By Eric Erickson
Como field trips to Guthrie Theater
St. Paul and Minneapolis are nationally renowned for being a vibrant hub of the performing arts, with a plethora of professional theaters.
But accessing a play at theater venues within the cities is limited for the great majority of families and their high school students.
Veteran Como social studies teacher Justin Mann is working to increase student access to the arts in partnership with his daughter, Dr. Alexis Mann, who leads New World Learning Solutions.
In the second year of Como’s collaboration with the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Dr. Mann’s educational consulting firm has created monthly opportunities for Como Park High School students to see matinee showings of the current production.
Mr. Mann has organized the opportunity for students from his classes and beyond, bringing hundreds of Como kids to the Guthrie thus far — with high demand for future outings.
“The theater experience has proved a powerful intellectual stimulant for the students who attend,” Mr. Mann said. “And perhaps more importantly, advanced their social competence and experience capital.”
The logistics of field trips are always challenging. Teachers need to advocate, organize, communicate, follow through, find funding, and ultimately — chaperone students into new spaces and places.
For the father and daughter Mann tandem, the payoff is worth any pain that may occur in the process.
Dr. Mann began fostering a relationship with the Guthrie in 2018 when she was teaching at the Harrison Education Center, an alternative school in Minneapolis Public Schools.
She witnessed the impact live theater had on the small groups of students she brought to the Guthrie — with their attention captivated and their behavior at its best. That positive experience inspired Dr. Mann to expand her Guthrie connection while transitioning to lead New World Learning Solutions and partnering with her father at Como.
Mr. Mann has been intentional about access for all.
“Every social, ethnic, academic and special needs community within our building has taken part, representing themselves with pride, good character and dignity.”
With 80 to 100 spots available for each monthly performance, the Manns are confident young minds will continue to grow through the Guthrie experiences.
“Our goal is to cultivate a deeper appreciation for literature by immersing students in high-quality live theater,” Mann said. “A second key objective is to expand students’ worlds beyond their home neighborhoods and daily routines.”
Eric Erickson is a social studies teacher at Como Park Senior High School and a regular freelance writer for the Bugle.
Como Park students at the Guthrie Theater after enjoying another production thanks to a partnership with New World Learning Solutions. Photo courtesy of Justin Mann.
