Periwinkle Theatre For Youth

There was no great plan in mind when I founded Periwinkle back in 1963. I was following my heart, drawing on my experience as an English teacher and Equity actress who found that creative drama techniques excited my students about learning. I almost burst with anticipation when I realized what could be accomplished by creating professional plays out of student feelings and curriculum needs. Kids would get exposure to professional performances through a play with themes essential to their own self-discovery. "What a way to learn!" I thought. It is educational theatre - original scripts to connect with kids' hearts and make learning exciting - and FUN!

I met with teachers, curriculum supervisors, and the children themselves. We explored needs and searched for a direct line to children's hearts that would make them want to read, write, communicate. To LEARN! The plays would be a springboard for classroom follow-up.

I knew that Periwinkle's Credo had to be:
"To unlock a mind, you must first open a heart."