LEAD -- Learning English and Drama Project

Students in New York City's public schools speak 167 native languages. More than 1 in 10 have limited English proficiency. LCT meets this challenge head-on through its LEAD (Learning English and Drama) Project.

The LEAD Project is a 16-session, year-long collaboration between a teaching artist and an ESL classroom teacher that promotes both English language acquisition and learning in theater. The LEAD Project places equal emphasis on collaborative planning and teaching.

Through improvisation, theater games, exploration of movement and voice, and the writing of scenes and monologues, students gain:
-Greater fluency and confidence in speaking;
-Tools for self-expression and collaborative learning.

The LEAD Project culminates in a presentation that allows students to synthesize and share all that they have learned.

Participants meet regularly at LCT and form a mutually supportive community of teaching artists and teachers committed to pairing that arts and English language learning.

"I strongly feel that this program has helped our students advance their English skills, build self esteem, and understand theater."
Carmen Rivera, Principal, I.s. 235, Academy for New Americans