About BSC Educational Outreach

BSC Education programs provide exceptional theatre arts experiences to youth and young adults.

Our programs include:

• Playwright Mentoring Project (PMP)
  PMP is an intensive, six-month, out-of-school activity that uses theatre as a catalyst to help at-risk youth learn valuable life skills that can aid them in developing positive self-images. Over the course of the program, teens create an original performance piece based on their own stories in a safe and confidential environment where they can express themselves, develop conflict resolution skills, and together create a supportive community. Currently, PMP serves 70 young people across three Berkshire County, including a court-mandated group in association with the Pittsfield Juvenile Courts, and each year it reaches audiences of more than 1,000 high school students and community members. In 2007, the PMP received the national “Coming Up Taller Award” from the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. This is the nation’s highest honor for after-school and out-of-school programs in the arts and humanities.
• Youth Theatre
  The Youth Theatre is designed to extend the professionalism of BSC’s Mainstage to local youth. Student actors and technicians sign a contract and receive a weekly stipend. This aspect of the program is unique to BSC; typically students pay to participate in similar programs. Under a professional director and choreographer, the students mount a production that is presented for a five-week run. This extended run teaches the students the discipline and spontaneity necessary to repeat a performance 40 times in five weeks.
• KidsAct!
  KidsAct! is an acting program for students ages 8-15. Over the course of three weeks, students collaborate to create an original work for performance, drawing music from the musical theatre canon. The program begins with ensemble-building and improvisation exercises, vocal training, movement, and stage combat. Under the guidance of experienced theatre instructors, the students create a script, which they then perform for families, friends and the community. Sessions are held in Great Barrington and Pittsfield and draw students from Sheffield to North Adams.
• Professional Internship Program (PIP)
  PIP is a summer intensive offered to college-age students interested in pursuing careers in theatre. Participants are chosen through an application process to gain professional experience in various facets of Professional Equity Theatre. Concentrations include: stage management, production, scenic design, costume design, lighting and sound design, arts management, development, and educational theatre. Housing and a stipend are provided.

For more information about these programs, contact Hester Kamin, Director of Education at (413) 997-6118.