Taking the Classroom ON STAGE!

Imagine attending a Performing Arts Series event, and a chance to discuss the evening's performance not only with your friends, but also with the performers! That's exactly what select central Iowa high school students experience in the Iowa State Center's successful audience development program On Stage!

Now in it's 7th year, area high school juniors and
seniors are given the opportunity to attend sixPerforming Arts Series performances and post-performance discussions wiht an artist from the production or local arts expert to discuss and interpret each event. For each performance, the students are provided with background information to prepare, then submit an essay describing their arts experience.

The goal of the On Stage program is to introduce students to the performing arts -- from theater and opera to classical music and world culture -- in the hope that they gain a lifelong appreciate for the arts.

"I think the most memorable part of On Stage for me was getting to see the different types of performances and really liking the ones I thought I wouldn’t … the On Stage program really
is a fantastic idea." —Dianna (03-04 participant)

"I think what has stuck with me is that On Stage helped to make the world of performing arts, theater, music, and dance, accessible to me. I think sometimes events like those offered at Stephens can be somewhat intimidating; like something only “cultured, older people”
do, so On Stage, I think, changed my perspective while I was still young enough that I can be comfortable and welcome around the performing arts. It taught me that some of the most satisfying experiences I've had with friends have been around the stage— wonderful discussions, new ideas, unexpected discoveries. So ...thanks for the opportunity to build performing arts into my life early! —Maria (00-01participant)

"In general, On Stage truly opened my eyes to the vast talent and endless power in the expression of the performing and musical arts." —Edward (03-04 participant)