A Journey to the Classroom: Bringing Live Theatre Directly to Students in the Capital Region

Capital Repertory Theatre’s On-The-Go! Tours reach thousands of students each year

ALBANY— On-The-Go! Tours allow students who might never step foot in a traditional theatre venue to be introduced to the power of storytelling, performance and the creative arts.

It all began with a simple desire: to expand access to the magic of live theatre. In 2002, Capital Repertory Theatre, created a new vision that brings the theatre directly to schools. On-The-Go! Tours deliver live performances, complete with post-show discussions, to students without requiring them to leave their classrooms. In 2014, partnering with the Collaborative School of the Arts, the program was able to expand and add several new titles.

The most recent tour, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” performed at over 15 schools for over 3,000 students, according to Program Manager Hannah DeStefano.

According to theREP’s Associate Artistic Director Margaret E. Hall, from the very beginning, the programming was designed to have a dual educational purpose. The scripts in many cases have been adapted and created with the curriculum in mind. Two key areas of focus are literary works and New York State history.

The next production is “A Friend of A Friend: Tales of the Underground Railroad” by Artistic Director Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill and Jill Rafferty-Weinisch. Crafted by theREP, this original docu-play draws upon New York State archival records, vividly illustrating the reverberations of the Fugitive Slave Act within the Capital Region’s historical landscape. 

DeStefano said, “We have very limited availability left for the spring tour. We are excited to bring theatre to students who may not otherwise be positioned to have that experience. Exposure to the arts is one of the most important parts of a well-rounded education.”

Connecting Stories to the Curriculum

The program is committed to telling stories that are not only important but local, reflecting on the state’s rich history and its cultural significance. Productions based on Henry Johnson, the Erie Canal and the Underground Railroad make topics easy for teachers to integrate into their curriculum, as well as help students see the connections between history and their own lives.

Literary works are also adapted into dynamic, engaging performances that connect with students while aligning with their classroom studies. Beloved classics like “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” and condensed versions of Shakespearean plays are perfect additions to the tour, as well as classrooms’ lesson plans.

A Traveling Theatre Company That Can Perform Anywhere

One of the defining features of this initiative is its flexibility. The performances are designed to work in any environment, whether it’s a school gymnasium, a library or even have improvised to use a hallway after a flood (the show must go on!). With a portable set, sound system and minimal requirements for space the company can perform for many different audiences, proving the essence of theatre isn’t the grandness of the venue but the stories told and the experiences shared.

“We try to make it work wherever the school wants us,” Hall said. “Whether it’s a large auditorium or a small library, our goal is to make sure kids get the chance to experience the magic of theatre.”

The Impact: Thousands of Students, Countless Performances

Since its inception in 2002, the program has reached thousands of students. With two tours a year, each typically spanning about three weeks, the company performs for anywhere between 100 to 600 students per show. In some cases, schools bring the program back year after year, recognizing the immense value it brings to their students.

One of the highlights of these tours is the talk-back session that follows each performance. For many students, this direct interaction with professionals in the field can spark their own interest in theatre, inspiring them to pursue creative careers or simply appreciate the art form in new ways.

“Kids are smart, they’re curious and they ask some really great questions,” Hall noted. “We get letters that are thoughtful, insightful and even funny. They remind us of why we do this work. It’s about reaching kids in a way that’s unique and impactful.”

Making the Arts Accessible to All

At the heart of On-The-Go! is a dedication to accessibility. The aim is to ensure that every child in the Capital Region, regardless of background or location, has access to theatre at least once in their lifetime.

“We know that not every kid in the audience will become a lifelong theatregoer, but we hope that they walk away with something that stays with them,” Hall said. “Whether it’s an appreciation for live performance, an interest in a new subject, or simply a sense of wonder, we want every student to leave feeling like they’ve experienced something special.”

In the end, it’s not just about the performances. It’s about the lasting impact these shows have on the young minds they reach and sharing in the power of stories and the incredible possibilities of the world of theatre.

Schools can still book performances for the spring tour of “A Friend of A Friend.” For more information visit collaborativeschoolofthearts.org/otg. Capital Repertory Theatre and Collaborative School of the Arts are a part of Proctors Collaborative.