Education and Community Engagement
Where arts and community connect
School programs
Once-in-a-lifetime learning and performance experiences.
Salazar Arts Internships
What happens offstage- there’s an art to that too. Thanks to the generosity and support of long-time board member Marisol Salazar, our paid internship program offers real world experience in key administrative roles, inspiring the next generation of arts leaders.
Every Tenth Seat
A groundbreaking arts access initiative for schools, community partners, and veterans. As we look to our 60th Anniversary Season in 2026-27, it’s one way we’re securing a strong cultural future for our city.
Student Art Contest
An opportunity for students throughout Houston, of all ages, to share their work and be known for their creativity.
Extended Programming
Students at partnering schools and organizations work directly with artists we present on stage, through master classes, workshops, talks, and open rehearsals.
Dance Residencies
Visiting dance companies become artists-in-residence. Participating artists lead a comprehensive series that makes lasting impact on our community.
Collaborative Arts Project
Customized classroom residences exploring beyond the standard arts curriculum.
Performance opportunities
Pathways to the stage for Houston artists.
New/Now: The Houston Artist Commissioning Project
Houston’s premiere multi-disciplinary commissioning series gives local
artists an opportunity to bring new work to the stage. For audiences, it’s the chance to see what our city can dream.
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H-E-B Performances Preludes
We need everyone to know what talent our city has. Before events on our 25/26 Season, audiences enjoy performances by outstanding emerging artists from our community.
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Public programs
See the arts in a whole new way.
Performing Arts Houston and Inprint Writing Workouts
Performing Arts Houston & Inprint Writing Workouts, taught by acclaimed local writers and poets, are engaging writing workshops that draw creative energy from select Performing Arts Houston events.
Concert Truck
This isn’t just any ordinary box truck—it’s a mobile concert hall and recital series. This October, join us for free public performances all around Houston. Locations and dates coming soon.
Creative Chats
We have so many questions- how’d they do that? Select performances feature fascinating post-show artist talks, free for all attendees. Our artists are also regular guests on the premier dance podcast, Conversations on Dance.
Volunteer
Welcoming, wayfinding, and inspiring Houston theatergoers. Perks include complimentary tickets and more.
Pages and Stages Book Club
A series for seriously curious minds. Each season, we work with partners to create literary events inspired by the artists and works on stage.
Theatre District Open House
Join Performing Arts Houston and all our friends in the Theater District for an all-day extravaganza of family fun, special performances, arts activities, prizes, and more. Details coming Spring 2026.
Let’s keep the conversation going
Have a question, collaboration idea, or just want to learn more? Reach out anytime—we’d love to hear from you.
Lead support for Performing Arts Houston Education and Community Engagement programs is provided by ConocoPhillips.
Additional support is provided by H-E-B, Westwood Trust, Bank of Texas, Plains All American, Wells Fargo, the National Endowment for the Arts, Mid-America Arts Alliance, and Texas Commission on the Arts.
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Amplify the arts—donate today
We create rare and wonderful arts experiences in Houston. Make a contribution today and join a community of arts lovers and lifelong learners.
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