ReachUP community engagement programming takes artists off the stage and directly into the community. We take pride in bringing world-class performers out of the theater and into schools, community centers, and other public places where Utahans live, work, and learn. Through partnerships with other U of U entities and local organizations, we foster curiosity, creativity, and collaboration in our community.
A core component of the ReachUP program is student matinees, bringing over 8,000 school-aged students to Kingsbury Hall each year to experience live performance. See the list of upcoming student matinees at this link.
“My students were able to see themselves on stage and connect with their own culture (the majority of my students have Mexican heritage) or with a different culture.” – K-12 teacher comment following a matinee performance of “Sugar Skull”
In addition to educational matinees, ReachUP events include professional development in the arts for educators, classes/workshops with artists for K-12 and University students, and workshops, lectures and other events for the greater community, among other offerings. ReachUP events that are open to the public are listed on our upcoming events page here.
“The improv was my favorite part – it challenged me to think about space and my body in a new way.” – Honors student who participated in a movement class with Circa acrobats
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Reach out to Community Engagement Manager Melissa Salguero at Melissa.Salguero@utah.edu for questions regarding partnerships or ReachUP programming.
“Thank you again Kalani for coming to our humble school to share your mana’o, mana, and heart with us at Mana Academy. A special thank you to UtahPresents’ wonderful partnership with Mana Academy for making these visits possible.” – Mana Academy’s Principal ‘Anapesi Ka’ili, following an in-school performance with singer/songwriter Kalani Pe’a
We rely on donations to continue this work. Please consider supporting ReachUP programming with a contribution!
