Education Mission:

Boston Theater Company’s education program for youth and teens offers innovative ensemble-based theatrical experiences that are collaborative and contemporary. We design our programs to engage young people creatively, physically, and analytically, to challenge them to think in new ways, and to promote reflection about themselves, each other, and the world around them. We embody radical acceptance of every student who passes through a workshop or production in our program, honoring the truth of their identities and experience and allowing those identities and experiences to infuse the work, whether a classic text or a devised piece. In BTC education programs, we support students to harness their potential for teamwork, play, and empathy.

All our education programs are offered on a sliding scale because we are deeply committed to making theater accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. We believe that no student or school should miss out on the transformative power of live theater due to financial constraints. If your school or organization cannot afford the full cost of our programs, we encourage you to reach out to us. Discounts, including free programming, are available through our sliding scale application. Please email us to learn more and apply.

Email Sophie Rich at Education@BostonTheater.org for more information.

PROFESSIONAL TOURING PRODUCTIONS

In 2025 Boston Theater Company will be touring

“Gender Expression and Identity in Shakespeare”

This piece blends together multiple of Shakespeare works which delve into the boundaries of traditional gender roles through some of the most iconic characters and pivotal moments in his work.  BTC provides all aspects of the production! We bring a cast of professional actors to your institution and we adapt to any size audience, from a large auditorium to a small classroom. All performances have a complimentary talk back session afterwards. Our touring productions are available April through May 2025 see below to add on a workshop after the performance.

Step Into Shakespeare:

This workshop is designed to get the students on their feet, experiencing the text through the eyes of the characters. We begin with movement and ensemble work, which guide the students towards getting the characters in their body, and then segue into detailed text analysis of a certain scene or passage -- of your choosing! -- with an eye towards the characters' objectives and given circumstances. We then work together to develop an ensemble approach to the scene that physicalizes the characters' journey through that scene. This process-oriented approach allows an inside-out look at Shakespeare's language and encourages a collaborative artistic look at his stories. 

Requires room to move, recommended for groups of 10-20. GRADES 7-12

Virtual Workshop: Director’s Box

This one-of-a-kind virtual workshop turns your students into directors, as they analyze and physicalize the imagery and character dynamics in Shakespeare’s plays. Balancing group work and individual work as well as seated work and movement work suited to the virtual format, this workshop culminates in each student developing a director’s concept – that is, an idea they believe is at the core of the text. Students will discover how to enact and reflect on the type of theatrical choices that directors make to illuminate the themes of the work.

In 2024 in-person workshops are only available as an ADD-ON to our touring production. Email Sophie education@bostontheater.org with any questions or to book!

Teen Touring Troupe

Boston Theater Company’s Teen Touring Troupe is an exciting opportunity for young, committed actors in grades 7-12 to sharpen their performance skills, gain professional touring experience, and grow in a supportive ensemble. Actors will work intensively on the performance of a Shakespeare play, and will also have the opportunity to learn from other Boston-area professionals in master classes. Throughout our process, we will focus on creating and sustaining a nuanced character, analyzing text, activating the body and the voice, and collaborating as a team both on- and off-stage. We will tour our production to 6 locations all around the Boston area, from schools and libraries to parks and community centers!