FREE
RESOURCES: Behind
the Scenes
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Background
info about the stories and themes of ArtReach's plays
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This
page (Page #4) has stories and helpful info from behind the scenes
of ArtReach productions! Push back the curtain and check out
all these great ArtReach titles: Alice in Wonderland, The
Velveteen
Rabbit, Laura
Ingalls Wilder, Treasure Island,
Kid Frankenstein, Christmas Cinderella, The
Jungle Book, Aladdin, Sword in
the Stone, Sleepy Hollow, Snow White,
The Mark Twain Show, Peter Pan,
Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, A
Thousand Cranes. Don’t forget, a Teachers Guide will
come with your School Play Package and contain lots more background
articles and info about your play!
Six
Alices give school play a new twist, in ArtReach's Alice
in Wonderland
By
Richard Jones, The Journal-News, OH
MORGAN
TWP. - The Morgan Elementary School production of Lewis Carroll's
classic "Alice
In Wonderland" gets "curiouser and curiouser" with
not one, but six Alices.
According
to co-director Stacey Morehead, this version by Kathryn Schultz
Miller has been designed for elementary performers, hence allowing
for six different actresses to play the title role so that one isn't
burdened by being on stage the whole time.
"It's
so much fun for them to get on stage and have their shining moment."
  
ArtReach's Alice
in Wonderland - Fairbanks Elementary
School, Milford Center OH
It
begins with Lewis Carroll (played by Vinny Giuliano), who did not
appear in the books, looking for Alice to find them popping up
everywhere, Morehead said, and sticking around for one scene.
The
dialogue has also been simplified to roll more trippingly off the
tongues of the young actors.
All
told, it takes some 75 youngsters, including a chorus of
storytellers, to make this "Alice" come to life.
"We've
been doing plays here for five years," Morehead said. "It's
really good for them to get acting experience. Most kids are really
good at it, but don't get a chance to do it very often.
"A
lot of them come up with creative ways to add to the show."
ArtReach's Alice
in Wonderland - Fairbanks Elementary
School, Milford Center OH
"But
most of all, it's just so much fun for them to get on stage and have
their shining moment, especially those kids that don't get involved
in a lot of activities. And a lot of them come up with creative ways
to add to the show."
The
young thespians are more familiar with the various movie versions of
the story, particularly the recent adaptation starring Johnny Depp as
the Mad Hatter.
Ally
Hannon, who is making her stage debut playing Alice #3, said, "I
like how Alice grows and shrinks and meets all the different characters."
"Alice
grows and shrinks and meets all the different characters."
  
ArtReach's Alice
in Wonderland - Whitefield Elementary
School, Whitefield, NH
Madison
Hollander, playing Alice #5, has been in three previous Morgan
productions, including playing Violet in last year's "Charlie
and the Chocolate Factory." She gets the opportunity to perform
in the scene with the Queen of Hearts, played by Tori Rockey.
"She's
mean, rude and likes to be the center of attention," Tori said
of her role. "I get to boss everyone around."
The
other Alices are Alex Adams, Sierra King, Meghan Oliver and Christa
Hervner. Thomas Woodruff is the White Rabbit, McKenzie Elam the
Caterpillar, Brayden Ploehs as the Cheshire Cat and Carolyn Myers
doubling as the other Queen of Hearts. The Mad Tea Party is populated
by Jacob Kahman as the Mad Hatter, Nick Rockey as the March Hare and
Megan Gentry as the Dormouse.
"The
Storytellers have a large
role in the play."
ArtReach's Alice
in Wonderland - Whitefield Elementary
School, Whitefield, NH
The
storytellers are Elizbeth Abbott, Megan Foster, Lily Hiler, Hayley
Patterson, Savana Patterson and Dalton Updike.
Len
Martin co-directs with Morehead.
State
Street Theatre Company presents "The
Velveteen Rabbit: A Christmas Musical"
Live
on the State Street Theater stage in New Ulm, MN
"Because
once you are Real, you can't be ugly." is one of the messages
from Margery Williams' Velveteen Rabbit.
Join
State Street Theater for performances of this beloved children's
classic. Performances will take place Friday, November 26 and
Saturday, November 27 at 7 pm, and Sunday, November 28 at 2 pm.
Tickets are available at the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, New Ulm
HyVee, and online at statestreetnewulm.org
"Because
once you are Real, you can't be ugly."
State
Street Theater performs ArtReach's Christmas Musical The
Velveteen Rabbit
The
Velveteen Rabbit: A Christmas Musical is presented by special
arrangement with ArtReach Children's Theater Plays. The production is
also made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from
the Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council and the Minnesota State Arts
Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and
Cultural Heritage Fund.
Charley
Nosbush is a wild rabbit in this production. Other shows she has
performed in include The Wizard of Oz and Beauty and the Beast. Her
hobbies outside of theater include gymnastics, art, and playing with
her rabbit Hailey.
Jacob
Haugen is 19 yrs old. Prior to The Velveteen Rabbit he was in quite
a few other productions. His acting career started when he was 9
years old and he got to play Oz in The Wizard of Oz - Children's
theater. His most recent State Street Theatre performances include
The Twelfth Night (Billy & the Kids version), Into The Woods and
A Charlie Brown Christmas where he brought the character of Snoopy to
life. He is having fun with this production & cast and hope that
audience enjoys it as well.
Paul
Henning is no stranger to the State Street Theater stage. Beginning
with a Christmas show in 2011, "It's a Wonderful Life", he
has been in many shows, including the musicals "South
Pacific", "Fiddler on the Roof", "Chitty Chitty
Bang Bang", and others. He has also been in a few comedies, a
couple dramas, and most recently was in "Twelfth Night"
which ended up indoors instead of at German Park. Outside of theater,
you can find Paul working as a custodian at Martin Luther College.
"So
glad to be back on stage and hope you enjoy the show!"
 
