Impactful Educational Opportunities for All
The Newman Center for the Performing Arts is much more than a venue. Our education programs create rich, exciting and impactful arts experiences for students of all ages. Whether it's a Student Matinee performance from world renowned artists, a workshop or masterclass that illuminates new ideas and perspectives, or in-depth creative curriculum in the classroom, these educational offerings create connections to community, cultures and creativity for students and community members from all walks of life. These educational programs are offered for free or very low cost, making them accessible to all of Colorado's students.
The Student Matinee series brings some of the best artists in the world to Denver's students for just $3-$5 per ticket. The 2023-24 season has seen two incredible sold out matinees already, with over 1,800 students experiencing Dog Man: The Musical in September and local ballet folklorico company ArtistiCO in December. In addition to the live show experiences, the matinees feature in-class curriculum developed with Think 360 to give students an in-depth learning experience. This season will also feature matinees with New Zealand dance company Okareka on March 11 and Brooklyn-based dance ensemble Urban Bush Women on April 12.
Masterclasses and residency programs foster more intimate and personal learning with the incredible artists featured at the Newman Center. In September, Ghanian singer-songwriter and guitarist Okaidja Afroso visited both Denver School of the Arts and The Center for African and African American studies at CU Boulder to talk about his work, the importance of preserving culture, and different perspectives on the value of art and music in society. In the spring, the Newman Center will partner with the DU's Lamont School of Music on a series of jazz residencies with Joshua Redman and the Maria Schneider Orchestra.
The Newman Center is partnering with DU's Korbel School of International Studies on a series of discussions on the importance of cultural diplomacy in the global community. February 15, the artists from the international project Small Island Big Song will join the Newman Center and Korbel to discuss the roles art, activism and cultural exchange play in creating solutions to the biggest issues facing humanity such as climate change. Sign-up for our enewsletter and get all the details later this month!
Entering its fourth season at the Newman Center, Musical Explorers, presented in collaboration with Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute, will reach a record 2,200 students across Denver Public Schools. This free program connects children to rich and diverse musical communities as they build fundamental music skills through listening, singing and moving to songs from all over the world. Throughout the spring semester, 2nd graders will meet three featured artists and learn about them, their cultures, and their music. At the end of the semester, students sign and dance along with artists in a wonderful live show celebration in the beautiful Gates Concert Hall at the Newman Center.
Launched in the summer of 2023, the Newman Center's camp for teens (Music Creators) will be expanding to serve even more students the weeks of June 10 & 17, 2024 at North High School. Music Creators is a week-long camp for students 12-16 years old who are serious about the art of creating original music. Students learn to compose, create, and produce original music using industry standard technology from some of Denver's best composers and educators. Registration will begin January 22, 2024.
