Venture Into Schools,
Outreach Education...

Schedule for School Year 2009-10:

Miles Avenue Elementary      October 19-30, 2009
McKinley Elementary             November 9-20, 2009
Alkali Creek Primary             November 30-Dec. 4, 2009
Alkali Creek Intermediate      December 7-18, 2009
Bitterroot Elementary           January 11-22, 2010
Blue Creek Elementary          January 25-Feb. 5, 2010
Beartooth Elementary           February 15-26, 2010
Laurel Middle School             March 8-20, 2010
Newman Primary                  March 22-26, 2010
Newman Intermediate           April 12-23, 2010

What is Venture Into Schools?

Venture Into Schools is Venture Theatre's outreach education program.  The program is dedicated to engaging, inspiring and challenging youth through performing arts.  Since the program began in 2003, we have ventured into more than 20 different schools and youth organizations.

Two-week Production Workshop

Students in grades 4-6 are eligible to audition for a 45-minute musical.  A maximum of 50 students may participate.  Auditions and rehearsals take place after school.  After only two weeks of rehearsal, students will perform the musical three times for their peers, family and teachers.  Venture Into Schools provides costumes, props and minimalist set for each production.  The school provides the students and space.

Theatre Education Workshops

In addition to the production workshops, we also offer theatre education workshops for all ages varying in length and content.

Why Choose a Local Arts Education Program?

Venture Into Schools can be a gateway to the performing arts.  Because Venture Theatre is located in your community, interested students may later choose to explore the wider offerings at Venture Theatre's Youth Conservatory including:  dance, acting and voice classes, Summer School, Theatre Saturday, youth productions (musical and non-musical) and Kids In The Middle (playwriting workshop).

Comments from some former Venture Into Schools principals and parents:

"I was incredibly impressed with the level of respect the students and director had for each other."  -Parent

"Our students were very proud of their performance-they did a wonderful job!  Our PTA is currently looking for a way to fund a project every year!" -Jay Lemelin, Principal, Rose Park Elementary

"Most of the students involved had little or no experience in getting in front of an audience let alone acting...Venture Into Schools bolstered their confidence and gave them the skills to succeed." -Parent

"The parents and students are still talking about the program.  I have received more positive feedback about Venture Into Schools than any other after-school project we have had."  -Kevin Croff, Principal, Meadowlark Elementary

Press and Photos:

Read Cathy Ulrich's July 25, 2008 "5?+1," interview with Patrick Wilson in the Billings Gazette here.

See photos from the launch of the 2008-09 V.I.S. season show, Bebop with Aesop in the June 20, 2008 article in the Billings Gazette's Enjoy here.

See photos from Burlington Elementary's V.I.S. production of Oliver Twist in the December 7, 2007 article in the Billings Gazette here.

Watch video and read the April 23, 2007 story on the KULR8 News here.

See photos and read Jaci Webb's November 19, 2004 article in the Billings Gazette here.

Contact Information

Patrick Wilson, Outreach Educator
patrick@venturetheatre.org or 406.591.9535