IMS is thrilled to partner with extraordinary talent from Sharon Playhouse: a not-for-profit theater and popular cultural destination in neighboring Sharon, CT. Michael Kevin Baldwin, the Director of Education and Associate Artistic Director of the Playhouse, has designed a curriculum specifically for our Lower School students in Pre-K through Grade 4. Through engaging classes, students explore many aspects of the performing arts throughout the year, such as pantomime, puppetry, voice, staging, playwriting, and movement. 

The skills taught through this partnership — learning lines and blocking, working through stage fright, creating characters, collaborating with others and understanding body language — translate into the real life skills of communication, empathy, focus, self-awareness, listening, cooperation and confidence. The performing arts program supports and enhances the overall student experience at the Lower School, where the balance of learning and play exposes children to the joy of learning new things, thereby building a strong foundation for their entire educational and personal journey.

Each spring, students in third and fourth grade share what they have learned by performing in original productions for the entire Lower School and their families. It’s often standing room only.

Sharon Playhouse educators Michael Kevin Baldwin and Sarah Cuoco

Many IMS students continue to develop their acting chops during the summer months at the the Sharon Playhouse Summer Youth Theater program. And, as they continue their education on the Upper Campus, students may pursue the performing arts through various music and theater electives.