This
page (Page #2) has stories and helpful info from behind the scenes
of ArtReach productions! Push back the curtain and check out
all these great ArtReach titles: Mulan, Alice
in Wonderland, Beauty
and the Beast, Winnie-the-Pooh, Christmas
Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin,
We Are the Dream, Young Cherokee,
A Thousand Cranes, Wizard of Oz,
The
Little Mermaid, Sleepy Hollow, Pinocchio,
Kid Frankenstein, A Snow White Christmas.
Don’t forget, a Teachers Guide will come with your School Play
Package and contain lots more background articles and info about your play!
Regent's
International School, Bangkok, Blog, The
Legend of Mulan
Day
and Boarding School for ages 2 – 18.
On
November 17th, 2020, our Year 5 & 6 students captivated the
audience with their stunning production; The Legend of Mulan.
"A
story
that sends a positive message."
ArtReach's The
Legend of Mulan - Regent International School, Bangkok
The
Legend of Mulan is full of Chinese splendour, action, singing
and dancing! It also delivers an important message about courage,
strength and working hard to achieve your dreams. Our students were
able to give the whole production a modern twist - with its use of
Pop songs instead of the regular soundtrack. The highlight was when
students had some of the audience participate and engage with the actors.
According
to Ms Angeline Karadia, Key Stage 2 Coordinator & Learning
Support Teacher and Director of The Legend of Mulan, the reason she
chose Mulan is because it's a story that sends our children a
positive message. The whole production is done in the English
language and as an international school, speaking good, clear English
is one of the main priorities.
"We
are all equal and should be treated as such."
ArtReach's The
Legend of Mulan - Regent International School, Bangkok
Mulan
is a metaphor for each of us. It teaches us to look beyond the
superficiality of what we look like plus the importance of following
and honouring our differences. It also reminds us that we are all
equal and should be treated as such and that we are stronger than
what we give ourselves credit for.
About
ArtReach's 'Alice in
Wonderland' at Creation Village World School
3rd
through 5th grade students develop their skills
Alice
in Wonderland is a timeless story that has been told and retold
throughout the decades since its original writing and publication by
Lewis Carroll. Originally titled Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,
Carroll portrays the child's struggle to survive in the confusing
world of adults. He loved the innocence and unprejudiced perspective
that children have on the world, and this story was his response to
an adult world that had become so incomprehensible to the children of
his time. A beautiful and carefully crafted story, Alice is rife with
motifs and metaphors about identity, curiosity, and growing up.
"A
beautiful and carefully crafted story."
Wayside Real
Learning, Austin TX - Thunder Theatre Educators, Cedar City UT
The
version we present to you here was adapted for a large cast of young
performers and written by Kathryn Schultz Miller, and published by
ArtReach Children's Theatre Plays. This fantastic company is based
out of Bradenton, right here in Florida, and has been creating
adaptations of well-known stories specifically for use by schools and
other large children's ensemble productions.
"Adapted
for a large cast of young performers."
Swamp Rat
Experience, Fort Mcmurray AB - Agape Theatre Company, Greenwood IN
Our
production introduces our students to the concept of "black
box" theatre, a style known for its simplistic set design and
multiple viewing angles. The idea of black box theatre is to immerse
the audience in the story and to utilize imagination in such a way
that the story becomes greater than even the most impressive Broadway
sets. While our production will not be a traditional black box - that
is to say we haven't painted the entire auditorium pitch black - we
are hoping to capture that same immersive experience it is so well
known for. Join us on this journey of exploration and experimentation
in Alice in Wonderland.
Creation
Village World School: We empower our students to fulfill their
God-created identity through developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and
caring children who love God, pursue excellence, and serve others
through the CREATION Life® philosophy and International
Baccalaureate® programme. From our classrooms to gardens, our
holistic program develops students who love God and serve others in
mind, body, and spirit.
"A
journey of exploration and experimentation."
ArtReach's Alice
in Wonderland - Agape Theatre Company, Greenwood IN
As
part of our holistic development our Performing Arts programme
provides skills based experiential learning opportunities for our
students. In the International Baccalaureate® (IB) students
develop through creating, performing and presenting arts in ways that
engage and convey feelings, experiences and ideas. It is through this
practice that students acquire new skills and master those skills
developed in prior learning.
Involvement
in the arts encourages students to understand the arts in context
and the cultural histories of artworks, supporting the development of
an inquiring and empathetic world view. Arts challenge and enrich
personal identity and build awareness of the aesthetic in a
real-world context.
"Enter
the magical world of Lewis Carroll."
ArtReach's Alice
in Wonderland - Agape Theatre Company, Greenwood IN
Our
performance of Alice In Wonderland, provides a stage for our 3rd
through 5th grade students to develop their skills and hone their
craft as they enter the magical world of Lewis Carroll. Thank you for
support and growing our Arts programme at Creation Village World
School. Spread the News!
