PPAC Announces New Education Initiative For Its 2019/2020 Season

At a press conference held in the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC)'s Grand Lobby this morning, PPAC President J.L. "Lynn" Singleton recapped the Theatre's recently announced 2019/2020 Season. Singleton introduced Board Chairman Joseph W. Walsh, Esq., who unveiled plans for the Theatre's brand-new state-wide education initiative, called Experience PPAC.

This program will provide every tenth grader in Rhode Island with an opportunity to see a select touring Broadway performance at PPAC. This education initiative is made possible by PPAC's Board of Directors and Staff who strongly believe in the value of arts education. Working in partnership with PPAC, bus transportation company FIRST STUDENT will provide transportation to and from these shows. Tickets to these shows and busing are paid for by PPAC. There is no charge to the students or their schools for the theatre tickets or for bus transportation.

Walsh said, "PPAC's Board of Directors is pleased to be able to offer students the chance to see a live Broadway production right here at the Theatre. Through this program, we are ensuring that every student in Rhode Island will 'experience PPAC' and the 'world of Broadway.'"

Dana Brazil, PPAC's Director of Education, said, "For the 2019/2020 Season and school year, we are very excited to announce that high school sophomores will have the opportunity to see Thursday morning presentations of COME FROM AWAY or FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Experience PPAC will also offer a third special morning presentation, to be announced at a later time. Participating in and exposure to the arts positively affects the lives of students: it increases self-esteem, inspires creativity, and helps to build communication skills, among many other benefits."

The initial "Experience PPAC" event took place at the matinee performance of Cameron Mackintosh's new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, on Thursday, March 21, 2019. For many of the students in attendance, this was their first-ever Broadway show experience. After seeing THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, students enjoyed a post-show talkback with cast and company members. West Warwick High School Principal Phillip Solomon, students from West Warwick High School and students from Providence's Central High School, spoke at the press conference about the impact of seeing "PHANTOM" and what the new program means to them.


Working in close collaboration with each school district, Experience PPAC supports each district's core curriculum and helps bring it to life through this experiential learning model. Show study guides will be provided to schools prior to their attendance of the specified performance so that they can engage in the educational material, creative concepts, and lessons prior to attending.