Education
Oldcastle Theatre Company has a long history of developing and fostering a love for theatre in young people. Of course, an early exposure to theatre helps us to develop the audiences of the future, but time and again we see first hand that the study of the art of theatre is an exciting way of helping students find their own means of expression.
At Oldcastle, we strive to provide a strong educational resource for our community. If you are interested in finding out more about what we have to offer, please contact us at our Administrative Offices at 802-447-1267.
Elementary School Programs
Our second company, Bennington Actors' Express, has played to more than 17,500 elementary school children in three states in the last seven years. Each fall we tour with an original play for children. BAE works closely with educators, parents and children to craft plays that will not only entertain but educate. Actors Express productions have dealt with such important issues as bullying, smoking, the environment, the importance of reading, and being a good friend.
Students and Educators sing the praises of the Bennington Actors' Express
"The Bennington Actors' Express performance of DAYDREAM was great! The children enjoyed the message."
-- Jim Harwood, Principal, Bennington Elementary School
"THE SPIDER AND THE BEE was great and had an important message."
-- Gail Johnson, Asst. Principal, Molly Stark School
"It was the greatest play ever."
-- Gabrielle, Grade 5, North Bennington School
The director of the Bennington Actors' Express is Willy Jones, long-time Oldcastle actor and, for 29 years, a third grade teacher.
Actors' Express productions include: Daydream, The Spider and the Bee, Pirates, GOING...GOing...gone, Bully Be Gone, Room to Roam.
2007's Room to Roam was co-written by three fifth graders at North Bennington Graded School. It toured in Vermont, Massachusetts and New York.
High School Programs
The Southwest Vermont Career Development Center provides classes for high school students taught by Oldcastle staff members.
Adult classes
Coming Soon
Internship Program
Oldcastle's internship program gives high school and college students the opportunity to experience every aspect of professional theatre on a day-to-day basis for an entire summer season, an invaluable experience for those considering a career in theatre.
Stage Doors
Stage Doors is a comprehensive theatre education program that Oldcastle has developed for area schools. The production in the fall is chosen with student audiences in mind. Comprehensive study guides are put together for teachers that cover such things as historical perspective, biographical information on the playwright and a glossary of words that may be unfamiliar to students. There are suggested activities that will dovetail with other subjects students may be studying as well as discussion topics. Actors, designers, directors and the occasional playwright visit students in their classrooms to answer questions prior to the performance. Teachers are given the option of bringing students to the Bennington Center for the Arts for a backsgtage tour. All of this culminates with a series of special matinee’s scheduled during school hours when students can experience the magic of live theatre, often for the first time. Since its inception in 1994 the Stage Doors program has introduced thousands of area students to professional theatre. For more information about Stage Doors, please call 802-447-1267.
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