Campanile
Center presents ArtReach's Beauty
and the Beast
WJFW.com,
Nic Van Zile, Rhinelander
WI
MINOCQUA,
Wis (WJFW) – The Campanile Center for the Arts is a non-profit
agency focused on developing, promoting, and supporting the arts in
the Lakeland area. Each summer, they engage youth a theatrical
production and put on a show for the community. This year’s
production is a re-telling of the children’s tale, Beauty and
the Beast, which dates back to the 1700’s.
"It's
really a great story for young audiences."
ArtReach's Beauty
and the Beast - Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua WI
Claire
Kafka Duda is the Director for the Summer Youth Theatre for the
Campanile Center. She says, “there’s a lot of drama,
a lot of jokes, and it’s really a great story for young
audiences, it’s also only a 45- minute run time, so it’s
not too long for the little ones.” Kafka Duda has two
weeks to prepare the 25 kids from 3rd through 9th grade. Zoella
Teeter is only 12-years-old but has a main role. She said,
“It’s really fun to like act and work with other people and
put on a production.”
“It’s
really fun to work with other people and put on a production.”
ArtReach's Beauty
and the Beast - Campanile Center for the Arts, Minocqua WI
Myles
Koele has been working hard to portray his character, Mr.
Sparkle. Koele said, “You definitely have to put a lot of
work and time into it, but if you do, it’s gonna be really cool.”
The
production has 3 shows beginning Friday and Saturday evenings at 5
and Sunday afternoon at 2. Admission is free, but a 10-dollar
donation is appreciated. For more information on upcoming
shows, visit the Campanile Center’s website here.
ArtReach's
WINNIE-THE-POOH is
performed in Zambia!
Leopard's
Tale: American International School of Lusaka (AISL)
Our
students in the Primary Play CCA are excited to announce that they
will be performing "Winnie The Pooh" by Kathryn Schultz
Miller. This play is an adaptation of A.A Milne's first book of Pooh
stories. It will welcome you to Christopher Robin's 100 Acre Woods;
home of Piglet, Rabbit, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo and of course the world's
most loveable bear, Pooh.
"Grade
4 & 5 students are
working to bring this well-loved story to stage."
ArtReach's
Winnie-the-Pooh
- American International School of Lusaka
Our
Grade 4 and 5 students have been working with Ms. Carolyn, Ms.
Natalie, Ms. Jill, Mr. Zamba and Ms. Bullard over the last two
quarters to help bring this well-loved story to the stage. You will
soon see posters all over the school as well as students wearing
T-shirts to help promote this Primary School production. The
wonderful logo design was created by one of the Grade 4 actors in the
play, Rex Williams.
We
know our younger audience members in particular will really love
this play. We look forward to seeing you at one or both of the
performances on Friday, 1 March (14:30) and/or Saturday, 2 March
(14:30). There is no cost to attend. Please come and support us!
"It
welcomes you to Christopher Robin's 100 Acre Woods."
ArtReach's
Winnie-the-Pooh
- American International School of Lusaka
A
huge congratulations to all of our young actors this past weekend as
they put on two stellar performances of Winnie the Pooh. Despite the
challenges that the cholera closure presented, the students sought
out alternative ways to keep practicing their lines, get fitted for
costumes, and learn their stage cues despite a month less of stage
time. It was so lovely to see the famous childhood stories come alive
through their creative interpretation of the characters, the stage
set that provoked imagination and the vintage costumes that reminded
us of these stories written long ago. Thank you for Ms. Carolyn, Ms.
Jill and Ms. Natalie for orchestrating the whole process. Below are a
few highlights from the performance.
"The
production of Winnie the Pooh was a great success!"
ArtReach's
Winnie-the-Pooh
- American International School of Lusaka
The
Leopard's Tale is our main medium to keep our families informed on
such things as the day to day happenings on campus, after school
activities, summaries of any arts and sports events, helpful
resources, and important dates and reminders.
Members
of the Le Mars Community High School Thespians Club
Performed
"A Christmas
Peter Pan" for students
By
Amy Erickson, Le
Mars Daily Sentinel Newspaper
Peter
Pan and his friends saved Santa Claus from the clutches of Captain
Hook just in time for Christmas. Members of the Le Mars
Community High School Thespians Club performed ArtReach's "A
Christmas Peter Pan" for students last week.
Thespians is a school club for students who have participated in
contest speech and/or drama activities. Currently the club has 40 members.
Thirty-one
of those high school students became the cast, which included
favorite characters such as Wendy, Tinker Bell and Santa Claus.
Students giggled, clapped and grinned at the antics of Peter Pan, his
friends, some lost toys, a few elves and a couple pirates during one
of two elementary performances last week.
The
action wasn't only on the stage, audience members were asked to
participate. For example, audience members helped scare Captain Hook
by chanting "Tick Tock," reminding the villain of the
crocodile that bit his hand leaving him with a hook.
"Students
giggled and clapped at the antics."
A
Christmas Peter Pan - Le Mars Community High School
Yashila
Permeswaran (Peter Pan) tries to escape from the clutches of Matt
Strub (Captain Hook) and Blake Wendt (pirate) during "A
Christmas Peter Pan" at Le Mars Community High School last week.
