In schools

Our custom designed in-school drama residencies are offered to students of all ages. We work with public schools, private schools, and community organizations to develop distinct programs for each of our partners. We provide both short term and long term residency options; cost varies according to the length of the program as well as the number of classes served.

We offer skill-based arts learning, the uniquely Lookingglass way. Our Lookingglass Method of teaching theatre isn’t limited to the theatre arts—we also incorporate creative writing, movement, literature, music, and visual art as we teach our students how to use their “actor’s tools” to create and tell stories. Our specific approach emphasizes the Lookingglass core values of collaboration, invention, and transformation, which allow students the freedom to excel.  Our emphasis on working as an ensemble teaches students the importance of working together as problem solvers, communicators, and artists. After 15 years of experience in Chicago schools, we are proven leaders in the field of arts education. 

In addition to “art for art’s sake” programs, we specialize in curriculum integration: our teaching artists work directly with classroom teachers to develop drama programs that supplement work that is already happening in the classroom. (2006-2007 example: Hawthorne Scholastic Academy seventh graders studied the Civil War by creating, writing, and performing narrative scenes after studying Civil War literature). Curriculum integration is increasingly important as the amount of time available for in-school arts education decreases—it offers students another approach to learning that is already happening inside the classroom.

One of the things we value most is proper preparation for a drama residency. As part of the planning process, we will meet with each school to determine its specific needs and the objectives it wishes to accomplish through a Lookingglass program. Once we have determined the goals of the program, we will select specific drama materials that will allow students to successfully reach these goals. (2006-2007 example: At Bronzeville Lighthouse Charter School, students studied stories that emphasized school-wide themes of respect, excellence, and humility). In this way, our principals, classroom teachers, and teaching artists create a committed partnership that reaches students of all grades and experiences.