Education Overview
Placing the Arts at the Center of Learning
Since its launch in 1997, the Education Department (formerly known as McCallum Theatre Institute) — has served nearly one million students, educators and community members with performances and arts education experiences. In close partnership with local education agencies, the Education Department makes the arts available and accessible to youth in the area through its dynamic education programs.
In addition, projects like Palm Desert Choreography Festival and Open Call Talent Project serve as powerful vehicles for developing artists and present exciting and affordable performances open to the general public. The Education Department seeks to enhance the role of the arts by inspiring greater awareness of their educational, cognitive, emotional and spiritual power.
By encouraging an active and experiential study of the arts, the Education Department advances the belief that all human beings are inherently creative. The education programs developed by the McCallum are designed to build on that creativity by equipping individuals with the skills necessary for a life-long engagement with the arts and an understanding of their essential contribution to enlightened citizenship.
Click here for a list of our partners in education.
Aesthetic Education Program
We partner with local schools to offer an inquiry-based approach to arts teaching and learning, providing both in-classroom instruction and attendance at performances that awaken imaginative learning.
Field Trip Series
We inspire, energize and educate through presenting a series of performances offered at no cost to students, teachers, families, and community members.
Palm Desert Choreography Festival
We advance choreography and dance as an art form through this annual festival includes which a choreography competition, outreach projects, workshops, residencies and a Lifetime Achievement Award presentation.
Open Call Talent Project
We celebrate local artists and build community through our annual talent project, where outstanding local performers of all ages perform in a visually stunning, energy-filled production for audiences and compete for prizes.