Education
Theater and music enrich, inspire, and connect. At the Stadsschouwburg and PHIL, we believe that art should be accessible to everyone, and that is why we are actively committed to education.
From school concerts to talent development, we offer children and young people the opportunity to not only experience music and theater but also to create it themselves. Together with schools and cultural partners, we bring culture to the classroom and the neighborhood, so that everyone can experience the magic of the stage.
From classroom to orchestra: experiencing music firsthand
With our educational program From Classroom to Orchestra, primary school students not only get the chance to enjoy live music, but also to create music themselves. Guided by teachers from the World Music School Schalkwijk, they form their own orchestra in an hour and a half, with collaboration and creativity at its core.
More music in the classroom and Choir Battle
In June 2020, various parties from Kennemerland signed a memorandum of understanding for "More Music in the Classroom" with the aim of giving music education a boost. This led to the initiative to put words into action and invite all schools from Kennemerland to participate in Choir Battle-Haarlem. So far, there have been 4 editions where the Grote Zaal of PHIL was filled with singing children and their parents!
School performances and interactive tours
School performances are offered through the Cultural Menu of Hart Haarlem, in which all primary schools in the region can participate. In addition to watching a performance, schools receive educational materials to prepare for the theater visit in the classroom.
We welcome about 90 classes from the upper grades of primary education each year for an interactive theatrical tour. Children explore places that normally remain hidden, such as changing rooms and backstage areas, and create their own short performance with the guidance of theater instructors. This combination of watching and doing ensures that children feel at home in the theater from an early age.
Education for secondary education, vocational education, and special education
In addition to programs for primary education, we also focus on secondary education and vocational education. The Haarlem Interscholastic Tournament (HIT) makes use of our rehearsal spaces and performs in our halls.
For students from special education, we offer introductions to attending performances through LessonUp, including sensory-friendly preparation for children on the autism spectrum.
Lightning internships
Through JINC, we offer lightning internships and language development programs to teach children what is necessary for a flying start in the labor market.
Musical theater summer camp
For children between 8 and 12 years old who want to engage with dance, theater, and music, we organize the Musical Theater Summer Camp each year in collaboration with the World Music School and Musical4Daagse. During the summer holiday, a free summer camp is offered over 4 weeks where children create a performance in one week. They practice songs, scenes, and dance moves together under the guidance of music and theater teachers.