Thespians'
members such as Rebecca Luksan and Yashila Permeswaran said the
younger children's delight is one of the best parts of the play.
"All the performances, everyone just loves them," Luksan said.
The
Thespians play isn't only about entertainment -- it's also a way to
raise money for the Christian Needs Center, a clothing and food
pantry, in Le Mars. High school students who attended the play
paid $1 each, all of which is donated to the center.
Permeswaran, who played Peter Pan, said she thinks the play is a
great way to give back to the community.
"First
we get to entertain these little kids. At the same time we're
helping people in need through the high school," she said.
"It's a really nice way to help out."
LCHS
Student Council matches every dollar collected from high schoolers
who attend the play, said Mark Iverson, assistant high school
principal. Erin Ohrlund, Thespians club sponsor and play
director, said about 500 high schoolers signed up to attend last
week's performance.
"In
our town we don't have a lot of organizations that do this kind of
outreach," she said. "I'm glad to throw our support to the
Christian Needs Center." The Thespians do not collect any
of the money, Ohrlund said.
"I'm
part of a group that makes kids happy."
A
Christmas Peter Pan - Le Mars Community High School
Ally
Mullally (Barbie), left, Katy Price (bird), Andrew Heffner (monkey)
and Miranda Ritts (robot) are lost toys because there aren't any
children to own them during the LCHS Thespians' play "A
Christmas Peter Pan."
"In
fact, we donate the cost of the play and our materials, as well as
our time to perform," she said.
Ohrlund
said the Thespians have been performing a Children's Theatre play
for LCS students each year before Christmas break for more than 15
years. "Children's Theatre is a play that was written to
be performed specifically for children," Ohrlund explained.
She noted those plays are often performed by children, too.
"The
performance provides a good opportunity for the elementary students
to have a pleasant distraction on a day that is full of the
anticipation of Christmas," Ohrlund said. "The performance
gives the older kids the same opportunity."
Luksan,
who played Wendy in last week's production, said it was her first
"big part" in a Children's Theatre play. "I
loved it. It was just a little stressful getting all the lines,"
Luksan said. "It was a lot of fun."
"I
loved it. It was a lot of fun."
ArtReach's A
Christmas Peter Pan -
C-pac Theatre Company, Columbiana, OH
In
addition to donating to the Christian Needs Center and
entertainment, Ohrlund considers the Thespians Christmas play a
learning experience. She said students come together as a cast
quickly, noting they rehearse at 9 p.m. after speech and athletics
are done.
"They
learn how to adapt each performance to widely different audience
members," Ohrlund said. "They learn to memorize lines
quickly and improvise adroitly when things don't go as
planned." The ability to adapt and ad-lib was realized
during one performance when Santa Claus couldn't find Rudolph's red nose.
Santa
Claus smoothly added a few lines that weren't part of the script to
keep the scene going. Permeswaran said Thespians' members sign
up if they want to participate in the play -- something she loves to do.
"I
remember when I was a young child. I always loved watching these
things," she said. "I wanted to be part of a group that
makes kids happy."
Learning
through Drama: Sleeping Beauty
What
is a Spinning Wheel Anyway?
HISTORY
OF THE SPINNING WHEEL
Who
invented the spinning wheel? As with many inventions of the era, no
one individual can be credited for its creation. Unfortunately, no
authentic spinning wheels survive from medieval times so primary
evidence comes from images and written records of the era.
The
spinning wheel evolved from ancient times when spinning was done on
a spindle, which is basically a stick with a stone or weight attached.
One
day, sometime between 500 and 1,000 A. D., somewhere in China,
Persia or India and (perhaps inspired by the riches to be made in the
Eastern silk trade), someone turned a spindle on its side, added a
pulley and connected it to a drive wheel. The spinning wheel was born.
However,
the invention met strong resistance by the time it reached Western
Europe in the early 13th century. Wool merchants saw it as an
impairment in quality by producing thread that was lumpy and uneven.
Medieval
spinners often used a distaff, (a stick with a fork or comb on the
tip used to hold long-staple fibers while spinning) to hold their
fibers while they were spinning with a spindle. Although time
consuming and awkward, the method produced more consistently even thread.
Nevertheless,
the machine was simply more economical, saving almost half the work
of hand spinning and, with the later addition of a foot pedal... the
spinning wheel was off and running.
The
Magic Flying Carpet: Aladdin
History of the
Magic Carpet
Before people would consider
space shuttles or even jumbo jets, they imagined a fantastic form of
aerial transport - a magic carpet or flying carpet. These fanciful
floorings could levitate great loads and travel at speeds then beyond
fantasy. From their beginnings in the ancient world, legends of
flying carpets have traveled across millennia and continents alike.
"Legends
of flying carpets have traveled across millennia."
ArtReach's
Aladdin - Bremerton Community Theatre Jr., WA
Origins of the
Magic Carpet
Legend has it that biblical
King Solomon owned a huge magic carpet - at least large enough to
bring the King's entourage along. Several hundred years later, the
enchanting queen Scheherazade told her husband stories of flying
carpets in Arabian Nights. Fortunately, the queen's storytelling
chops ended the king's practices of summarily beheading his wives
after one night.
