Creative Vision

Creative Vision Student in MaskBringing Arts to the Classroom

For more than two decades, the Pittsburgh CLO has enjoyed a partnership with local Allegheny County Schools through its Creative Vision Program, which aims to build self-confidence, empower self-expression and model positive behavior for elementary and middle school students.

The Creative Vision team is comprised of education and theater professionals who use their training in the performing arts as well as their classroom experience to coach students to express themselves well through writing and public speaking. Staff members also partner with classroom teachers to provide performance techniques and exercises that will help those teachers meet standards in their own classrooms.

Under the direction of a seasoned educational professional, the program relies upon an inter-disciplinary arts curriculum. Students have put on musicals, written original plays and poetry, recorded CDs, and created music videos. This effective partnership of the Pittsburgh CLO Academy, Allegheny County Schools, Propel Charter Schools and various funders provides students with unique opportunities to attend local performances and to give voice to their own creative spirit.

For more information on the Creative Vision program, call Jim Scriven at 412-281-2234 x105.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Creative Vision program?

A: The CV program is a Pittsburgh CLO Education Department initiative that is a collaboration between school districts and the CLO. The CV program supports PA state standards and delivers a curriculum that is based in communications, literacy and theater arts.

Q: Is this an after school program?

A: No. We are an in-school program.

Q: Who are the CV staff?

A: The CV staff includes artist educators skilled in acting, movement and voice instruction. They are also adept at classroom management. The CV program coordinator has 10+ years as an educator and performer in Pittsburgh.

Q: What grades do you work with?

A: We work with children in grades K–8.

Q: Do the children perform?

A: Yes, at the end of the school year our CV students present a show. Examples of shows over the past 11 years include: Midsummer’s Night Dream, The Odyssey, The Wiz, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Mr. Popper's Penguins, and Oliver as well as original musicals written specifically for the program.

Q: Is the program free?

A: No, this is a collaborative program that is supported by the Pittsburgh CLO, our CV program funders and the school district itself. For more information, please contact Jim Scriven, CV Program Coordinator, at jscriven@pittsburghclo.org.