Flock Theatre provides residency programs to schools through the Connecticut H.O.T. Schools Program and their own educational outreach. Depending on the residency, students work in collaboration with Flock Theatre artists to study a wide range of subjects, from history to science and even conflict resolution. Derron Wood became a Master Teaching Artist in the State of Connecticut as part of the Connecticut Commission on the Arts program in 1998. Victor Chiburis joined the roster as well in 2015. Flock implements arts-based and arts-integration lessons throughout the state with students of all ages and demographics including those in underserved and low-income communities, homeless children, and students with disabilities.
One such long-time partner includes the Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School Campus, which Flock has "adopted" by running after-school theatre programs (funded by the City of New London's CDBG) and inviting them to the annual Halloween production of Macbeth. This experience gives students who might not otherwise have a chance to experience live professional theatre come to a show; possibly for the first time, for free, right in their backyard. This program has been expanded recently in 2019, with support from the Community Foundation of Southeastern CT, as the Shakespeare in Schools program, that provides residencies in local area schools teaching K-12 students about performing and interpreting Shakespeare’s plays and poems.
For a partial list of current and past school partners and clients please click here.
For an example of our exciting work in fluency at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet in New London, please watch this video from The Day.
For data and research done on our programs on shadow puppetry and fluency, please read this academic article.
Some of Flock's other unique programs explore themes such as homelessness, youth violence, the environment, drugs, and anti-social behavior. Many of these programs use puppets to allow students a sense of distance from the problems discussed as well as facilitate real intimacy when their personal experiences are involved.
If you would like to bring Flock Theatre’s Teaching Artists to your school or would like more info, please contact Flock at flocktheatre@hotmail.com or (860) 443-3119