High Schoolers Receive Passport To Performance

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Theater is a special experience that many people never have. But the Philadelphia Theatre Company is providing passports -- an entry to the world of theater.

In the Passport program, a teaching artist partners with a high school teacher to supplement curriculum in drama, English and writing classes.

Students in Philadelphia schools, at no cost, receive pre and post show workshops for three professional productions with the highlight being Philly Reality, a performance created entirely by the students in each class-- writing, directing, acting, designing lighting, sound and costumes for a ten minute production.

Students from six schools voluntarily participate in the eight week Saturday sessions and the only charge for ActOut Saturdays is for the class to have perfect attendance!

The purpose of Philly Reality is not to train professionals, but in addition to having a positive effect on student writing, communication and interpersonal skills -- respect, discipline, creativity and trust are developed.

So, when you hear that a student is acting-out at the theater, that doesn't refer to bad behavior but to learning disguised as fun!

Reported By Dr. Marciene Mattleman, KYW Newsradio