YA Assemblies are live, interactive, and educational arts performances that inspire and motivate large audiences. They are 45 minutes in length and have a maximum audience size of 250 students, unless otherwise specified. To schedule an Assembly Program and to learn about possible funding opportunities, please contact Donna Sherman at 410.837.7577 ext. 102.
All YA programs are performed by professional artists that have completed a rigorous interview and audition process. YA also evaluates our artists annually.
Each Program:
* Addresses the Maryland Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC) in the fine arts and other academic areas. These connections can be deepened through the use of our customized Teacher Guides, which are complimentary with each service. (View sample teacher guide.)
* Enhances appreciation of the cultural arts and builds knowledge in the arts.
* Creates opportunities for enhancing the curriculum.
Note: Mileage, if applicable, will be calculated at the time of booking.
language arts & theatre ASSEMBLIES Artist with this symbol (k) are Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) approved. MSAC funding may be available.
k Baltimore Shakespeare Festival
Mondo Shakespeare, Jr. Jumpstart your curriculum with Shakespeare the way it was meant to be experienced- out loud and on its feet in front of a live audience. This energetic two person show relates scenes from Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Taming of the Shrew to middle school life, inviting student volunteers onstage to participate in the fun. Fun facts and history about the Elizabethan era are included, to provide an exciting and interactive introduction to Shakespeare for middle school students. Grade Level: 6-8
Fee: Single Program - $525; Back-to-Back Program - $735
k Eric Beatty
NEW! Sandlot Stories
Sandlot Stories is an original show about baseball, as played by children, including the joys and poignant moments they experience on and off the field. This solo performance explores friendships and family relationships, and celebrates the different personalities of the game. Eric Beatty combines dynamic movement, humor, and drama to tell the story of the Tigers recreation league championship game – from five different perspectives/characters. Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $325; Back-to-Back Program - $525
Blackhawk touring artist/limited availability
A Warrior’s Tale Blackhawk will take you on a journey with the stories that influenced and changed his life. Learn the story of “The Wish List,” a secret his grandfather taught him of how to turn dreams into goals and goals into reality. Discover other important lessons in “Tukelo and the Ghost,” “Columbus Didn’t Discover America,” and “Tonto and the Lone Ranger.” The program also includes Native American music and Q&A, allowing students to deepen the connection between Blackhawk’s stories and their own lives. Grade Level: K-8
Fee: Single Program - $425; Back-to-Back Program - $675
k Gayle Danley
Soul Portraits Singing one moment, whispering verse the next, her ever changing expressions and movements show the emotional energy she beams into the audience. Gayle Danley is slammin’! This poet’s interactive performance deals with contemporary issues important to the young. It exposes children to poetry that is, to quote Gayle, “cathartic, moving and, above all, real.” Gayle explores grief and healing, the people who touch our lives, gratitude, and understanding real beauty. Grade Level: 4-12
Fee: Single Program - $570; Back-to-Back Program - $840
NEW!A Day with Gayle: Extreme Poetry Makeover! Bring Gayle into your school for a day and have her perform an assembly, lead the professional development for your teachers, conduct poetry writing workshops, or lead a poetry slam for your students. A Day with Gayle is designed to be flexible and meet your needs. Call YA to learn about various packages. Grade Level: 4-12
Fee: $1,410
k Linda Fang
Stories From Ancient China In this storytelling program, Linda Fang takes her audience on a journey into the remote past of China. Using her uncanny ability to assume three roles at the same time – storyteller, actress, and director – Linda makes her audience an integrated part of the program. All students are involved as listeners and sound-effect providers; some are assigned roles in the performance and are given costumes to wear. Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $400; Back-to-Back Program - $600