The Flying
Carpet in Western Lore
These Eastern stories have
enchanted the West for centuries; flying carpets pervade our popular
culture today. At the end of World War II, the United States turned
its aircraft carriers and other vessels into giant floating
dormitories, dispatching them to bring servicemen home from far-flung
lands. The armed forces dubbed this effort "Operation Magic Carpet."
Late 60s rock band Steppenwolf
rocked the chart with a far-out (and perhaps pharmaceutically aided)
"Magic Carpet Ride." More recently, animated plumbers Mario
and Luigi contend with rug-riding enemies in the Super Mario Bros.
video games.
"Aladdin
whisks Jasmine on a carpet-borne dream date."
ArtReach's
Aladdin - Bremerton Community Theatre Jr., WA
While the original Aladdin
legend has the bandit using a rug as a getaway vehicle in ancient
Baghdad, Disney's westernized Aladdin whisks his midriff-baring gal
Jasmine on a carpet-borne dream date. Sadly, this is not an option
for modern sorcerers on the dating scene; in the world of J.K.
Rowling's teen warlock Harry Potter, the Ministry of Magic has
outlawed flying carpets.
Riverview
Students Perform We
Are the Dream: the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Riverview Park
Community School, Ottawa
By Karen McGillivray, Learning
Support Teacher
Junior students in grades 4, 5
and 6 at Riverview Alternative School performed Kathryn Shultz
Miller's play We Are
the Dream: The Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. as a
dramatic culminating activity to a term long unit on heroes in our
lives and as a special way of celebrating Black History Month.
"A
special way of celebrating Black History Month."
Grades 4, 5 and 6 at Riverview
Alternative School performed We
Are the Dream
We Are the Dream is a
dramatization of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and the civil rights
struggle that took place during that period in history. The
play required the students to not only take on a role but to learn
words to a number of spiritual songs. Students reenacted
painful events in Martin's young life that helped him develop the
resolve to make a change in the world. They showed how Martin
and his wife Coretta returned to Alabama to lift their people
up. Particularly moving scenes involved students portraying the
courageous Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat and the Montgomery
bus boycott that followed as well as the Freedom March on Washington
when Martin gave his famous and powerful "I Have a Dream"
speech. The students enjoyed preparing props, rehearsing and
performing for a live audience. They learned a great deal from
the experience and are commended for doing a great job.
History
Comes Alive for School Students
Drama brings
the lessons of history into your heart
History is rich in drama and
intrigue – perfect for children’s theatre scripts.
World famous playwrights, from Shakespeare to Arthur Miller, have
used the events of true stories as a basis for their most exciting plays.
ArtReach’s plays AMELIA
EARHART, ANNIE OAKLEY
and LEWIS AND CLARK
are just a few examples of plays that bring history alive for young
audiences. Very popular, reaching thousands of school students
throughout the country, are the Cherokee plays YOUNG
CHEROKEE and TRAIL OF TEARS.
These plays bring to life the myths of the ancient tribe and tell
the tragic story of their removal from their native lands.
"Plays
that bring history alive for young audiences."
ArtReach's
Young Cherokee - Western Carolina University Theatre in
Education, Cullowhee, NC
ArtReach plays are well
researched, fast paced, with exciting audience participation.
Many of the plays come complete with Study Guides to give teachers
the resources for meaningful classroom activities that give a deeper
understanding of history.
Looking for a subject for your
next school tour? Turn the pages of time and discover a world
of thrilling drama!
The
Story of Sadako
ArtReach’s A
Thousand Cranes is based on a true story
Sadako Sasaki was a Japanese
girl living in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan
(August 6, 1945). In 1955, at age 11, Sadako was diagnosed with
leukemia, a type of cancer caused by the atomic bomb.
While in the hospital, Sadako
started to fold paper cranes. In Japan, there is a belief that if you
folded 1000 paper cranes, then your wish would come true. Sadako
spend 14 months in the hospital, folding paper cranes with whatever
paper she could get. Paper was scarce so she used the paper from
medicine bottles, candy wrappers, and left over gift wrap paper. Her
wish was that she would get well again, and to attain peace &
healing to the victims of the world.
Sadako died on October 25,
1955, she was 12 years old and had folded over 1300 paper cranes.
Sadako’s friends and classmates raised money to build a memorial
in honor of Sadako and other atomic bomb victims. The Hiroshima Peace
Memorial was completed in 1958 and has a statue of Sadako holding a
golden crane. At the base is a plaque that says:
This
is our cry
This
is our prayer
Peace
in the world
Although Sadako died at a very
young age, her legacy continues. To this day, the paper crane is
probably the most recognized origami model. The paper crane is often
given as a wish for peace.
Sadako's brother (Masahiro
Sasaki), who is now over 70 years old, saved five of the original
paper cranes folded by his sister when she was in the hospital. He
hopes to donate the remaining 5 cranes to the the five continents of
the world.
"The
paper crane is the most recognized origami model."
