School Programs
At the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, we create connections between the theater and K-12 classrooms. Those magical connections spur conversations and nurture deeper knowledge that comes from experiencing the arts on the Strand Theatre stage.
Bring your students to the theater.
Our ongoing programs — School Matinees for grades 3–5 and Stage the Page for grades K–2 — are opportunities for schools and teachers to bring students to the theater.
Bring the theater to your students.
Our teaching artists offer scalable School Programs that bring the theater to your students. These programs have two different tracks:
- Programs based on our current season family shows
- Workshops, collaboratively crafted with teachers, based on their students’ specific needs
Our school programming is made possible by the generous support of donors through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC).
School Matinees
In addition to our annual Stage the Page program for grades K - 2, we also offer matinee performances for grades 3 - 5 for the 2025-26 school year!
Free tickets and bus subsidies are provided by generous donations through the EITC Program.
Stage The Page — Grades K-2
Our Stage the Page program inspires and encourages young learners to read while exposing them to high-quality theatrical productions.
In addition to tickets to the performance, participating schools receive:
- Copies of the book on which the performance is based
- A Study Guide that incorporates PA Curriculum Standards
- Access to bus subsidies to attend the performance at the Appell Center in downtown York
Stage the Page 2026 Lesson Plan Links
Kindergarten – Stage the Page Lesson Plans
Grade 1 – Stage the Page Lesson Plans
Grade 2 – Stage the Page Lesson Plans
Special thanks to Lauren Rock, Paula March, and Davonna Rickard for creating these lesson plans specifically for classes attending the Stage the Page program this year, and to Dr. Brandon T. Carter and Dr. Rumon Chakravarty for reading folktales on video.
Stone Soup … and Other Stories
March 17 – 20, 2026
A charming, well-seasoned blend of folktales from around the world!
“Stone Soup…and Other Stories” supports the literacy movement’s emphasis on the joy of reading, and provides a starting point for ongoing enjoyment of folk tales in the classroom. Without a doubt, this familiar brew of favorites will delight very young audiences — from age 4 to 94!
Dynamic, participatory and filled with zesty entertainment, “Stone Soup…” is on the gourmet “not to be missed” list for young viewers!
Free tickets and books are provided, as well as free and reduced transportation thanks to the generous support of individuals and businesses through the EITC Program.
School Matinees — Grades 3-5
DOKTOR KABOOM: Under Pressure!
January 30, 2026
Equal parts interactive science, comedy, and personal empowerment messages, Doktor Kaboom returns with a new show. Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! illustrates physical science concepts, which are also metaphors for real-life mental and emotional pressures.
Praised for keeping crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter, Doktor Kaboom is also known for empowering volunteers from the audience to be the heroes of the moment. In Under Pressure!, Kaboom validates the pressures some students may feel, and shares tools and life lessons as resources for dealing with the difficulties that face us all.
Free tickets are provided, as well as free and reduced transportation thanks to the generous support of individuals and businesses through the EITC Program.
School Opportunities
The Appell Center and our teaching artists offer a wide variety of programming to schools and other community organizations.
The Appell Center has teaching artists for every discipline who can scale presentations up or down for any class size. We can base school programs on the family shows of our current season OR create workshops centered around your organization’s needs.
2025-26 Programming
Arts and Science Workshops
These workshops, geared towards older elementary students in grades 3 – 6, connect the arts to science through comedy improvisation, music, science-based magic and more.
Contact AJMyers@appellcenter.org for more information or to schedule a workshop.
Stage the Page Workshops
These workshops give students a chance to take part in the performing arts after attending a live theater performance as part of the Stage the Page program.
For the 2025-26 school year, Workshops are offered to classes that attend the Stage the Page performance of Stone Soup…and Other Stories at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts. Indicate your interest in a workshop while registering for Stage the Page, and the Appell Center will be in touch to schedule.
Learn More
Contact AJ Myers or fill out the form below for more information about how to set up a workshop.
ajmyers@appellcenter.org
Career Learning Opportunities at the Appell Center
The Appell Center offers career training opportunities to students and early career artists throughout the year, all at nominal or no cost to the participants. Career development at the Appell Center includes:
Creative Career Day: An annual event held in February featuring hands-on workshops with creative professionals in the historic Strand and Capitol Theatre. Past workshops have included:
- Light and Sound Design
- Costume Design
- Voice Over Acting
- Set Design
- Film Production
- Props
- Graphic Design
Artist Cohort: In partnership with the Cultural Alliance of York County, the Appell Center offers professional development opportunities to teaching artists or artists who would like to become teaching artists. In sessions throughout the year, artists meet to create and present lessons in various disciplines targeted to all age groups, receiving immediate feedback from other teachers. Most cohort participants go on to become ACPA teaching artists, and work with students throughout York County and beyond.
Shadow and Internship Opportunities: The Appell Center works with local schools and higher learning institutions to offer shadow and internship opportunities in various areas withing the Appell Center.
