Our Approach to Drama Education​
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​​The Peak Approach to Drama
The Peak Approach is grounded in research-based practices that integrate:
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VAPA Standards (National Arts Standards for Visual & Performing Arts)
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CASEL’s SEL Framework
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Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy (Paris & Alim, 2014)
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It’s a holistic approach to drama that blends artistic rigor, emotional development, and cultural relevance — ensuring that students don’t just perform; they connect, reflect, and belong.
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The Peak Theatre Arts Model™
The Three Layers of the Peak Stage​
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Together, these layers form The Peak Approach to Drama Education — a model that ensures theatre isn’t just creative play, but a culturally grounded, standards-aligned, emotionally intelligent learning experience. Each layer builds upon the next, creating a stage where artistry, empathy, and identity rise together.
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​Educational Rigor and Artistic Process
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​Visual and Performing Arts Standards- The largest tier serves as the foundation for every Peak lesson, grounding our work in creativity and the National Arts Education Standards.
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The Heart of Our Process
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CASEL's Social and Emotional Learning Competencies- The middle tier represents how students grow through social-emotional learning.
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Culture, Identity, and Belonging
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​Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy -The top tier is why it all matters and for whom—teaching in ways that sustain, not erase, the cultural and linguistic identities students bring to the stage.
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Why It Matters
Peak Theatre Arts is a pathway for students to build empathy, a sense of belonging, imagination, and pride in who they are.​ Our residencies invite young people to see themselves as artists, storytellers, and community members with powerful ideas and perspectives.​​
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Let’s partner to create joyful, culturally sustaining drama experiences for your students.