The Higher Stages Outreach Program provides under-served, disadvantaged youth in Portland, Oregon with the experience of working with professional artists in the crafting and performance of art.
Our free after-school classes address the social, emotional and educational development of at-risk students through the arts. Classes help youth to develop self-esteem, self-confidence, and discipline. Great importance is placed on learning to respect and value people of different cultural, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Higher Stages Model
We take a unique approach in teaching at-risk youth. We provide each of our schools with not only an artist-instructor, but a site coordinator as well. This two-part model is able to meet a greater scope of needs than a program of instructors alone.
Site Coordinators
A site coordinator oversees the management of the classes and the supervision of the students, creating a nurturing, supportive environment. The site coordinator establishes the meaningful relationship with a caring adult which can make such a difference in the life of an at-risk youth. They also provide a positive communication link to the students’ families, classroom teachers, and administration.
Artist-Instructors
The artist-instructor is a working artist with high-caliber arts experience. He or she is strong both as an artist and a teacher, delivering quality content.
Life Skills
Alongside artistic skills, artists and site coordinators provide students with the opportunity to develop communication, self-expression, planning and organizing, critical thinking, understanding diversity, and understanding self. These tools are crucial for building healthy, productive lives. Through classes and performances, artists and site coordinators encourage risk-taking while helping students to discover their individual strengths.
For the 2007-2008 school year, art classes are offered at: Beach, Martin Luther King, Faubion, Vernon and Ockley Green K - 8th schools in North/Northeast Portland.
Performance by Higher Stages students-2007-2008
- Selected Higher Stages Circus students perform in Tears of Joy Theatre’s play, Petrouchka, December 28 – 30, at the Winningstad Theatre in Portland
- Family Nights and Showcase performances through out the school year
- Alberta Hop Parade- May 2008
