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Out-of-School Enrichment

Some of the most impactful learning takes place beyond the traditional school day. Arena Stage’s out-of-school time enrichment programs engage students of all ages in creative, hands-on experiences that encourage exploration, self-expression, and discovery. These student-centered programs provide supportive environments where young people can build confidence, strengthen essential life skills, and stay curious as they grow.

After-School Programing for Middle and High Schools

 

Voices of Now

Building Confidence and Connection through Collaborative Theater-Making

Voices of Now is a nationally recognized theater program at Arena Stage, with over 20 years of experience offering after-school residencies. In this program, student ensembles work alongside professional artists to create and perform original plays that reflect their personal experiences. During this semester-long residency, students work together through a fast-paced rehearsal process, engaging in writing, improvisation, movement, and ensemble-building exercises to transform their personal stories into an engaging physical theater piece.

Through this creative process, students explore themes that matter to them, shaping performances that spark meaningful dialogue and ask thought-provoking questions. The experience fosters self-expression while developing key skills in active listening, reflection, creative risk-taking, public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork.

Every May, ensembles from across the DC Metro area come together for the annual Voices of Now Festival. This one-day event showcases the creativity and unique perspectives of young artists. Each performance is followed by a talkback and Q&A session, and the festival also features workshops, panel discussions, and interactive activities to further engage students.

Learn more about the Voices of Now program (link to the existing VON landing page)

Program Details

  • Grade Levels: 6th-12th grades

  • Program Length: 60 contact hours over the course of the spring semester

  • Includes: All program materials, t-shirt, and festival performances.

Pricing

  • Title I Schools: Please contact us for pricing

  • Non-Title I Schools: Please contact us for pricing

  • Home School: Please contact us for pricing

  • School Districts: Please contact us for pricing

Support is available to assist schools with their pitch to the PTA, PTO, HSA or other potential funders as needed, whether it’s fine-tuning the message or helping with proposal materials.

After-School Programing for Elementary Schools

 

The Story Lab

Fostering Creativity and Personal Growth through Storytelling and Dramatic Play

The Story Lab transforms after school time into a lively, creative space where elementary students express themselves, build character, and grow through storytelling, role-play, and imaginative exploration.

 

In this semester-long program, students embark on interactive activities that strengthen their confidence, nurture empathy, and develop key life skills like resilience and problem-solving. Designed with younger students in mind, The Story Lab provides a safe, supportive space where creativity meets character-building, making it an ideal fit for an elementary school looking to enrich students’ emotional and social development in a way that feels both exciting and meaningful.

Program Details

  • Grade Levels: 3rd - 5th Grade

  • Program Length: 60-90 minutes, once a week for a semester (fall or spring)

  • Includes: All program materials and a sharing on the last day for family and friends.

Pricing

  • Title I Schools: $6,300

  • Non-Title I Schools: $10,000

  • Home School: Please contact us for pricing

Support is available to assist schools with their pitch to the PTA, PTO, HSA or other potential funders as needed, whether it’s fine-tuning the message or helping with proposal materials.

For more information about The Story Lab contact Katie Campbell, Learning Engagement Manager, at kcampbell@arenastage.org

Before + After School Programing for Pre-K through 1st Grade

 

Moving Stories

Building Literacy Skills & Cultivating Social-Emotional Learning through Creative Drama

Moving Stories is an interactive out-of-school program designed for Pre-K through 1st-grade students, using creative drama to bring literacy to life. Aligned with DC Public Schools' newly adopted Social Emotional Learning standards, this three-session program supports reading comprehension, vocabulary development, narrative understanding, and essential SEL skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and collaboration.

Led by professional teaching artists from Arena Stage, each 30-minute session invites students to engage with a contemporary children’s book through dramatic play and movement-based learning. The arts-integrated curriculum encourages confidence, self-expression, and deeper connection to story themes.

At the conclusion of the program, the host school receives a copy of the featured book along with extension activities to reinforce key concepts and continue the learning journey.

A featured book list is available upon request or at time of booking.

Program Details

  • Grade Levels: Pre-K – 1st Grade

  • Program Length: 3 school/site visits, 30 minutes each

  • Includes: Book for classroom library + extension activity guide

Pricing

  • Title I Schools: $630

  • Non-Title I Schools: $1,260

  • Home School: Please contact us for pricing

Support is available to assist schools with their pitch to the PTA, PTO, HSA or other potential funders as needed, whether it’s fine-tuning the message or helping with proposal materials.

For out-of-school time bookings of Moving Stories contact Katie Campbell, Learning Engagement Manager, at kcampbell@arenastage.org.

Moving Stories is made possible by the Nora Roberts Foundation.

Customizable Theater Experiences for Out-of-School Programs

Designed to spark creativity, foster teamwork, and promote personal growth, these customizable classes, workshops, or residencies focus on creative expression, ensemble building, storytelling, and social-emotional themes. Tailored to meet the unique goals, schedules, and needs of afterschool or enrichment programs, they provide engaging, student-centered arts experiences that align with the specific interests and values of the community.

For more information about building your own workshop or residency contact Katie Campbell, Learning Engagement Manager, at kcampbell@arenastage.org.