Josh Costello,
Artistic Director of Expanded Programs

At MTC, we believe that theatre offers our community the chance to come together to share in the act of imaginative storytelling – live, in person, in the moment. For audiences and performers alike, theater is a creative act, and we believe that sharing in a creative act inspires personal growth and brings people together. MTC’s Expanded Programs opens up opportunities for people of all ages and all communities to participate in the joyous, challenging, and inspiring process of theater.

Daveed Diggs in the School Tour production of A Short History of Nearly Everything

For teachers and schools, for students and families, and for our community, MTC’s Expanded Programs engage and inspire people of all ages, all across Marin.

Want to participate in one of MTC’s Expanded Programs? Contact Josh Costello at josh@marintheatre.org or (415) 388-5200 x3310.

Want the latest news? Click here to view recent MTC Blog posts about Expanded Programs.

Student Matinees [LINK]
Student matinee performances with special discounted pricing are available for all our productions, including My Children! My Africa! in January and February 0f 2009 (student matinee performances Thu Jan 22, Tues Jan 27, and Thu Feb 5 at 11am).

MTC provides Discovery Guides filled with information and ideas for classroom exercises that put the play in context and prepare students to see the production.  To get an even deeper look at the play, MTC can send a teaching artist into the classroom before and after the performance, to help the classroom teacher integrate the play into the regular school curriculum.  This integration can be designed to meet California and NCLB standards.

Email education@marintheatre.org for more information.

Teen Advisory Board
Marin Theatre Company’s Teen Advisory Board is a group of passionate and dedicated middle and high school students who serve as ambassadors between MTC and the teen community in Marin County.  Teen Board members produce SceneFest– MTC’s yearly acting competition for teens – as well as help plan MTC’s summer camps, observe rehearsals for MTC mainstage productions, participate in advanced acting lessons, attend monthly meetings, and receive free tickets to MTC productions.  Want to join the Teen Advisory Board? Email education@marintheatre.org.

Teachers' Night Out
Teachers from Marin County public and private schools are invited to attend a free pre-show discussion and performance at MTC, where they are given study guides and opportunities to speak with the artistic staff in an effort to help teachers to incorporate theatre into their curriculum. Marin County teachers email education@marintheatre.org to be invited to Teachers' Night Out.

MTC in the Schools [LINK]
MTC brings professional instructors into schools around Marin County for drama classes either afterschool or as an addition to the regular curriculum. Students engage their imaginations as actors or playwrights, learning to express themselves creatively while building self-esteem. Recent schools include MLK and Bayside in Marin City, San Rafael High, Edna Maguire in Mill Valley (through Mill Valley Parks and Rec), and Marin Country Day School. Special final sessions will be held at MTC’s Lieberman Theatre in Mill Valley, where students from MTC drama classes at different elementary schools come together to share in the creation of a theatrical event.

Afterschool Classes [LINK]
MTC now offers afterschool drama classes with open enrollment through Mill Valley Parks and Rec’s Enrichment Program, in addition to ongoing afterschool programs at specific schools. 

School Tour [LINK]
MTC is bringing theatre into schools around Marin County. Click the link for information about A Short History of Nearly Everything (for middle and high schools) and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe (for elementary schools).

The Canal Project [LINK]
American Triage is a new play by Marisela Treviño Orta, telling the story of two San Rafael teenagers whose parents are deported in the recent immigration raids.  MTC commissioned Ms. Orta to teach a bilingual playwriting class at San Rafael High and to write the play, which was presented last Winter at MTC and at the Pickleweed Community Center in San Rafael.

Internships [LINK]
MTC's internships are designed to provide experience and preparation for beginning a career in the professional theatre. Interns work closely with members of MTC's artistic and administrative staff, attending departmental meetings, interacting with patrons, and taking on real responsibilities in connection with MTC's programs and productions. In addition, interns participate in special workshops and seminars and attend theatrical performances around the Bay Area.

MTC Engaged!
Post-show Q&As, preshow lectures, and other special events around our season productions. Check the page for each show for dates and times.

Peter J. Owens Scholarship Fund
Scholarships are offered each year to students from economically disadvantaged areas (including Marin City and the Canal District) so that they can participate in MTC's educational programs.