Artsblock - Education Programs

The Performing Arts Foundation is dedicated to serving schools, teachers and students of the region through educational and cultural experiences, and works closely with local and national partners in fulfillment of that mission. The three primary programs in our education efforts are:

our annual ARTSBlock Matinee Series (with special matinees for individuals and families);
our Artist in the Schools program;
and our work with the Kennedy Center Partners in Education.

The research is clear: Students learn in different ways, and moving the material from page to the stage grabs them, making them more excited about learning even in the classroom.

For more information on education events or programming, contact Barbara Klofstad, Education Director, bklofstad@grandtheater.org, (715) 842-0988

The research is clear: Students learn in different ways, and moving the material from page to the stage grabs them, making them more excited about learning even in the classroom. ARTSBlock Matinee Series and its companion outreach program, Artist is the Schools (bringing regional artists into the classroom) have served more than 150,000 students in the 17 North Central Wisconsin counties over the past five years. Participants include home schoolers, public, private and parochial schools in over 50 communities.

The goals of the Performing Arts Foundation and ARTSBlock Matinee Series are:

To present the finest in professional touring performing arts events, in a variety of disciplines, for the benefit of the arts and the community.
To provide art experiences for youth, within and enhancing school curriculum and activities.
To serve as a resource to community activities involving the performing arts
To improve the understanding of and participation in the arts among community members.

Benefits of the Arts in Education are clear and comprehensive:

The arts are important and connect to rigorous academic subjects; they have far-reaching potential for student success.
The arts are essential to the intellectual, emotional, physical and social development of all students.
The arts provide creative and imaginative learning, critical thinking opportunities, and production and performance experiences—key ingredients to meaningful learning.
High risk students are motivated and challenged to learn in and through the arts.
Arts education prepares students for the work force.

Ensuring Access to the Arts
Because of generous grants from the Wisconsin Arts Board, Gannet Foundation, Community Arts Grants and WAOW-TV 9, Wisconsin Public Service, Dudley Foundation, Morgan Stanley and Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation, we are able to keep Matinee student ticket prices at $5.00. However, our commitment that these events are part of a complete education would ring false if we allowed any student to be left behind. Hence, our outreach program, Access to the Arts, admitting every student in the class regardless of ability to pay. When a teacher certifies that a family can't afford a ticket, we cover that cost, no names required, no questions asked. On Artsblock, the arts are for everyone.

For more information on education events or programming, contact Barbara Klofstad, Education Director, bklofstad@grandtheater.org, (715) 842-0988