Community Health + Wellness

Virginia Repertory Theatre uses the art form of theatre to serve the community in traditional and exceptional ways. The "exceptional ways" redefine how professional theatre can connect with communities.

Our Community Health + Wellness program creates and assesses model projects that use theatre to address vital, non-traditional community needs.

Current programs include:

Theatre Arts Learning League (TALL)
A new six-week summer theatre camp and year-long mentoring program for rising 4th-6th grade youth attending Richmond Title I schools. The goals of TALL are to: 1) address the summer learning slide experienced by students from low-socioeconomic status families; 2) provide constructive alternatives to unstructured, unsupervised out-of-school time; and 3) provide equitable access to high-quality participatory arts experiences.

Access Programs
Initiatives that ensure the joy and wonder of live theatre are truly accessible to all, including:

• sensory-friendly performances for those on the autism spectrum or with other sensory differences/sensitivities
• tactile tours and audio description offered in partnership with Virginia Voice for audience members with vision impairments
• assisted listening devices and Induction Loop technology for patrons with hearing impairments
• Community Tickets, providing free and reduced-price tickets to individuals, families, and RVA nonprofits.

All Community Health + Wellness programs are:

• Developed in partnership with other nonprofits
• Based on scientific and educational research
• Respond to scientific and educational goals
• Evaluated professionally and independently