RAISE YOUR PADDLE for Great Lakes Theater Education

Great Lakes Theater's acclaimed educational programming has impacted the lives of students since our founding in 1962. Today, on our stages and in schools and community venues throughout the region, Great Lakes Theater educational programming connects over 30,000 students from 200+ schools in 20+ counties to the classics each season. Help us continue to provide quality education programs by RAISING YOUR PADDLE to support the following educational programming.

Student Matinee Series
Since 1962, students of all ages have enjoyed the thrill of experiencing classic plays, professionally produced by Great Lakes Theater. Some of those students are now teachers themselves, and carry on the tradition of introducing the finest works of world literature to the next generation.

School Residency Program
Launched in 1981, Great Lakes Theater's in-school residency program is now one of the most successful artist-in-residence programs in the country. Each year, approximately 15,000 students in 80+ schools experience the pleasure, power, and relevance of classic literature brought to life right in their own
classrooms.

A Christmas Carol Writing Contest
Every year since 1989, Great Lakes Theater has partnered with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in producing our annual "A Christmas Carol" writing contest. Over 1,200 CMSD students per year, in grades six, seven, and eight compose original stories inspired by the universal themes in Charles Dickens' timeless classic. Winners are recognized on stage and cheered on by their classmates at a student matinee performance of A Christmas Carol.