MVCCT After-School Programs Teach More Than "Just" Theatre!

Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre (MVCCT) has been an important theatre arts presence in Northern Virginia since 1980.   We are primarily known for producing three shows a year; two musicals and one teen play each season.  Many young actors have participated in our theatre camps, offered during spring break, and throughout the summer.

But, did you know that MVCCT also provides outreach programs - free after-school performing arts programs, and affordable after-school classes in many area schools? Under the guidance of skilled theatre teachers, these children sing, dance, act, and improvise, without even realizing they are building self-confidence, character, and responsibility.  We estimate that last year alone over 800 young actors participated in MVCCT productions and programs, 75 of those on scholarship.

Numerous studies have concluded students involved in theatre arts education tend to have better academic performance and higher standardized test scores.  Academic gains are not the only benefits. There are the obvious ones: improved self-confidence, better public speaking skills, the ability to team up with an ensemble in cooperative ventures and the ability to work through differences to achieve a common goal. 

Our goal is to bring this type of education to as many of our youth as possible, and this fall we are working with three schools Belle View, Laurel Ridge and Hollin Meadows.  We are currently providing two classes in each school for grades K-2 and 3-6.  Our director of education, Rachel Witt, is working on some very interesting and exciting new possibilities for the spring, as we continue to expand our programs to bring theatre arts to even more children in the Mount Vernon area.

MVCCT is so thankful for our dedicated Director of Education Rachel and our enthusiastic teachers and for all they do to help us achieve our mission to enhance the cultural life of the Northern Virginia area by offering a stimulating, creative, and supportive outlet to children and youth, helping them build self confidence and character, while developing self expression, independence, and responsibility.

To learn more about MVCCT visit our website:  www.mvcct.org

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