For Educators
Teacher Workshops
La Jolla Playhouse offers professional learning opportunities for educators throughout the school year. To be added to our teacher mailing list please email [email protected] with your name, school, grades/subjects you teach.
Our Summer Training Series, La Jolla Playhouse Tech Theatre Summer Intensive for Theatre Educators will be offered June 24 – 29, 2024 and more information will be shared in early 2024. To learn more about the 2023 program, click here.
POP Tour
One of La Jolla Playhouse’s signature Education programs, the Performance Outreach Program (POP) Tour is an annual world-premiere, Playhouse-commissioned production that brings the magic of theatre to San Diego classrooms. Launched in 1987, the POP Tour can be accessed by schools, libraries and community centers. Prior to each performance, a Playhouse teaching artist visits each school, either in person or virtually, to engage students in an interactive workshop that explores issues and themes at the core of the play. The Playhouse also provides schools with an interactive standards-based engagement guide that enables educators to integrate the play into their curriculum, including exciting interviews with the cast and the creative team. Ideal for students in grades 3 – 6.
POP TOUR 2024
ABEBA IN THE TALL GRASS
By Jonathan Norton
Directed by Nikki Mirza
The 2024 POP Tour, Abeba in the Tall Grass by Jonathan Norton, is a captivating new play that centers around Abeba, a fifth-grade aspiring horticulturist, and the urban garden that has become her sacred space. When her sanctuary becomes invaded by a couple of goof-offs from school who have been tasked to work in the garden over spring break as discipline, Abeba hatches a plan to teach these boys a lesson, and a little respect for produce. However, in return, Abeba herself learns an important life lesson. Like plants need water and light to flourish, people need friendship and community to thrive.
Sign up here to learn more about POP TOUR 2024 and be first notified of the 2024 application release in late October/ Early November 2023.
Student Matinees
The Playhouse offers special student matinees of selected mainstage productions throughout the school year. Virtual Study guides, post-performance workshops and post-show talkbacks are available to prepare students for these productions. Staff development workshops are also offered to teachers prior to their school’s participation in the student matinee.
For more information on upcoming student matinees, click here.
Play Where You Are
Enjoy world premiere plays from 8 amazing playwrights! These scripts can be performed and read aloud anywhere.
Curriculum Connections
La Jolla Playhouse’s Education team has provided standards-based lesson plans as well as fun theatre games and exercises that are easily played virtually. These are the same exercises that we use to build ensemble and acting skills in our classrooms for kids and adults!
Virtual Field Trip Experiences
La Jolla Playhouse is proud to partner with ArtsBusXpress to provide engaging virtual field trip experiences to students 3rd-12th grade in acting, musical theatre, playwriting, and behind-the-scenes peeks into the Playhouse! To learn more and apply for grant funding to bring these experiences to your students FOR FREE, please click the button below.
San Diego County K-12 Public and Charter Teachers can apply for program funding, provided by ArtsBusXpress, a nonprofit organization that connects students with arts and science opportunities. Once you submit, ArtsBusXpress will review your application. Subject to approval, ArtsBusXpress will notify both of us and we’ll be in touch to personalize the session for your class and secure a specific time.
Virtual Performance Experiences for High School Students
The following recorded performances from our Digital WOW series are a great way for high school-age students to enjoy theatre. Plus, they’re all FREE!
- Towards Belonging
» Download Supporting Curriculum
(Please note that this production contains strong language) - Spittin’ Truth to Power While Light Leaping for the People
» Download Supporting Curriculum - You Are Here
» Download Supporting Curriculum - Walks of Life
- The Society of Wonder
- The Totally Fake Latino News
- Ancient
La Jolla Playhouse would love to know how you are using these lesson plans and videos in your classroom! Please share your feedback so that we can continue to offer quality educational support to our school communities.
