About
Project Polaris
Project Polaris collaborates with schools and organizations to address the social, emotional, and curricular needs of students. Our theatre-informed pedagogy creates an inclusive environment that serves students of all ages and all abilities. Project Polaris has partnered with schools at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. By closely partnering with school administrators and classroom teachers, we are able to target specific student needs. We meet these needs by customizing interactive lessons and workshops that engage student learning.
Workshops
Project Polaris creates connection. Through our workshops, students develop interpersonal and introspective skills necessary to connect with others, with themselves, and with their own learning. In so doing, students will sharpen their ability to succeed in school, the workforce and beyond. Each workshop includes four points of emphasis meant to engage the whole student:
- Physical Engagement
- Social Interaction
- Personal Reflection
- Emotional Connection
Different from Other Programs
Project Polaris is different from other education programs because of its authentic desire to be part of the school and classroom community. We recognize that every school—and every classroom—has its own unique strengths, challenges, and culture. While many programs offer a one-size-fits-all approach that they expect will work for every school, we closely collaborate with teachers and administrators to identify and address the needs specific to each partner school. Whether these needs are social, emotional, or curricular in nature, Project Polaris honors each partner school with personalized lesson plans and workshops.
Van Pelt Elementary
Ryan Henderson, Founder
The South Dakota native has spent over a decade living in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia. He brings with him more than 15 years of experience in education, theatre, and working with youth. While he has performed professionally in nearly 40 productions, Ryan has always been interested in the role theatre can play off the stage and in the community. Before starting Project Polaris in January 2020, Ryan spent seven years with Barter Theatre’s education program, Project REAL. While with the program, Ryan worked with students in grades K-12 in multiple states (Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, and South Dakota). Alongside Project REAL founder Megan Hamilton, Ryan was able to practice and witness firsthand the impact of connecting the fundamentals of theatre to community and classroom learning. This personal connection resulted in more than just increased student comprehension. It resulted in deeper thinking, personal reflection, and an ability to identify and articulate one’s thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Ryan shares this experience–along with his enthusiasm and sincerity–with every school and classroom he visits.