Arts Education Program
The Paramount Arts Education Program provides a live educational theater experience for youth throughout Central Virginia, enhancing learning while fostering an appreciation, understanding and love of the performing arts.
230,103
Students & teachers served since 2004.37,110
Served through financial assistance and outreach.Registration for the 2024-25 Arts Education Program is open!
Arts Education Program
Arts Education school time shows give our youngest audience members opportunities to experience live performing arts in our historic Paramount Theater. The Paramount is committed to presenting the very best educational theater that engages youth in meaningful ways, complements school curricula, and cultivates an appreciation of the performing arts.
The Arts Education Program at The Paramount champions the role of the arts as a tool for instruction for students throughout Central Virginia while meeting the critical need for teachers to teach according to Virginia Standards of Learning objectives. In a study published by Americans for the Arts, it was proven that the arts help close the achievement gap, thus “leveling the learning field” across socio-economic boundaries. Students from all schools, income levels, and backgrounds come together at The Paramount, uniquely bridging a broad spectrum of area students. For many teachers, this program is one of the key ways that interactive learning complements mandated curriculum.
Since the program began in 2004, we have served 230,103 students and teachers. All tickets are available at subsidized prices for students and teachers. In order to maintain this offering, we rely on the support of individuals, foundations, and corporations, as well as support from the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Many students are still unable to afford this price, and we offer financial assistance so that no child is precluded from participation.
Exposure to arts and culture at every age is powerful in driving innovation and creativity, promoting social cohesion, advancing educational excitement and love of learning, and furthering the economic prosperity of our community.
Image Credit: Derrick J. Waller Photography
What educators & students are saying
Bringing students from disparate neighborhoods and backgrounds together under one roof physically unifies us. In these instances, The Paramount becomes a safe space that welcomes all regardless of race, class, ability, gender, or any other label that might separate us. I feel proud to play a role in bringing our students to experience the arts in this context, and I feel hopeful that we are planting the seeds for the future.
Aaron Eichorst
Coordinator of Fine & Performing Arts, Charlottesville City Schools
The Paramount provides opportunities for students to connect their experience of performing arts events to their learning in the classroom, to one another, and to the fabric of our community. There is no comparison to the joy and energy that children share when attending these events together and in a space that holds such cultural history. We are so fortunate to have access to this amazing resource.
Dama Schneider
Lead Coach, Visual and Performing Arts, Albemarle County Public Schools
Thank you for helping us see the show. My favorite parts were standing up and dancing, and learning so much. In general, it was not great, but it was PERFECT. I didn't like it but I LOVED it!!!
3rd Grade Student
Trailblazer Elementary School
Thank you for the field trip, the theater is incredibly beautiful from the balcony to the chandeliers and from the seats to the stage, it was gorgeous!
6th Grade Student
Walton Middle School
An Essential Part of Education
The Paramount Theater believes that performing arts are an essential part of every child’s education. As a non-profit organization, we depend on individual and corporate contributions to subsidize the cost of tickets and provide financial assistance so that all students are able to participate in the Arts Education Program. With your support, students throughout our community are exposed to the life-changing experiences that only the arts can provide!
Join the Arts Education Partnership
Thanks to the generosity of our Arts Education supporters, each season The Paramount serves thousands of students and teachers from throughout Central Virginia. ALL student/teacher tickets are subsidized and students who qualify for free and reduced meals participate at no cost.
Please contact Cathy von Storch to find out how you can join the Arts Education Partnership.