* GAYLE DANLEY

NEW! IF YOU REALLY KNEW ME:

A unique and powerful anti-bullying tool for your school
Gayle Danley has turned 18 years of sharing her slam poetry in schools into a unique program designed to impact your school’s anti-bullying efforts in a hands-on, accessible way. Gayle opens this intensely focused day by performing several soul-touching
original slam poems in a large group assembly about her own experiences with bullying. She then conducts a series of workshops leading your students, teachers and counselors through the process of writing and sharing their own life experiences through the power of slam. An assembly for parents and the school community culminates this incredible day of healing and bonding.
This one day package includes:
* A kick-off assembly
* Two workshops with students and teachers
* A professional development session with guidance counselors
* A culminating assembly for the school community
Grade Level: 4-12

Soul Portraits
Singing one moment, whispering verse the next, her ever changing expressions and movements show the emotional energy she beams into the audience. 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 - $520; Back-to-Back Program - $840

* ‡ LINDA FANG

Stories From Ancient China
In this 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 - $440; Back-to-Back Program - $600

Chinese Sticky Rice and the Chinese New Year
Students will gain insight into Chinese culture, as Linda tells stories about how the Chinese New Year celebration began. Several other witty, humorous, and heartwarming stories about food and the Chinese New Year traditions are performed. This program is perfect in January and February, at the time of the Chinese New Year celebration, but also appropriate year-round.
Grade Level: K-8
Fee: Single Program - $440; Back-to-Back Program - $600

Swallow’s Nest: Stories About Confucius
Confucius, the great Chinese teacher and philosopher, comes alive in this unique program. The story is told from the perspective of Yan Lu, the first student of Confucius, who followed his teacher as they roamed China for fourteen years. Witty, humorous, and thought provoking, the stories will illustrate the unconventional way Confucius taught his students. They also illuminate 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 - $440; Back-to-Back Program - $600

Gunstwork Puppet Mask Theatre

Touring Artist/Limited Availability

Four Wishes: An adaption of Gluskabe and the Four Wishes, by Joseph Bruchac
This dynamic solo production is a 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 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 making choices.
Grade Level: K-12
Fee: Single Program - $500; Back-to-Back Program - $750

* 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 - $440; 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.
Grade Level: PreK-5

Fee: Single Program - $440; 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 - $440; Back-to-Back Program - $600

* ‡ MARK LOHR

Classic Comedy
Mark Lohr’s character, MR. Jones, takes audiences on a fun and exciting journey with underlying educational themes. Highly interactive, MR. Jones and the audience share center stage! This action-packed performance includes slapstick, juggling, plate spinning, and more. 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-12
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

* ‡ KATHERINE LYONS

NEW! Transformation Imagination
What tools does an actor need? Actors use their bodies, their voices and their imaginations to change or transform into something else. Together with Katherine, students will use their imaginations to create a performance, to become the animal characters in the play, “Who’s In Rabbit’s House?” with masks, music, transforming props, and a surprise ending. Professional musician, Elias Mays Schutzman, joins Katherine live on stage to provide the music and sound effects for the show.
Grade Level: K-3
Fee: Single Program- $550; Back-to-Back Program- $710

* TIM MARRONE

Clowning Around with Shakespeare
This production opens with a Shakespearean clown preparing to audition for the newly crowned King James I, backstage at Whitehall Palace in April 1603. The clown performs a series of funny Shakespearean monologues for students prior to his supposed royal audition. He includes students, pulling them into the acting area to portray the minor roles. This hilarious assembly not only entertains, but serves as a fun introduction to Shakespeare and his timeless work.
Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $360; Back-to-Back Program - $480

* ‡ 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 - $385; 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 it’s own message and lesson to be learned. The program informs the audience so they can use positive thinking, problem solving skills, and action to make choices.
Grade Level: 1-8
Fee: Single Program - $385; Back-to-Back Program - $525

* MOLLY MOORES

Miss Molly's Midsummer Night's Dream for Kids
Molly delivers a wild story full of magic spells, fairies, and mistaken loves. Fun and magical, the play solidly withstands the test of time. In Molly’s own adaptation of William Shakespeare’s 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, portraying the roles as they are directed.
Grade Level: K-6
Fee: Single Program - $360; Back-to-Back Program - $480

* ‡ QUEST: VISUAL THEATRE

Road Signs
Road Signs demonstrates the direct link between visual 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-8
Fee: Single Program - $525; Back-to-Back Program - $800

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 - $500; Back-to-Back - $670

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-5
Program Fee: Single - $500; Back-to-Back - $670

* ‡ ARIANNA ROSS

NEW! The Magic of the Sea
Discover the many magical, mysteries of water and how the Indonesians rely on it for their existence. Explore life above and under sea level through song, story, and dance. Become a manta ray and a shark as you listen and participate in folk tales and true stories from Indonesia. Students will gain a better understanding of world cultures … and marine biology!

