Education Programs

Jennifer Ellis and the cast of The Bridges of Madison County (2017). Photo by Glenn Perry Photography.

At SpeakEasy, we believe theatre is an essential part of growth and development; in fact, a core part of SpeakEasy’s mission is championing future arts leaders. For over a decade, we have done so through our Fellowship and Internship Programs, in which we train young artists and arts administrators in the operations of professional theatre.

For information about current pre-professional opportunities and to apply to be a part of SpeakEasy Stage, please visit our About page.

We also serve hundreds of local students annually, bringing in school groups from across Greater Boston to attend our productions with our Student Matinee Series.

SpeakEasy is dedicated to furthering educational opportunities throughout the city, including through community collaborations, like our Partnership with the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.  

Finally, throughout 2020 and 2021, SpeakEasy offered a virtual professional development series called SpeakEasy University. Hosted on Zoom, each eight-week semester covered all the ins and outs of the theatre industry and featured professionals from throughout the city presenting alongside SpeakEasy staff. Even when unable to train aspiring theatre professionals in person, SpeakEasy is committed to education and personal development. 

For questions about SpeakEasy’s education initiatives and ways to get involved, please contact Community Programs & Events Manager Alex Lonati. 

STUDENT MATINEES

At SpeakEasy, we believe that the arts are for everyone. We produce relevant and bold theatre that has the power to educate and inspire our audiences – and student audiences are no exception.

Through our Student Matinee Series, we bring students of all income levels throughout the Boston area to our award-winning productions, supplementing their experience with pre-show study guides and post-show, moderated conversations with the artists.

Since the program’s inception in 2013, we have served over 4,000 students from Boston area schools, many of whom attend at no cost, thanks to our generous community partners – Office of MassHousing and Berkshire Bank. 

We have offered student matinee performances for the following productions: 

• Once on This Island (2022)
• Choir Boy (2019)
• School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play (2019)
• Fun Home (2018)
• Allegiance (2018)
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (2017)
• The Scottsboro Boys (2016)
• Violet (2016)
• Big Fish (2015)
• The Color Purple (2014)
• In the Heights (2013)

More information about our 2022-2023 Student Matinee Series offerings coming soon. 

If you are interested in bringing a group to a specially scheduled student matinee performance, please email Community Programs & Events Manager Alex Lonati. 

If you are interested in making a contribution in support of our Student Matinee Series, and enriching the lives of students otherwise unable to attend live theatre, please contact our Development Manager Jenna Rehrig.

News About Our Education Programs