Since 1978, The National Theatre for Children (NTC) has brought live educational theatre to thousands of schools each year, inspiring students to learn about health and wellness, energy efficiency, STEM disciplines, financial literacy and more.
In the 2020-21 school year, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted NTC’s approach as it did for so many others. No longer able to visit schools in person, NTC pivoted to create an all-virtual format consisting of livestream events and interactive e-learning packages.
Despite the sudden shift in format, NTC’s virtual programs in 2020-21 were a success, reaching 1.3 million students at 2,758 schools. Teachers rated the overall educational value of these programs a 6.44 out of 7, applauding their ability to provide engaging digital learning in a historically difficult year.
Much remains uncertain about the 2021-22 school year, even as teachers, students and families prepare to return to classrooms. Health and safety guidelines differ from district to district, and even from school to school.
That’s why it’s important for NTC to remain flexible in its educational outreach approach. For the first time since early 2020, live in-school performances will be offered to schools, depending on their health and safety guidelines.
NTC’s live in-school performances feature two actor-educators who star in a comedic experience that delivers meaningful lessons. The live in-school shows make use of student volunteers, suggestions and improvisation, adding to the fun and spontaneity of the theatrical format. The health and safety of students, educators and NTC actors is always paramount, and masking and social distancing guidelines will be followed for live in-school performances.
In order to accommodate schools and clients who prefer to stick with the virtual approach, livestream events will be made available to schools and homes throughout the country, accommodating students whether they’re learning in classrooms or remotely from home. NTC’s livestream events feature a series of prerecorded videos focusing on a wide variety of subjects. The videos tell a comedic, educational story featuring a cast of colorful characters. A live host interacts with audiences in real time, introducing and recapping each video, leading a series of activities, and taking part in a live Q&A.
These livestream and live in-school performances – with titles like Agents of Safety, Mad About Money, The Energy Time Trek, The Water Pirates of Neverland and Food, Farms & the Future – are supported by print and digital curriculum. The supplemental resources offer additional videos, games, e-books, hands-on lessons and other innovative ways to extend students’ learning.
Whether educational programs are delivered live in schools or remotely via livestream, they will convey our clients’ vital information to their communities. Over 2,500 schools will receive access to NTC programs during the 2021-22 school year, helping teachers as they prepare for yet another unpredictable year.
For more information on NTC’s in-school and e-learning programs, visit https://nationaltheatre.com/programs/. For information on NTC’s partners and/or schools receiving educational events, contact mlevine@ntccorporate.com.
About The National Theatre for Children
NTC is a premium provider of educational programming with operations in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. We work directly between schools and clients to promote beneficial behaviors and life skills to students and educators to help inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists, artists, thinkers, pioneers and world citizens in grades K-12 on a local, regional and national level.
Our award-winning educational programs are provided free for schools and are customizable to accommodate specific messages and goals for clients. Through formats including live performance, e-learning, in-class discussion, graphic novels, print curriculum, and digital games and activities, we present topics such as energy conservation, safety, financial literacy, STEM, water and environmental stewardship, and health and social responsibility in ways that engage and empower students. In doing so, we are helping our clients to be forces of change for students, parents and communities.
For more information, visit www.NTCcorporate.com.