ArtReach's
A Thousand Cranes - Ewing High School, Ewing NE
1990: In Seattle, Washington,
USA, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Dr. Floyd Schmoe, built a life-size
statue of Sadako. The statue was unveiled on August 6, 1990, 45 years
after the bombing of Hiroshima. The statue is in the Seattle Peace
Park and often has paper cranes draped over it. [Photo from
wikipedia.com] Unfortunately, not everyone is at peace; the statue
was vandalized in 2003 and again in 2012. The statue has been repaired.
Why
School Plays
are Vital for Education
It's vitally
important -- not
an option
Almost every day we hear it
from one of our teachers – my school is cutting back on the
arts! Now it’s your job to tell the powers that be
why you absolutely must produce a school play this year!
Creative Thinking and Useful
Play! Kids learn how to use their own imaginations to confront
daily issues and learning experiences. Learning how to perform
a fictional character and how to convey ideas on stage light a
kid’s mind on fire. An exciting rehearsal will spark
inspired participation in class.
Teaches Kids to Work
Together! Kids learn to take time and show patience and
cooperation with their classmates and friends that may never happen
in a classroom sitting at their desks. Students read, move and
think together. Rehearsing a play invites everyone to put down
their phones and really listen to and enjoy interaction with others.
"Kids
learn how to use their own imaginations."
Kids attend Gemini Project,
Adelaide Fringe Fest, Australia
Builds Confidence! Real
confidence comes from real accomplishments. Nothing is better
for a child’s self-esteem than applause. During rehearsal,
otherwise shy kids may trigger positive reactions from fellow
classmates. Laughing, clapping, participating together helps
kids find self-assurance and acceptance.
Improves Reading Skills!
Some kids are never going to sit down a read a novel. But they
will read a script because the script includes them! Maybe a
child is not clever and witty in real life, but for a moment he can
be those things in front of an audience. Suddenly they love
good writing and reading.
School
plays bring theatre into kids’ lives and improve their
ability to learn and enjoy life. This is not an option.
It’s vitally important to every child’s successful education.
THE
WRITERS OF OZ
The
story behind the creation of The
Wizard of Oz
Over
the years there have been hundreds of books and publications written
about the magical Land of Oz, from the first Oz book, The Wonderful
Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, to contemporary novels, storybooks,
comics, and television shows for today's audiences. Baum, as creator
of the Oz stories, is regarded as the foremost contributor, having
written the original series of 15 books published from 1900 to 1920.
After Baum's death, his editor, Ruth Plumly Thompson, continued the
series, writing 19 more Oz books from 1921 to 1939 and two more in
the 1970s a few years before she died. After Baum and Thompson, there
were numerous Oz contributors including John R. Neill (Oz
illustrator), Jack Snow, and Rachel R. Cosgrove, to name a few.
L.
Frank Baum
"When
I was young I longed to write a great novel that should win me fame.
Now that I am getting old my first book is written to amuse children.
For, aside from my evident inability to do anything "great,"
I have learned to regard fame as a will-o-wisp which, when caught,
is not worth the possession; but to please a child is a sweet and
lovely thing that warms one's heart and brings its own reward."
--
L. Frank Baum
Like
the characters he created - Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow,
and others - L. Frank Baum traveled a long road to reach his goals.
Along the way, he encountered physical illness, bankruptcy, rejection
and failure. However, like any hero, he triumphed in the end.
Today, audiences still read and enjoy his fairy tales, proving L.
Frank Baum to be a master of storytelling.
"Audiences
still read and enjoy his fairy tales."
Brookings Harbor Community
Theatre, OR - Colombo School, Sri Lanka
Lyman
Frank Baum was born to Benjamin and Cynthia Ann Stanton Baum on May
15, 1856 in Chittenango, New York.. Benjamin Baum made his fortune in
the oil business and the family enjoyed a happy existence which
revolved around friends, family and church. Since birth, Frank
suffered from heart trouble. Frail and sickly, he stayed close to
home, receiving his education from a private tutor. Once he learned
to read, he could be found in his father's study, devouring volumes
by Dickens and Thackeray.
He
also enjoyed fairy tales, although he found that he didn't enjoy the
presence of witches and other frightful creatures that often popped
up in the stories. He vowed that someday he would write fairy tales
that would not frighten young readers.
For
his fourteenth birthday, Frank received a small printing press.
Inspired, he and his younger brother began publishing a neighborhood
newspaper. The journal boasted poetry, articles, editorials and word
puzzles. He also earned money by printing signs, stationery and
program. When he was 17, Frank started another paper, The Empire, and
a magazine for stamp collectors. As he grew into an adult, he worked
at a variety of positions, including salesman, reporter, owner of a print shop,
director of a chain of opera houses, and actor.
"Frank
loved children and delighted in telling them stories."
ArtReach's
Wizard of Oz - Scripted Drama, Currambine AU
Family
and friends found him charming and delightful. He loved to tell and
hear stories, and some even said he himself could not distinguish
reality from events he had only imagined. Practical jokes and word
games also enchanted him. In 1881, Frank's charm won him the
attention of Maud Gage. They were married the following year.
