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 220,416 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.

Cover image credit: Derrick J. Waller Photography

Quick Overview

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. We have now served 220,416 students and teachers since the program’s inception in 2004.


Please click HERE for the 2023-24 Arts Education Season.


 

What Educators and Students Are Saying

Arts Education

“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 at Charlottesville City Schools

Arts Education

“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 so much for the wonderful field trip to The Paramount. The play was amazing and I loved everything about it. In my opinion, there is no better way to learn than seeing it in action!”

5th Grade Student, Walker Upper Elementary School