State
Street Theater performs ArtReach's Christmas Musical The
Velveteen Rabbit
Deborah
Ingle is excited to make her first onstage appearance in a SSTC
production, though you may have seen her costuming work on display in
this summer's "Into the Woods". After falling in love with
theater in middle school, Deborah enjoyed taking part in community
and educational theater, eventually going on to study theater arts in
college. She graduated from South Dakota State University in 2019.
She is so glad to be back on stage post-pandemic, and hopes you enjoy
the show!
Bonnie
Lantz is making her SSTC debut as assistant director. She's lived in
New Ulm almost 30 years, is married to Dr. Fred Falentin, and has
three children: Lantz, Chance, and Maggie, and a dog named Grace.
Previous shows include MN Nice, Once Upon a Mattress, Chitty Chitty
Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, and I was in The Charlie Brown
Christmas. When she's not on stage she works as a nutrition
consultant at Broadway Chiropractic and enjoys leading worship songs
at Church, playing guitar, walking her dog, painting, sewing, and
gardening. She is thrilled and honored to be working with such a
great cast, director, and costumer!
See
them in next weekend's production of the Velveteen Rabbit, live on
the State Street Theater stage!<liw>
Evergreen
Playhouse to Debut the Story of Laura
Ingalls Wilder
The
Chronicle Centralia, WA - By Justyna Tomtas
Actors
at the Evergreen Playhouse will be performing a classic American
story of hardships and triumphs focused on a pioneer family trying to
create a life on the prairie.
The
15-person cast will open "Laura
Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie" on Friday.
The
play will span Wilder's life from early childhood into her older
years. The dramatic and heartfelt scenes will depict her family's
extraordinary survival of life on the prairie.
Director
Angela Wilcox said she was inspired to do this play because it is
one of her daughter's favorite stories. It holds personal
significance to her, but she also said it's a very important and
meaningful story loved by many.
"It
really is a beautiful, heartfelt story."
 
Evergreen
Playhouse Performs:
"Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie"
"It
is dramatic and genuine. The thing about the Ingalls and Wilder
families is that they endured a lot of heartache throughout their
whole lives, but they were farmers and pioneers so they just kept
moving on," Wilcox said. "It's really about love and family
and moving forward in the time of grief and loss."
The
play is unique because it features over 24 scenes and spans about 60
years of Wilder's life, Wilcox said. The entire production is
accompanied by a live musician who plays fiddle and guitar.
"We
get to see basic snapshots of poignant memories in her life and her
story," she said. "You get to relive the books if you are a
Laura Ingalls fan and get to relive some of those favorite scenes."
Wilcox
is a new director at the Evergreen Playhouse although she has
directed in the past for Performing Arts to Homeschoolers, a Lewis
County branch of a homeschool cooperative.
Her
cast varies in age and features children to actors with a lot of
stage experience behind them.
For
the opening weekend, a local fiddler family will play music from the
Wilder era during intermissions. The Fiddlin' Brownies feature six
children from the Brown family. The new addition provides something
new for audience members that have enjoyed plays at the Evergreen
Playhouse before.
"Come
and see this because you will be blessed by it."
 
