Education: 1985-2006

1985-2006: Overview of Educational Programming at the Not-for-Profit Playhouse

When hiring Mittelman, the Board was impressed that his wife, Judith Delgado, had considerable experience in theater educational programming. As a State theater, a multi-faceted education program was essential for the Playhouse. Delgado was hired to develop an educational department. She oversaw the program from 1985 – 2000 as Director of Education, until she chose to return to New York and focus solely on her acting career. Christopher Bishop was appointed to continue Delgado’s work, which he did until the theater closed in 2006..

Judith Delgado became the Playhouse’s Director of Education in 1985.

Delgado and Mittelman authored a guide to using theater as an educational vehicle.

The education program reflected the Playhouse’s strong dedication to social service by offering In-School Touring plays that squarely faced social issues affecting the community. Using theater as a tool to provoke thought, the program aimed to help young people develop confidence and self-awareness. Delgado and Mittelman had co-authored, Theater Arts and Self Awareness: Creative Methods for the Social and Educational Development of Children.

Approximately 60,000 (middle through high school age) students saw these plays each year, and additionally, the Playhouse gave 10,000 heavily discounted or free tickets to its mainstage productions to underserved communities who otherwise would not have been exposed to theater. Over the years the education program developed and changed, so not all the elements described below were offered in all years. The Acting Apprentice Program, though, was the backbone of the In-School Touring Program, which was consistent throughout. Types of classes and other educational programs varied, as Delgado’s vision was continued by Bishop to provide offerings to meet community needs.

The primary components of the Education program were: 

  • Acting apprentices
  • In-school touring productions
  • Classes at the Playhouse for children, adults, and professionals
  • Other unique one-time or periodic offerings

“Boxes” was one of the many touring company productions. Acting Apprentices were the performers.