Class Acts

The Class Acts Series enriches the intellectual, social and cultural vitality of K-12 students who reside in Tuscarawas and neighboring counties. These programs increase exposure to subjects in the arts, sciences, health, music, and theatre. The series provides structured, intentional and experiential learning opportunities that complement and reinforce state-mandated K-12 curricula, develop academic potential, and contribute to intellectual growth and character development. The Class Acts programming directly supports the mission of the Performing Arts Center by providing low-cost opportunities for local students to experience the arts and by contributing to the region intellectually.

The student ticket price is $1 in the hope that the cost will not be a barrier to attendance. Our objective is to provide low-cost world-class arts to children, and a meaningful and responsible opportunity for schools to expand their educational offerings while watching their bottom lines.

2024-25 Class Acts

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Class Acts Facts

Since 2011, the Performing Arts Center has welcomed:

• 56,331 Students
• 20 School Districts Represented
• 35 Different School Buildings
• 5 Counties Served

Educator Testimonials

"The Class Act Series at Kent State's Performing Arts Center has been wonderful for our students. It exposes them to live shows which many would never be able to afford otherwise. It also exposes them to a whole new world of dance, song, and creative expression. We always come away very impressed with the performance and the venue, itself, as well."  

Leeanne Burnworth, M.Ed. GIS; 5th grade teacher - New Philadelphia City Schools

"We take our students to the Performing Arts Center to give them the experiences that they might not get if we weren't provided with the opportunity to attend the shows at an affordable cost!! Students get to see first hand the actors/actresses and I love that they get to ask questions after the performance! Thank you Kent State University Performing Arts Center!!"   

Heather Beall; 5th grade teacher – Newcomerstown Exempted Village Schools 

"Our students have greatly benefitted from the Class Acts. Most of our students have never been in a theater and have never seen live performances. This experience has excited our students to believe that they could perform on stage. They have put more effort and excitement into our school Christmas play."   

Mary Kobel; Administrator - Sacred Heart Catholic School 

"The Class Act Series at the PAC is outstanding! Not only are the performances well done, they are informative and don't treat the audience like "little kids." As a middle school Social Studies teacher, I have really appreciated the performances dealing with racism, being a minority in this country. They help me nudge open the door to have a discussion with my students about those topics - both in the past (mostly) and currently. The stories make kids think about bigger ideas, and how the past and present tie together. We are lucky to have the PAC provide these opportunities."   

S. Shumaker; 6th grade teacher – Dover City Schools 

"The students always love coming to the shows. Firstly, some of our students have never been to a theatre before so it is a cultural experience. Secondly, we have seen a variety of shows from stunts to serious plays and all of them have been fantastic! The teachers and students have loved every one of them."   

Danielle Evans; 3rd grade teacher - New Philadelphia City Schools 

"For many of our students it is the only performing arts performance they will ever see outside of high school."   

Sheila Doerschuk; Administrator - Strasburg-Franklin Local School District