FREE RESOURCES: Behind the Scenes [ Page 1 ]
Background info about the stories and themes of ArtReach's plays
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This page (Page #1) has stories and helpful info from behind the scenes of ArtReach productions!  Push back the curtain and check out all these great ArtReach titles: Treasure Island, The Jungle Book, Wizard of Oz, Sword in the Stone, Alice in Wonderland, A Thousand Cranes, A Christmas Carol, Sleepy Hollow, Nutcracker Prince, Jack in the Beanstalk, Peter Pan, The Legend of Mulan, Kid Frankenstein, The Little Mermaid.  Don’t forget, a Teachers Guide will come with your School Play Package and contain lots more background articles and info about your play!

'Treasure Island' comes to Elko children's theater group
Elko Daily Free Press, NV
Featured Top Story, Editor's Pick

SPRING CREEK - Occupying a circle of chairs inside the auditorium of Christ Community Church in Spring Creek, elementary-aged children raised their voices in excitement as they acted like pirates.

"Elementary-aged children raised their voices in excitement."
Treasrue Island play for kids Large Cast play for Students Treasure Island
ArtReach's Musical Treasure Island - Starlight Productions, Elko NV

The Starlight Productions children's community theater group is rehearsing their production of "Treasure Island." The play, based on the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, will come to the Elko High School Performing Arts Center on March 8 at 6 p.m. and March 9 at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are $10 apiece, with groups of four tickets discounted at $35.

The theater group is a volunteer-led nonprofit, powered by involvement from Elko county parents.

Director Carrie Snyder said her community theater journey began when she moved to Elko in 2022. "My daughter and my son were in elementary and the Missoula Theatre Company came to do 'The Little Mermaid,'" she said.

"Oh, my gosh, mom, we want to do this again."
Treasure Island musical Kids play pirates in Treasrue Island Kids love Treasrue Island
ArtReach's Musical Treasure Island - Starlight Productions, Elko NV

"If you're not familiar with it, there's a week we get together and practice each day and then at the end of the week, they perform and afterwards my kids were like, 'Oh, my gosh, mom, like we want to do this again.' And so I went to look to see what was available. No, there wasn't anything available. And I was like, 'all right, I'll start something.'"

Also, Snyder said another goal for the show is to provide children with wholesome activities and expose them to classic literature. "Treasure Island" is a story of substance, she said.

"Treasure Island is a story of substance."
Large Cast Treasure Island Musical
ArtReach's Musical Treasure Island - Starlight Productions, Elko NV

According to Snyder, short attention spans are the main challenge of working with young actors. Snyder solved this problem by placing games in the middle of rehearsals, making the process of practicing lines rewarding. The group even enjoyed a pizza party rehearsal on Feb. 15.

Snyder said she hopes to fill the Performing Arts Center auditorium. "These kids have been working so hard," she noted.

KVTA to present 'The Jungle Book' in November
ArtReach's script, Kipling Classic, comes to life with students on stage
Daily Journal staff report - Kankakee, IL

Kankakee Valley Theatre Association starts off its new season with the youth production “The Jungle Book.”

According to news release from KVTA, “ArtReach’s new script is a wonderful play adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s classic, ‘The Jungle Book,’ which contains stories and poems set in the jungle of India. It has been the basis for countless popular films, plays and books and has become a beloved story for young people worldwide.”

"ArtReach's new script is a wonderful play adaptation of Kipling’s classic."
Raised by Wolves, ArtReach's The Jungl Book play Baloo and Shere Khan in Jungle Book play Young elephan in The Jungle Book
ArtReach's The Jungle Book - Kankakee Valley Theatre Association, IL

The jungle is creatively brought to life by the 40 talented cast members and staff in the KVTA Studios and includes lots of audience participation to give everyone a taste of jungle life up close.

The story follows the journey of Mowgli (played by Liam Johnson, of Bourbonnais), a boy, or “man-cub”, who was raised by a family of wolves since his birth, but must flee his safety from Shere Khan, the tiger (played by Lily James, of Kankakee).

Rudyard Kipling himself (portrayed by Margot Mau-Bridges, of Kankakee) will share some of his insight and writings, while six unique storytellers guide the story along (played by Jackson Day, Kylie Viet and Kaitlyn Kenny, of Bourbonnais; Melaina Hall and Ella Nitschke, of Kankakee; and Cole Pilbeam, of Manteno).

