Art in Education

The Townsend Center strives to bring programming to the stage that not only entertains, but also teaches, inspires, and fosters growth within the audience and the community. During the 2025-2026 season, we have three different options for students to experience live entertainment. This October, the UWG Theatre Company will produce the classic gothic story Frankenstein.  Following Frankenstein, the UWG Theatre Company will be producing Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol. In January 2026, we have Dr. Kevin Spencer doing a residency to educate the teachers and health care professionals of today and tomorrow, and also available for visits to your school for interactive sessions for special education classrooms. Details on Dr. Spencer’s experiences can be found below.

Dr. Kevin Spencer is the globally recognized authority on the academic and therapeutic applications of simple magic tricks in educational and clinical settings. His programs, Magic Therapy™ and Hocus Focus™, have earned international acclaim for their innovative approaches and impactful results.

January 15-16, 2026, Dr. Spencer will be in residency at the Townsend Center, culminating with two autism-friendly magic shows on Jan 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Tickets and more information for these two shows can be found here. 

HOCUS FOCUS
Dr. Spencer offers engaging 45-minute interactive sessions for special education classrooms (including alternative, behavior, and emotional impairments), catering to upper elementary, middle, and lower secondary levels. Multiple classroom visits can be scheduled within a single school day, with the ability to extend to multiple days for broader reach.

Each session begins with a captivating magic performance, followed by hands-on activities where students learn simple magic tricks. These activities are carefully designed to enhance cognitive, motor, communication, and social skills while fostering creativity. Sessions can also be tailored to align with academic content, seamlessly integrating into the classroom curriculum.

These dynamic experiences are highly engaging and motivating, providing students with meaningful opportunities to actively participate in activities that support their personal growth and learning objectives.

MAGIC THERAPY
Discover Magic Therapy™, the evidence-based program developed by internationally recognized expert Dr. Spencer, blending magic tricks with rehabilitation. As a consultant and speaker at top institutions like UAB and Chapman University, he trains healthcare professionals in this groundbreaking therapeutic approach. Join a global movement transforming care through the art of magic.

For over 20 years, Dr. Kevin Spencer has worked with healthcare providers and patients, using simple magic tricks as a powerful tool to boost engagement and improve rehabilitation outcomes. He created Magic Therapy™ to address one of rehab’s biggest challenges—keeping patients motivated through long and often repetitive recovery processes.

Magic Therapy™ uses fun, hands-on activities that naturally encourage participation. Performing magic tricks is rewarding and enjoyable, helping patients stay engaged, practice more often, and reach their therapeutic goals faster than with traditional methods.

For information on booking for your school or health and wellness center, please call the Townsend Center Box Office at 678-839-4722 or email us at boxoffice@westga.edu.