Educator Portal · NH Initiatives · NH Literacy Theater

The New Hampshire Literacy Theater performs, for audiences interested in the issues of adult literacy. The performances focus upon the problems that undereducated adults encounter in their communities, work and schools. All of the actors in the theater group are adult educators who have experience working in adult education programs in New Hampshire. They create a number of five-seven minute scenarios for the audience.

Following each scenario a dialogue takes place between people in the audience and the characters on stage. The dialogue clarifies the issues raised during the performance and often leads to further insights into the world of the undereducated adult. Each performance is developed for the interests of the specific audience and can vary in length from 1⁄2 to 11⁄2 hours.

The New Hampshire Literacy Theater performs for a variety of civic, community, educational and social service groups. In the past they have presented for Rotary, Kiwanis, Parent Teacher Associations, NH State Library Association, NH Federation of Women's Clubs, Chambers of Commerce, AARP, NH Cooperative Extension Service, local school and social service agency staff. They have also performed for the New Hampshire and Massachusetts State Legislatures and have been featured on New Hampshire Public Television.

The theater group is sponsored by the New Hampshire of Department of Education, Bureau of Adult Education. Performances are offered free of charge. Groups interested in scheduling a performance should contact: Art Ellison, 603-271-6698 or aellison@ed.state.nh.us.