Arts
Live Theatre Performs:
"Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie"
The
play itself is family-friendly and suitable for all ages, Wilcox said.
"Laura
Ingalls is a favorite character, so if you love Laura Ingalls
Wilder, come and see this because you will be blessed by it, and it
will be a meaningful night for your family," Wilcox said.
"My actors do a wonderful job, and it really is a beautiful,
heartfelt story."
The
play will run Feb. 12-14, 18-21, and 26-28. Showtimes are 8 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $10 for
adults, and $8 for students with a valid ID.
There
will also be a Thursday pay-what-you-can night on Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Proceeds
from the play will help support the Evergreen Playhouse, which is
located at 226 W. Center St., Centralia.
FSHS
Tiger Drama Camp Performs ArtReach's Treasure
Island
Fort
Scott Biz, Kansas
This
year's annual Fort Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp performs ArtReach
Children's Theatre Plays' Treasure Island on June 5 and 6 at 7
p.m. at the Fort Scott Middle School commons area.
Thirty
five students in 1st through 9th grade spent two weeks at camp
preparing for the production. The play is adapted by Kathryn Schultz
Miller from the book by Robert Louis Stevenson.
"I
absolutely love getting to share my love of theatre."
Fort
Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp Rehearses ArtReach's
Treasure
Island
The
character of Jim is played by 6th grader Scout Eden. Other notable
characters include Long John Silver who is played by 8th grader
Theodore Bowman, Doctor Livesey - freshman Dimple Williams, and
Squire Trelawney portrayed by freshman Adeline Hartmetz. Other
campers make up a motley crew of pirates, storytellers, and Skeleton
Island Natives.
The
camp and show are directed entirely by FSHS Thespians. Seniors Regen
Wells and Lexi Hill are the Directors.
"I
absolutely love getting to share my love of theatre with the younger
people of our community and I'm extremely happy to have an outlet in
the community for directing and producing," Wells said.
"This
is my first time directing a show."
 
Fort
Scott High School Tiger Drama Camp Rehearses ArtReach's
Treasure
Island
Other
high school staff include: junior Kiara Thompson - Stage
Manager, sophomores Emma Bin and Tuesday Glessner - Choreographers,
junior Cooper George - Costume Designer, senior Natalie Woods - Sound
Designer, senior Jericho Jones - Music Director, sophomores Charlie
Chaplin and Chris Newman - Props and Set Designers and freshman Tobi
Larrabee and junior Molly Hoyt - Arts Directors. Many other Thespians
serve as acting coaches and leaders and Thespian Director Angie Bin
serves as show producer.
"Working
with the kids is amazing."
FSHS
Tiger Drama Camp Rehearses ArtReach's
Treasure
Island
During
the two-week camp, students learn about most technical theatre areas
such as lighting, sound, costuming, stagecraft, and make-up. They
also help to create the artistic set decor.
Hill
said, "This is my first time directing a show and I am so
excited to see it performed. Working with the kids is amazing and
everyone involved has put so much work into this hilarious show."
Tickets
for the show are $5 and available at the doors at Fort Scott Middle
School. Doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime.
Frankenstein
is 200 Years Old!
The
world's most famous monster's birthday
Even National
Public Radio is celebrating the world’s most famous
monster’s birthday! Frankenstein still fascinates kids of
every age!
Today on
NPR: "Two hundred years ago, a 20-year-old English author
anonymously published the tale of a scientist – obsessed with
the impossible – creating life. The story evolved into a
classic. A masterpiece. Revered alongside Shakespeare. Byron.
Melville. The book was decades – centuries, even – ahead of
its time. Raising deep, existential questions about who we are, our
responsibility in science, and our ethical obligations. This hour, On
Point: Frankenstein rises again 200 years on. -- Jane Clayson”
Welcome
to My La-bor-ra-tory! Ha-ha!
 
ArtReach's Kid
Frankenstein
Frankenstein
was written by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. She started
writing the story when she was 18, and the first edition of the novel
was published anonymously in London on 1 January 1818: It is
still available for kids today: Frankenstein (Junior Classics
for Young Readers) Discover Books, Dalmatian Press.
Critics have
responded positively to Frankenstein positive since the mid-20th
century. Director Guillermo del Toro describes Frankenstein as
"the quintessential teenage book", adding "You don't
belong. You were brought to this world by people that don't care for
you and you are thrown into a world of pain and suffering, and tears
and hunger. It's an amazing book written by a teenage girl. It's mind blowing."
Frankenstein200
is a transmedia project, studying the learning that occurs when
people participate in a combination of hands-on activities and
immersive digital experiences. The Frankenstein200 kit includes seven
hands-on activities that encourage creativity and reflection about
responsible innovation.
A
Christmas
Cinderella will be performed for donations
Community
Cultural Center of Tonasket WA
Diana Luca Brown will be
directing four performances of "A
Christmas Cinderella" at the Community Cultural Center of
Tonasket, Dec. 15-18. Performances will be Saturday, Dec. 15,
at 6:00 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 16 at 4:00 p.m.; and Monday and Tuesday,
Dec. 16-17, at 1:00 p.m. in a pair of weekday matinees. Admission is
$2.00 or a non-perishable food item to donate to the Tonasket Food Bank.
"What
a great way to celebrate the giving season!"
ArtReach's "A
Christmas Cinderella" Brent
Baker/staff photo
Kids
Cast Rehearses: Emma Alexander, Ariana Perez,
Phoenix Willging, Anajah Braggs, and Sheyann LaBelle rehearse for
their production of "A Christmas Cinderella," scheduled to
run at the Community Cultural Center of Tonasket.
"All
of the kids had such smiley faces
- they loved it!"
  