The themes of community, working together and freedom are featured throughout this enchanting story and the cast is rounded out by some amazing jungle friends: Baloo the bear played by Kiera Jones, of St. Anne; Bagheera the panther played by Emma Day, of Bourbonnais; Kaa the snake played by Tatum Kirkland, of Kankakee; Akela the father wolf portrayed by Andrew Bush, of Bourbonnais.

"Community, working together & freedom are explored in this enchanting story."
Mowgli and Shere Kahn in The Jungle Book play ArtReach's play The Jungle Book Great characters for young performers Jungle Book
ArtReach's The Jungle Book - Kankakee Valley Theatre Association, IL

Raksha the mother wolf is played by Adrianna Udstuen, of Monee; Gray Brother played by Austin Lyle, of Bourbonnais; and the wolf cubs portrayed by Hope Brammer, of Bourbonnais, Audrey McPhail, of Kankakee, Noah Parpart, of Manteno, and Adelynn Udstuen, of Monee.

Hathi the elephant is played by Evelin Torres, of Manteno, and the Hathi Calves are played by Penelope Bentley and Hadley Kirkland, of Kankakee; Kylie Kothe and Kirby Viet, of Bourbonnais; and Margie Hess, of New Lenox.

The Golden Queen monkey is played by Lillian Longtin, of Bourbonnais, and the other adventurous monkeys are played by Eleanor Guastalli, Margot Guastalli and Sophie Powell, of Kankakee; and Ashton Lamont, Kara Settl and Bailey Viet, of Bourbonnais; and Ikki and Chikoo the scavengers are played by Haley O’Keefe, of Bourbonnais; and Zoey Christensen, of Kankakee.

"Baloo the Bear, Hathi the Elephant and Shere Khan are featured."
Community is featured in ArtReach Jungle Book Play The Jungle Book for kids to perform
ArtReach's The Jungle Book - Kankakee Valley Theatre Association, IL

Additionally, audience members will see the puppeteer skills of Emily Lyle and Mary Alice Kunz, of Bourbonnais, as well as Quinlin Kirkland and Aubrey Wosz, of Kankakee. The cast is complete with Naimah Mans, of Kankakee, playing the Man-Mother, and Harper Case, also of Kankakee, portraying both the Man-Father and Chil the vulture.

Led by Director Paula Sutter and Assistant Director Sharla Ronchetto, there are three chances to join KVTA in the jungle at the KVTA Studios 1 Stuart Drive in Kankakee. The performances take place at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 19 and 2 p.m. Nov. 20. Tickets are available online at KVTA.org, by calling the box office at 815-935-8510, or if any tickets are remaining, they will be available at the door. Tickets for this production are general admission.

The Broadway in Bixby Bootcamp presented The Wizard of Oz with ArtReach in July.
Directed by Shay Pool, Music Directed by Nicole Brown, and Choreographed by Toni Ross and Aimey Schmidt. 

This production included young performers from all over Oklahoma in a two week intensive camp learning the entire show over these two weeks. The Broadway in Bixby Bootcamp believes in putting the Broadway experience into every children’s camp they provide, as Broadway isn’t just about singing, dancing, and acting. It’s about the magic of the costumes, sets, lighting, etc.

"Socially distancing was a challenge, but we did it with flying colors!"
Middle School Performs Wizard of Oz ArtReach's Wizard of Oz performed in Tulsa Wicked Witch performed by Middle Schooler
ArtReach's Wizard of Oz - Bixby Middle School Drama Club - Tulsa, OK

Our adaptation included 13 of the classic songs with full choreography. At the end of our two week camp, over 30 kids had the chance to perform The Wizard of Oz in a two-day run to over 300 people. Performing this production in a socially distanced way was a challenge, but we did it with flying colors.

"Over 30 kids had the chance to perform The Wizard of Oz!"
On the yellow brick road - School Performance Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz Good Witch in Middle School Play Poster for Wizard of Oz
ArtReach's Wizard of Oz - Bixby Middle School Drama Club - Tulsa, OK

This cast was simply amazing and created a beautiful show. The Broadway in Bixby Bootcamp cannot wait to us ArtReach again for their upcoming children’s theatre camps. 
- Shay Pool (Executive Director)

Sierra Repertory Theatre weathers loss of income, looks ahead to 2021 season with Sword in the Stone
STREAMING JANUARY 2021
Union Democrat, Sonora CA

Adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller, ArtReach Children's Theatre Plays, Bradenton FL

Directed by Jerry Lee, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Sonora CA 

Sierra Repertory Theatre is delighted to announce a brand new digital production of The Sword in the Stone, adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller. The magical 45-minute adventure is part of SRT in Schools, our touring program that brings professional theatre to our county's schools absolutely free of charge. SRT in Schools and The Sword in the Stone, are sponsored by Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation, Sonora Area Foundation and the California Arts Council.

