PUSH teaches K-12 children as well as providing training for colleges, adults and professional development:


K-12 Schools
"I am much more in touch with body language and how the body and face can communicate things after the PUSH presentation. I am looking at people more and looking for examples of body language cues in my reading."
— (5th grade student)

Your time with students is limited. So maximize that time by making each part of the curriculum stick. Students will never forget their experience with PUSH. They’ll remember how each part of that experience is tied to a learning objective in the classroom. PUSH Physical Theatre discovers the potential of young imaginations, guides children in creative, expressive movement, experiences the joy of living and the wonder of the world around us, and builds confidence and healthy esteem by maturing self-identities in a safe and nurturing environment. They are a national company that has appeared on PBS and NPR as advocates for art in education.

“I loved how PUSH was willing to weave some of our school’s Habits of Mind initiative into their presentation. PUSH talked about how they have had to “persevere” and “restrain impulsivity” which gave added momentum to our school wide efforts to highlight these habits.”
— enrichment specialist

Each PUSH program is grade specific and PUSH works closely with teachers to create performances, workshops and residencies that address a specific curriculum need, or a general idea like a school theme or motto. Here are three foundational programs. Click here for other curriculum based workshop examples or call us for help inventing a brand new learning experience for your school.

“I was completely riveted throughout the whole performance. I loved the fact that many of the pieces that PUSH performed helped the children develop empathy for others.”
— 3rd grade teacher

Children's Education Programs:
(PUSH provides a Sign interpreter for most performances and workshops and has programs specific to Deaf students. Please notify PUSH in advance.)

PUSH Physical Theatre Performance —
Selected work from PUSH’s repertoire is chosen to enhance your curriculum. The content of the choreography deals with issues such as: diversity, conflict resolution, the principles of science, the arts, ELA, and other NYS learning standards. Performers guide audiences throughout the program. Individual pieces are given context that is age appropriate to help students interpret the work on a level that is relevant to them.
(Grades K-12)
Prog Length: 40 mins – 1hr

PUSH Physical Theatre Workshop —
Students are introduced to several movement theatre forms, the basics of presenting live theatre, and character development. Participants employ elements of physical control and creative problem solving skills in this dynamic workshop. Upon request other specific curriculum needs, based on NYS learning standards, can be address as part of this workshop.
(Grades 7-12)
Prog Length: 40 mins – 1hr

PUSH Pins Workshop —
Push Pins uses illustrated children’s books, physical science, weather, animals, or the concept of community as a basis for learning. This workshop focuses on: Observation: studying a subject. Imitation: re-creating a demonstrated concept, and Imagination: igniting personal ideas for expression. Improvisation and choreography are explored as children develop self-awareness and confidence with movement technique, group exercises, and a short student presentation. Upon request other specific curriculum needs, based on NYS learning standards, can be address as part of this workshop. (Grades K-6)
Prog Length: 40 mins – 1hr

“PUSH Physical Theatre mesmerized our students. Their movements were so real that when one of them mimed throwing a balloon into the audience all of our students spontaneously raised their arms to catch it.”
— curriculum coach

PUSH Physical Theatre Residency
Varying in length from three to twenty contact sessions residencies usually begin with a PUSH performance and end with a culminating event that showcases students’ work. PUSH residencies (link) are created in collaboration with teachers in response to students’ learning needs.



Colleges/Adults/Professional Development
“Our movements betray the lies of our words. They express a depth of honesty and beauty that cannot be articulated or explained away with our mouths.”
— Darren Stevenson

The PUSH artistic process is, at its core, a method of accessing individual and group creativity in new and exciting ways. Beginners and professionals can utilize the technique equally and the application goes beyond our own art form. Dancers, actors, performance artists, even musicians and visual artists around the world have benefited from PUSH’s unique approach to art as a way of seeing the world.

PUSH welcomes students to bring their unique life experience into a safe environment to develop their artistic voice. At the same time students are challenged to broaden their movement vocabulary and explore styles outside their current training. An introductory workshop opens the door to a new world of expression. Also consider a wide range of lecture-demonstrations, master classes, full day workshops and residencies.