ArtReach's "A
Christmas Cinderella" - Community Cultural Center of
Tonasket, WA
Diana
Luca Brown, Director: "Wow,
Everybody, what great shows! We want to thank you-everybody who
helped make this event a success. Thanks to your donations we
collected 8 full boxes of food donations for Tonasket Food Bank! What
a great way to celebrate the giving season! The kids had a lot of
fun! Also, thanks to all the teachers who came with their classes.
You've been great audience!!! Each show was sold and we had almost
every day 120 kids in attendance! Thanks to CCCT staff, volunteers
and parents~ Merry Christmas!"
Audience
Reaction: "Thanks to you Diana for bringing
Children's theater alive at the CCC. We loved the play and all of the
kids had such smiley faces--they loved it also. Keep em' coming!"
ArtReach's
“The Jungle Book” Comes to Helper Middle School
ETV
News, Price UT
The
Helper Middle School (HMS) Rams took the community to the jungle
last week with their rendition of the classic story “The Jungle Book.”
"Rams
took the community to the jungle!"
 
Helper Middle School, Helper
UT - ArtReach's The Jungle Book
Friends,
family, staff, fellow students and more were invited to the Rio
Theatre, located on Helper’s historic Main Street, for four
showings in March to enjoy a theatrical adaptation of Rudyard
Kipling’s book.
"Enjoy
a theatrical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s book."
 
Helper Middle School, Helper
UT - ArtReach's The Jungle Book
The
cost of admission was $4 for adults, $3 for children ages three to
18, and children two and under were free. The concession stand was
open and everything purchased benefitted HMS.
'Aladdin'
at St. Francis-St. Hedwig School in Rehearsal
It
is an end of an era at St. Francis-St. Hedwig School in Naugatuck
Naugatuck,
CT Patch, Nancy Sasso Janis, Patch Mayor
Rehearsal
photos courtesy of Michael Petruzzi (at the piano)
Naugatuck,
CT - Saint Francis-Saint Hedwig School will be presenting their
final production before the school closes at the end of the school
year. The show chosen for the last show at St. Francis-St.
Hedwig School is 'Aladdin.' Wanda Mascola will direct the students
and Michael Petruzzi will serve a co-director/musical director.
Performances are scheduled for Friday, May 18 at 6:00pm and Saturday
May 19 at 2:00pm. All performances will be presented in the school
gym. One minor correction is that there is no Thursday show.
Both shows will be performed in the school gym. Admission is free and
refreshments will be available for purchase.
"Opened
strong with all 30 young actors from grades K - 8."
 
Saint
Francis-Saint Hedwig School (CT) Rehearses ArtReach's
Aladdin
Previous
productions at the Catholic school have included ArtReach's 'Alice
in Wonderland' and ArtReach's 'The
Wizard of Oz.'
Review:
Dedicated to
the memory of James M. Fitzgerald IV, a magical spirit.
St.
Francis-St. Hedwig School Drama Club presented ArtReach's 'Aladdin'
for one performance only on Saturday afternoon on the school's
gymnasium stage. The script used adapted by Kathryn Schultz Miller
was based upon 'Aladdin's Wonderful Lamp' from 'One Thousand and One
Arabian Nights.'
In
fourth century Arabia, a foolish boy challenges an evil magician, a
powerful sultan and wins the favor of a princess. The parents and
friends that filled the bleachers on either side of the gym delighted
in the comedy and excitement of this classic legend where Aladdin
performed magnificent feats with the help of a genie and a magic lamp.
The
show opened strong with all 30 young actors from grades K - 8
entering from various locations. The first act was a short 20
minutes, but after a 15 minute intermission, the second act ran much
longer. The young actors used both the stage and the better part of
the gym floor to perform.
The
Catholic school students were directed by their beloved Wanda
Mascola and Michael Petruzzi was her "partner in crime" as
the musical director/accompanist. Mr. Petruzzi added to the typical
reminder in his curtain speech to turn off your cell phones so that
patrons could "give their full attention to the young
thespians" that had spent the last few month working very hard.
Unfortunately, due to the weather-related school closures this week,
the final dress rehearsal had to be moved to what would have been
their Friday night performance.
Faith
Lally was the ever present black cat Persia in a great creative
costume. Luke Reilly had a big personality in the role of the blue
genie and Lauren Scully came out of her shell in the role of Omar's
sidekick Geewiz.
"Comedy
and excitement in this classic legend."
 
