“Too many of our schoolchildren are failing. We think we can help,” said James Porter, founder of a new non-profit organization called Arizona Curriculum Theater (ACT). “Too many of our kids seem disinterested with learning. ACT uses the power and excitement of live performance to spark the imagination and compel those students into learning again,” Mr. Porter explained. “It can be a magical transformation.”
The latest AIMS test results released last month by the Arizona Department of Education showed that roughly 30 percent of schoolchildren had failed in reading and writing. Mr. Porter believes it's time to become proactive. “We need to give teachers innovative yet affordable new tools in order to reach that 30 percent. ACT brings a new energy into the classroom. It's a different perspective on curriculum-based education.”
ACT is comprised of a network of actors and educators who conduct workshops and perform in schools all across Arizona. “We have a tremendous variety of offerings from our artists – Shakespeare, Poe, Chaucer, Carroll, Frost. The list is long,” Mr. Porter said. “And we envision the Curriculum Theater brand going national through local offices and video production. ACT can help schools connect with artists all across our nation. It is an exciting and innovative approach to education.”
Like most public charities, ACT is feeling the pinch of our country's economic downturn. “It's tough trying to start a nonprofit in this atmosphere, no question about it,” said Mr. Porter. “But we all believe so deeply in ACT's mission that it makes all of us optimistic. We know ACT is a very worthy cause, and we're confident we will find donors out there who will see our value and help us keep our shows and workshops at no-cost or low-cost to the schools.” If you would like to help, please visit ACT's website (http://curriculumtheater.com).
For more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview with James Porter, please call 401-440-7778 or e-mail publicrelations@
