The Kind MIND

Growing Kinder Minds Through Arts Education

High-school students in winter coats walking a Manhattan sidewalk toward a theatre entrance, seen from behind.

educational theater programming

Programs built aroundwhat students actually need.

We work with schools, after-school programs, camps, and workshop venues to bring theater-centered programming that supports mental wellbeing, communication, and ensemble skills. Every program is designed in collaboration with mental health professionals, youth programming experts, and theater creatives — and adapted to fit the realities of your students and your schedule.

Book a Program

Our programs

Four formats, tailored to your students.

Each program will be tailored to the themes within each show and the interests of the educators and students involved. Depending on the breadth of the program, panel, workshop or event, curriculum writers will be brought in to create lesson plans and teacher resources. The format, duration and size of each group and program will vary, based on the complexity of topics, as well as the particular needs of the school(s) and classroom(s).

After seeing a theater matinee, students take part in an interactive session with the creative team, exploring expression through a range of activities.

Best fit

Secondary & high schools; performing arts schools & college programs

Pairs with

Student matinees

Activities may include

  • Acting
  • Song and dance
  • Improvisation
  • Cypher / hip-hop storytelling
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A classroom workshop, or a panel with combined clinicians, cast members, and/or creatives, paired with a student matinee, that builds social-emotional skills and compassion.

Best fit

Performing arts programs; high school & college students

Pairs with

Student matinees

Students explore

  • Confidence
  • Tolerance
  • Inclusion
  • Empathy
  • Emotional regulation
  • Friendship
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Growth mindset
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Students collaborate to create their very own original performances, inspired by their own ideas and experiences and connected to the show. From brainstorming and script/song development to rehearsal and performance, every student contributes to something truly unique. This can be combined with in-classroom preparation prior to seeing the show, or a slated workshop after the student matinee in the same theater space.

Best fit

Secondary, high school, performing arts programs & college

Pairs with

Student matinees

The process

  • Brainstorming
  • Script & song development
  • Rehearsal
  • Performance
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We offer one-off theater experiences and workshops for student theater festivals, theater cabarets, after-school and summer camp programs, school wellness initiatives, creative enrichment programming, and much more.

Format

Flexible, one-off

Pairs with

Student matinees

Great for

  • Student theater festivals
  • Theater cabarets
  • After-school & summer camps
  • School wellness initiatives
  • Creative enrichment programming
Ask about this program
Stacie and Steven Weisbrot at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute during their June 2026 visit.
Stacie and Steven Weisbrot's visit to see the SDARI program and research in action at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, June 2026.

Partner spotlight

Socio-Dramatic Affective Relational Intervention

SDARI

In partnership withThe A.J. Drexel Autism Institute

An evidence-based social group that harnesses the power of improv games, fosters social opportunities and friendships, and creates neuro-affirming spaces for young people to connect with others in meaningful ways.

In a fun, non-judgmental environment, youth

  • Grow confidence and expand social creativity
  • Practice and build social-emotional skills, such as self-regulation and perspective-taking
Who it's for
Autistic youth ages 8–17
Format
10 weeks · 1.5-hour sessions
Group size
Small group, 3:1 youth to therapist
Supervised by
Dr. Matthew Lerner, who developed SDARI
Where
In person at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Philadelphia
Cost
$1,200 per person · scholarships available
Enrolling
Fall 2026

Generous scholarships are available thanks to the Miranda Family Fund and the Weisbrot Family.

SDARI is run by the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, not by The Kind MIND. Enrollment and questions go directly to the clinic — email DrexelAutismClinic@drexel.edu or call 215-571-3435.

Why The Kind MIND

  • Experienced theater educators
  • Qualified mental health allies and practitioners
  • Participation with creatives and actors in current New York theater productions
  • Inclusive and engaging programs
  • Curriculum-aligned, where appropriate
  • In-classroom educator resources
  • Flexible sessions tailored to your school's needs
  • Focus on student wellbeing, alongside creativity
  • Hands-on, student-led learning

Every program is designed to leave students feeling capable, connected, and inspired.

What Colleagues Say

Her passion for arts education is genuine, unwavering, and deeply inspiring. Stacie doesn't just lend her name to a cause — she invests her time, resources, expertise, and boundless energy into every project she touches.
Jan Svendsen WeissFounder & President, ACTivate4Good LLC
Through The Kind MIND, Stacie is bringing together the best of the theater community to ensure that young people not only experience the arts but also benefit from their profound impact on mental wellbeing.
Lori KlingerArtistic & Executive Director, Rosie's Theater Kids
As a true philanthropist, Stacie puts her ‘all’ into every project she takes on. Her tireless energy and work ethic are undeniable and her big heart is always in the right place…caring for those less fortunate and in need, as well as being there for friends and family at all times.
Leslie MayerPresident, LuvLiveTheatre
Bay Street Theater was honored to partner with The Kind MIND and host its Dear Social Media event at our theater. … Beyond building awareness, The Kind MIND creates meaningful opportunities for open conversation, helping young people and their parents explore solutions and find answers together.
Paul AnthonyDirector of Sponsorships, Bay Street Theater

Planning process

What happens after you reach out.

We try to make planning simple and predictable. Here's what the process looks like from your first inquiry to your program's first session.

1

You reach out

Email or use the booking form. Share a few details about your students, the kind of program that interests you, and any scheduling constraints.

2

We respond in 3 days

Within three business days, we follow up with questions or a proposed conversation. We're a small team; we read what's sent and respond personally.

3

We plan together

A short call or email exchange to confirm the program fit, scope, dates, and logistics. For custom programs, this stage takes longer and includes a design conversation.

4

Programming begins

Once details are confirmed and any required forms (parental consent, etc.) are returned, programming begins on the agreed schedule.

Common questions from educators

Questions about our programs.

Who are your programs for?

Our workshops are suitable for secondary students, with activities tailored to different age groups and learning needs.

Do students need acting experience?

Not at all. Our programs are designed for everyone — from first-time performers to experienced performing arts students.

Can workshops be customized?

Absolutely. We work with schools to create programs that align with their goals, curriculum, and wellbeing priorities.

Ready to talk

Bring The Kind MIND to your students.your students.

Tell us a little about your students and what kind of program would fit your school's schedule and culture. We'll respond within three business days with next steps.

Inquire About a Program

— join us

Whether you want to bring our programs to your school, support our work, or simply learn more — we'd love to hear from you.

Support our workGet in touch