ARTS EDUCATION & OUTREACH SCHOOL MATINEES - 2010-2011

At the Performance Center, we strive to inspire creativity and share the joy that comes from interactive arts experiences with primary school children from throughout the area. Teachers will find links to curriculum in our programs, while students experience their favorite storybooks come to life, explore a world culture or delve into the creative processes of an artistic discipline. We also build on the artistic strengths expressed in the area by offering opportunities to learn from Page Series guest artists in master classes, workshops and lecture/demonstrations.

Events are available on a first-come, first-served basis to groups of 10 or more whose students are of Kindergarten age or older but must be reserved in advance through the Box Office Manager. All seats cost $2 per person (students and chaperones) and payment is due upon arrival. No one will ever be turned away due to an inability to pay, and though schools do not need to pay for students absent the day of the performance we ask that you honor your reserved number to help insure the continued viability of our programming. Schools are asked to limit chaperones to one adult per 10 students when possible. Groups should plan to arrive between 20 and 30 minutes prior to the performance. Most events last 50 to 60 minutes, and offer study guides with pre- and post-performance activities and discussion topics.

To make a reservation, contact the Performance Center Box Office Manager, Jennifer Fanello, by email: jfanello@smumn.edu put SCHOOL MATINEE in the subject line, in the body of the message include the following information:

The following information is needed to make a reservation:

• Name of School
• Contact name, phone number, and email address
• Number of students expected to attend
• Grade level or age range of students (whichever is applicable)
• Number of expected chaperonesAny needed accessibility services
  

You will be contacted by email to confirm your school’s participation.
For more information about bringing your school or class to a matinee, e-mail the Performance Center Box Office Manager, Jennifer Fanello, at jfanello@smumn.edu.

Download your copy of the current season Arts Education Activities brochure (PDF).

Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble
TUESDAY • OCT. 12, 2010 • 10:00AM

Representing the Plains nations of Lakota, Anishinabe, and Comanche, the Southeastern tribe Choctaw, and the Woodlands Nations of Ojibwe and Oneida, this one-of-a-kind ensemble of American Indian champions and award winners offers a rich variety of American Indian traditions and aesthetics in dance, instrumentals, song, storytelling, sign language and audience interaction.

Recommended for Grades K -12
Website
Study Guide(PDF)

Theatreworks USA presents: The Witch, The Lion and The Wardrobe
TUESDAY • OCT. 26, 2010 • 10:00AM

This enchanting musical is based on C.S. Lewis’ adventure story about four children of war-torn England, who accidentally enter the land of Narnia by climbing through a magic wardrobe.

This strange and wondrous place is ruled by the cold-hearted White Witch, who makes the winter last year round. Although they seem unlikely saviors, the children fulfill an ancient prophecy by defeating the witch, thus restoring sunshine and peace to the spell-bound Narnia and returning the great Lion King Aslan to his throne.

Theatreworks USA is America's largest and most prolific professional not-for-profit theatre for young and family audiences. In past seasons they have presented at the Page such well received shows as Charlotte's Web, Alexander's Very Bad Day, and Give A Pig A Pancake.

Recommended for Grades 1-7
Website
Study Guide (PDF)

Dance Repertory Company presents: The Nutcracker
WEDNESDAY • DEC. 1, 2010 • 10:00AM

The ballet tells the story of a young girl, Clara, who on Christmas Eve dreams of a battle pitting the Nutcracker Prince against the Rat King and his band of mice. At a pivotal moment, Clara comes to the aid of the Prince and helps him win the battle. To reward Clara for her help, the Prince takes her to the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets where she meets the Sugar Plum Fairy and sees a beautiful array of ethnic dance soloists such as Spanish Coffee, Marzipan and Chinese Tea.

Recommended for Grades 1 and above
More information about the Nutcracker

Pushcart Players presents: Let Freedom Ring, America At the Beginning
THURSDAY • MARCH 3, 2011 • 10:00AM

“Let Freedom Ring” is a robust musical review that celebrates our nation's birth and development. It is a compilation of authentic folk songs and vignettes that illustrate significant moments in history.

The play begins with the beginning of time, moving quickly to the arrival of the first Americans from Asia. With the passage of approximately 30,000 years (in under five minutes!) … Freedom introduces second Americans who arrive on the Eastern shores in 1620, after a long and arduous journey from England. Among the new settlers are four main characters -- Sam, Sarah, Jennie and Ginny -- who transcend time, distance and circumstance -- to lead us chronologically and geographically through two centuries of our American past.

Recommended for Grades K-8
Website
Study Guide (PDF)

Theatre IV presents: Stuart Little
THURSDAY • APRIL 7, 2011 • 10:00AM JUST ADDED 12:30PM show

From the loving heart of E. B. White, author of Charlotte’s Web, comes this merry musical about a noble mouse who jumps headlong into adventures big enough to match any imagination. By turns funny, tender and exciting, Stuart Little mixes gorgeous child-size puppets with live actors to work theatrical magic.
Theatre IV is a nonprofit, professional touring children's theatre since 1975. During 2009 - 2010 they performed live before over 1/2 million children, teens, parents and teachers across the America.

Recommended for Grades K- 5
Website

Dance Repertory Company Spring Concert
THURSDAY • APRIL 28, 2011 • 10:00AM

Suitable and appealing for all ages, the annual spring concert by Dance Repertory Company offers a well-rounded dance experience by including a variety of dance styles in its performances. Full of youthful exuberance, effervescent spirit and burgeoning talent, the company upholds high artistic standards and commitment to technique, discipline and fun. From contemporary ballet to tap, and from jazz to hip hop, this annual concert promises delightful choreography performed by an equally delightful company of student dancers.

Recommended for Grades 3 and above
Website