October 20 , 2008

Here is a great article about the power of theatre in education.

EDUTOPIA ARTICLE

"It can be hard to find the motivation that leads to honest investment in a difficult task. But that is the teacher's responsibility: to create experiences for our students that make them active participants rather than passive recipients. With some creativity, flexibility, and research, it is possible. And it's also more fun -- for everyone. The teacher gets the gratification of seeing students develop life skills and confidence that will serve them for the rest of their lives. Students get to experience the excitement of discovery, the frustration of periodic failure, the camaraderie of teamwork, and the jubilation and pride inherent in giving a performance that has meaning."

October 16, 2008

TAP has been chosen as a recipient of funds from The Giving Spree. Wow!

The Giving Spree is a giving and shopping event that is being executed across all participating GGP malls and culminates in a one-day event on Saturday, November 15th. We'll focus on giving in two ways - giving to non-profit organizations and giving the perfect gift.

Highland Mall has partnered with your favorite stores to say "Thanks for giving!". Donate today and get a list of exclusive retailer offers, including great deals like*:
20% off total purchase at Aeropostale

15% off full priced merchandise at Steve Madden

20% off your entire purchase at Disney Store

15% off your entire purchase at The Body Shop

25% off your purchase at New York & Company

Just click here to donate and receive these great specials!

October 15, 2008

TAP has a new blog! Check it out to read firsthand accounts of what TAP is up to around Austin!

http://tapstories.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

October 8, 2008

Here is a great article about the use of theatre techniques in classrooms. The author explains how theatre and activity and inquiry based learning enhance academics, help young people express themselves and address social issues. This really resonates with what we are trying to do with young people here at TAP! It's exciting to see how many other people recognize the value of theatre in our education system.

Playing Roles for a Real Education, NY Times

October 7, 2008

Things at TAP are GREAT. Dozens of new schools want our programming, volunteers are calling daily to sign up to help our teaching artists with classes, and requests for TAP to present at area events and festivals are pouring in. We can hardly keep up with the demand! It is really exciting that people from all over Central Texas are starting to learn about what we do and hearing stories through the grapevine that TAP programs are effective, meaningful, fun and really special. If you want to see for yourself, give me a ring and I will escort you to see TAP in action--really! Just call the office and ask for Karen.

Updates:

This week is National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week. As many of you know, TAP has been addressing bullying in schools for the past 8 years through our interactive play The Courage to Stand, that teaches young people how to be "courageous bystanders" and stand up to bullying.

Here are some important statistics on bullying:

• Bullying peaks in the 11-12 year old age group
• 160,000 children in the United States miss school every day for fear of being bullied
• 86% of children between 12 and 15 claim to be bullied at school—making bullying more prevalent than smoking, alcohol, or drugs
among the same age group
• More than half of children between the ages of eight and eleven see bullying as a “big problem” at school

Do something! If you witness bullying, tell an adult and let the target know that they can count on you to stand up for them!

September 24, 2008

Welcome! I hope you are enjoying the new web site! We are really happy with it and hope it is a useful tool to explain what we are doing with young people in the Austin area. I plan to write updates here every few days or so to let our community know what's new! Let us know what you think about it!

A few updates for you:

We are a finalist for the Greenlights for Nonprofit Success Award for excellence in Collaboration! We will find out the results tomorrow! Keep your fingers crossed. We are really honored to be considered.

We have finalized our plans for this year's First Night Austin. Be on the lookout for "Keep the Night Alive!: Celebrating Texas' Endangered Nocturnal Animals" through which we will engage thousands of people in spectacle making and workshops. Picture thousands of Owls, Bats, Spiders, Ocelots and Wolves! Our nocturnal friends are very important and we hope to educate the community about this even further!

Don't forget that October 5-11 is National Bully Prevention Week! If you are looking for a counter bullying program, click here.

Happy Fall!

Karen