Saint
Francis-Saint Hedwig School (CT) Rehearses ArtReach's
Aladdin
Highlights
of the set pieces was the Cave of Wonders, the large cutout camels
and the suggestion of the magic carpet ride. Jennifer and Matt
Capozziello served as set designers and Ms. C was also in charge of
props, costumes AND stage crew along with Barbie Foldvary. Musical
numbers were inserted to the story and were performed well. Mr.
Petruzzi was in charge of the sound with Natalie Silva, while Ms.
Foldvary worked the sound cues very well. The child wranglers include
Mrs. Mascola's dedicated husband Neil and Ms. Foldvary. Danielle
Dumont and Jen Baehr stepped up to take care of concessions and the
cast party.
The
production team thanked Fr. Sebastian Kos, Dr. John Alfone and the
faculty and staff at the school for their support, and the custodians
for all the heavy lifting. Emelia Dooling, an alum, returned to help
at rehearsals. I was graciously given a credit in the program for
helping with publicity, but I really did not do that much.
Congratulations
to the St. Francis-St. Hedwig students on a good performance that
showed off all of the hard work they had put into this production.
All
photos by Nancy Sasso Janis.
THEATER
DEPARTMENT PREPARING TO PUT ON UNIQUE PERFORMANCE:
Sword
in the Stone
ELI RANKIN,
ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT, LIFESTYLE
The Advocate:
Gresham OR
MHCC has had a long history in
the performing arts: Just ask Daryl Harrison-Carson, a 20-year
veteran instructor and technical director for this year's fall
theatre performance, which is shaping up to be exceptional in more
ways than just one.
For starters, Harrison-Carson
and part-time assistant Julie Akers, who is the director for this
year's play, have decided to put a spin on Kathryn Schultz Miller's "Sword
in the Stone" that will be unique to MHCC's performance.
The script will be reimagined as children acting out the events of
the legendary King Arthur's childhood in their imaginations.
"The
set helps give
the play a sense of magic."
 
Mt. Hood Community College
performs ArtReach's Sword
in the Stone
The set, designed by
Harrison-Carson, is meant to emulate a play structure, complete with
seesaws and monkey bars. She noted that there are a lot of quick
scene changes in the script, and this was a creative solution to that
problem that helps gives the play a sense of magic.
Another, albeit more
extenuating, detail surrounding this play is that the Mt. Hood
theatre department's head, Mace Archer, is currently taking a
yearlong sabbatical. Harrison-Carson is the only full-time faculty
member working in the department; the other members are either
part-time faculty or hired by college specifically for the play.
She concedes that progress in
the department is a bit "chaotic" right now, but said she
is glad that the students are getting to work with different
directors and faculty members, which gives more opportunities to make
connections that can lead to theatre internships.
One such contracted individual
is Kristen Mun, who creates on-stage fight choreography. The Mt. Hood
play is set to have plenty of action and sword fights, and special
swords of reinforced metal have to be used on stage. Since the swords
will be used repeatedly over the course of many rehearsals and
performances, they have to be exceptionally sturdy to ensure that
they don't wear down and break during the performance.
"Plenty
of action and sword fights."
 
Mt. Hood Community College
performs ArtReach's Sword
in the Stone
The actors have been
rehearsing their fight scenes in slow motion to get the choreography
down, and, thanks to Mun's expertise, Harrison-Carson is happy to
report that there have been no accidents or severed limbs.
The Sword
in the Stone is set to open at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 4.
Buses from local elementary schools also will be bringing
schoolchildren to see the play, and hopefully inspire them to pursue
the theatre, on Nov. 6, 8, 13, 15, and 18.
The matinee will be performed
at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, which Harrison-Carson recommends as
the best time for MHCC students to attend as there are no class
conflicts, and the theater will not be hosting elementary field trips
that day.
The play has a runtime of
under an hour, and will cost $2 per person. However, since it is
considered a children's play, Mt. Hood is willing to waive the $2
entry fee for anyone unable to pay and who wants to experience the
magic of the theatre for the first time.
The
Legend of Sleepy Hollow Script is Kid-Friendly
Halloween
Script is Full of Hilarious Comedy
You might be surprised during
the first few minutes of ArtReach’s The
Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Rather than recoiling in
horror, you’ll be laughing your socks off!
ArtReach’s The
Legend of Sleepy Hollow has been adapted especially for kids and
family audiences. Irving Washington’s famous American tale
takes center stage, with his story and language in tact. The
bumbling school teacher Ichabod Crane woos his heart’s desire,
the plumb and blushing Katrina, never suspecting that he is the butt
of his rival Brom Bones’ practical joke. Katrina has no
intention of dropping her brawny beau for the school teacher, she
just plays coy until Brom wins the match.
"You’ll
be laughing your socks off!"
 
