In classrooms across the Upper Valley, students are trading textbooks for scripts—and discovering newfound confidence in the process.
Now in its eighth season, BridgeUP: Theater in the Schools, a program led by Northern Stage, is transforming the way elementary and middle school students experience Shakespeare. By bringing professional teaching artists directly into classrooms, BridgeUP immerses students in hands-on theater residencies that culminate in student-led performances of adapted Shakespeare plays. The program is offered at no cost to participating schools.
But the impact goes far beyond the final curtain call. “It’s not just about learning lines or staging scenes,” said Robert David Grant, director of education at Northern Stage and director of Theater in the Schools. “Our students come away with new confidence—not just as performers but as learners and collaborators.”
BridgeUP combines theater training with academic support, helping students explore literary elements like verse, meter, character development, and storytelling through the lens of performance. At the same time, the program develops real-world skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and creative problem-solving.
“You taught them poise, how to speak in public, and how to take risks when things seem challenging,” one Hartford, Vermont teacher shared. “But above all else, you gave each and every one of them confidence… gifts they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
The program also supports educators by offering professional development opportunities and co-teaching models that encourage teachers to bring experiential learning strategies into their broader curriculum. The result is a deeper connection between students, classroom content, and personal growth.
Students from schools across the region—including Woodstock—performed their Shakespeare productions first at their schools and then again on stage at Northern Stage’s theater in White River Junction, giving young actors a professional platform to share their work.
Participation in BridgeUP is by invitation or through an application process. Schools interested in future opportunities can contact Robert David Grant at [email protected] for more information.
To learn more about Northern Stage, visit: northernstage.org.
