School of Theatre

The Matrix School of Theatre uses the arts to engage its participants in   community development, instilling in them civic responsibility and personal leadership. Participants in the School of Theatre, ranging in age from 5 to 18, create original plays that entertain as well as educate.  Matrix’s young artists create new work that calls attention to crucial issues chosen by the participants themselves, their families, and their community.  Through Matrix’s sequential curriculum in playwriting, acting, and puppetry, participants will improve in their literacy and language skills, and also acquire confidence in their own ideas and their ability to effect positive change.  Our multi-arts programs take place on-site at the Matrix Theatre, as well as in Detroit schools, serving 650 youth throughout the year.

A Community of Creativity

Matrix Theatre Company has been fostering a community of creativity with children, youth, and adults in Southwest Detroit since 1991.  It provides the highest possible quality learning experience, and great care has been taken to develop and deliver age and culturally appropriate learner-centered arts experiences.

The Matrix School of Theatre offers year-round classes to youth ages 5-18 in acting, playwriting, and puppetry, all of which follow an integrated sequence, and are aligned to State of Michigan education standards and benchmarks. Currently, Matrix is conducting 9 after-school programs, and an additional 5 classes within various Detroit schools.  In each program, youth have the opportunity to work with professional artists to build their creativity and work toward mastery in various art forms.

After School Programs

Matrix’s after-school programming offers 40 direct contact hours in ten week modules.  Our learner-centered teaching ensures that participants engage the whole range of intelligences: visual, spatial, mathematical, kinesthetic, inter- and intra-personal, and linguistic.  Participants work closely with instructors in a learner-centered environment to brainstorm ideas and topics, and then create an action plan for their project.  At the end of each term, participants will show their work in a public performance at the Matrix Theatre Company.

Growing up With Matrix

Participants not only receive a significant and consistent experience for the duration of their class, they also have the opportunity to stay with Matrix as they mature.  The structure of the sequential curriculum challenges participants with more and more advanced benchmarks as they progress inage and skill.  It is not uncommon for participants of the Matrix School of Theatre to “grow up” in its programs, and to remain committed members of the Matrix family even into adulthood. After a full year in the School of Theatre, participants are undoubtedly impacted in very positive ways.  The process of reading, writing, and rewriting plays boosts literacy skills enormously.  Participants are consistently exposed to the written word, expected to keep journals, and edit and critique the scripts they are working on.  The process of reading and writing strengthens participants’ language skills and literacy, which in turns benefits overall academic performance.

Currently, Matrix is conducting 9 after-school programs, and an additional 5 classes within various Detroit schools.  In each program, youth have the opportunity to work with professional artists to build their creativity and work toward mastery in various art forms.

Awards

One measure of artistic merit in a cultural organization, most especially in a community-based theatre, is whether its work is recognized by others. By that measure, Matrix has achieved a high standard of excellence.
Partial List:

2007    Marygrove College Theresa Maxis Award for Social Justice

2006    Michigan History Council Award for Local History Project  (Boomtown 1925)

2005    Wayne Council for Arts and Humanities, Arts Organization Award

2004    Ginsberg Center Award for University/Community Partnership Inaugural Imagining Michigan Award for Homelands: Michigan Central

2003    ArtServe Michigan Governor’s Art Award for Arts and Culture  Organizations

Proclamation by Detroit City Council for service to youth arts

2001    Youth Sports and Recreation Commission Leonard Smith Award for Organizational Excellence

Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan honored Matrix for its groundbreaking Once Was Paradise Project

1999    National Mayors Conference Christina Mattin Arts Award