Partners in Education Program

In 1991, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and the Anchorage School District were chosen to participate in the first Partners in Education institute at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Since then, Anchorage-area teachers from all grade levels have been attending performances, lectures and participatory workshops as part of the Partners In Edcuation Program. Artists secured through resident company bookings, from the Kennedy Center Presenter's Network and local teachers create a series of 10 to 14 workshops for which teachers receive graded graduate credit through Alaska Pacific University. More...

Pre/Post-Concert Lectures

These free talks are held on-stage before or after performances. This is your chance to learn more about the show from a local expert and/or the performers themselves! For some performances, the Resident Companys offer a a pre-show lecture 1 hour before curtain, which is led by a local expert, OR a post-show discussion with cast members will begin immediately after this performance concludes. More...

Master Classes

Many of the Resident Company's offer Master Classes in conjunction with their events. Local dancers, singers, musicians and actors learn from the professionals! Students interact with visiting artists in an intimate and hands-on environment. More...

High School Playwriting Contest at ACPA - HUGE SUCCESS!

Three fresh new playwrights participated in Anchorage Concert Association's "Write, Direct & Produce Your Own Flop" contest on Wednesday, November 28! This wonderful program was proudly sponosred by Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. The contest asked the playwrights to write their own version of a "Broadway Flop" inspired by the premise from The Producers.  Plays selected from the submissions were given the opportunity to compete for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place by performing for a panel of judges and audience on the Sydney Laurence stage.  Anchorage Concert Association's Education & Event Director, Erynn Smith, created the contest to encourage and celebrate young writers. Three talented writers competed for amazing prizes! The evening was hosted by Max Bialystock (played by John Fraser) and Leo Bloom (played by Rob Lecrone)! We certainly have wonderful talent in our community!  These young writers created the following short plays:

• Stonehenge by Lindsey Leonard (West High)
• Heroes & Thieves by James Sweeney (Chugiak High)
• Legally Blind by Grace Abbott (West High)

James Sweeney took first place, Grace Abbott took second and Lindsey Leonard, third. Along with each receiving a backstage tour of The Producers on December 8, and other prizes, the first place winner, James Sweeney, got a surprise by winning a "walk on part" in The Producers for the Saturday matinee on December 8! This collaborative effort also partnered ACA and ACPA with Alaska Theatre of Youth, who provided their Director of Programs, Janet Stoneburner, as the show's stage manager and two young people from ATY's technical training program to run lights and sound for the night. The panel of judges included:

• Nancy Harbour - President, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
• Stephanie Kesler - Board President, Anchorage Concert Association
• Ruth Glenn - Executive Director, Alaska Dance Theatre
• Sandy Adams - Executive Director, Anchorage Concert Chorus
• Lainie Dreas - Executive Director, Alaska Junior Theater

We'll keep you informed on upcoming contests and events for young people in our community! Are you interested in supporting events like this? Contact Codie Costello at 263-2908.