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A grant from the Pitney Bowes Foundation, in support of The Ridgefield Playhouse’s Arts in Education Program, enabled third-grade students from Shelter Rock Elementary School in Danbury to participate in an arts education program on the E.B White book and Ridgefield Playhouse production of Stuart Little, according to a press release. Students received a copy of the book to keep, participated in a pre-show workshop in their classrooms, and went on a field trip to see the "Stuart Little" performance.
As part of the pre-show workshop, students wrote their own adventure stories about the little mouse, which they shared with their classmates, according to the release.
"We are so grateful to the Pitney Bowes Foundation and The Ridgefield Playhouse for giving our third graders a wonderful arts education experience," said Shaniece Carter, third-grade teacher at Shelter Rock Elementary School. "The pre-show workshop, receiving a copy of the book and then coming to see the show was a great combination of a literacy and arts education, which helped them to appreciate the story on a much deeper level than we can do just in class. The students were very proud of the original Stuart Little stories they wrote, and it made them even more excited to attend the excellent production."
The Arts in Education Program at The Ridgefield Playhouse "enables students from Ridgefield and neighboring communities to enjoy captivating, curriculum-based theatrical events during the school day. Stage productions bring lessons in history, science and literature to life and resonate well with educators and students alike when presented in the context of theater arts," according to the release.
“Through the Arts in Education program, The Ridgefield Playhouse provides students and educators with a full performing arts experience including the unique opportunity to speak directly with the performers after the show," said Jodi Stewart, Arts in Education coordinator for the playhouse. "When lessons are framed in the performing arts, education becomes a positive experience with lasting memories. The generosity of organizations such as Pitney Bowes Foundation allows the Playhouse to keep ticket prices for students and educators who attend these events at a nominal $10."
The Pitney Bowes Foundation is a private entity with a mission to provide funding to literacy, education and employee involvement initiatives, according to the release.
“We are very pleased to support the arts and education efforts of The Ridgefield Playhouse and the creative program that was developed for the students at Shelter Rock Elementary School," said Kathleen Ryan Mufson, president of the Pitney Bowes Foundation. "Engaging young students through the arts is a powerful and effective way to foster a passion for learning and school success."
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