Lead Teacher Kickoff Showcases the Flynn's Student Matinee Series

Posted on May 11, 2011

This week the Flynn's Education Department hosted three evenings of fun, food, and conversation for teachers from all over the state of Vermont and some parts of upstate New York. The Lead Teacher Kickoff happens every year at this time and serves as a preview of what's to come in the next season of student matinees. Lead teachers from about 120 schools act as liaisons between the Flynn Center and their schools, helping to spread the word about student matinees, FlynnArts opportunities, school programs, workshops, and the Vermont Young Playwrights Festival as well as a variety of other Flynn opportunities designed to help integrate learning and the arts.

The event also serves as a time to hear from teachers about what is working in terms of the matinee series and what can be improved - the Flynn Education Department takes this feedback very seriously and in fact has made some significant changes to our program based on feedback received throughout the past year. Some of these changes include online order submission, a High School "Night Tix" program (discounted tickets to certain Mainstage performances), and best of all, reduced ticket prices for the matinees! Lead teachers expressed their excitement about these changes...in the words of one teacher: "You are FANTASTIC and do so much to keep the arts alive in Burlington. We love you!!" Right back at you, lead teachers and schools!

This season the student matinee program brought high quality performances from all over the world to over 39,000 students and teachers in Vermont and upstate New York and spent over 1200 workshop hours in schools. It was a great year and we are looking forward to next season! We'll be posting the new season online within the next few days. Be sure to check out our 2011-12 Student Matinee Performances!