"Merlin, the winsome wizard of Camelot, guides Arthur..."
ArtReach's script Sword in the Stone Camelot play about Arthur and Merlin
ArtReach's Sword in the Stone performed by Sierra Repertory Theatre, CA

47-minutes, Recommended for all ages.

Merlin, the winsome wizard of Camelot, guides Arthur through life's lessons as the young pupil grapples with sibling rivalry and his desire to be a knight instead of a measly squire to his big brother Kai. The 45-minute play is packed with comedy, drama and excitement as students see Arthur become a fish, a bird, battle a dragon and reach the sword in the stone. In the course of his studies Arthur learned the meaning of "real magic" and found himself worthy of his awesome duty.

"We're streamlining every department, every office every facet of this theater company so we could just be more efficient," Director Lee said. 

SRT also remained committed to youth education with their junior students. 

"The arts are so vital in a child's education," Blunt said. "We felt during this time, we were able to serve our students with workshops so they could learn and grow in their craft."

"Arthur found himself worthy of his awesome duty."
Arthur becomes the rightful King in script for kids One act play for students, Arthus and Merlin
ArtReach's Sword in the Stone performed by Sierra Repertory Theatre, CA

SRT provided some scholarships to students who could not afford to participate and offered virtual master classes led by professional actors for students under 18. The SRT junior students produced a version of "The Sword and the Stone," which was provided to area schools free of charge, Blunt said.   The educational projects were paid through a $20,000 grant from the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation and the refurbishment projects through donations from the board of directors.

Esquire Players production of 'Alice In Wonderland' should be a crowd pleaser
The Panola Watchman, Carthage TX - By Mike Elswick

The classic story of "Alice In Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll is set for performances this Saturday and Sunday by the Esquire Players on the stage of the historic Esquire Theater.

The adaptation of the story comes with a big twist in that one of the characters on stage will be the author, Carroll himself, according to Cindy Deloney, producer of the production. Performances on both Jan. 21 and 22 include a matinee at 2 p.m. each day and evening performances at 7 p.m.

"The story comes with a big twist."
Middle School Kids rehearse ArtReach's classic play Queen of Hearts Alice in Wonderland
The Esquire Players (TX) Rehearse - Chevy Chase Elem School (MD)

The Esquire Players production of “Alice In Wonderland” has a cast of 21, including many younger actors. It has a crew of six and is being produced by Cindy Deloney and directed by Michael Powell, who is assisted by Abigail Stockman.

"This group is amazing," she said. "It's one of the best I've worked with."

The production has a cast of 21, including many younger actors, and it has a crew of six, Deloney said. The adaptation of the comedy by Kathryn Schultz Miller is geared toward young audiences, she said.

"The production has a cast of 21, including younger actors."
Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland Kids perform in Alice in Wonderland
Chevy Chase Elem School Students (MD) Perform ArtReach's Alice in Wonderland

"It's going to feature all the favorite characters from the original, including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, the Caterpillar, the March Hare and the Queen of Hearts," Deloney said. While the adaption does not include all the characters from the classic, it does include those most familiar to readers.

Taking on the lead role of Alice are Emma Stapleton, 11, and Micaelah Burns, 13.

"Emma has been in every production of The Esquire Players, and this is her first leading role," she said.

In addition to the production having a role of Lewis Carroll included, another changes in this adaption is the inclusion of storytellers who help lead the story.

"One of the storytellers is Jessica DeJohn, and both she and her husband, Tony DeJohn, have been in all of our productions," Deloney said. In the weekend shows, he will play the role of the Mad Hatter.

"The addition of Lewis Carroll as a character is really fun."
ArtReach's Alice in Wonderland Lewis Carroll clasic adapted by ArtReach
Chevy Chase Elem School Students (MD) Perform ArtReach's Alice in Wonderland

Michael Powell is directing the production, while Abigail Stockman is assistant director for Alice In Wonderland.

Other veterans of Esquire Players shows include Chandler Glaze, playing a pigeon, and Brice Reddell, who takes on the role of the March Hare.  Deloney said she expects the production to be a crowd pleaser.

"It's just really cute," she said. "The addition of Lewis Carroll as a character is really fun."

