Sheffel Theater Clinic

The Sheffel Theater Clinic (STC) provides an important cultural supplement to area schools' arts education curriculum by serving nearly 2,300 third grade students annually. The Clinic is held at the Topeka Performing Arts Center in January through March each year.

In 2013, 2,349 students participated in the program, each gaining a hands-on understanding of the backstage world of theater at a critically receptive and creative time in their lives. We hope to open their minds to future participation in the arts as a performer, technician, creator or audience member.

The program began in 1995 with about 300 students, and was made possible through a bequest by Topekans Irving and the late Beth Sheffel in memory of their daughter Anita. The program grew to include all third grade students from all schools in Shawnee Country. In 2000, TPAC opened the program to students outside Shawnee County for a small fee, and began actively including alternative education sources such as home schools, special needs and individual education programs.

Due to these organizations on-going commitment to our community, the Topeka Performing Arts Center is able to continue this valuable educational program, which introduces the creativity and magic of live theatre to the students.

Admission is $6.50 per student to cover actual costs. There are limited sponsor funds available to help cover admission costs for those in need.

Students arrive between 9:00am and 9:15am for their daylong experience. They attend five 30-minute workshops, each devoted to a different artistic aspect of theater: acting, costuming, make-up, movement and technical staging. The students attend workshops in the morning, have lunch, attend more workshops and end their day by watching a live performance.

Clinic planners stress fun, experiential learning and inclusive interaction for each of the students as they move from one workshop to the next, all staged throughout the TPAC facility.

The Topeka Performing Arts Center offers the best in live performance and arts education for Northeast Kansas audiences. TPAC offers a full calendar of professional and community performing arts for all audiences.