Outreach & Inclusion
At Cygnet Theatre, we are committed to…
Creating programming that is grounded in prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We are committed to forging long-lasting relationships with communities that are not part of our theatre history and are less visible in theatre populations. We are dedicated to building a Cygnet Theatre Bridge by investing in the neighborhoods we serve. We are resolved to listen to the narratives of the communities we serve to achieve our goals mutually.
The Student Matinee Experience
For nearly a decade, Cygnet Theatre has been offering to San Diego County K-12 schools free student matinees for select productions each season. Cygnet Theatre offers 4 student matinee performances each season. San Diego County teachers are encouraged to sign up to bring their class(es) to one of these productions.
For many students, the student matinee field trip is their first time attending a live theatre performance, and for them it is the catalyst to developing an appreciation for the arts. Giving our youth a rich theatre experience is important to us because it broadens their understanding of the world as they know it. Regardless of the production’s time or geographic setting, each show at Cygnet Theatre has one thing in common—it speaks to some aspect of the human experience.
For more information, please contact Education & Outreach Director Carlos Mendoza at cmendoza@cygnettheatre.com.
After each student matinee show, actors return to the stage for a talkback where they engage in conversation about elements of the show, the acting profession, or anything else students are interested in learning.
The student matinee experience also includes pre-show in-school workshops that complement the students’ theatre experience. The workshops expose students to theatre topics like acting, playwriting, literature and history. The curriculum meets multiple San Diego Unified Visual and Performing Arts and California Common Core standards and helps students recognize and appreciate what it takes to produce a professional show. This program is enriching for all who participate.
If you are a San Diego County teacher who would like to bring your class(es) to a student matinee, contact Education & Outreach Director Carlos Mendoza at cmendoza@cygnettheatre.com.
Student scholarships
Through the Donald C. & Elizabeth Dickinson Foundation Cygnet Scholarship and Theatrical Summer Job Opportunity, Cygnet Theatre continues to offer four $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors who are dedicated to pursuing theatre. Students must be committed to enhancing their professional and artistic abilities through a nationwide theatre conservatory, college, or university.
From this pool of high school senior finalists, we will be seeking four talented singers to join our summer outreach tour, “From the Page to the Stage.” We are looking for a tenor, a baritone, a high soprano with belt capability, and another female singer with a contemporary high belt voice. This is a paid opportunity.
Applications to the 2025 Donald C. & Elizabeth Dickinson Foundation Cygnet Scholarship are now closed. Cygnet will select 1-3 students from each school to participate in Cygnet Scholarship Day on Monday, April 7, 2025.
Mark your calendars for Cygnet Scholarship Day on Monday, April 7, 2025. This
From the page to the stage
From The Page To The Stage a FREE educational program is a fun and engaging 45-minute presentation designed to inspire a love of reading in both children and adults through the magic and joy of live theatre.
From The Page To The Stage helps children understand how works of literature from Cervantes to Mark Twain to Charles Schulz can end up on the musical stage, demonstrating the power of imagination in both reading and performing arts. Young audiences will enjoy these exciting “mini-shows” put on by professional musical theatre performers featuring selections from popular musicals based on classic literary works such as Big River, Man of La Mancha, Seussical the Musical, Wicked, and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.
We’re excited to share that the dates for our 2025 “From the Page to the Stage” performances will be announced soon. Get ready for a dynamic and captivating outreach mini-show that you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for more details!
Our latest partnership
Pre-Professional Program: Cygnet Theatre and Chula Vista High SCPA
Cygnet Theatre proudly partners with Chula Vista High School’s School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA) to offer a dynamic Pre-Professional Program. This collaboration connects Sweetwater Union High School’s CTE and VAPA departments, Chula Vista High SCPA students, and Cygnet’s professional staff.
Students gain hands-on, industry-specific experience by apprenticing in the production of the school’s spring play. Beyond the stage, this partnership provides essential work-based learning opportunities, fulfilling key requirements of the 2023-2024 CTE Certification.
Together, we’re empowering the next generation of theatre professionals with the skills and experience to succeed in the performing arts.
If you are interested in a similar program or have questions, please contact our Education & Outreach Director Carlos Mendoza at cmendoza@cygnettheatre.com.
Your next great theatre experience awaits.
Other Desert Cities
Family secrets unravel during a Christmas gathering in Palm Springs.
The Hot Wing King
A cooking competition becomes a hilarious battleground for belonging.
Oklahoma!
A bold, immersive twist on the timeless tale of romance and rivalry.
Follies
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
A Christmas Carol
Cygnet’s A Magical Holiday: Christmas at The Joan
Somewhere Over the Border
San Diego Premiere
The Lehman Trilogy
San Diego Premiere