2019 Adelaide Fringe Show Announcement!
Author: The Gemini Collective, AU - How to fold a Paper Crane tutorial

The atomic bomb that dropped on Hiroshima changed everything, especially for 12-year-old Sadako Sasaki. In a concord of contemporary dance and original music her true story, captured in A Thousand Cranes play by Kathryn Schultz Miller, lives on. Following a five-star debut in 2018, The Gemini Collective pay homage to the girl who sparked a movement of peace.

"These paper cranes were folded from medicine wrapping paper and other scraps by Sadako Sasaki, who was hospitalized with Leukemia, causes by the atomic bombing. In Japan it has long been believed that a wish would be granted to those who folded a thousand paper cranes. Sadako folded paper cranes hoping for a cure, but her condition only worsened. She died after fighting her disease for eight months."

"The girl who sparked a movement of peace."
A Thousand Cranes by Gemini Collective Sadako Sasaki in Japan
Picture taken from our trip to Japan in August 2017.

If you have children around Yr 3 age and upwards, we would love for you to come and see our 2019 Adelaide Fringe performance 'A Thousand Cranes'. It will be an experience they talk about long after a toy has been forgotten.

We are folding 1000 cranes before March 5th 2019, opening night of our production "A Thousand Cranes".  Follow this link to our YouTube Channel to watch Sarah fold a Paper Crane and learn how.  Let's get folding!  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCH-X1g3WXY

Fifth-graders take dramatic step, audition for play
The Vindicator, Youngstown OH
By Kristine Gill, AUSTINTOWN

Unease filled Frank Ohl Intermediate's gym as nervous fifth-graders auditioned for speaking parts in "A Christmas Carol," the school's first play. 

"Oh spirits, you have saved me," Sabrina Bliss, 11, read from the script. "I have time, time to make amends, time to be good and kind to my fellow man."

Sabrina is one of more than 90 Frank Ohl fifth-graders participating in the new drama club this year. Teachers Jeff Swavel and Shelly Culp decided to start the club last year during some drama exercises they did in their language-arts classes.  "Some of the lower-performance students just came alive," Swavel said.  Culp noticed the same.

"Some of the lower-performance students just came alive."
Charles Dickens Classic for Kids Christmas Play for Kids
Photo:  Evan Shobel, a fifth-grader and member of the Frank Ohl Intermediate School Drama Club, reads a part during auditions
 for "A Christmas Carol," the school's first play, based on Charles Dickens' famous story.  Photo:  Kayla Sahli reads a part
during her audition. She is one of more than 90 Frank Ohl fifth-graders participating in the new drama club this year.

"What's so fun about this is it makes literacy fun for kids," she said, adding that acting out a play can be a good alternative for students who don't enjoy sitting down and reading a book.

"It's kind of like teaching reading through the back door," Culp said.   

The club is free to join, and Principal Dennis Rice used the principal's fund to pay royalties for the script by Kathryn Schultz Miller. Swavel said the group will rely on student and teacher donations when it comes to costumes and props. He said they may have a fundraiser for their spring play.

 The group meets each Tuesday for 45 minutes after school. Culp and Swavel had expected a few dozen students to join and were thrilled to see 90 the first day.  Justin Neff, 10, said he joined because the group sounded fun. He doesn't mind having to stay after school for practice.

"I always liked acting," Justin said.

On Tuesday, students were divided into smaller groups for auditions. Parts will be announced Thursday, and the play will be performed in December.

"Don't be afraid to act the part," Swavel reminded students auditioning Tuesday.

Veronica Kist, 10, said she was excited to join the club and try out for an acting part in the play. She said the first opportunity for drama club doesn't come until seventh grade at Austintown Middle School.

"I'm happy we don't have to wait until AMS," Veronica said. 

Swavel said the fifth-graders are just as ready and able to act as the middle-school students and that starting this club was sort of a reward for them.

"They kind of feel like they're the top dogs," Swavel said. 

Veronica said she learned a lot when Culp and Swavel acted out a play for students during their first practice.

"We have to have expression. You have to act with hand motions. You have to be your character," Veronica said. "And you don't have to wear lots of makeup because you're pretty the way you are."

Auditions went without a hitch Tuesday, except for a few nerves. Culp said one student in her audition group cried before having to read for a speaking part. With encouragement from her peers, she was able to finish the audition.

"That's what it's about - taking risks, doing things you're afraid to do," Culp said.

Mexico High School presents 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow' as fall play
By Brenda Duncan, Syracuse.com

Students in Mexico High School's Drama Club will perform "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," by Kathryn Schultz Miller as their fall play.

"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" is a spooky classic story by Washington Irving, presented with all the thrills, chills and laughs that keep young audiences on the edge of their seats.