In
the year before his marriage, Frank wrote a melodrama entitled The
Maid of Arran, which became a local hit. After the wedding, Frank and
Maud toured with the company for a while, then moved to Syracuse,
where Frank labored as a salesman.
Although
Benjamin Baum had passed his businesses and money on to his son,
Frank soon found that a clerk had gambled away all of the business's
capital. He continued to write, attempting to pull himself out of
bankruptcy. Several years later, the Baums moved to the Dakota
Territory, where yet another business dissolved in bankruptcy. In
1891, Frank moved his family to Chicago where became a buyer and a
salesman. Although he traveled a great deal, he continued to write.
Frank
loved children and delighted in telling them stories. He would read
Mother Goose rhymes to his children, who simply could not understand
why a mouse would run up a clock or why a cow would jump over the
moon. Frank made up his own explanations, which Maud urged him to
publish. Her insistence led to Mother Goose In Prose (1897). He
continued to write and publish both fiction and non-fiction. Although
he published many books, Frank achieved popularity and fame because
of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900). The book wowed audiences with
its story and its vivid illustrations. It became an instant hit, and
earned the honor of best-selling book
in 1900. Since the book had been so successful, Frank decided to
adapt it for the stage. Oz, his musical extravaganza became immensely
popular, and toured for 9 years. Frank wrote 14 more Oz books, two of
which were published after his death. He also tried adapting the
stories for stage and film, but had marginal success. Once again, he
faced bankruptcy.
"The
book wowed audiences with its story."
ArtReach's
Wizard of Oz - Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Miramar
Beach FL
After
many years of hard work, Frank grew weaker and weaker, but he
continued to write, even if it was only a little each day. He stashed
two manuscripts in a safe deposit box to be published if he became
too ill to write.
On
May 5, 1919, L. Frank Baum suffered a stroke. He died quietly the
next day. He is buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in
Glendale, California. Frank's oldest son, Frank Jr., and others
continued the Oz legacy by writing and producing more Oz books, plays
and radio shows. However, none of those mediums achieved as much
success as the 1939 MGM movie, The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy
Garland as Dorothy. In fact, most people probably know the movie
better than the book.
Students
Prepare for Performance at ORRJHS
ArtReach's
Little Mermaid is in rehearsal regardless of the weather
The
Wanderer,
Rochester MA, By
Jean Perry
The
Old Rochester Regional Junior High School has resurrected its Drama
Club and is ready to show the public how hard work, dedication, and
the desire to have fun simply cannot be stopped by marathon snowstorms.
The
Drama Club has been learning its lines, rehearsing its moves, and
finding its singing voice since January 21, despite the cancelation
of a number of its scheduled rehearsals due to the weather. But the
show will go on with a rendition of Hans Christian Andersen's classic The
Little Mermaid, led by a group of dedicated parent volunteers
who have been organizing and facilitating the production.
This
production has been designed a bit differently than other school
plays, said parent volunteer Beth Marsden. Multiple actors will be
playing each of the roles as a way of giving everyone a chance to
shine in the play.
"We
were trying to make this play so that there's really no lead so that
it's easier," said Marsden. "So that way all the kids could
be a part of it.
"There's
tons of chances for tons of involvement."
Lindsey Elementary,
Chesterland OH - Old
Rochester Regional Jr High VT
Altogether,
there are 31 actors and 10 crewmembers responsible for make-up and
lighting, among other aspects of production.
"It's
fun because there really are no lead roles," said parent
volunteer Casey Quirk. "So there's tons of chances for tons of involvement."
This
rendition of The Little Mermaid, adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller,
varies from the Disney version. For example, the names are different,
although they echo of their Disney counterparts, and the story is
based more on the Christian Andersen book and less on the cartoon.
At
the center of the plot is Annabelle, played by Lyla Horton and
Michaela Mattson, a young mermaid who is in love with a prince and
would do anything to be a human. Her father, Neptune, played by both
Emma Quirk and Emily Wilson, tries in vain to keep his daughter from
mingling with humans, while Annabelle is pursued by the evil Odessa,
played by Kate Marsden and Hannah Grace Johnson, who tricks Annabelle
into giving up something precious in order to gain power over Neptune.
"A
young mermaid who is in love would do anything to be a human."
Shooting Starz Productions,
Big Lake MN - Bremerton Community Theatre, Jr. WA
The
Drama Club was formed again this year when the school asked some
parents if they would revive the Drama Club after years of
inactivity. This will help the young actors in the future, said
Quirk. "When they get to high school, they've already been
introduced to drama," Quirk said. "And the kids involved in
this are awesome kids who work hard and are having fun. I'll be sad
when it's over."
The
actors are enthusiastic and shine brightly on an underwater stage
bursting with color. They are building their confidence and will
really be "hamming it up" in the junior high auditorium on
Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 pm during its public performance of The
Little Mermaid. Tickets at the door are $10; $5 for students,
seniors, and kids; and kids age four and under are free.