The Ride of the Headless
Horseman! Great Roles for Middle, Jr/ High School.
ArtReach’s THE
LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
Laughs and audience
participation make this a great play for Halloween
entertainment. Clearly drawn instructions for building a
Headless Horseman costume are included in the Teachers Guide, making
it easier for you concentrate on comic timing. Don’t
hesitate to assure your young audiences that, though there will be
moments of thrilling fright, they’ll leave the theatre laughing.
Local
children perform new version of Snow
White
The Cranston
Herald, Rhode Island
By Pam Schiff
A beloved classic fairy tale
had a few tweaks and changes as the cast of the latest rendition of Snow
White and the Seven Dwarves performed this past weekend at
William Hall Library under the supervision of Gladys Cole.
“This
has been a great experience for my daughter & son."
A SMILEY CAST: Gladys Cole (on
the stairs) poses with her cast members after a full dress rehearsal.
“This has been a great
experience for my daughter Kayla [Snow White] and my son, Aidan
[Skipper]. I feel honored that she was able to use the songs I wrote
for the play: ‘Wishing Well’ and ‘The Dwarf
Song,’” parent Megan Gilbert said. “The kids have been
acting with G.Cole productions for over two years and I feel so lucky
to have them with a director that is creative, fun and has more
patience than I imagine a saint would. This is a total community
theater and all parents help so much.”
With a full cast of children
aged 5 to 14 years old, Cole had her hands full keeping everyone
focused and on-task.
The cast was made up of
children from Cranston, Warwick, Richmond, Pawtucket, East
Providence, South Kingstown and East Greenwich.
"She
makes everybody feel like their role is special.”
 
ArtReach's
SNOW WHITE - The Arts Project of Orange County, San Clemente CA
Kayla Gilbert (Snow White),
Maya Madison (The Queen), Neala Pyne (The Mirror), Liam DeRosa (The
King) and Kyle Denson Yay (The Prince) all filled the lead roles.
Other players included
Jacqueline Buffery (Narrator No. 1), Olivia Sturtervant (Narrator No.
2), Annalise Curry (Lady Margot), Kate Curry (Lady Sybil), Robert
Bourvier (The Huntsman) and Grayson Carrier (The Tree). The
Queen Spirits were Jamisen Geyer (Witch Hazel), Dilys Wiening (Rose
Thorn), Lily Soares (Ginger Root) and Kristen McConnell
(Fireseed). The Dwarves were portrayed by: Aidan Gilbert
(Skipper), Marinn Danis (Chipper), Brady Burden (Giddy), Caden Burden
(a-Choo), Remmy Danis (Grouchy), Kristen McConnell (Wall-Flower) and
Raegan Garcia (Snores-a-lot). The Forest Animals were: Alannah
Curry (Bunny), Emily Panas (Bumble Bee), Payton Garcia (Squirrel),
Morgan Panas (Deer), Rose Bouvier (Owl) and Sophia Poirier (Blue Bird).
"It's really fun acting
with Miss Gladys. She makes everybody feel like their role is
special,” said Kayla Gilbert, a 12-year-old Bain Middle School
student and actress.
Aidan Gilbert, a 10-year-old
student and actor from Stadium Elementary School, added his praise.
"I like playing a part of
a dwarf and being able to sing the song my mom wrote for us."
"My
goal is to continue to empower children through theatre."
 
ArtReach's
SNOW WHITE - The Arts Project of Orange County, San Clemente CA
For this production, the
children started rehearsing in March and performed in May.
“G.Cole Productions was
started in 2013 with a production of Brighton Beach Memoirs by Neil
Simon at the Artistic Exchange in Cranston. Then I directed Holka
Polka at William Hall Library and I knew I wanted to only produce
children’s theatre. So I changed the name to G.Cole Productions
Children’s Theatre Company. My goal is to empower children
though theatre: to give children organization, leadership, and public
speaking skills to develop confidence and know that dreams are
possible. I have been very fortunate that Adrienne Gallo at William
Hall Library has allowed me to use the library for rehearsals and my
productions,” Cole said.
G.Cole Productions is a
community theatre and is only successful with the help of the parents
of the children that participate in the productions. Parents help
with all aspects of shows costumes, props, set-design, usher, front
house, tickets sales and backstage crew.
Cole received her
associate’s degree in fine arts from the Community College of
Rhode Island. She was mentored by the late Jeffery Butterworth, who
encouraged her to choreograph her first children’s show. She
interned at John V. Doyle School’s drama production of Lullaby
of Broadway. Butterworth also gave her a chance to write her first
play, Only Monday. She went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts
& Science from Rhode Island College.
“I knew that I wanted to
have a career in theatre. My goal for G.Cole Productions is to
continue to empower children though theatre. I feel so blessed that I
have this wonderful career teaching and directing children’s
theatre,” she said.
Mark
Twain Loved Childrens Theatre
Every Child
Deserves Theatre in School
"Children's
Theatre is a great educational feature. The time ought to come
when a child's theatre will be a part of every public school in the land.”
Mark Twain (The New York
Times) August 10, 1909
The occasion of Mark
Twain’s quote was the closing of East Side Playhouse due to lack
of funds. Just one year earlier Mr. Twain had delighted in a
performance of an adaptation of his book, The Prince and the Pauper,
produced for a young audience. Our most beloved American
author knew more than a century ago what we all know now,
children’s theatre should and must be a staple of feature of education.
For many years, we would hear
from teachers who lamented the fact that there could be no drama club
at their schools because they had no stage. Sometimes they
would say their school could only afford a few dollars toward the
expense of a theatrical production. Without sewing
machines there could be no costumes. Without a work shop there
could be no scenery. But anyone who has read or seen an
ArtReach play knows that none of these things are needed to put on a
wonderful show that will light kids’ imaginations and make their
parents fairly burst with pride!
"Mark
Twain's greatest hits for teens."
 