The storybook tale revolves around the main characters - the bumbling schoolteacher Ichabod, the coquettish Katrina and Ichabod's brutish rival, Brom Bones. There are also several characters who play storytellers, keeping the action and pace moving throughout.

"It saves the best for last: the headless horseman."
High School students rehearse ArtReach's THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW.
Mexico High School students rehearse for "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"
which they will perform as their fall play.

As much fun as the play presents, it saves the best for last, the ride of the headless horseman.

Performances will be 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 1 and 2, 2019, in the high school auditorium, located at 3338 Main St., Mexico, NY 13114.

Tickets will be $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Advance tickets can be obtained by contacting the play's director teaching assistant Cassie Story at [email protected]

Cast:  Ichabod Crane - Devon Thayer, Katrina - Anna Pluff, Brom Bones - Luke Kinsey, Washington - Colin O'Neill, Irving - Kelly Mason, Peter - Avery Oakes, Emily - Alli Kerr, Charlotte - Jen, Babcock, Judith - Olivia Linerode, Meredith - Katelynn Spaulding, Arthur - Grace Mason, Violet - Lauren Salisbury, Van Ripper - Collin Hatch, Van Tassell - Alayna Walker, Sleepy Hollow Boys - Sabria Summers, Harmony Schoeder and Cali Hopp, Tea Time Ladies - Meg Sidoti, Emmalee Walker and Eileen Bouchard

Curious about ArtReach's THE NUTCRACKER PRINCE?
Follow Your Heart to a Happy Ending!

 August 9, 2018 

The Nutcracker Prince is a dramatic adaptation of the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann's story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.   The story was the basis for the beloved Christmas ballet scored by Peter Ilich Tchaikovsky that has been delighting children and their families for decades.  Now ArtReach has adapted the story for a large cast of kids to perform.

As the play begins, Storytellers welcome the cast to their small village which is preparing for a very special holiday.  It is Christmas and the snow is falling.  Clara and her brother Fritz are having fun playing with the snow and throwing snowballs when Uncle Drosselmeyer appears to greet them.  He is a kindly and beloved man who provides them with surprises each Christmas.  Back at home, Clara’s parents are preparing for Christmas Eve.  There is a magnificent tree and also the gift of a magical gingerbread castle.  When Uncle Drosselmeyer shows up he has gifts for the children.   First he gives Fritz a set of toy soldiers.  For Clara, Drosselmeyer has a special Nutcracker doll.  Clara’s cat Shadow is afraid of the doll but Clara loves it.  Fritz tries to crack nuts with the doll and breaks it.  Drosselmeyer assures Clara that the Nutcracker will get well and puts the doll underneath the tree.  Everyone agrees it has been a lovely Christmas Eve and they all depart for a good night’s sleep. 

"Nutcracker explains that she has broken his spell."
The Nutcracker Prince Christmas Play for Kids
Bremerton Community Theatre Jr. Poster - ArtReach's The Nutcracker Prince

Clara worries about her doll and creeps downstairs to check on him.  She introduces him to her other dolls, Mother Ginger and Katarina.  Before she goes back to bed, Clara kisses the Nutcracker.  Little does she know that the kiss has broken a spell!  The Nutcracker and the dolls now come to life and we are plunged into the make believe world of Clara’s dream.

A battalion of ruffian Mice appears with the mission of finding better food than they are used to getting in the house.  They have set their sights on the gingerbread castle.  The Nutcracker Prince takes charge of the castle’s defense calling all the toy soldiers to battle.  He dispatches them to the far reaches of the house to defend against the enemy.  Suddenly the Rat King appears and he is surrounded by his adoring Mice.

The Rat King is determined to get at the castle but just as he approaches, Nutcracker comes out of hiding and draws his sword, setting off a battle between the Mice and the Soldiers.  The Rat King is defeated and dies an elaborate death.  The Mice carry him away.

Everyone cheers for Clara and the Nutcracker explains that she has broken his spell.  He invites her to the wonderful Land of Sweets.  Clara and Shadow join the Nutcracker Prince on a thrilling journey through the castle doors and on to a land of enchantment.

The Sugar Plum Fairy is preparing for Clara’s arrival by directing the Snowflakes to decorate the Land with sugary snow.  When she arrives, Clara sees that everything is made of candy.  The Flowers appear and direct the audience in the art of filling the Land with flowers.  The Sugar Plum Fairy tells Clara that she is now their Princess.  The Nutcracker Prince asks her to stay with them.

