Get in the Act Arts in Action Inc

Mission:

Get in the Act! Arts in Action is a dedicated team of professionally trained artists and educators that use the performing arts as powerful teaching tools to enhance and strengthen the learning process.

Founded in September 2009, our non-profit work is a natural outgrowth of our successful ten years of creative arts programming in the underserved communities of the Northern Sierra Nevada region. By partnering with schools and communities we have served over 10,000 students, parents, and audience participants with programs that educate and entertain.

Programs:

Our pioneering Science Theater program combines energizing theater techniques with guided-inquiry to engage students in earth, physical, and life science concepts. Each lesson uses active drama so that students fully explore an intriguing science question.

Our lessons are hands-on and participatory; in this way we engage students by involving all of their senses in the learning process. Educators tell us that our techniques connect with students that have difficulty grasping concepts through traditional teaching methods. A typical program consists of three classrooms meeting separately once a week for nine weeks, with each lesson exploring a new science inquiry.

 According to a news release from the California Dept. of Education, a recent study found that over the past 10 years job growth involving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) was three times greater than that of non-STEM occupations. The report also forecast that STEM jobs will continue to grow at a faster rate than others in the coming decade.

Science Theater prepares students to question, hypothesize, interpret, present, and reflect on their findings in order to make effective decisions. Our proactive and upbeat techniques groom students to view science as enriching and worthy of pursuit.

We are strongly encouraged by student and teacher response to our program outcomes. For example, at Zephyr Cove Elementary School we asked the teachers five questions on strength of program, objectives attained, and skill development for students in teamwork and critical thinking. 

Teachers gave Science Theater the highest score possible in every category.

Likewise, we statistically validate the success of Science Theater. We use lively improvisational skits of everyday scenarios in order to teach science concepts.

Our post-lesson assessments show 90 percent of students answering concept questions correctly, a 400 percent increase in student comprehension compared to pre-assessments!

Testimonials:

Indeed, Zephyr Cove faculty endorsed Science Theater’s ground-breaking teaching methods.

Principal Nancy Cauley stated, “Get in the Act has had an amazing effect on how the students have learned the necessary curriculum in science and beyond!”

Ms. Sarah Stewart, 3rd grade teacher declared, “The program was amazing! Get in the Act weaved in state standards with exciting lessons that included visuals, movement, skits, and so much more! It is authentic, meaningful learning.”

Mrs. Susan Desrosiers, 2nd grade teacher proclaimed, “This was excellent! You provided a dynamic approach to teaching content."

And 4th grade teacher Ms. Karen Boulet proclaimed her students’ wish, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could learn all subjects this way!”

Accordingly, our objectives are both achievable and measurable and we anticipate continued positive results for the future based on the fact that we are executing methods proven successful.

Donors and Sponsors:

• Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation
• El Dorado Community Foundation
• US Bancorp
• The Leonette Foundation
• National Endowment for the Arts
• Nevada Arts Council
• Tahoe-Douglas Rotary
• Vail Resorts Echo Foundation
• California Arts Council
• Tahoe City Rotary
• Tahoe Mountain Resorts Foundation

 

 

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