ArtReach
Touring Theatre, The
Mark Twain Show
At ArtReach we encourage
educators to concentrate not on what they don’t have, but what
they do have in abundance! Every teacher and every student has
a deep well of imagination that can be called on to delight, dazzle
and enchant. ArtReach’s plays are designed to coax
out the treasures that already exist in the hearts and minds of every
student, young or old.
One of ArtReach’s biggest
fans, Sarah Ackerman-Hale writes:
"Directing
plays inspired me to go back to school to become an elementary
teacher. As I've completed my schooling, I've come to really
understand and appreciate your philosophies about the emphasis being
on the process, not so much the completed ‘product’.”
As you might have guessed,
Sarah’s recent production of ArtReach’s TREASURE
ISLAND was huge hit. Mark Twain would have loved it!
The
Importance of Being Tinker Bell
Why is Tinker
Bell one of children’s theatre’s most beloved characters?
In the play PETER
PAN, Tinker Bell is Peter’s best friend and constant
companion. She tags along with him to the Darling house, helps
Peter find his shadow and sprinkles pixie dust on the children to
help them fly. She may even be in love with Peter though he
doesn’t know that since he’s only a little boy.
Before it’s all over Tinker Bell has saved Peter’s life by
drinking the poison that was meant for him. And in a way, she
has saved us -- the audience, by inspiring us to "believe”.
Tinker Bell is a child’s
ultimate imaginary friend. One who loves Peter no matter what
and will help him in life’s struggles and even save him from death.
"Tinker
Bell is Peter’s best friend and companion."
  
Tinker Bell from Shoultes Elem
(WA) & Welsh Hills Granville (OH)
In the original production of PETER
PAN, Tinker Bell is seen only as a reflected light and heard
only as the tinkling of bells. ArtReach’s production
allows the Tinker Bell to come fully alive onstage. Instead of
a light, a real performer uses only a kazoo and body language to
communicate, which retains the effect of her original
otherworldliness while allowing the young actor to fully embrace and
enjoy Tinker Bell’s unique fairy/pixie character.
At ArtReach we often point out
that Tinker Bell is a great role for kids who love to act but have
trouble learning lines. That doesn’t mean that this is a
simple role to perform -- only that a playful, imaginative child can
truly convey Tinker Bell’s rare and magical gifts.
Why
is ArtReach’s Wizard of Oz so popular?
It’s not
hard to understand why teachers all over the world recommend
ArtReach’s version of WIZARD
OF OZ over all others.
This script is one of the most
beloved because it stays true to L. Frank Baum’s original
book. This no need for gimmicks, stage tricks or elaborate
effects. There are no long speeches or complicated
sequences. Just as Baum gave kids a safe place for dreaming in
his classic book -- this version uses the written word as a structure
for kids to hang their dreams on. It uses the child’s
innate impulse to play and invent – the essential elements that
make the story so endearing. Using creative play as its base,
kids are allowed to be silly, to day dream, to explore a land of Oz
that is distinctly their own. Why just watch a storm
appear? Why not become the storm yourself? Why should
Toto stay in his basket when he has so much to do and say? Why
does there have to be just one Dorothy? Why can’t everyone
who wants to play the girl from Kansas have her own special moment?
"Fun,
freedom and creative joy are infused in every page."
 
Stage Kids (CA) & Shoultes
Elem (WA) - Up to 4 Scarecrows!
ArtReach’s version of THE
WIZARD OF OZ was written just for kids. Fun, freedom and
creative joy are infused in every page of this script, inviting
children and directors to create a play that is meaningful for their
special kids. No hassle, no fuss and no demands. Whether
you are a professional or a first time director, you can’t go
wrong with ArtReach’s WIZARD
OF OZ. The script takes you by the hand and lets you and
your kids find your own yellow brick road.
Peter
Pan is Theatre – Not TV
So you
didn’t like the TV Special PETER PAN LIVE? Almost nobody
did. Here’s why.
The TV Special Peter Pan Live!
had hardly begun before twittering folks all over the country were
sharing their displeasure. It seemed everyone was disappointed
in this most anticipated production. Why?
Allison Williams and
Christopher Walken gave heartfelt performances. The scenery and
costumes were unique, colorful and imaginative. The songs were
the same great songs we remembered. So why did so many folks feel let
down when they watched this beautiful and exciting TV event?
At ArtReach, we realized long
ago that a live performance never translates to video or TV.
Television productions are written, acted and edited for
television’s unique platform – a screen. A stage
performance is a once in a life-time event, and its magic depends
entirely on the interaction and participation of a live
audience. When we watch live people pouring their hearts out on
stage we engage, sympathize and feel invested in the success of the
performance and performers we are watching. We are as
exhilarated as the performers because for just a short while we are
sharing an extraordinary moment of human connection.
"A
stage performance is a once in a life-time event."
 
