Our Programs
East
L.A. Classic Theatre is dedicated to the development and
professional delivery of educational outreach programs and
classic theatrical productions that authentically reflect
the diversity of American society.
ECT's
programs develop literacy skills in English learners and
cultivate minority readers, writers and audiences through
exposure to classic plays and literature.
ECT's
current programming includes:
Beyond Borders: Arts and Language
for Youth
Aligned to the California Language Arts, English Language Development and Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Educational Standards students work creatively with a language arts teacher and two ECT artists during the school day to improve language, literacy, and social skills through ECT’s theater-based curriculum.
During this 64 hour program offered typically over 16 weeks, 20-30 students read, discuss and reflect on varying dramatic texts through creative writing activities and work together in collaborative playwriting groups to write, edit, produce, and perform their own original dramatic works.
LIP (Language In Play)
This after-school program is also aligned to the above educational standards as students work creatively with a school based teacher and two ECT artists using ECT’s effective theater-based curriculum. During this 64 hour program offered typically over 16 weeks, Language Arts methods incorporating the reader’s theater model are utilized to inform reflective writing exercises focusing on dramatic analysis in order to expand 20-30 students’ understanding of the dramatic process while promoting improved language, literacy and social skills.
Finally, students work together to produce, design, and star in a professional play performed for their community.
SYNC (Supporting Youth in Neighboring Communities)
Through a 64 hour theater-based curriculum offered typically over 16 weeks of instruction, 20-30 students will build trust, compassion, courage, confidence, collaboration skills, leadership skills, communication skills, and integrity by exploring some of the most challenging issues facing communities today.
Creciendo Juntos Parent Orientation Program
A bilingual program for parents offered for 64 hours (typically over 16 weeks of instruction), Creciendo Juntos seeks to encourage parents to be active in their children’s schools, to know their rights, be aware of educational opportunities for themselves and their children, and to engage with school teaching and administrative staff, as well as offering guidance in accessing public and community-based services.
Shakespeare For
Youth Productions
ECT’s bilingual and multicultural professional productions of adapted Shakespeare classics feature professional actors performing at community based venues, historic theaters, and school sites. Each play runs approximately 1 hour, 15 minutes with a 45 minute cast and audience dialogue thereafter. Current productions include Much Ado About Nothing – Mariachi Style and Romeo and Juliet – A Zoot Suit Musical.
Pre & Post Show Workshops
Led by professional actors, this program provides students with an overview of theater etiquette and appreciation, an interactive breakdown of the basic plot and themes of the production they will be attending, and allows the students to discuss the performance and their experience after the production.
