A Noise Within

A Noise Within (ANW) is dedicated to engaging adult and student audiences throughout Southern California with classic theatre while serving as a creative home for its ensemble of resident artists. Each season, ANW produces more than 180 performances across six classical works, reaching approximately 51,000 audience members, including 18,000 students and educators. ANW has earned numerous honors from theatre, arts, and business organizations in recognition of its artistic excellence, innovative leadership, and meaningful contributions to the cultural and civic vitality of Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles region. Reflecting this legacy, the Los Angeles Times has described ANW as "an oasis for those who love classic theatre."

In a typical season, ANW's Education Program serves approximately 18,000 students and educators from nearly 200 schools across more than 40 school districts. The Education Program is made up of a carefully developed range of impactful theatre-based learning experiences, including:a. Student Matinees & Evening PerformancesWeekday matinees for student audiences are performed by the same professional cast seen in evening productions. Each experience includes a pre-show orientation, a full-length performance, and a post-show conversation with the artists, facilitated by ANW's Director of Education. Based on need and availability, participating schools may receive flexible scholarships that support ticket costs, transportation, and/or program fees.b. Study GuidesANW provides free, in-depth study guides to educators through its website. These resources help teachers animate classic texts and plays in the classroom by combining thematic and contextual analysis with activities tied to music, visual arts, and history, all aligned with California State standards.c. Professional DevelopmentEach year, ANW offers two no-cost professional development opportunities for educators. The late-summer Educator Extravaganza introduces teachers to the upcoming season and features workshops led by professional teaching artists. A second seminar is held in the spring and typically focuses on ANW's annual Shakespeare production. d. Workshops & ResidenciesANW's teaching artists lead experiential workshops that pair interactive exercises with close exploration of a play's language and themes. Workshops are typically one-day intensives, while residencies often span eight weeks, with artists teaching one or two classes per week. Programs are customized to meet the specific needs of each school or classroom and may be delivered in person, virtually, or through hybrid models.e. Summer With ShakespeareSummer With Shakespeare is a five-week theatre camp for students ages 6-18, offering hands-on experience with professional actors and technicians. Participants deepen their understanding of Shakespeare's verse while engaging with a range of classic plays. The program encourages young artists to grow as both scholars and performers, strengthening acting and public speaking skills, building confidence, and providing meaningful exposure to theatre-making.f. Relaxed PerformancesANW's sensory-friendly Relaxed Performances are designed to welcome patrons with Autism and other social communication and sensory processing differences. These performances feature the same professional cast and artistic quality as standard productions, while incorporating adjusted lighting, sound, and a more flexible audience environment. ANW is committed to making live theatre accessible to all and has been invited to advise organizations such as the Natural History Museum, the California Science Center, and The Huntington Library and Gardens on best practices for creating sensory-friendly experiences.