Grade Level: PreK-12

Program Fee: Single - $415; Back-to-Back - $600

NEW! Why Have We Born Witnesses?
So many refugees’ lives are haunted by the memories of their war torn homeland. Listen to one Bosnian woman’s story of survival and triumph interlaced with other stories of hardship and pain. Discover the stories behind heroes and villains who played a part in difficult situations from our past.

Grade Level: 6-12

Program Fee: Single - $415; Back-to-Back - $600

Immigrant Quilt
Travel back in time to hear historical stories of immigration to the United States from the 1600’s to present day. Students walk away from the program with the desire to learn more about their family history and the stories of those in their community.

Grade Level: K-12

Program Fee: Single - $415; Back-to-Back - $600

The Fastest Plane: Around the World in 45 minutes: a multi-lingual program
Travel back in time and across the world, landing in a time when animals could talk and some people could understand them! Dance through the streets of Brazil, Mexico, India and even the United States. Students will leave the program with knowledge of what a folk tale is and the desire to read, write and even tell other stories.

Grade Level: PreK-12

Program Fee: Single - $415; Back-to-Back - $600

Monkey Tales
Animals certainly are the smartest creatures. In these delightful Asian versions of Aesop’s Fables, the creatures teach us about ourselves and Indian culture, geography, and history. An entertaining, dynamic show filled with stories of adventure. Leave the room dancing like a monkey and roaring like a tiger.
Grade Level: PreK-12

Program Fee: Single - $415; Back-to-Back - $600

SINGLE CARROT THEATRE

NEW! Rumpled
Bring a full-fledged theatrical production to your school! Rumpled is a fractured fairy tale of Rumplestiltskin. The play centers around normal girl Edith’s attempts to climb the fashion industry ladder. Along the way, we meet the King of the fashion world and a fashion troll named Rumplestiltskina. The play explores issues of cheating and plagiarism, using movement, voice, humor, and music, and, of course, love. Elaborate costumes, audience participation, improvisation and hilarious action sequences leave students howling with laughter at this reinvented classic.
Grade Level: K-5
Fee: Single Program - $650; Back-to-Back Program - $900

* ‡ JON SPELMAN

Grimm N’ Grits

Backed by musician and composer Tina Chancey, Jon Spelman tells old time, down-home, versions of beloved stories by the Brothers Grimm. Country-fried takes on classics like Rumplestiltskin, Bremen Town Musicians, Little Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella all fit together to make up one larger story full of home-spun humor and American charm. Chancey’s array of instruments from around the world provide an exuberant backdrop to the tales, and in addition to the stories, the students will enjoy a brief description of the history and geography associated with each instrument.

Grade Level: 2-12
Fee: Single Program - $655; Back-to-Back Program - $794

Tall Tales
Jon Spelman portrays Yancey Register, a natural born folklorist and imagination-stretcher. Yancey is a “rural raconteur” or “talkin’ teller” who spins tall tales, folktales and learning stories, 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 creativity “exercising your imagination, taking it out for a walk.”
Grade Level: PreK-12
Fee: Single Program - $435; Back-to-Back Program - $520

* ‡ SYNETIC THEATER

NEW! Cowardly Christopher Find His Courage

Christopher is content to stay home all day, playing video games. But when he suddenly awakes on the shore of an unknown lake in an unfamiliar land, Christopher must find it in himself to be brave. Performed in the Synetic style of physical theater with a lively cast of characters, Cowardly Christopher transports audiences into a world of youthful imagination. Whether it’s hurling stones across the planes of Ireland or learning martial arts in Japan, smiles and laughter abound on this exciting and magical journey.

Grade Level: K-8
Fee: Single Program - $715; Back-to-Back Program - $875

The Music Box
A wonderful collection of physical comedy short stories set to music: 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 - $715; Back-to-Back Program - $875

The Miraculous Magical Balloon
A series of hilarious pantomime sketches incorporates music, ballet, clowning, and audience participation. Students will discover the art of acting without words, opening the door 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 - $715; Back-to-Back Program - $875

View our assemblies by discipline: Music | Dance | Language Arts & Theatre | Visual