Classika Theater – K-12; Educational outreach
(also Studio art and summer camp)
ARLINGTON, VA (December 19, 2001) Led by Representative James P. Moran (D-8th VA), with the support of Senator John Warner (R-VA), the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Act Appropriation (H.R. 3061) awards Classika Theatre $500,000 (FY 2002) for the continued expansion of its community outreach efforts with public schools.
Classika Theatre’s primary educational mission was to make the arts accessible to all children and to utilize the arts to enhance the overall development of children. Classika’s outreach efforts achieved this goal above and beyond anyone’s expectations. SS VETA (Social Studies: Virginia Education Through Arts), an in school program, Artsmarts, and LITarts (Literacy Through Arts), after school programs, invested in each participating child.
Classika’s groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind educational programs improved students’ overall academic performance, enhanced reading and comprehension skills, and strengthened concentration and memorization ability. Classika Theatre worked primarily with youth-at-risk and students struggling in a traditional school environment. The programs’ objectives were to build a positive relationship with learning and gain a higher level of comprehension and retention of classroom material; improve literacy skills; develop individual study patterns; enhance performance on standardized tests and maximize each student’s achievements across the school curriculum.
“I am very pleased that these funds have been awarded to Classika Theatre. Through its innovative program in the visual and the theatrical arts, Classika Theatre is able to improve student performance and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people. I hope this funding will help spread their good work throughout Northern Virginia.“
– James Moran, United States Congressman, Virginia’s 8th district.
“Classika Theatre made a decision to make a positive difference for hundreds of under-privileged and underachieving students in Arlington’s public schools. The partnership they created with the schools and the innovative teaching techniques they share with children has dramatically improved their educational performance.”
– John Warner, United States Senator, State of Virginia.
click here for Cherie’s resume
Classika Theatre’s summer camp programs
“Summer Camp is designed to teach young actors the fundamental skills and techniques in the areas of drama, voice and music, dance and movement, and visual arts. Centered around geography and international arts, these students are given the opportunity to explore their craft in a variety of media, and with a variety of cultural flavors and techniques. The young actors will be grouped according to age and level. All actors will be part of an ensemble company that will work together for the two week sessions in creating, rehearsing, building and designing props, set pieces, and costumes, and ultimately performing in a piece at the culmination of the session.
A full-scale arts exhibit also greets family and friends at the end of the session. The theatrical piece revolving around the many cultures around our world gives your young star a chance to work hard, learn about the world, and stand in the lights of the stage, shining. This two week intensive arts program is geared towards the students that have a desire to perform and create, as well as experienced child actors searching for a summer experience to work on their craft in a fun-filled, high-energy, artistic environment. Classika Theatre is a professional theatre that has the tools and the instruction to train young artists in a well-rounded method. By attending a variety of artistic classes, the ending project, as well as the experience your student will carry with them, will be one filled with drama, dance, music, and visual arts! Also, students will have the unique opportunity to work with professional actors, choreographers, technical personnel, and artists to get a first hand look into the life and work of a professional theatre artist.”
All images © Cherie Siebert/Artsfish Studio