Newell
middle school drama students excel with spring production:
ArtReach's
The Legend
of Sleepy Hollow
Colleen
Brunner, Butte County Post
NEWELL
| On April 13 and 14 in Austin Auditorium, eight middle school drama
students, under the direction of Meg English, brought to life the
story of a spooky night and a hapless school teacher, Ichabod Crane.
In
the role of Crane, Caleb McGregor, a sixth grader at Newell Middle
School, played the part with flamboyance and an assured natural
style. In other roles, Ian McCaskey, also a sixth grader, played the
role of Brom Bones; Lacey Kenoyer played the female lead as Katrina
VanTassel; Carlee Vavra played Judity; Annie Miller played Emily;
Madison Miller played Charlotte and Abbie Nelson played the part of
Penny and "Nails" the dog. Kai Banks lended a narrative
role as Washington/Irving.
"I
look forward to many years of great drama."
The
Legend of Sleepy Hollow - Newell Middle School, CA
In
two acts, the young thespians told the story of a schoolmaster who
comes to Sleepy Hollow and falls in love with a young girl who ends
up rebuffing him. On his way home from a Halloween party at the home
of his heartthrob, Crane disappears and only his hat and a smash
pumpkin are left behind.
The
intensity of the supernatural atmosphere was felt as Crane hesitated
on Church bridge and relished the thought of beautiful Katrina and
his fascination with the tale of the Headless Horseman, said to be a
Hessian soldier who lost his head to a cannon ball during the
Revolutionary War.
"The
young thespians told the story of a schoolmaster."
The
Legend of Sleepy Hollow - Brickstreet Theatre, Forest City IA
The
students in Crane's school reacted realistically to his punishment,
which he doled out only to those who could handle it. The teacher,
who makes extra money teaching singing lessons, also portrayed an
insatiable hunger and a taste for the finer things, like Miss Katrina.
Many
besides the cast were involved in the top-notch production including
Ken and Noah Seieroe, who constructed the base for the stage trees,
Marty Jump on piano, Heather Brown for lighting and sound, Dave
Nuenke as construction consultant, and Paula Reedy as art consultant.
The stage crew was made up of Noah Seieroe, William Timm, Alex
Herrera Seikkula, Draven La Boucane and Kendra Wetz.
"The
cast members were involved in the top-notch production."
The
Legend of Sleepy Hollow - University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, WI
Katie
Braaton and Deana Jaukauri lent a hand with set design, and Vonda
Clausen did makeup. Todd Komes and Sandy Miller helped with
maintenance, and Victoria Tucker created the programs.
The
play, The Legend
of Sleepy Hollow,
written
by Kathryn Schultz Miller and based on the story by Washington
Irving, was the spring production for the middle school.
"We
have many young and good thespians in the school," said English
of the drama students. "I look forward to many years of great drama."
ArtReach's
Pinocchio: Tibbits Summer Theatre, Meet the Costume Designers
Director:
Charles Burr - Scenic Design: Rudy Schuepbach
COLDWATER
- Tibbits Popcorn Theatre's version of "Pinocchio"
will take youngsters on Pinocchio's quest to become a real boy as he
tangles with tricksters and some no-good buddies in the Land of
Toys. Here are renderings of the costumes,
as well as Hickory Cricket puppet and clothing artists.
Ariel
Smith O'Neal: Costume
Designer Tibbits 2019: Popcorn Theatre. 1st season. Favorite
Productions: Blood Wedding at Pacific Lutheran University, Little
Shop of Horrors at Lakewood Community Theatre. Training:
Pacific Lutheran University. "I have always had an
affinity for clothing and discovering a profession that embodies that
passion has been a dream come true."
"A
profession that embodies passion has been a dream come true."
ArtReach's Pinocchio
at Tibbits Summer Theatre - Popcorn Theatre - Costumes & Puppets
Rachel
Marengere: Production
Stage Manager for Popcorn Theatre, Assistant Stage Manager for
Mainstage Shows. Tibbits 2019. All Productions. 1st season.
Favorite Shows: Guys and Dolls and It Shoulda Been You at The Players
Guild of Dearborn, Woody's Order! with The REP of Point Park
University's Pittsburgh Playhouse, Lottery Day at Goodman Theatre.
Training: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Production from Point Park
University. "Thank you to my family for believing in me
and encouraging me every day."
Leon
Kriser: Scenic Designer - Connor Beatie: Lighting Designer - Sarah
Gens: Properties. Pinocchio is presented with the support of
Tibbits sponsor Honor Credit Union.
Kids
explore their creative side in FC theater program: Kid
Frankenstein
MARY
PIEPER, The Summit Tribune, Iowa
FOREST
CITY | Forest City area children who are interested in theater have
an opportunity to learn and perform close to home.
BrickStreet
Theatre, which stages productions with mostly adult actors, launched
summer camps open to youth ages 6-17 in 2016.
This
year BST Kids is having 21 youngsters in the play camp currently are
rehearsing for the June 22-23 performance of "Kid
Frankenstein." Registration is still underway for the
musical camp scheduled for July 9 through Aug. 4. Youth participating
in that camp will put on a production of "High School Musical
Jr." on Aug. 3-4. All four performances at at 7 p.m. in
the Forest City High School Auditorium. Admission is $5 at the door.
