Literacy in ACTion

Find us on:

Literacy in ACTion

Our flagship Literacy in ACTion (LACT) Educator Learning Units are designed to assist and support teachers. The theatre-based classroom strategies will transform reluctant and struggling adolescent readers into motivated, proficient readers and critical thinkers. This innovative blend of education and theatre helps teachers make literature relevant, accessible, and enjoyable for all students. This program seeks to enhance the quality of teaching, meet the multiple learning styles and needs of students and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching literature.

"Because of the Literacy in ACTion structure, my students progressed with their reading. Tests scores continue to improve on the PSSA, 4Sight, and Curriculum Benchmark Exams based on the skills that are incorporated into pre- and post-lessons of each play studied." (Pittsburgh Lincoln)

Are you Interested in learning more about Literacy in ACTion?

Fill our our LACT Interest form!

5 W's as to Why you should be a part of LACT

Who: Prime Stage Theatre Company

Prime Stage Theatre has been a mainstay of the Pittsburgh arts community for 26 years. With over 90 productions, we have been proudly executing around our mission to entertain, inspire, and enrich through professional theatre by bringing literature to life. Education is the cornerstone of the company. We offer teachers and students outreach programs that help everyone understand, enjoy, and appreciate literature and the arts.

What: Literacy In Action

Looking for a fresh way to keep your students energized and active in your lessons? Help yourself rejuvenate your teaching with our Literacy In ACTion program. We use inspirational Act 48 workshops, Engaging Units that break down how to use theatre in all aspects of your classroom, and refreshing in-person or virtual field trips to see one of our compelling performances!

When: A School Year

Use our teacher Units and training from our education team throughout your school year. Our Units can be used as a full package or individually. They can even be tailored to fit your teaching timeline!

Why: For you and your students

Our LACT structure advances the reading and comprehension skills of your students along with helping to increase your teaching skills and strategies.


Where: Virtual, Your Classroom, and at the Theatre

With our LACT Educator Learning Units, our staff can work with you virtually as well as in your classroom! This will include you and your students having the advantage to attend one of our student matinee field trip performances, of your choice, at no charge during our season by traveling to the theatre along with our post-show discussion and meeting the actors.

Interested in learning more? Fill out our LACT Interest form!


Participating schools and districts have included:

  • Grandview
  • Langley
  • Schiller
  • Highlands
  • Yough
  • Steel Valley
  • Wesley Spectrum
  • Bentworth
  • Carlynton
  • Trinity
  • Linton
  • Keystone Oaks
  • Clarion
  • Arsenal

Comments from participating teachers:

"I would like to say that this partnership with Prime Stage has been invaluable for my students who have come from other countries and for whom English is not their first language. They have beginning reading skills, but seeing the play as well makes the literature comprehensible to them and increases their confidence in their reading ability." (Keystone Oaks School District)
"To see the students work together so beautifully was truly a sight to behold. The age, economic and academic difference melted away. The Prime Stage activities have shown that theatre can bring all students together." (Trinity High School)
"The Units/Activities provide students with the opportunity to engage in whole group lessons where they are thinking critically. I have seen students’ who are otherwise quiet and reserved come out of their shell.” (Pittsburgh Langley K-8)

Education Program Funding

Our Education Programs are funded in part by:

The Grable Foundation, American Eagle Outfitters, The Laurel Foundation, PNC Charitable Trust, Henry C. Frick Educational Fund of The Buhl Foundation

Who can
Participate?

Criteria for Eligibility:

  • A need for literacy resources and enrichment.
  • A need to include multiple arts and theatre programs in the curriculum.
  • A need to improve PSSA and Keystone reading scores.
  • A need to improve students' reading motivation & enjoyment.

Literacy Statement

LACT Interest form