Chinese Sticky Rice and the Chinese New Year Linda Fang offers this program in January and February, at the time of the Chinese New Year celebration. Students will gain insight into the Chinese culture, as Linda tells stories about how the Chinese New Year celebration got started. She also tells several other witty, humorous, and heartwarming stories about food and the Chinese New Year traditions. The show is also appropriate for other occasions. Grade Level: K-8
Fee: Single Program - $400; Back-to-Back Program - $600
NEW!Swallow’s Nest: Stories About Confucius Confucius, the great Chinese teacher and philosopher, comes alive in this unique storytelling program. Yan Lu, the first student of Confucius, who followed his teacher as they roamed from state to state for fourteen years, tells the stories about his life with this great man. Witty, humorous, and thought provoking, the stories will show you the unconventional way Confucius taught his students. They also illustrate his tremendous contribution to history, education, and philosophy, as well as show how he applied his teachings to the way he lived. Grade Level: 6-12
Fee: Single Program - $400; Back-to-Back Program - $600
Gunstwork Puppet Mask Theatre
touring artist/limited availability
NEW!Four Wishes: An adaption of Gluskabe and the Four Wishes, by Joseph Bruchac
This dynamic solo production is a teaching story of the Wabanaki, the native people of New England and southern Canada. This adaptation of the classic folk tale tells the journey of four native New England Abenaki men as they make their way to the island where the great Gluskabe (the protector of the Abenaki) lives. There, each man is given a wish, and their stories unfold with life lessons about the universal theme of human desire. Using different styles of puppetry and masks, Native American music and original choreography, Gunstwork’s production makes an ancient folk tale relevant for today’s young minds. It entertains as well as raises important questions about what determines our choices and from where we make our choices.
Grade Level: K-12 Fee: Single Program - $500; Back-to-Back Program - $750
Jali-D
Rhythm and Rhymes for Wise Young Minds
Never before have children looked at math and reading in such a hip way. This rhythmic and lyrically engaging performance demonstrates the power of music as an educational tool, and inspires both students and teachers to view learning in an exciting new way. In this program, Jali-D raps about math, reading, science, video games, the brain, and more. He also instills important academic lessons and a strong emphasis on the value of achievement. Students will even get an opportunity to display their math and reading prowess in clever ‘call and response’ exercises. Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $350; Back-to-Back Program - $525
k Carolyn Koerber
After each assembly, Carolyn takes the students “backstage" to introduce them to the puppets, props, and scenery.
The Flying Tortoise – A Nigerian Trickster Tale
In this African trickster tale, Carolyn introduces students to a tortoise named Mbeku, who has a beautiful golden shell, and thinks he deserves the best of everything. Every day he finds ways to trick other animals into giving him the lion’s share of the food…until one day, when the animals plan a trick of their own. But this trickster is a true survivor who outsmarts them all in the end! This tale shows children how a small creature uses his wits to survive. It celebrates determination and ingenuity. Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $400; Back-to-Back Program - $600
The Knee High Man – An African-American Fable
In this folktale from Alabama, Carolyn tells of a man named Billy who lives in a swamp and discovers one day that he is very small. Determined to get bigger, he seeks help from Brother Snake and Sister Alligator. When all his efforts fail, he decides to run away and finds himself lost and alone in a very dangerous part of the swamp. He learns to use his wits and to understand that his height is not a measure of his worth. Students develop listening and comprehension skills as they watch the story unfold. Grade Level: PreK-5
Fee: Single Program - $400; Back-to-Back Program - $600
The Widow and the Fishes – An Indonesian Folktale from the Island of Java
Carolyn tells an ancient tale from the land of tall bamboo, rice paddies, and volcanic peaks. This is the story of a poor old widow who shows kindness toward all creatures. One day, the Mighty Siwa takes pity on her and sends her a sack full of gold. When her rich, greedy neighbor learns of this, he is jealous and tries to trick Siwa into sending him even more gold. Does Siwa hear his pleas? Students will find out as they watch this humorous and poignant story filled with sacks full of surprises! Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $400; Back-to-Back Program - $600
