ALT’s classroom-based residency program is rooted in student-led education, helping kids build empathy, confidence, and their own creative voice, one scene at a time.
In the 2024–25 school year, we partnered with 18 schools, led 45 cohorts, and worked with 676 students, over 92% of whom were economically disadvantaged.
Theatre Education That Puts Students in the Lead
Students Create Change is a multi-week residency where students don’t just watch theatre — they make it. Working side-by-side with ALT teaching artists, students create an original play from the ground up, tackling themes that matter most to them.
Students Create Change is generously supported by M.C. & Tom Brennan.
What is Students Create Change?
Quick facts:
Grades Served: Pre-K through 12th
Length: 5–16 sessions (flexible scheduling)
Group Size: Up to 20 students (exceptions case-by-case)
Performance: Culminates in a student-written, student-performed play
2024–25 Impact: Partnered with 18 schools, led 45 cohorts, and worked with 676 students — over 92% were economically disadvantaged
Cost: Customized based on length and scope
“The kids immediately latched on, exploring important themes to them and how we interact with one another.”
— Michael Richart, Teacher
“I like how they made me brave, how the play went, and how they made me proud.”
— PreK student, Rising Stars at Vine
“They were amazing and kind. They made my imagination come true!”
— 3rd grade student, Roselawn Condon School
Voices from the Classroom
Why It Works
Student-Led: Students drive the creative process, from first idea to final bow.
Empathy & Connection: Collaborative storytelling builds understanding and stronger classroom communities.
Life Skills Through Theatre: Confidence, communication, and creative problem-solving last long after the curtain closes.
Theatre isn’t just about acting. It’s about listening, storytelling, empathy, and leadership. Students Create Change uses the arts to help students tap into those skills and find their voice in the classroom and beyond.
89% of students found a trusting adult through ALT’S programming
How It Works
We follow a signature Students Create Change process, one that we’ve honed through years of working side by side with classrooms across the region. Every residency follows a clear structure that gives students a safe, consistent space to explore big ideas — but it’s never one-size-fits-all.
We adapt our activities to match where students are developmentally, so each group gets exactly what they need to thrive.
From start to finish, the program is a true collaboration between ALT teaching artists, classroom teachers, and guardians. That means the lessons and performances grow out of the students’ real lives, with the full support of the adults who know them best.
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We kick things off with icebreakers, creative games, and getting to know each other. Students start exploring themes and inspirations that matter to them — no idea is too big or small.
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Working together, the group identifies core themes and characters. They explore personal stories, research, and creative exercises to shape the show’s message.
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Students draft short scenes, improvise, and experiment with storytelling styles. We work toward a show arc that brings their ideas to life
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The group rehearses their work, strengthens performance skills, and fine-tunes the structure. This phase often includes creating simple costumes, props, or even marketing materials.
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Students run the show with any sound, lighting, or staging needed. They work as a team to make sure everything is ready for an audience.
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The residency wraps with a live performance for classmates, families, and the school community — followed by a celebration of their hard work and creativity.
Bring Students Create Change to Your School
Kids don’t just “put on a play” with Students Create Change. They wrestle with ideas, figure things out together, and discover their own voice — all while creating something that’s truly theirs.
Ready to bring Students Create Change to your PreK-12 school for the 2025–26 school year?
Let’s make it happen.