Artistic Perception
Through workshops, performances and the Program Guide that accompanies each performance, students are better able to fully participate in the theatrical experience. Theater terminology is used to describe and examine each story, building vocabulary and cognitive skills. Theatrical presentations of multi-cultural literature develop analytical and interpretive abilities and familiarize students with a wealth of multi-cultural literature.
Creative Expression
Every show and workshop presents a variety of experiences that weave verbal skills, body language and life lessons into a creative whole. Students learn to interpret stories, build characterizations and express emotions through movement and vocal articulation. Performing requires students to develop collaborative skills that build communication proficiency while improving self-esteem.
Historical and Cultural Context
Each production presents four stories from different cultures or ethnic backgrounds. The workshops focus on one of these stories. The stories demonstrate a variety of cultural experiences and character lessons. Masks, props and costumes are used to illustrate the stories to create the appropriate cultural references. The stories promote discussion and familiarize students with the uniqueness and similarities between people and promotes acceptance and respect.
Aesthetic Valuing
Our shows and workshops stimulate the student's desire to perform and explore literature through a theatrical process. Students become storytellers themselves, relating their experiences to their friends and families. They form opinions about the stories they see or perform and determine what aspects they enjoy most. They are better able to comprehend the meaning of the stories and develop critical judgments about the lessons portrayed. This allows them to become more discriminating about other performances in the future.
Connections, Relationship, Applications
Our shows and workshops motivate students to read and create theatrical interpretations of stories. Teachers often use our performances as topics for journal writing which increases literacy and critical thinking skills. Students send us illustrations of our stories which helps visualize concepts and enhances aesthetic appreciation. This vibrant theatrical experience improves students' comprehension and language development and enhances problem-solving techniques. Students learn how an action creates meaning, that characters bring that meaning to life and how an ensemble communicates ideas to an audience. These skills have a positive impact on overall academic success and teach life-long skills.