2019-2020 Arts-In-Education Season
Here’s a special glimpse of next year’s Arts-In-Education school-time performances program. For more information, call the AIE office on 914-251-6232. Book now and avoid disappointment in the fall!
Maddi’s Fridge
Based on the book by Lois Brandt and illustrated by Vin Vogel. Adapted by Anne Negri.
Childsplay Theater Company
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Grades 1 – 6
Maddi and Sofia are best friends. They live in the same neighborhood, go to the same school, and play in the park together. One day Sofia discovers that Maddi has no food in her fridge at home, but Maddi makes her promise not to tell anyone and to keep it a secret. What should Sofia do? Can Sofia find a way to keep her word but also help her best friend? Based on the book by Lois Brandt, this play is a thoughtful and funny exploration of friendship, empathy, and doing the right thing.
Gina Chavez
Friday, November 8, 2019
Grades 5 – 12
Gina Chavez’ bilingual, pan-Latin sound embodies the true meaning of “America.” Her high-energy concerts take audiences on a melodic journey tracing her Latin roots from Austin to Argentina, El Salvador to Venezuela and beyond, blending the sounds and rhythms of the region alongside a talented four-piece band. Gina tours internationally as a cultural ambassador with the U.S. State Department’s American Music Abroad program, and runs Niñas Arriba, a college scholarship fund for young women in gang-dominated El Salvador.
Chouk Bwa
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Grades: 5 – 12
Chouk Bwa celebrate authentic ‘mizik rasin,’ properly authentic Haitian roots music – heavily percussive, adorned with call-and-response vocals, and infused with the scent and sensibility of voodoo. It’s music that refuses to obscure their homeland’s deep African heritage. As they themselves declare, these are rhythms that were “torn from Africa and secretly replanted in a new land”, but this “replanting” sowed a new identity. As such, the music of Chouk Bwa is a proud statement of Haitian culture, of a nation that’s known the hardest of times but whose spirit remains as tough as those ancient drums.
Rising Tide
Arch 8
Friday, November 22, 2019
Grades: 5 – 12
Building on the fantastic reviews of the company’s award winning piece, Tetris, presented at The Performing Arts Center two years ago, we offer the world premiere of Rising Tide, a brand-new work from the innovative Dutch dance-theatre company Arch 8, commissioned by The PAC. Arch 8 and choreographer Erik Kael are known for creating unorthodox, acrobatic dance for kids and grown-ups who can’t sit still, specializing in joyful and engaging interactive performances. Their work for young audiences encourages an active viewing, a participatory imagining on the part of the audience – and, oftentimes, a willingness to come up on stage and play along. A unique physical way to engage students in the discussion of climate change in and outside the classroom.
In-School residency programs available with this performance.
DOKTOR KABOOM! The Electricity Tour
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
Grades: 3 – 8
Creatively blending theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration, Doktor Kaboom will explore the fundamentals of electrical energy and the history of humanity’s adventures into its potential. At the dawn of the 19th century mankind first harnessed the power of electricity, the world changed, and the journey still continues. This unique event, co-commissioned by Doktor Kaboom and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts returns to The Performing Arts Center thanks to popular demand. Hold on to your hats!
MUMMENSCHANZ
Monday, February 24, 2020
Grades: 3 – 12
For more than four decades, Mummenschanz have delighted audiences around the world with their wordless but extremely poetic art. By creating a playful yet compelling experience through the inventive use of shadow, light, and creative manipulation of objects, Mummenschanz offers timeless insight on the human condition. The result is a visually stunning spectacle that transcends cultural barriers, sparks the imagination, and is sure to delight audiences of all ages.
Air Play
Friday, February 28, 2020
Grade: 3 – 12
Ride the wind and dream with Air Play, a modern spectacle that brings to life the very air we breathe. Flying umbrellas, giant kites, larger-than-life balloons, and the biggest snow globe you have ever seen make you gasp in wonder and laugh until it hurts. Air Play is a circus-style adventure of two siblings journeying through a surreal world, transforming ordinary objects into uncommon beauty. This dazzling production merges circus, street theater, and performance art with sculptural artistry. With visual images seemingly sewn from the sky, this poetic ode to childhood enchants and electrifies the young, and young at heart.
Please note that latex balloons are used onstage and in the audience during this performance.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia
Monday, March 2, 2020
Grades: Pre-K – 2
The Mermaid Theatre Company’s celebrated performances are back! Three beloved stories by Eric Carle are retold on stage through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets. The triple-bill includes the wonderful story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly, the fanciful account of Little Cloud’s travels through the sky, and The Mixed Up Chameleon’s discovery of his own unique nature.
It Gets Better Project
An artistic collaboration with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Grades: 7 – 12
It Gets Better brings the experience and message of the online It Gets Better Project to the stage as a moving musical theater performance – equal parts wit, whimsy, empowerment, and inspiration – featuring real stories from gay, lesbian, transgender, and straight allies from around the country. Produced by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus in collaboration with the It Gets Better Project and Speak Theater Arts.
In-School residency programs available with this performance.
YAO YAO
Brush Theatre – South Korea
Friday, March 6, 2020
Grades: Pre-K – 2
An innovative blend of reality and imagination, using interactive screen technology and live music, Yao Yao is an inventive tale from the other side of the world. Yao is a mischievous little girl who loves playing with her dad. But every morning Daddy has to go to work. One day, Yao, unhappy with her father’s departure, grabs his overcoat and accidentally pulls a thread that leads to the start of a magical world of adventure and discovery.
The Boy Who Grew Flowers
Treehouse Shakers
Monday, March 23, 2020
Grades: 1 – 5
Adapted from Jennifer Wojtowicz’s picture book by Mara McEwin, The Boy Who Grew Flowers is the beautiful story of a very unusual boy, Rink, who grows beautiful flowers all over his body whenever the moon is full. In town and at school, Rink and his family are treated as outcasts although no-one knows his strange botanical secret. But one day a new girl arrives at school, and Rink discovers she has some unique qualities of her own. Incorporating shadow puppetry, original music, and movement into the play, The Boy Who Grew Flowers is a thoughtful story that lends itself to themes of diversity, creating empathy, and celebrating individualism.
Black Violin
Friday, March 27, 2020
Grades: 5 – 12
Back by popular demand! These ridiculously talented musical innovators are dedicated to inspiring musicians of all ages to investigate the world of classical music, as well as the nearly forty years of hip-hop history.
Peter Rabbit Tales
Enchantment Theatre Company
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Grades: 2 – 5
Using whimsical costumes and gorgeous scenery, the magical world of Beatrix Potter’s beloved stories comes to life. A grown-up Peter and friends remember their youthful adventures in Mr. McGregor’s garden and work to save their children from a badger. Combining three of the famous Peter Rabbit tales, this captivating show by Philadelphia’s Enchantment Theatre Company reminds us all that we are never too young to make a difference.
Miss Nelson Has A Field Day
Dallas Children’s Theater
Monday, May 11, 2020
Grades: K – 4
It’s doom and gloom at the Horace B. Smedley School – the cafeteria ladies have lost their sparkle and Principal Blandsworth is hiding under his desk. Why? The Smedley Tornadoes haven’t won a game or even scored a single point this season. They’re the worst football team ever! The team seems hopeless… until Viola Swamp, the meanest substitute teacher in the whole wide world, shows up to whip them into shape! This game-winning musical will have kids cheering as they learn that all it takes to win is teamwork and determination! Go Tornadoes!
Arts In Education Department phone: 914.251.6232