ArtReach’s Peter
Pan, North Shore Children's Theatre, Salem, MA
J. M. Barrie wrote PETER
PAN specifically for the stage. He didn’t write his
novel PETER AND WENDY (which is now in the public domain) until long
after the stage play’s spectacular success. Never was
there a story that depended more on the delicate interaction between
actor and audience. Try as they might, the best actors
directors and designers in the world cannot save PETER PAN from
looking bland and lifeless on a TV screen.
People reacted negatively to
the TV Special Peter Pan Live! simply because they instinctively
wanted more. They could feel in their bones that this would be
terrific if only they were actually there to expereince it.
That’s why no matter how many media screens we own on our TVs or
our phones; we will still seek out live theatre performances.
Peter Pan will always fly into our hearts, as long as theatre lives.
Mt.
Hood Community College Theatre Department Announces Exciting Play Season
Filled
with diverse genres, thought-provoking themes, and gripping performances.
This
play season, experience the gentle sea breezes and lush mountains of
Hiroshima in ArtReach's "A
Thousand Cranes"; watch a beautiful community blossom in
gritty Cleveland, OH in "Seedfolks"; and walk through the
turbulent halls of high school again in "Be More Chill."
"A
perfect play for young audiences."
 
ArtReach's A
Thousand Cranes - Bastrop Middle School, TX - Hutchison School, Memphis
The
Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) theatre department is gearing up
for an exciting 2023-2024 play season. Filled with diverse genres,
thought-provoking themes, and gripping performances. There will be
something for everyone, from heartwarming dramas to lively musicals,
with stories that will make you think and gripping performances.
ArtReach's
"A Thousand Cranes," by Kathryn Schultz Miller is a
perfect play for young audiences. It tells the story of a young girl
named Sadako who gets cancer as a result of the Hiroshima bombing,
and her goal to fold a thousand origami cranes in the hopes of
healing and peace. Through her journey, the play explores themes of
resilience, the enduring power of hope, and the devastating impact of war.
The
theatre department at MHCC offers many ways for people to get
involved, including acting, backstage work, and technical classes.
Auditions for these productions are open to MHCC students as well as
community members. While students can enroll in theatre classes to
secure a role, community members have the option to get involved
through community education classes at MHCC.
"The
play explores themes of resilience, the power of hope."
  
ArtReach's A
Thousand Cranes - Trunkey Public School, NSW, AU
"For
the students&ldots; I'm hoping that it gives them a sense of
community around the college," Daryl Harrison Carson, the
theatre technical director and instructor at MHCC said, "Working
toward a shared goal and learning something along the way in the
process. Aside from the hard work it takes to put on a play, it's fun
and usually a good time. I know my theatre friends from college are
my lifelong friends so that's what I hope for the students to gain.
For the community, the shows will make them think about things in a
way they hadn't thought of before. The goal is always to put on a
good show and to do a little bit of teaching since we are a
college." This season has not been without its issues including
the delayed hiring of a full-time theatre faculty member and the
impact of COVID-19 on the preparedness of students.
"We've
been having more trainings for the musical this year," Harrison
Carson said, "This past year the director did a pre-audition
workshop which helped the students [feel] more prepared. As soon as
we get our new full-time staff on board we'll try to get some of that
going for the performance part*. Over the summer we've been working
with some of our tech students to get them a little more training so
that they can be up to speed on tools and processes."
"Stories
that will make you think."
  
ArtReach's A
Thousand Cranes - Hutchison School, Memphis
The
theatre department plans to connect with other MHCC departments such
as the Japanese Culture Club to help inform the production of "A
Thousand Cranes," the Associated Students of Mt. Hood Community
College (ASMHCC) to facilitate the proceeds from "Seedfolks"
going to the MHCC community garden, and MHCC's graphic arts program
who have designed posters for plays in the past.
If
you or someone you know is a budding thespian who is thinking about
the best place to become involved in theatre, may we suggest MHCC? In
addition to the fact that the MHCC theatre department produces a
winter musical every year, the program is better able to offer more
leading roles to first and second-year students than may be open to
the same students at four-year colleges.
"Students
in their freshman and sophomore years can get meaningful roles on
stage," Harrison Carson said, "Then we have students who as
soon as they're ready, they'll design, they'll stage manage, they'll
have high-responsibility roles backstage with the production. We try
to do that so they feel like they have ownership in the plays that
they're working on. Not just a little paint here and there but
they're creating the whole production."
Behind
the Scenes Page 4:
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