Content

ETP provides information to young people in a way that is accessible, meaningful, and fun. There are many aspects of health that go beyond the clinical aspects of medical care or medical information. Healthy living—things like eating well, being active, not abusing drugs—these are tied to having a healthy self-image, making good decisions, and respecting others. – Philip Wu, MD, Department of Pediatrics Kaiser Permanente NW
It’s shocking to recognize that today’s children spend more time with entertainment screen media than they spend in school. Screen time has the potential to influence their health in a number of ways. Helping kids evaluate these connections and implications is done well through theatre. They are interested observers among their peers within their learning environment. The power intensifies in the days after—you can’t avoid thinking about it, talking about it, examining your own life in its context, and contemplating what really matters. – Jean Rystrom, Pediatric Practice Director Kaiser Permanente NW
During the performance we get a chance to really connect with the kids. I can see them singing, bopping around, and laughing. They want so badly to tell us what they know. After the show, the kids thank us, of course. But my favorite response was from a young man who, when asked if he liked the show, said, “It made me feel like my brain was on a unicorn, eating a turkey sandwich.” To this day, it is the best compliment I have ever gotten. – Stephanie Cordell, Actor
ETP shows give kids an opportunity to share their ideas, and also participate in a shared community activity. The ETP shows are successful because OCT understands that kids not only want to have fun - they also want entertainment that respects their intelligence. And beyond the educational content, the kids gain an experience with the arts. They see how actors work together as a team. They have the opportunity to come together as a school, have a shared experience, and gain an increased sense of community. – Joel Harmon, Actor
In some cases, Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Program (ETP) is the first, sometimes only, exposure a young person has to theatre. It is essential that the messages in the productions are clear, to the point, and engaging, but equally important: it must be quality theatre. We know from current research that exposure to the arts at an early age helps students stay in school and graduate on time; we know it addresses different learning styles; we know it helps with developing better communication and self-expression skills. Let’s not forget the arts can also give kids the skills to imagine a better life and to become thoughtful citizens. - Russell Granet Educational Consultant, Arts Education Resource
As educators we are trying to prepare the next generation to not only be positive contributors to our society, but also to learn to navigate this world and live a meaningful and balanced life. There is no better or more powerful way than theatre to do this. When students can express themselves, they begin to believe in themselves. There is nothing more magical than to see a student believe in their own voice. – Wade Willis, Actor, Director, and Educator

About ETP

Kaiser Permanente: Actively Investing in the Future of our Community

A Groundbreaking Blend of Experience and Expertise

Kaiser Permanente understands that good health extends beyond the doctor’s office. We’re especially proud to support initiatives like the Educational Theatre Program (ETP) that focus on teaching kids to make smart choices. The pairing with Oregon Children’s Theatre (OCT) in the Northwest region marks a groundbreaking collaboration. Since 1989, OCT has become Oregon’s leading professional children’s theater.

Kaiser Permanente also works to improve the health of the community through charitable care, research, grant programs, employee giving campaigns, and volunteerism. As an integrated health care organization with 65 years of history serving the Northwest, we are committed to building innovative programs such as ETP that promote health in creative ways. Visit the Kaiser Permanente Northwest Community Benefit page

Interactive Productions that Immerse, Engage, and Empower

Educational Theatre Program (ETP) enables students to step into poignant scenarios, prompting thought and dialogue about everyday decisions that shape the quality of their health and their lives. The programs prompt peer-to-peer learning experiences that reach kids in a nontraditional way. ETP productions explore a wide range of wellness issues and subject matter. They raise questions about topics that impact young people today, from eating habits and inactivity to social conflict and intolerance.