The Syracuse University Department of Drama and Syracuse Stage are continuing their commitment to educational outreach within our community through the following programs.

Each year, Syracuse Stage and the Department of Drama produce a play that tours area elementary schools. The actors in the production are drama majors but the technical and administrative support comes from Syracsue Stage personnel. The annual Bank of America Children’s Tour included visits to nine Syracuse city elementary schools with The Mischief Makers, an interactive production featuring student-actors from the SU Department of Drama. In 2007-2008, the production was presented in seven city elementary schools for 1,600 students. Teachers had acccess to the online study guide in order to connect the play to New York State Learning Standards.

The Department of Drama and Syracuse Stage hosted four performances in the Storch Theatre of Manchild in the Promised Land, a stage adaptation of the book, for junior high students from the city schools. The Gifford Foundation provided the funding to cover the artist's fee and expenses and bus transportation for the students.

Our Backstory! and Project Blueprint programs bring history to life as professional actors portray historical characters in classrooms across the county. In 2007 Anne Frank, Harriet Tubman, Leon Theremin, and child laborer Rosalie Randazzo visited Clary, Grant, Danforth, Blodgett, and Lincoln Middle Schools, among others. These characters were originated by SU students. In addition, teaching artists from SU will work with SCSD students to create Backstories of their own

The Arts Emerging program served Syracuse city high schools in conjunction with Syracuse Stage’s production of The Bomb-itty of Errors. At Nottingham High School, advanced art students created original 3-D pieces of graffiti art that were proudly displayed in the Stage lobby. Students and teachers alike benefit from workshops geared towards increasing literacy and using the arts as a tool for conflict resolution.

Lastly, area students are encouraged to submit original one-act plays for our Young Playwright’s Festival. Finalists will receive professional workshop sessions, a chance to see their work performed at Syracuse Stage by SU Drama student-actors, and a $500 scholarship.

Syracuse Stage
Department of Educational Outreach
Phone Number 315-443-1150