Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
Dallas Children’s Theater

Tuesday, November 1, 2011
10 – 11am & 12 - 1pm plus Q&A

A Caldecott Award-winning Cinderella tale! When a great African king desires a wife, only the most worthy and beautiful maidens in the land are invited to meet him. Mufaro’s pride and joy, his two daughters of very different dispositions, journey through a mystical jungle and cross a deep river to go before the king. Along the way the girls encounter mysterious situations that test their courage, kindness and strength of spirit. Who will be chosen? With authentic drumming and African chanting and music, this heartwarming play, based on the book by John Steptoe, celebrates goodness, generosity, and love.

Grades: 1 - 4
Curriculum Focus: ELA, Social Studies, Geography, Music, Dance.
This program relates to Learning Standards: Social Studies 2, 3, 5; Language Arts 1, 2, 3

The Star Keeper
Théâtre de l'Œil

Monday, November 14, 2011
10:00 - 11:00am plus Q&A

A unique puppet show wordlessly evokes the incredible journey of Pretzel, a kindly worm who goes on a quest to return a fallen star to the night sky. Along the way, he must climb a spider’s thread, cross the dormitory of dreams, and dive to the ocean’s depths. This exquisite production features gentle charm, visual beauty, soft music, and a marvelous array of characters performed by four mostly invisible puppeteers using both marionette and rod-puppets. First produced in 1997, The Star Keeper has won multiple awards and has delighted thousands of viewers in North America, Europe, and Asia. The story will resonate in the imagination of children, making them laugh, dream, and reflect.

Grades: PreK - 2
Curriculum Focus: Theater, Visual Art, Interpersonal Relationships, Critical Thinking, Non-Verbal Communication
This program relates to Learning Standards: The Arts 3, 4

Mo Willem’s Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical
Kennedy Center Theatre for Young Audiences

Wednesday, December 7, 2011
10:00 - 11:00am and Noon - 1:00pm plus Q&A

What startling things could happen on a family visit to the local Laundromat? Plenty—in this funny and heart-lifting play, based on the Caldecott Honor winning book, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. When 16-month old Trixie and her cherished stuffed animal Knuffle Bunny accompany Daddy on a simple trip to the Laundromat, things go horribly, hilariously wrong. Chock full of adventure, song, and gigantic dancing laundry, this is a story of firsts: including a little girl’s first words and a daddy’s first time dealing with his child going “boneless.” The acclaimed story by Mo Willems, a six-time Emmy Award winner, is enhanced by the lively music of Grammy® Award winner Michael Silversher.

Grades:PreK - 2
Curriculum Focus: Language Arts, Literature, Interpersonal Relationships, Problem Solving, Non-verbal Communication
This program relates to Learning Standards: ELA 2, 3; Social Studies 3; The Arts 3

Our 25th Anniversary!
PAWS: Performing Arts Workshops for Secondary Students
A Participatory Program for Your Students

Monday, December 19, 2011
8:45am – 2:00pm

Come celebrate the 25th year of PAWS, where your students have a unique opportunity to experience a variety of performing arts by participating in three workshops they choose from numerous offerings. Students learn skills and techniques not usually taught in their own schools, such as Stage Fighting, Latin Dance, Gospel Singing, Advanced Improvisation, and Directing. An exhilarating day for all. Some student responses from last year’s PAWS program: “It’s indescribable how amazing the class was.” “I was inspired.” “PAWS is a celebration of the arts and trying to improve on things I’m passionate about.”

Cost: $10 per student.

Grades: 9 – 12
Curriculum Focus: Theatre, Dance, Music
This program relates to Learning Standard: The Arts 1

Romeo and Juliet
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival

Tuesday, March 27, 2012
10:00 – 11:00am plus Q&A

The Hudson Valley Shakespeare company has created a dynamic, fully staged 90-minute production that focuses on the language and characters without “dumbing down” Shakespeare’s glorious text. The company presents this classic story of doomed love with energy and clarity, and offers a fresh look at what is essential in Shakespeare’s plays - his humanity, the universality of his themes, and the beauty of his language, making the story memorable and accessible. Enhanced by a 20-minute talk-back with the actors after the performance, this Romeo and Juliet will excite students to love the works of the Bard as so many have for hundreds of years.

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival Residency
Students will develop a personal connection to Shakespeare’s work after participating in a residency or workshop conducted by the talented Festival artists. They will creatively explore the nuances inherent in Shakespeare’s work by engaging in character development, language exploration and theater games. Please call for more information.

Grades: 6 - 10
Curriculum Focus: Language Arts, Interpersonal Relationships, Theater
This program relates to Learning Standards: ELA 2; The Arts 3,4

Cultural Influences of Latin Jazz
Purchase College Latin Jazz Orchestra

Thursday, April 12, 2012
10:30 -11:30am plus Q&A

Jazz mirrors the social history of the United States. Today the music of the Latin countries and the work of Latino musicians in America continue to influence and redefine the structure of jazz. The Purchase College Latin Jazz Orchestra takes the audience through a musical introduction to the culture, history, and sound of this vibrant jazz style. Presenting classic compositions and new music, the program will combine fiery rhythms with the intensity of true jazz improvisation.

Grades: 5 - 12
Curriculum Focus: Music, The Americas, Immigration
This program relates to Learning Standards: The Arts 3, 4; Social Studies 3

A Brown Bear, a Moon and a Very Hungry Caterpillar:
Treasured Stories by Eric Carle
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, April 23, 24, 25, 2012
10:00 – 11:00am & Noon – 1pm plus Q&A

The beloved Very Hungry Caterpillar is back, now joined by new friends drawn from the pages of Eric Carle’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? and Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me in a production featuring evocative music, stunning visual effects, and innovative puppetry. Children will be enchanted by the caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly, the adventurous animals in Brown Bear, and the poignant story of a young girl’s unusual quest in Moon. These whimsical tales have delighted several generations of youngsters, and Mermaid’s acclaimed adaptations teach as well as entertain.

The Art of Eric Carle Residency
Kim McCormack, artist and educational consultant, returns to teach the many processes and uses of Eric Carle’s art and illustration, this time directly to the children and tailored to specific grade levels. Together they will create textured, painted papers, which they will use for collage, making books, a group mural, or individual mini-murals. Call for information or go to www.kimmccormack.com . Find out more on our blog: www.artsineducationpac.wordpress.com

Grades: Pre-K – 2
Curriculum Focus: Language Arts, Literacy, Growth and Development of Animals, Art, Storytelling
This program relates to Learning Standards: ELA 2; The Arts 3; Math, Science and Technology 4