Clara Follows her Heart to a Happy Ending!
Clara and the Nutcracker Prince The Nutcracker play for kids to perform!

Just as Clara is about to answer, the Mice come marching into the Land of Sweets.  The Rat King appears to them and explains that he was never really dead.  Clara’s cat Shadow has been enjoying her stay in the Land of Sweets and suddenly confronts the Rat King with a terrifying roar and hiss!   The Rat King did not expect to defend himself from a cat!  Shadow advances on the Rat King and the Mice until she and the others drive them away.

Everyone cheers for Shadow and now it is time for Clara to make her decision.  Will she stay in the Land of Sweets forever?   Though she loves the Nutcracker Prince and everyone in the beautiful Land, Clara tells them that she wants to grow up to be a woman.  Therefore, she must go home.  The sadness of her choice causes the dolls and make-believe characters to go back to the original state as inanimate toys.  Clara calls out for her Nutcracker Prince as the dream begins to fade and she wakes up.

"Everyone celebrates another Christmas Day."
Professional production.
Professional Production in Finland! Teatteri Imatra, Imatra Finland

It is Christmas morning and Uncle Drosselmeyer is there to show her that the Nutcracker doll has been repaired.  Fritz has been imagining a wonderful battle with his toy soldiers.  He describes a battle that sounds a lot like the one in Clara’s dream.  Clara tries to tell the grownups of her wondrous journey.  But no one believes her.  She dances with the Nutcracker and remembers her Prince...

The Storytellers bring us back to the small village and everyone dances in celebration of another special Christmas Day.

"The nutcracker sits under the holiday tree, a guardian of childhood stories. Feed him walnuts and he will crack open a tale...”
Vera Nazarian
The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

Jack and the Beanstalk is Fun with Giants!
Let's Talk About Famous Giants

Get your kids talking about the big stuff!  Can they think of any other big characters/giants in books, movies or TV?  Discuss the personality of the most well-known giants.  If you were a giant, would you be good or bad?

Jack’s Giant: Often the first concept of a giant children are exposed to, nearly everyone knows the tale of Jack and the Beanstalk. The story’s origin is somewhat murky, with some scholars pointing to early Norse tales. There are dozens of different versions of the story, but most include Jack climbing a magic beanstalk to steal golden treasure and, eventually, murder the giant that lives at the top, thus living happily ever after.

Bigfoot: The Bigfoot, or the Sasquatch, is an animal which might exist but for which little to no scientific evidence exists. Described as ‘ape-like’, this ‘missing link’ stands well over six feet tall, prowling the wilds of America, particularly the Pacific Northwest. Often the only clue left behind by the Bigfoot are the enormous impressions of his feet, many of which – if they are fake – are extremely realistic hoaxes.

Fee! Fie! Foe! FUN!
Old Dan Tucker Jack and the Beanstalk!  School Play Musical for Children to Perform! Jack and the Beanstalk Musical
Jack and the Beanstalk - School Play Musical for Children to Perform!

Paul Bunyan:  First documented in the stories bandied about by French-Canadians, Paul Bunyan is a giant lumberjack. A larger than life character in the tradition of many such tall tales, Paul played a role in various creation myths, such as dragging his axe behind him to cleave out the Grand Canyon. Bunyan is always accompanied by his pet, a blue ox named Babe, of equal enormity. Giant statues of Paul and Babe have become a roadside staple in dozens of towns around America.

Frankenstein: The monster, which remains nameless throughout Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece, is described as being eight feet tall and clad in transparent yellow skin, hideous beyond comprehension. Victor Frankenstein tacks his beast together out of spare parts taken from graveyards and slaughterhouses, and he is forced to make it huge because of the inherent difficulty of replicating the tiny, intricate parts of the human body.

"If you were a giant, would you be good or bad?"
Jack or Jackie and the Beanstalk play Banjo in Jack and the Beanstalk Musical ArtReach's Musical Jackie and the Beanstalk
ArtReach's Jack and the Beanstalk - Rebels Bluff Youth Theatre, Mt Vernon MO

Jolly Green Giant: The mascot of the Green Giant vegetable company (a subsidiary of General Mills), the Jolly Green Giant has been the subject of innumerable television commercials, concluding with his trademark "Ho ho ho.” Upon his debut in 1928, the giant was a stooped, menacing creature, but subsequent versions have been increasingly genial, adopting a frock of leaves and an always present grin.