k Mark Lohr
Classic Comedy This is a fun and exciting show with underlying educational themes, where MR. Jones and the audience share center stage! It is an action-packed performance including slapstick, juggling, plate spinning, and more. The assembly is based on the “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” theory! MR. Jones’ creative problem solving skills will leave them howling with laughter! Grade Level: PreK-8
Fee: Single Program - $525; Back-to-Back Program - $675
Hooked on Books MR. Jones, a mild mannered “everyone,” sits down to enjoy an afternoon television program. He is interrupted by a public service announcement that makes him aware of the epic battle between TV and reading. By reading books and applying trial and error, he learns reading is a fun, exciting way to gain new skills, see new places, meet new people, and experience more channels than any TV could ever have! Watch as MR. Jones discovers a new interactive passion – reading! Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $550; Back-to-Back Program - $750
Tim Marrone
Clowning Around with Shakespeare
This production opens with Shakespearean clown, Will Kemp, preparing to audition for the newly crowned King James I, backstage at Whitehall Palace in April 1603. Kemp performs a series of funny Shakespearean monologues for the students prior to his supposed royal audition. He includes the students, pulling them into the acting area to portray the minor roles. The goal of the play is to not only entertain, but to serve as a fun introduction to Shakespeare in preparation for the student’s middle school instruction of his work. Grade Level: K-8
Fee: Single Program - $323; Back-to-Back Program - $430
k Debra Mims
My Grandmother Told Me: A Tribute to African-American Women Actress Debra Mims transforms into Grandmother Sally Kathryn Mims who is searching through an old trunk in her attic. Each item she pulls out sparks a memory of days past and of courageous Black women and their struggles to be free, to vote, and to get an education. Using monologues, poetry, and songs, Debra leads the audience in this highly interactive walk through an important part of America’s history. Grade Level: 3-12
Fee: Single Program - $350; Back-to-Back Program - $525
Grandma’s “Cautionary” Tales Actress Debra Mims transforms into Grandmother Sally Kathryn Mims to tell students stories her grandmother once told her. These interactive stories are an entertaining mix of ghost, folk, and “cautionary” tales found in African, African-American, and Caribbean literature, each coming with their own message and lesson to be learned. The program ends on a note of triumph that informs the audience so they can use positive thinking, problem solving skills, and action to make choices to overcome a bad situation. Grade Level: 1-8
Fee: Single Program - $350; Back-to-Back Program - $525
Molly Moores
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Molly delivers a wild story full of magic spells, fairies, and mistaken loves. Full of fights, chases, and the secret meetings of lovers, this play solidly withstands the test of time. In Kimberley Lynne’s adaptation of this 400-year-old script, the actor tells the crazy, funny story of rebellious lovers, arguing fairies, and nighttime pranks in the woods. Students are incorporated into the storytelling, silently portraying the roles as they are directed.
Grade Level: K-8
Fee: Single Program - $323; Back-to-Back Program - $430
Odyssey Opera Theatre
Once Upon an Opera!
This delightful, highly interactive program shows students how exciting it can be to “tell” a story through the unique art form of opera. Students will discover how opera is actually a powerful combination of many art forms: music, drama, and visual arts. After experiencing an example of each basic element of opera, the entire audience will use their voices, emotions, bodies, and imaginations to create a mini-opera version of the beloved story “Hansel and Gretel”. Story structure, as well as the creation of dialogue, will be emphasized throughout the process of developing the mini–opera. Grade Level: PreK-5
Fee: Single Program - $470; Back-to-Back Program - $790
Quest: Arts for Everyone
Road Signs Road Signs demonstrates the direct link between physical theatre and literacy. The program celebrates deaf culture through an entertaining mixture of story theatre, mime, A-B-C stories, poetry, and songs performed in American Sign Language (ASL). The Asian Age newspaper raved, “To say that Road Signs was a series of short pieces acted, mimed, signed and danced, would be like saying a sentence is a string of words.”
Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $500; Back-to-Back Program - $790
Seth Reichgott
Chariot of the Sun Using poetry, masks, mime, and skillful audience participation, actor Seth Reichgott brings heroes, gods, and monsters of Greek mythology to life! This fun and interactive presentation includes the myth of Phaethon and his chariot, Pandora and her mysterious box, and the exciting tale of Odysseus and Cyclops. Grade Level: 3-8
Program Fee: Single - $429; Back-to-Back - $630
The Golden Lyre The king’s daughter has been turned into stone, and only the music of the golden lyre can save her. Seth takes students on an adventure to find the lyre, defeat the Gorgon, and save the princess. Grade Level: K-2
Program Fee: Single - $429; Back-to-Back - $630
k Arianna Ross
Immigrant Quilt
Fly back in time to listen to true stories from communities all over the world that traveled a great distance to finally settle in the United States.
Grade Level: PreK-12
Program Fee: Single - $429; Back-to-Back - $630
The Fastest Plane: Around the World in 45 minutes
Travel around the world in 45 minutes through this multi-lingual program. Wander through the streets of Mexico, Brazil, India…. Discover the similarities and differences in their geography, culture, history, and language.
Grade Level: PreK-12
Program Fee: Single - $429; Back-to-Back - $630
Monkey Tales
In these delightful Asian versions of “Aesop’s Fables,” it is the creatures that teach us about Indian culture, geography, and history. Students will leave the program dancing like a monkey, roaring like a tiger, and slithering like a snake. Program language and style adjust to fit the age group attending the program. Grade Level: PreK-12
Program Fee: Single - $429; Back-to-Back - $630
k Jon spelman
Tall Tales Jon Spelman portrays Yancey Register, a gregarious yarnspinner and natural born folklorist and imagination-stretcher. Jon’s character Yancey is a “rural raconteur” or “talkin’ teller” who spins tall tales, folktales, learning stories, and good old country yarns, recreating the wise culture of North American oral tradition. Yancey begins a bit shyly, admitting he feels “a tad nervous, like a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.” But he’s soon carried away by the imaginative power of his tales, hightailing along a trail of homespun humor and wise sayings. Before leaving, Yancey always answers students’ questions and talks about the importance of “exercising your imagination, taking it out for a walk.” Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $395; Back-to-Back Program - $520
k Synetic Theater: Pantomime for Youth
The Music Box A wonderful collection of physical comedy short stories set to music: the story of a mischievous mask that clings to two unsuspecting men on the street, an old movie style (Charlie Chaplinesque) boat ride that turns into an outrageous stormy trip, two cowboys in the wild west taming a bull on the loose, two road workers trying to catch a butterfly in an attempt to capture the heart of a girl, and the classic invisible wall. Students are introduced to the art of storytelling without words through pantomime, imagination, illusions, and physical comedy. Grade Level: K-8
Fee: Single Program - $675; Back-to-Back Program - $875
The Miraculous Magical Balloon This production is a series of hilarious pantomime sketches with music, ballet, clowning, and audience participation. Students will discover the art of acting without words, opening the doors to their imaginations. Expressed through body and facial masks, pantomime illusions, and unique choreography, 'Balloon' tells a wonderful story of a traveling actor and his magical trunk of tricks and toys. Grade Level: K-8
Fee: Single Program - $675; Back-to-Back Program - $875
laura
zam
A Story of Hope: The Holocaust This autobiographical, one-person play takes the audience on a journey as Laura travels to Eastern Europe to learn more about her mother’s experiences during the Holocaust – her mother survived two concentration camps, two Nazi ghettos, and a famous death march. The play documents these events, but also connects the Holocaust to the world we live in today. Above all else, the play asks: How can we prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening again? Students will be given an authentic and challenging, yet humorous and fun, theatrical experience that explores issues that are still relevant today. Grade Level: 6-12
Fee: Single Program - $400; Back-to-Back Program - $580
Young Audiences Arts for Learning Maryland | 2601 North Howard Street, Suite 320, Baltimore, MD 21218 | p: 410.837.7577 | f: 410.837.7579 | info@yamd.org
