PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOLS
Creative Learning Experiences that Build Communication, Creativity, Confidence, and Collaboration
UTCA partners with schools to provide engaging arts-based learning experiences that strengthen communication, collaboration, creativity, confidence, and social-emotional learning. Through theatre, storytelling, improvisation, and collaborative play, students develop skills that support success in school, relationships, careers, and life.
Our programs reinforce many of the competencies identified in New York State's Portrait of a Graduate framework, including communication, creative thinking, reflection, collaboration, and adaptability.
All student programs are aid-eligible through OHM BOCES Arts-in-Education (AIE) and Exploratory Enrichment. Programs are available for elementary, middle, and high school students and can be delivered in schools or at the historic Uptown Theatre.
FOCUS AREAS
• Communication & Active Listening
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Creativity & Flexible Thinking
• Confidence & Self-Expression
• Student Voice & Engagement
• Social-Emotional Learning
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ASSEMBLIES
Improv Stories Live!
Category: Art • English
A fast-paced, laugh-filled interactive show where students help create characters, worlds, and stories in real time. This assembly builds creativity, listening, and collaboration while reinforcing narrative structure and literacy concepts.
Grades: K–12
Capacity: Full auditorium
Format: 40–55 minutes
BOCES-Eligible: Yes – AIE & Exploratory
Yes, And! The Creative Confidence Assembly
Category: Art • English • SEL
A motivational theatre experience blending improv, storytelling, and SEL. Students see how imagination, teamwork, and resilience fuel creativity — and they participate onstage in safe, structured ways.
Grades: 3–12
Capacity: Full auditorium
Format: 45–60 minutes
BOCES-Eligible: Yes – AIE & Exploratory
The Improvised Story Show
Category: English • Storytelling • Theater
A literacy-focused live performance that demonstrates beginnings, middles, endings, conflict, character, and theme — all through improvised scenes inspired by student ideas.
Grades: 2–8
Capacity: Full auditorium
BOCES-Eligible: Yes – AIE (English/Literacy)
FIELD TRIPS
Uptown Theatre Creative Field Trip Experience
Category: Art • English • Field Trip
Bring your students to the historic Uptown Theatre for a full arts immersion day.
Includes:
Guided theatre tour (history, backstage, and tech)
Hands-on creative workshop (storytelling, improv, or character creation)
Live improv performance
Optional student showcase
This trip blends performing arts, literacy, collaboration, and creative exploration.
Grades: 3–12
Capacity: 35–180
BOCES-Eligible: Yes – Field Trip / AIE
Availability: September–June
Improv & Film Experience (Starting 2026)
Category: Theater • Media Arts
A blended field trip featuring improvised storytelling and film/media content in our newly renovated auditorium, plus a talkback on creativity, filmmaking, and story development.
Grades: 4–12
BOCES-Eligible: Yes – Visual Arts / Media Arts
IN-SCHOOL
WORKSHOPS
Improv for Everyone: Creativity & Collaboration Workshop
Category: Art • English • SEL
Students learn to think on their feet, support classmates, and build scenes together using core improv techniques. Builds communication, confidence, and teamwork while reinforcing literacy and speaking skills.
Grades: 3–12
Capacity: 30 students
Format: 40–90 minutes
BOCES-Eligible: Yes
Storytelling on Your Feet
Category: English • Storytelling
A literacy-centered workshop exploring narrative structure through improvisation. Students collaboratively build characters, craft worlds, and create stories — reinforcing ELA skills through play.
Grades: 2–8
Capacity: 30
Format: 40–60 minutes
BOCES-Eligible: Yes
Whole-Body Listening & Communication
Category: Art • SEL • English
Through movement-based improv exercises, students strengthen focus, empathy, active listening, and communication — all while having fun. Ideal for groups working on social-emotional growth.
Grades: K–8
Capacity: 25–30
BOCES-Eligible: Yes
Creative Characters & World-Building Workshop
Category: English • Art • Theater
Students design original characters, imagine new worlds, and act them out through improv. Reinforces voice, perspective, and creative writing fundamentals.
Grades: 3–12
Capacity: 30
BOCES-Eligible: Yes
MULTI-DAY
RESIDENCIES
Story-to-Stage Residency
Category: English • Theater
Students develop original stories and bring them to life through improvisation and performance. Culminates in a showcase. Perfect for ELA narrative units.
Grades: 3–12
Structure: 2–5 days
BOCES-Eligible: Yes
Improv & SEL Residency: Building Confident Communicators
Category: SEL • Art • English
A multi-day experience using improv to strengthen listening, teamwork, empathy, confidence, and self-expression. Concludes with a mini-performance or classroom sharing.
Grades: 4–12
Structure: 2–5 days
BOCES-Eligible: Yes
NEW: Improv-Story Lab — From Idea to Stage
Category: English • Theater • SEL
A multi-session residency blending improv, literacy, and SEL. Students develop characters, build stories, rehearse scenes, and present a culminating performance.
Sessions Include:
Yes & Listening + Trust
Character & Relationship
Point of View & Choice
Story Arc & Scene Structure
Scene Development & Rehearsal
Tech / Stage Skills
Final Performance
Optional Reflection Session
Grades: 4–12
Structure: 6–8 sessions + showcase
Capacity: Up to 30
Location: In-school or at UTCA
BOCES-Eligible: Yes – AIE / English / Theater / SEL
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BOCES Eligibility Notes
All UTCA student programs are eligible for Arts-in-Education (AIE) or Exploratory Enrichment aid.
Student programs run September–June; educator PD is available year-round.
Districts must submit requests to BOCES at least 30 days before the event.
Final request deadline for the 2025–26 school year: May 22, 2026.
UTCA meets all CoSer eligibility requirements and serves multiple districts.
All pricing is provided as aid-eligible flat fees (no travel or meals included).
Booking & Contact
Schools in the OHM BOCES region may book directly with UTCA.
Request a Quote or Schedule a Program:
devin@utcany.org pr fill out the form: