The Unity Campaign for Frederick County
Education is a basic need, but robust educational experiences that include extracurricular activities that enhance learning are key to success. This is where MET's FUN Company In School Program fits in. Art and education adds to our quality of life making our community thrive! Performing arts build skills that support teamwork, encourages inclusion, and increases confidence. Theatre is a great tool to enhance learning. For example, book characters and scenarios that come to live on stage supports literacy while building sets/ designing props supports spatial reasoning and mathematical skills.
Maryland Ensemble Theatre's FUNCompany In-School Program serves Frederick County Public School students by providing educational performance art opportunities that are open to all, especially those who are Frederick County residents and students of ALICE households.
The 2022-2023 school year program roster includes ~70-130 students at each of the following schools:
- Butterfly Ridge Elementary
- North Frederick Elementary
- Waverley Elementary
- Urbana Elementary
- Valley Elementary
- Meyersville Elementary
- Blue Heron Elementary
With 7 schools on our roster this year, we expect to serve a total of ~490 - 910 Frederick County Students. Based on geographic data published in the ALICE report, MET provides accessible theatre education across a total of 7 elementary schools with an average of 33.3% ALICE students. Currently, MET utlilizes public geographic data to determine ALICE students served. MET's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee continues to work to balance the need for more specific data with the desire to create spaces that affirm all people and eliminate stigma that can prohibit families from engaging in available opportunities for their students.
How MET Teaching Arts Serve Students
We go directly to students at their schools to provide after school learning success for up to 12 weeks culminating in a performance for their friends and families. We teach students the various aspects of fully producing their own play from casting, performing, design, construction, and communications. Because of these activities, students build resilience and strengthen skills in public speaking and communication, problem-solving/ executive function, teamwork, and empathy.
NOTE ABOUT SEVERICE IMPACT OF THE COVID PANDEMIC
Prior to the pandemic, MET was serving 11 FCPS schools per year. It is our goal to continue reengaging with the schools and district administrators to serve more schools next school year. Your donation would help MET serve more students!
ALICE Report: COVID Impact Study
"Among households with children, those below the ALICE Threshold faced particular challenges in meeting basic needs. Compared to households with children above the ALICE Threshold, respondents with children below the ALICE Threshold were significantly more likely to be concerned about paying housing expense (48% vs. 10%), paying off debts (40% vs. 18%), providing enough food for the household (33% vs. 7%), and a reduction in hours/wages for household members who were working (31% vs. 16%)." Though kids are back to school and daycare, the longer term effects of COVID are very much still with us. Programs like MET's FUN Company In-School program supports parents and guardians and their children by providing safe, educational time after school so that parents and guardians can fulfill their workdays. Best of all through funding like the Unity Campaign for Frederick County, parents and guardians do not have to pay for this valuable activity for their students precisely because this program can be fully funded by generous donors and grantors!
ABOUT MET
MET is a professional, collaborative theatre ensemble and nonprofit organization broadly connected to our community by inspiring passion for the arts with courageous, relevant, accessible programs that enable people to feel more, think deeper, and laugh longer.
MET strives to create a positive environment where artists and audience share an exciting, emotional, thought provoking theatre experience for our times and our community. MET features an eclectic season of plays that are accessible; yet, challenge audiences and pique the interest of a national audience. Through open communication and life long learning, the MET ensemble brings a commitment to excellence that helps shape our region by initiating creative dialogue between artists and audience; providing outreach to under served communities; and training, education, and professional development opportunities to students of theatre that will propagate MET artistic values into the American Theatre.
Maryland Ensemble Theatre is dedicated to creating anti-oppressive artistic spaces and producing work that is representative of and accessible to our entire community. It is imperative that we make our spaces open to and affirming of all people. We realize that our past actions did not consistently fuel the deeper work and progress needed for us to create a theatre that is truly inclusive, specifically of traditionally marginalized populations. We aspire to reflect the community around us by fostering and maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our efforts must be continuous, intentional and evolving.
Client Testimonials
"MET has been such a blessing to North Frederick Elementary School. Their staff directed/managed our We Are Monsters play that included ~100 students ages K-5. As a principal, I look for new experiences that spark our students creativity to get them excited about school. MET supported our children by building self-esteem, developing life skills, growing leaders and providing a wonderful environment for students to socialize. I've watched MET direct plays for several years at a few different schools and they are amazing! They have so much energy, patience and talent; we are so fortunate they share it with our students! Tarah Hudson volunteered to run the play at NFES. Little did she know that we would have such a large interest and wanted to include everyone. Tarah works all day teaching students, has her own children at home, but volunteers to stay with the play kiddos after school to give them this experience. Parents encourage their children to participate, picked them up after each practice and volunteered." -Tracy Poquette- Principal
"Myersville Elementary School PTA has been utilizing MET for its school plays for many years. The staff is knowledgeable and in tune with the needs of elementary school students, their parents, staff, and volunteers. MET takes kids of all levels of experience and creates a high quality production that is fun for the students to participate in and fun for the parents to view. Many parents commented after the show they were not expecting to see such a professional production. The best part is the MET handles the heavy lifting. They handle the auditions, choreograph musical numbers, teach vocals, give acting directions and arrange costumes. As a kid growing up, I never had an opportunity to participate in plays at the elementary school level. MET makes it possible for kids to explore a love of theater at a younger age, be creative and express themselves. We love our partnership with MET and wish to continue this for many years moving forward."
-Theresa Hiegel-Sherman, PTA
Students love the opportunity and are grateful for the experience, and PTO's/PTA's find value in the production. A student said to me this year, "Thank you for giving our school this opportunity. I have decided to pursue theatre arts as my elective in 6th grade. I didn't know that was an option for me or that I would love it so much." Our school provided the space/time, the MET provided the opportunity! -Amy, Schwiegerath- Principal, Blue Heron Elementary
Education is a basic need, but robust educational experiences that include extracurricular activities that enhance learning are key to success. This is where MET's FUN Company In School Program fits in. Art and education adds to our quality of life making our community thrive! Performing arts build skills that support teamwork, encourages inclusion, and increases confidence. Theatre is a great tool to enhance learning. For example, book characters and scenarios that come to live on stage supports literacy while building sets/ designing props supports spatial reasoning and mathematical skills.
Maryland Ensemble Theatre's FUNCompany In-School Program serves Frederick County Public School students by providing educational performance art opportunities that are open to all, especially those who are Frederick County residents and students of ALICE households.
The 2022-2023 school year program roster includes ~70-130 students at each of the following schools:
- Butterfly Ridge Elementary
- North Frederick Elementary
- Waverley Elementary
- Urbana Elementary
- Valley Elementary
- Meyersville Elementary
- Blue Heron Elementary
With 7 schools on our roster this year, we expect to serve a total of ~490 - 910 Frederick County Students. Based on geographic data published in the ALICE report, MET provides accessible theatre education across a total of 7 elementary schools with an average of 33.3% ALICE students. Currently, MET utlilizes public geographic data to determine ALICE students served. MET's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee continues to work to balance the need for more specific data with the desire to create spaces that affirm all people and eliminate stigma that can prohibit families from engaging in available opportunities for their students.
How MET Teaching Arts Serve Students
We go directly to students at their schools to provide after school learning success for up to 12 weeks culminating in a performance for their friends and families. We teach students the various aspects of fully producing their own play from casting, performing, design, construction, and communications. Because of these activities, students build resilience and strengthen skills in public speaking and communication, problem-solving/ executive function, teamwork, and empathy.
NOTE ABOUT SEVERICE IMPACT OF THE COVID PANDEMIC
Prior to the pandemic, MET was serving 11 FCPS schools per year. It is our goal to continue reengaging with the schools and district administrators to serve more schools next school year. Your donation would help MET serve more students!
ALICE Report: COVID Impact Study
"Among households with children, those below the ALICE Threshold faced particular challenges in meeting basic needs. Compared to households with children above the ALICE Threshold, respondents with children below the ALICE Threshold were significantly more likely to be concerned about paying housing expense (48% vs. 10%), paying off debts (40% vs. 18%), providing enough food for the household (33% vs. 7%), and a reduction in hours/wages for household members who were working (31% vs. 16%)." Though kids are back to school and daycare, the longer term effects of COVID are very much still with us. Programs like MET's FUN Company In-School program supports parents and guardians and their children by providing safe, educational time after school so that parents and guardians can fulfill their workdays. Best of all through funding like the Unity Campaign for Frederick County, parents and guardians do not have to pay for this valuable activity for their students precisely because this program can be fully funded by generous donors and grantors!
ABOUT MET
MET is a professional, collaborative theatre ensemble and nonprofit organization broadly connected to our community by inspiring passion for the arts with courageous, relevant, accessible programs that enable people to feel more, think deeper, and laugh longer.
