Based on the idea that the arts are an integral part of education, the Workshop's Professional Development Program works with teachers to use the creative process to bring curriculum to life. Developed by Founder Gloria Unti, the Workshop's methodology demonstrates practical techniques to engage young people and shows teachers how to place a student "on stage" as thinker, creator, and performer. Strategies outlined in the workshops include how to improve students' concentration and communication skills, as well as how to work with special student populations such as immigrant/newcomer students, learning disabled students, and preschoolers.

WORKSHOP TOPICS

The Workshop Methodology:
Teaching Creativity and Critical Thinking in Public Schools
An overview of the Performing Arts Workshop's process-oriented approach to arts education. Breaks down the creative process into perception, conception, expression, reflection, and re-vision. Discover how dance, theatre arts, creative writing, and music activities develop young people's cognitive, social, and motor skills. (1.5 hours, $400)

Planning and Teaching an Integrated Arts/Academic Curriculum
Stresses the importance of the arts as a vehicle/tool in learning core academic subject standards, while allowing for individual expression, creativity, critical thinking, and reflection. Underlines how the arts reinforce the teaching of cooperation, active listening, and student skills such as following directions and receiving critique. (3 hours, $600)

The Creative Process & Language Development for English Learners
Reinforces vocabulary through creative movement and drama exercises. Builds basic comprehension as well as physical and verbal expression. (1.5 hours, $400)

Learning Disabled Students & the Creative Process
Outlines model exercises for developing motor skills, body awareness, self-esteem, and socialization for special needs students. Based on the Performing Arts Workshop's work with the San Francisco Department of Mental Health. (1.5 hours, $400)

The Creative Process for Preschoolers
Topics include use of imagery, movement, music, ritualizing class structure, use of props, early language development techniques, and problem-solving exercises for preschoolers. (1.5 hours, $400)

School-Designed Workshop
Tailored to meet the needs of individual schools and specific curriculum. (1.5 hours, $400)

The Arts, Education, and Social Justice
Explores the role of Augusto Boal's Theatre of the Oppressed in the public school classroom. Examines the relationship between Theatre of the Oppressed and language acquisition as well as issues of student assessment and sustainability of the arts in public schools. (1.5 hours, $400)