an arts organization with a dual mission both artistic and civic, our education programs looks at the intersection between arts, culture, social change and education. Our education programs develop youth and adults who recognize the importance and power of the arts and culture of the African diaspora and embrace the values of community and democracy that are part of these traditions.

Our in-school, afterschool and evening workshops in performing arts are the core of our Educational programs. Our classes stress collaborative art-making while valuing our students' cultural heritage and background.

SUMMER 2008: "CARNIVAL IN THE CAPITAL"
A New Summer Program for Young Artists in Grades 5-8

June 23-July 11, 2008
Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
276 Westmister Street, Downtown Providence
Cost per student: $750.00 for 3 weeks

The Black Rep is pleased to announce "Carnival in the Capital", a 3-week intensive Caribbean arts program that introduces young artists entering 5th-8th grade to the collaborative, artistic, and cultural traditions of Carnival around the world.

"Carnival in the Capital" includes Black Rep's first-ever summer camp, which immerses young artists in the history and art forms of Afro-Caribban cultures through hands-on activities, a week-long series of Youth and Neighborhood Workshops, and a culminating parade performance. Over the course of the program, youth participants will explore: Storytelling, Masquerade (Mask and Costume Making), Steelpan, and Street Theater--four main elements of the Carnival experience. The third and final week of the program deliberately coincides with Sound Session (New England's premier genre-defying music festival produced by the Black Rep and the City of Providence's Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism), giving young artists the rare opportunity to work directly with international leaders in the Carnival Arts community.

"Carnival in the Capital" is now accepting applications on a first-come, first-serve basis. The cost for 3 weeks is $750.00; all applicants must submit a registration form with a $150.00 non-refundable deposit. Limited financial aid is available.For more information or to register, please contact Kim Hammann, Director of Education at (401) 351-0353 ext. 104.

This program is sponsored in part by the City of Providence, the June Rockwell Levy Foundation, and our individual friends and supporters.


UPCOMING EVENTS

The First Annual Young Artists Showcase
Featuring original work and performances by Birch Vocational High School, Galego Court, Mount Pleasant High School, and Paul Cuffee Middle School (hosted by Chachi Carvahlo)

Thursday, May 22, 2008
5:00-7:00pm @ The Black Rep
276 Westminster Street, Downtown Providence

Refreshments and music immediately following youth performances.
Admission is $5 Adults, $3 for Students ages 8+

CURRENT PROGRAMS: WINTER/SPRING 2008

Afro-Caribbean Drumming: Students from Paul Cuffee Middle School learn the history and technique of Afro-Carribbean percussion during this afterschool workshop series.

Birds of a Feather: In this 10-week program, students at Pawtucket Substance Abuse Prevention use creative writing, movement and theater techniques to highlight and celebrate the common threads that connect them to each other and their community.

Performance Art: Students in this 12-week residency will develop and express their artistic voices through Afro-Caribbean Percussion or Spoken Word techniques. Students from Birch Vocational will work with students from Mount Pleasant High School as well as to create original works based on a common theme inspired by their lives and the world around them. The program will culminate when the two art forms combine during a collaborative performance at Black Rep.

Spoken Word + Poetry: High school students at the Providence Housing Authority explore the power of words as they develop their original performance pieces. Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources including Shel Silverstein, Dr. Suess, Maya Angelou and a score of other contemporary poets, writers and hip-hop artists, students will learn different literary and performance devices and present their work during a final Poetry Slam.

Student Matinees: Black Rep offers discounted tickets to high school groups during our Theater season. Matinees are held Thursday and Friday mornings at 10am with a 15-minute Talkback immediately following the play. Furthermore, we are available to work with your class or school prior to your visit to help create a context for the experience. For more information, please contact our Box Office: (401) 351-0353 x2 or boxoffice@blackrep.org.

Coming Soon....

The Young Company: A new Theater Arts progam for high school students that offers rigorous and innovative opportunities to collaborate, train, and engage with professional artists, their peers, and their communities.Auditions in Fall 2008; Instruction begins in January 2009

For questions or to sign up to receive updates on new programs and opportunities, please contact Kim Hammann, Director of Education. (401) 351-0353 ext. 104 / kim@blackrep.org