MET strives to create a positive environment where artists and audience share an exciting, emotional, thought provoking theatre experience for our times and our community. MET features an eclectic season of plays that are accessible; yet, challenge audiences and pique the interest of a national audience. Through open communication and life long learning, the MET ensemble brings a commitment to excellence that helps shape our region by initiating creative dialogue between artists and audience; providing outreach to under served communities; and training, education, and professional development opportunities to students of theatre that will propagate MET artistic values into the American Theatre.
Maryland Ensemble Theatre is dedicated to creating anti-oppressive artistic spaces and producing work that is representative of and accessible to our entire community. It is imperative that we make our spaces open to and affirming of all people. We realize that our past actions did not consistently fuel the deeper work and progress needed for us to create a theatre that is truly inclusive, specifically of traditionally marginalized populations. We aspire to reflect the community around us by fostering and maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our efforts must be continuous, intentional and evolving.
Client Testimonials
"MET has been such a blessing to North Frederick Elementary School. Their staff directed/managed our We Are Monsters play that included ~100 students ages K-5. As a principal, I look for new experiences that spark our students creativity to get them excited about school. MET supported our children by building self-esteem, developing life skills, growing leaders and providing a wonderful environment for students to socialize. I've watched MET direct plays for several years at a few different schools and they are amazing! They have so much energy, patience and talent; we are so fortunate they share it with our students! Tarah Hudson volunteered to run the play at NFES. Little did she know that we would have such a large interest and wanted to include everyone. Tarah works all day teaching students, has her own children at home, but volunteers to stay with the play kiddos after school to give them this experience. Parents encourage their children to participate, picked them up after each practice and volunteered." -Tracy Poquette- Principal
"Myersville Elementary School PTA has been utilizing MET for its school plays for many years. The staff is knowledgeable and in tune with the needs of elementary school students, their parents, staff, and volunteers. MET takes kids of all levels of experience and creates a high quality production that is fun for the students to participate in and fun for the parents to view. Many parents commented after the show they were not expecting to see such a professional production. The best part is the MET handles the heavy lifting. They handle the auditions, choreograph musical numbers, teach vocals, give acting directions and arrange costumes. As a kid growing up, I never had an opportunity to participate in plays at the elementary school level. MET makes it possible for kids to explore a love of theater at a younger age, be creative and express themselves. We love our partnership with MET and wish to continue this for many years moving forward."
-Theresa Hiegel-Sherman, PTA
Students love the opportunity and are grateful for the experience, and PTO's/PTA's find value in the production. A student said to me this year, "Thank you for giving our school this opportunity. I have decided to pursue theatre arts as my elective in 6th grade. I didn't know that was an option for me or that I would love it so much." Our school provided the space/time, the MET provided the opportunity! -Amy, Schwiegerath- Principal, Blue Heron Elementary
Be the first person to donate to the cause!
Education is a basic need, but robust educational experiences that include extracurricular activities that enhance learning are key to success. This is where MET's FUN Company In School Program fits in. Art and education adds to our quality of life making our community thrive! Performing arts build skills that support teamwork, encourages inclusion, and increases confidence. Theatre is a great tool to enhance learning. For example, book characters and scenarios that come to live on stage supports literacy while building sets/ designing props supports spatial reasoning and mathematical skills.
Maryland Ensemble Theatre's FUNCompany In-School Program serves Frederick County Public School students by providing educational performance art opportunities that are open to all, especially those who are Frederick County residents and students of ALICE households.
The 2022-2023 school year program roster includes ~70-130 students at each of the following schools:
- Butterfly Ridge Elementary
- North Frederick Elementary
- Waverley Elementary
- Urbana Elementary
- Valley Elementary
- Meyersville Elementary
- Blue Heron Elementary
With 7 schools on our roster this year, we expect to serve a total of ~490 - 910 Frederick County Students. Based on geographic data published in the ALICE report, MET provides accessible theatre education across a total of 7 elementary schools with an average of 33.3% ALICE students. Currently, MET utlilizes public geographic data to determine ALICE students served. MET's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee continues to work to balance the need for more specific data with the desire to create spaces that affirm all people and eliminate stigma that can prohibit families from engaging in available opportunities for their students.
