TITG’s
First Curtain Initiative
Theatre in the Grove’s “First Curtain Initiative” provides the opportunity for 1,400 local elementary students to attend live theatre during the school day. Each year we produce a play based on a popular children’s story or book.
Our 2026 First Curtain Initiative production is “Winnie-the-Pooh” and will be on Feb 9, 10, 12 at 9:30AM & 12:30PM.
(Registration is not yet open)
TITG's First Curtain Initiative
The First Curtain Initiative is Theatre in the Grove’s long-running program that brings local elementary students – many for the very first time – into a real, working theatre. Each year we produce a full youth-focused play and offer six daytime performances exclusively for schools. 1,400 students get to experience live storytelling, shared imagination, and the magic of a stage coming to life right in front of them. For many kids in our community, this is their first curtain rise ever.
The goal of the program is to make the performing arts an accessible, meaningful part of every child’s education. In a community where many families face economic and other challenges, the First Curtain Initiative ensures that students from all backgrounds can share in the cultural and creative experience of live theatre – the energy of a room full of students reacting, laughing, and discovering the story together.
For more than 30 years, it has helped introduce new generations to the arts and strengthen the connection between our theatre and the young people we serve.
Cast & Crew of Charlotte's Web
For the 2025 "First Curtain Initiative", TITG produced "Charlotte's web. During the first week of February, approximately 1400 local elementary students attended.
Are you a local elementary school teacher?
The First Curtain Initiative generally happens the first or second week of February. We have two performances (9:30AM & 12:30PM on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday).
This is a very popular program with local elementary schools. We wish we could honor every classroom’s request to come and see our production, but our maximum capacity for the week is 1,400. We work on a prioritized reservation system:
- Public FGSD elementary schools are invited first
- Public non-area FGSD elementary schools are invited next
- Private area elementary schools
- Home schools
We begin taking reservations in December.
More about these productions
TITG is a community theatre committed to producing high-quality shows throughout the year. Each season includes six unique productions, and this one follows the same process and standards as all of our other work. Auditions are announced in November, with rehearsals running through December and January. Performances take place on weekends for the public, along with special weekday First Curtain Initiative shows for local elementary students.
Local drama, music, and theatre educators help lead the production, ensuring a strong artistic foundation and a supportive learning environment. The result is a polished, engaging show that audiences of all ages enjoy. The actors are from local schools. If you have a child or student that is interested in acting, we encourage them to audition in November.
