The Curious Place

“Theatres are curious places, magician’s trick-boxes where the golden memories of dramatic triumphs linger like nostalgic ghosts, and where the unexplainable, the fantastic, the tragic, the comic and the absurd are routine occurrences on and off the stage. Murders, mayhem, political intrigue, lucrative business, secret assignations, and of course, dinner.”
― E.A. Bucchianeri, Brushstrokes of a Gadfly

Welcome to Spruce Peak Arts Curious Place theatre, where we focus on community and education programming. Curious Place programs open opportunities for learners of all ages to explore what inspires them. Our goal is to enrich the day-today lives of our community through invaluable, engaged, shared learning experiences – and to have FUN while we do!

Spruce Peak Arts Curious Place Programs

SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS

Stay Tuned for Summer 2024 dates!

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS

Create a community of curiosity that allows students to explore who they are through the world of drama. Each program includes scene building, characterization, ensemble work, creation of props and costumes, and culminates with a sharing of the learned experience for the larger community.

“This is a wonderful programming opportunity for our school!” —Betzi Goodman, Principal, Eden Central School

HOMESCHOOL- Multi-Week workshops

Allow students grades 1 to 12 to bring their drama out of the house and onto the stage! Each week, students dive into the theater world and explore the interests of the group through a variety of shows and playwrights to create a collaborative performance at the last session. Curious Place programs can easily fold into Minimum Course of Study (MCOS) needs for arts and English.

STUDENT MATINEE SERIES

Connect children, teachers, and schools with the performing arts in deep and meaningful ways.  Together, we bring performances to Vermont that both complement school curriculum, and introduce students to new worlds.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Spruce Peak Arts workforce development programs include internships and mentorships some of which are offered in partnership with The Vermont Association of Business Industry and Rehabilitation (VABIR) community and partnerships with area high schools and colleges. These programs further our commitment to foster prosperity for individuals in our community by offering training and continuing education programs focused on how participants can grow and develop within the performing arts sector.

THERAPEUTIC THEATRE PROGRAM

 In 2023/2024, in collaboration with the Lamoille North Supervisory Union, Spruce Peak Arts is planning In MY Voice with district 7th graders. The program intentionally uses theatre games, skills, storytelling, writing, and performance to address psychological, physical, and social concerns, and to promote health and wellbeing.

EVALUATION

How do we stay on track to achieve “golden moments of dramatic triumphs”? We evaluate our programs! Spruce Peak Arts education programs are rigorously evaluated on a daily and program-by-program basis to ensure that a world-class experience is being provided to children and families throughout and that that supportive, learning environment extends to our educators.

There are three methods used to track success throughout our programs.

1. Education Program Lead Evaluation
2. Program Observation
3. Post Program Reflection

TUITION ASSISTANCE

Don’t let the price of tuition stop you from making theatre! Spruce Peak Arts provides scholarships and discounts based on financial need.

For more information about Spruce Peak Arts Curious Place Programs please contact Julianne Nickerson, MSW, Director of Education, at 802.760.4637 or jnickerson@sprucepeakarts.org.