From paper-making and theatre games to stop-motion animation and computer-generated special effects, Apollo Outreach's workshops and residencies help students tell their stories on both the big and small screen. Our media production studio travels to classrooms around Lorain County, bringing media literacy and production-based residencies directly to young people.
Apollo Outreach's media production studio is built around a simple conviction: every young person has a story worth telling, and the tools to tell it well should be within reach. By bringing workshops and residencies directly into classrooms across Lorain County, the organization meets students where they already are, turning familiar school spaces into creative hubs. The approach is hands-on and collaborative, pairing media literacy with production-based learning so that students don't just consume media—they learn to shape it. Whether through printmaking, short films, or animation, each project invites participants to observe their surroundings, interpret what they see, and express it in their own voice.
The range of creative forms explored through these programs is intentionally broad, from paper-making and theatre games to stop-motion animation and computer-generated effects. This variety reflects a belief that creativity has many entry points and that different students connect with different mediums. Some may find their confidence through hands-on printmaking, while others discover a passion for digital storytelling or motion graphics. Across all formats, the emphasis stays on communication skills, leadership abilities, and the confidence that comes from completing a project from concept to finished work. Students leave not only with new technical skills but with a stronger sense of what they are capable of creating.
The organization's team is staffed by dedicated faculty, artists, and professionals who bring real industry experience into the classroom. This mix of backgrounds means students encounter working practitioners who understand both the craft and the practical realities of creative production. Volunteers and community partners strengthen this network, expanding what is possible within each residency. The collaborative spirit extends beyond the studio as well—partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local efforts help weave the program into the fabric of Oberlin, Cleveland, and the surrounding neighborhoods. The result is an evolving initiative that grows alongside the communities it serves.
Apollo Outreach sees media education as a force for both personal growth and broader understanding. When young people learn to tell their stories, they also learn to listen to the stories of others, building empathy across backgrounds and perspectives. The organization believes these skills matter far beyond the screen—they shape citizens, leaders, and artists who can participate fully in their communities. As neighborhoods change and new challenges emerge, the work continues to adapt, always returning to the same core purpose: helping young people gain the confidence, literacy, and creative tools they need to shape their own futures and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.
School Residencies
Apollo Outreach transports its full media production studio to schools throughout Lorain County. Teachers can schedule literacy and production-based residencies upon request, bringing filmmaking tools and mentorship directly into the classroom.
Summer Media Workshop
Our flagship two-week program introduces middle- and high-school students to filmmaking — including green screen effects, stop-motion animation, and sound design. Completed short films screen publicly at the Apollo Theatre.
Free Events & Screenings
Apollo Outreach hosts free public events and screenings at the Oberlin Public Library and the Apollo Theatre, creating spaces where community members can experience student-made films and explore media together.
What Students Explore
Paper-Making & Theatre Games
Foundational creative exercises that build collaboration, storytelling instincts, and tactile art skills before students step behind the camera.
Stop-Motion Animation
Students learn frame-by-frame animation techniques, bringing everyday objects and handcrafted characters to life through patience and imagination.
Computer-Generated Effects
Green screen compositing and digital special effects give young filmmakers the tools to expand their visual storytelling beyond the limits of the physical set.
Bring Media-Making to Your Classroom
Teachers, students, parents, and community leaders — residencies are scheduled upon request. Reach out to learn how Apollo Outreach can work with your school or organization.
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