Stacie
LaMoore, a former BrickStreet board members, was instrumental in
getting BST Kids started two years ago and is again coordinating this
year's camps. Elizabeth May, a current BrickStreet board
member, is the chairwoman of the organization's education
committee. She said it's unusual for a community the size of
Forest City to have a children's theater program. The goal is
to expose kids to the theatrical arts and have them get comfortable
with being in front of an audience before they get to middle school,
according to May.
"Gives
children a chance to express themselves."
ArtReach's Kid
Frankenstein - BrickStreet Theatre, Forest City, IA.
Without
BST Kids, "They don't have a lot of opportunities to do
that," she said. The camps also gives children a chance to
express themselves and "work together to create something,"
she said. BST Kids allows children to work with youth of all
ages rather than just ones that are the same age as them, according
to May.
"Kid
Frankenstein" takes the familiar tale of a scientist who
creates a monster and sets it in a modern-day middle school.
The play is funny rather than scary. May described it as "a
little kid version of 'Young Frankenstein,'" with a lot of
references to the Mel Brooks film.
They
learn about the basics of acting, such as character development and
blocking. In addition, they explore costuming, set production and
other aspects of theater. During the musical camp the children
also gain skills when learning choreography and musical scores.
Braedon
Appel, 12, Fertile, is playing the lead role of Frankie Stein in "Kid
Frankenstein." This is his third year in BST Kids.
"I love to act and this is a great opportunity to do it in the
summer when I have time," he said.
"It's
kind of cool because it's all kids."
ArtReach's Kid
Frankenstein - BrickStreet Theatre in rehearsal.
Kate
Klaassen, 10, Forest City, plays Helga, the principal's daughter, in
"Kid Frankenstein." She said the role requires her to
speak with a German accent and play the violin. She began
acting in BrickStreet productions when she was in second
grade. She was in BrickStreet's "A Christmas
Story," and "White Christmas," but this will be her
first time in a BST Kids production.
"It's
kind of cool because it's all kids," she said. "I was the
only kid in 'White Christmas.'"
Like
the regular BrickStreet program, BST Kids had to find various places
around town for rehearsals before the BrickStreet got its own
downtown building. "It is nice now being in our own
space," May said.
"The
play camp this year are in seventh grade or younger."
ArtReach's Kid
Frankenstein - Lakeview Theatre Summer Camp, Cottonwood MN
The
kids who are in the play camp this year are in seventh grade or
younger. "They tend to skew a little bit older"
for the musical camp, May said.
BST
Kids partners with Forest City Parks and Recreation. Parks and Rec
includes BST Kids as part of its summer programming.
"It's exciting that Parks and Rec and BrickStreet can work
together to make that happen," May said.
Registration
for "High School Musical Jr." is open through the
first morning of camp on July 9. Those interested in
signing up should contact the Forest City Parks and Rec department at
641-585-4860.
Holiday
play performances just around the corner
Young
performers present ArtReach's A
Snow White Christmas
Star
Herald, Scottsbluff, NE
Hemingford's
annual holiday plays will be here soon! This year, the hard-working
cast and crews will give the audience a double feature!
The
plays - On the Worst Day of Christmas and A
Snow White Christmas - will be presented to the public on
Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Multipurpose Hall in Hemingford and on
Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the Performing Arts Center in Alliance. Doors
will open for both performances at 6 p.m. and the performances will
begin at 6:30 p.m.
In
A Snow White Christmas, Santa himself arrives on stage to tell
everyone about a terrible problem: the Wicked Queen hates Christmas
and is plotting against Snow White because she brings the lovely
winter snow.
"There
is nothing like the energy and dedication they bring."
ArtReach's A
Snow White Christmas - Hemingford Holiday Arts, Hemingford NE
Tabi
Bryner, producer and director for both of these performances, is
leading a cast and crew of more than 70 individuals from throughout
the community, with the assistance of Irene Prochazka and music
direction by Sue Shaver. The large cast of mostly young
performers, with performers as young as three years old, started
music rehearsals in November.
Bryner's
love for theater began in college. During an internship, her
senior year, in Milwaukee, she began working with young people.
She went on to spend 10 seasons as a stage manager with First Stage
Children's Theater. Milwaukee is where she learned the value of
teaching "life skills through stage skills" and fell in
love with creating theater with young people.
"It's
always an adventure! There is nothing like the energy and
dedication they bring to a production," Bryner said. "It is
a privilege to bring my love of theater to the community and to work
with this group of talented and dedicated adults and young people."
"A
privilege to bring my love of theater to the community."
ArtReach's A
Snow White Christmas
- Colo-Nesco School District, Colo IA
Advanced
tickets for the performances are available at the Hemingford
Community Federal Credit Union, the Alliance Chamber of Commerce, or
by calling (308) 487-5578. Ticket prices are $5 for children 12 and
younger, $10 for adults. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Hemingford's
Holiday Play is not for profit. All proceeds go towards
upcoming productions.
