Engagement
The Connectivity Project
Community Engagement Theatre Workshops & Creative Collaboration: The Connectivity Project uses theatre to spark connection, creativity, learning, and community engagement across Rochester — uplifting diverse voices through accessible, collaborative arts experiences.
Workshops:
Community
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Corporate
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Professional Development
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Family & Theatre for Young Audiences
Igniting Young Imaginations through the Joy of Theatre
Theatre for Young Audiences: Storytelling for Littles & Families
Ages 18 Months–8 Years
Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) is designed specifically for children and their families, creating joyful, interactive experiences that spark imagination, creativity, and a lifelong love of storytelling.
Join Geva Teaching Artists as they bring beloved children’s books to life through expressive storytelling, movement, music, and imaginative play. Each session invites little ones to become part of the story, followed by a hands-on craft inspired by the book’s themes. Perfect for children ages 18 months–8 years and their caregivers, this welcoming program encourages creativity, connection, and learning through play.
Essie Calhoun Diversity in the Arts Award
Geva Theatre annually presents the Essie Calhoun Diversity in the Arts Award to an individual who or organization that promotes and encourages diversity in the arts. The award recognizes that art allows for the expression of truths and beliefs, and helps us gain an understanding of one another and our world. It further acknowledges that a mixture of cultures stimulates creativity, the sharing of ideas, and the building of a common collective future, which has always been close to Ms. Calhoun-McDavid’s heart.
The award was established in 2011 and named in honor of Essie Calhoun-McDavid, retired Chief Diversity Officer, Director of Community Affairs, and Vice President of Eastman Kodak Company. Ms. Calhoun-McDavid, a longtime advocate for diversity in the arts, was the first recipient of the award.
The award is designed by renowned Rochester glass artist Nancy Gong.
Past Recipients
- Dr. David Anderson (Sankofa)
- The Center for Youth Strings for Success
- Rachel Y. DeGuzman
- Shawn Dunwoody
- Garth Fagan
- Reenah Golden
- Delores Jackson Radney
- Tonia Loran-Galban (Akwesasne Mohawk, Bear Clan)
- Debora McDell-Hernandez
- Nydia Padilla-Rodriguez
- School of the Arts
- Seneca Art & Culture Center at Ganondagan
- David Shakes
- Dangerous Signs
- Thomas Warfield
Photos by Alex John-Hamer
Community Engagement Committee
The Geva Community Engagement Committee is a collaborative group of professional artists, educators, community leaders, and changemakers from across the Greater Rochester region. Together, members help advance Geva’s mission by strengthening relationships, amplifying diverse voices, and guiding meaningful community engagement initiatives that connect the theatre with the people and communities it serves.
Want to partner with Geva? Get in touch with our Connectivity Department today!
Connect Further
Education
Learning Pathways Through Theatre Education
- Student Matinees
- In School Theatre Residencies
- Youth Camps & Classes
- Summer Academy
- Internships & Partnerships
ACCESS
Making Theatre Accessible for All
- Accessibility
- Sensory Friendly Programming and Performances
- ROC Geva Pass
- Theatre Tours
Contact
We're Your Resource Too
Please feel free to email our Education & Engagement (Connectivity) department to share how we may be of assistance to you and your students.