Education & Engagement Programs

As part of the social fabric of the city, the Goodman feels a keen responsibility to improve the quality of life in Chicago through first-rate productions and innovative community engagement programs.

The Goodman is nationally recognized as a leader in arts education, and our programs serve nearly 3,000 students and 5,000 adults each year through these initiatives.

School Matinee Series

For Chicagoland High Schools

Students experience Goodman Theatre productions free of charge through the School Matinee Series (SMS), the Goodman’s flagship Education program. Participating Chicago high schools receive standards-based teacher professional development, arts-integrated curriculum across subject areas, production-specific study guides, and tickets to Goodman Student Matinees.
Cindy Bandle Young Critics

For High School 10-12th Grade Women in the Chicagoland Area

Aspiring writers learn critical expression by exploring the world of professional writing. Mentored by multi-disciplined writers, participants experiment with a variety of writing forms to define their authentic voice. In addition, this free program offers young critics tickets to plays in the current Goodman Theatre season. Opportunities are also available for women at the undergraduate level interested in learning more about mentoring.
PlayBuild Youth Intensive

For 14 to 18 Year-Old Students in the Chicagoland Area

Participants share their voice through the art of creating theater. In this skill-building seven-week summer program, students learn industry skills from national theater professionals that are instantly applicable to the world of theater and everyday life, including team and ensemble building, creative problem solving, dramaturgy, research and public speaking. The program culminates in an original performance created by the participants.
Youth Arts Council

For 14 to 21 Year-Old Alumni of Goodman's Youth Programs

Participants become ambassadors for the theater in this youth leadership program. Members liaise between their peers and the Goodman, host events for young audiences and volunteer in their communities and schools.
GeNarrations

For Chicagoland Adults Aged 55+

A storytelling performance workshop in which participants develop personal narrative performance pieces based on themes raised by Goodman productions, which they are then invited to perform in a public forum. The Goodman offers at least three seven-week sessions each season, with up to 20 participants in each session. This program is presented in collaboration with the City of Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services as well as session-specific community based organizations.