How MET Teaching Arts Serve Students
We go directly to students at their schools to provide after school learning success for up to 12 weeks culminating in a performance for their friends and families. We teach students the various aspects of fully producing their own play from casting, performing, design, construction, and communications. Because of these activities, students build resilience and strengthen skills in public speaking and communication, problem-solving/ executive function, teamwork, and empathy.
NOTE ABOUT SEVERICE IMPACT OF THE COVID PANDEMIC
Prior to the pandemic, MET was serving 11 FCPS schools per year. It is our goal to continue reengaging with the schools and district administrators to serve more schools next school year. Your donation would help MET serve more students!
ALICE Report: COVID Impact Study
"Among households with children, those below the ALICE Threshold faced particular challenges in meeting basic needs. Compared to households with children above the ALICE Threshold, respondents with children below the ALICE Threshold were significantly more likely to be concerned about paying housing expense (48% vs. 10%), paying off debts (40% vs. 18%), providing enough food for the household (33% vs. 7%), and a reduction in hours/wages for household members who were working (31% vs. 16%)." Though kids are back to school and daycare, the longer term effects of COVID are very much still with us. Programs like MET's FUN Company In-School program supports parents and guardians and their children by providing safe, educational time after school so that parents and guardians can fulfill their workdays. Best of all through funding like the Unity Campaign for Frederick County, parents and guardians do not have to pay for this valuable activity for their students precisely because this program can be fully funded by generous donors and grantors!
ABOUT MET
MET is a professional, collaborative theatre ensemble and nonprofit organization broadly connected to our community by inspiring passion for the arts with courageous, relevant, accessible programs that enable people to feel more, think deeper, and laugh longer.
MET strives to create a positive environment where artists and audience share an exciting, emotional, thought provoking theatre experience for our times and our community. MET features an eclectic season of plays that are accessible; yet, challenge audiences and pique the interest of a national audience. Through open communication and life long learning, the MET ensemble brings a commitment to excellence that helps shape our region by initiating creative dialogue between artists and audience; providing outreach to under served communities; and training, education, and professional development opportunities to students of theatre that will propagate MET artistic values into the American Theatre.
Maryland Ensemble Theatre is dedicated to creating anti-oppressive artistic spaces and producing work that is representative of and accessible to our entire community. It is imperative that we make our spaces open to and affirming of all people. We realize that our past actions did not consistently fuel the deeper work and progress needed for us to create a theatre that is truly inclusive, specifically of traditionally marginalized populations. We aspire to reflect the community around us by fostering and maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our efforts must be continuous, intentional and evolving.
Client Testimonials
"MET has been such a blessing to North Frederick Elementary School. Their staff directed/managed our We Are Monsters play that included ~100 students ages K-5. As a principal, I look for new experiences that spark our students creativity to get them excited about school. MET supported our children by building self-esteem, developing life skills, growing leaders and providing a wonderful environment for students to socialize. I've watched MET direct plays for several years at a few different schools and they are amazing! They have so much energy, patience and talent; we are so fortunate they share it with our students! Tarah Hudson volunteered to run the play at NFES. Little did she know that we would have such a large interest and wanted to include everyone. Tarah works all day teaching students, has her own children at home, but volunteers to stay with the play kiddos after school to give them this experience. Parents encourage their children to participate, picked them up after each practice and volunteered." -Tracy Poquette- Principal
"Myersville Elementary School PTA has been utilizing MET for its school plays for many years. The staff is knowledgeable and in tune with the needs of elementary school students, their parents, staff, and volunteers. MET takes kids of all levels of experience and creates a high quality production that is fun for the students to participate in and fun for the parents to view. Many parents commented after the show they were not expecting to see such a professional production. The best part is the MET handles the heavy lifting. They handle the auditions, choreograph musical numbers, teach vocals, give acting directions and arrange costumes. As a kid growing up, I never had an opportunity to participate in plays at the elementary school level. MET makes it possible for kids to explore a love of theater at a younger age, be creative and express themselves. We love our partnership with MET and wish to continue this for many years moving forward."
-Theresa Hiegel-Sherman, PTA
Students love the opportunity and are grateful for the experience, and PTO's/PTA's find value in the production. A student said to me this year, "Thank you for giving our school this opportunity. I have decided to pursue theatre arts as my elective in 6th grade. I didn't know that was an option for me or that I would love it so much." Our school provided the space/time, the MET provided the opportunity! -Amy, Schwiegerath- Principal, Blue Heron Elementary
Be the first person to donate to the cause!