Goliath: Arguably the most famous of all giants, Goliath was a massive Philistine warrior who faced off against the Israelite army in the Valley of Elah. Offering to defeat any Israeli in one-on-one combat, Goliath was rebuffed, until the challenge was taken up by young David. Eschewing armor, the smaller combatant knocked Goliath down with a stone hurled from his sling, securing victory for the Israelites and proving himself, by his valor and faith in God, to be the one true king.

"Peter Pan" will fly into Magnolia Arts Center June 23-26
Magnolia Reporter, AR

Rehearsals are under way for the Magnolia Arts Center production of "Peter Pan."

Rehearsal is the fun part!
ArtReach's Peter Pan in rehearsal.
ArtReach emphasizes the process.  Have fun!

The show, Peter Pan, written by Kathryn Schultz Miller, will be staged at the Arts Center on South Washington Street at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23 through Saturday, June 25, and at 2 p.m.   Sunday, June 26.  Advance tickets for the play are $5 for Magnolia Arts members and $7 for the general public. They are available at Lois Gean's or by calling 870-901-3600.

The Legend of Mulan:  STUDY GUIDE/SYNOPSIS OF THE PLAY
Here is ArtReach's Version of the Age-Old Legend of Mulan

The Legend of Mulan is based on an ancient Chinese poem that has been the inspiration for countless films, books and television productions around the world. It tells the story of a girl who wishes to save her father from forced conscription in the Chinese army. Dressed as a boy, she becomes a distinguished warrior and heroine. Mulan's spirit of adventure and courage makes it a beloved story for children everywhere.

The play begins with the Ancestors of the Fa family describing the country of China and its philosophy of "Yin and Yang". The Chinese Emperor is introduced and his assistant Momo instruct all in this presence to offer "respect and honor". The Emperor says that he has information that the country will be safe if they trust in him.

"The story of a girl who wishes to save her father."
The Legend of Mulan for kids Imoogi the Dragon
Huns - Intro to Asian Culture - Imoogi the Dragon - Island School HI & Lansing Middle School, MI

The Ancestors direct us to a valley where Mulan and her Little Brother are playing at sword fighting. Mulan is much better than her brother and dreams that one day she could grow up to be a soldier. Father and family love her but disapprove of her aspirations and wish that she conduct herself with more feminine modesty that will lead to marriage. Though she promises to do better, Mulan asks her father if her dream will ever come true. Her father promises that it will.

But war is stirring up in the country and the Emperor issues a decree that every family must send one adult male to the army. Little Brother is too young and Father is too old. Mulan begs the family to let her go but they tell her it is against the law for a girl to serve. Father is resolved to join, though the prospect of military life cannot be safe for him since he is in a frail state of health.

Mulan begs the Fa Ancestors to help her save her father. They tell her that she must go and introduce her to the rabbit Pika, and the Dragon Imoogi, who will help her on her journey. Imoogi tests the girl in martial arts and determines that she is worthy of the task. In the morning, the Fa family wakes to see that Mulan has taken the horse and fled to take her place in the army.

Mulan, with Pika and Imoogi, travel to the Imperial Army camp. Pika attempts to teach Mulan how to be like a man but Imoogi objects. The dragon tells her that the way to convey strength is to summon the spirit of the sword within her own heart.

The army Captain Cheng attempts to ready his men for war. Momo, the Emperor's assistant is with Captain Cheng and believes the soldiers are of poor quality. Captain Cheng says his problem is that there are not enough men. Mulan introduces herself and shows him her superior ability to use a sword. She tells him her secret is that she trusts in her heart as well as her head. Captain Cheng is impressed and asks her to fight by his side in the coming battle.

"Mulan returns to her beloved Father & the rest of her family."
ArtReach's play "The Legend of Mulan" Lansing Middle School Performs Mulan
Lansing Middle School, "The Legend of Mulan"

The Huns are headed by General Lu Bu who believes that Captain Cheng has secret plans and sends one of his men to discover them. Captain Cheng has sent Momo with orders to the Emperor to send more troops. The Hun soldier Yu Fie stops Momo on his journey, takes the orders and reports back to General Lu Bu. With this information, the Huns now feel confident that they will win the battle.

But the Huns had not expected to encounter one such as Mulan (going by the boy's name Me Lang). Imoogi helps her and the audience conjure a chaos inducing storm. Captain Cheng despairs and believes the storm will destroy his battalion's chances. Mulan reminds him to use his heart. With Mulan's encouragement he wins a sword fight with General Lu Bu. Then, Mulan commands the army (audience) to rise and raise their weapons to the Huns, forcing a retreat. Mulan is hailed as a hero.

However, Captain Cheng has been injured by General Lu Bu's sword. As Mulan nurses him to health, the Imperial soldiers tell her that she has been summoned to the Emperor, who wishes to honor her bravery. Terrified that this event will reveal her secret, Mulan runs away.

At the golden Imperial Palace the Emperor asks to meet Me Lang but is told that the heroic soldier will not appear. At last, Mulan does appear and finally reveals to all that she is not a male soldier named Me Lang, but a woman named Mulan. Momo insists she be punished, but the Emperor prefers to honor her anyway. He offers her gifts and honors but Mulan says she just wants to go home.

After the painfully long absence, Mulan returns to her beloved Father and the rest of her family. They are overjoyed to see her again. After greeting her they ask who is the person standing beside her. It turns out that Captain Cheng has followed Mulan from the Imperial Palace to her valley home. He asks her father for permission to marry her but Mulan says she has made up her mind. Though she respects her father's wishes this is her own decision. She has decided to marry Captain Cheng.

The Ancestors welcome the couple into the Fa home and into the family that they represent. They speak of the Chinese belief in yin and yang, offering their approval of the couple to be wed.

"The firm, the enduring, the simple, and the modest are near to virtue."
-- Confucius, The Confucian Analects

The FWSU Story: Arts Abound for BFA 4th and 5th Graders:
BFA Fairfax Elementary, VT, 4/5 Drama Club Continues to Entertain
Principal Tom Walsh writes about the spring 4/5 Grade Dramatic Club presentation

Dramatic Arts at BFA Fairfax continue to grow and thrive. This year our school has offered four performances that have provided opportunities for over one hundred students in grades 3-12. This past Tuesday, our grades Four/Five Drama Club put on two highly entertaining performances of Kid Frankenstein for students, parents and staff members.

"Students have fun and build positive memories."
Students perform Kid Frankenstein The Monster from Kid Frankenstein

I always appreciate the opportunity to watch the expressions and reactions of audience members as they see their friend, sibling, or family member shine during the performance. The smiles, laughter and pride are contagious. It never gets old watching our students take a risk and discover the enjoyment of performing for others. Most importantly, students have fun, build positive memories, and foster the continued desire to participate in theater.

"We are so fortunate to have a group that value dramatic arts."
Performance in School Gym Teachers dedicated to dramatic arts

I want to extend a big thank you to Katie Haddock, Juliet King, and Jennifer, Mark, and Nevan Kalbfleisch for continuing to provide this opportunity for our students. We are so fortunate to have a dedicated and committed group of people that value dramatic arts, and offer these engaging opportunities annually for our students. I appreciate that our community continues to support local theater and I look forward to next year's performances.

East Pointe Drama Club presented The Little Mermaid
Greenwood Life, AR

East Pointe Drama Club presented The Little Mermaid, Thursday, January 29, at 6:30PM at the Greenwood High School Performing Arts Center.

The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen is a beloved story of a little mermaid longing to be human. Kathryn Schultz Miller took this story and transformed it into a play suitable for the youngest cast. With a grant from the Greenwood Education Foundation, East Pointe Drama Club auditioned over 90 Kindergarten through 5th grade students for the play.

Rylee Trice, a 5th grader in Mrs. Summer Martin's class, enjoyed seeing how happy everyone was when she performed. In the production of The Little Mermaid. Complete with cute little jellyfish, adorable sea creatures, and comical humans.

"I love drama.  It is fun, awesome and cool!"
The Little Mermaid Rehearsal Kids rehearse The Little Mermaid
East Point Drama Club, Greenwood AR

"Since the beginning of the school year, over 80 students and dedicated staff volunteers have practiced tirelessly to provide a quality show," stated Mr. Mike Dean, East Pointe Elementary Principal. "It is exciting to see the awesome talent that we have here at East Pointe Elementary!"

Talk about talent! Many drama club participates play musical instruments such as the violin, piano, guitar, and drums. Also, many members take singing, gymnastic, and dance lessons.

East Pointe Drama Club is sponsored by Malynda Sayers, Third Grade Teacher. Volunteers include Stephanie Griffith, Literacy Specialist; Hilary Huneycutt, First Grade Teacher; Leslie Peresta, Music Teacher; Rick Clow, Gifted and Talented Teacher; April Norris, East Pointe Cafeteria; Jessica Cole, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith; and Natalie Mulvihill, East Hills Middle School.

Lyric Graves, a 4th grader in Miss Amber Quillman's class, replied, "I love drama. It is fun, awesome, cool, and super fun."

Proceeds from the show benefited East Pointe Drama Club and "Pants for Pupils."

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