Shakespeare LVIE! Spring 2011

Shakespeare LIVE! at the Kirby  student matinees this spring:

A Midsummer Night's Dream
by William Shakespeare  
* March 9, 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM

Julius Caesar
by William Shakespeare  
* March 11, 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
* April 15, 10:00 AM

If you are interested in attending, you can organize a group and/or contact the theater yourself.  The theater staff is excellent and homeschool-friendly. You will just need a "name" for your school/group.

HS Summer Acting

TYRO Acting Program for children aged 6­-12 years at Centenary College

This great program is offered over two weeks by Maria Brodeur, a great friend, actress and drama teacher. A high-school homeschooler is one of the assistants. The dates are June 28th ­July 9th and to find out more please contact Lorna who will pass on your information to Maria.

State Theatre 2010 (New Brunswick "on school time")

Some of the "on school time performances" at State Theatre in New Brunswick.
The order form & complete list, including shows for younger students are online.

• Room on Broom (preK - 2nd grade)
• Scrap Arts Music, Friday, February 05, 2010, 10:30am (grades 3 - 12)
• Amish Project, March 5th, 10:30 (grades 7 - 12)
• Le Grande Cirque, Monday, March 01, 2010, 10:30am (grades 3 - 12)
• Man Who Planted Trees (grades 2 - 6)
  
• Mayhem Poets, April 19 (grades 7 - 12)
• African Children's Choir
• Tom Chapin
  

Details of selected shows:
Scrap Arts Music
Friday, February 05, 2010, 10:30am
Program Length: 85 minutes
For Students in Grades: 3-12
All Seats:$12

Founded by a percussion virtuoso with a talent for welding and a commitment to recycling and a designer with a passion for spectacle, Scrap Arts Music is a one-of-a-kind blend of intricate rhythms, raw energy, athletic choreography, and the greenest, most inventive reuse of materials on stage today. The group performs on more than 140 invented instruments crafted from industrial scrap—ranging from accordion parts to artillery shells. They deliver an adrenaline-laced power-percussion performance rooted in street performance, jazz, and world music traditions.

Le Grande Cirque
Monday, March 01, 2010, 10:30am
Program Length: 75 minutes
For Students in Grades: 3-12
All Seats:$15

This spellbinding cirque-style show features a cast of over 50 world-class acrobats, jugglers, clowns, and high-wire artists from across the globe. Amazing feats of strength, balance, skill, and artistry are set off by stunning costumes, evocative music, and brilliant special effects. This is one production guaranteed to take your breath away!

The Man Who Planted Trees (Puppet State Theatre Company)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 10:00am & 12:00pm
Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 10:00am & 12:00pm
Venue: Crossroads Theatre ("next door" on the same street as State Theatre)
Program Length: 1 hour
For Students in Grades: 2-6
All Seats:$9

A French shepherd sets out to plant a forest and transform a barren wasteland. Based on Jean Giono’s beloved short story, The Man Who Planted Trees shows us the difference one man (and his dog!) can make to the world. This award-winning, internationally acclaimed production from Scotland’s Puppet State Theatre Company is a unique blend of comedy, puppetry and inspired storytelling. Audiences will hear the wind, feel the rain, and smell the lavender in this multisensory theatrical delight.

HS Acting Workshop (Madison)

Playwrights theatre Playwrights Theatre of New Jersey is located at 33 Green Village Road in the Green Village Road School, directly across from St. Vincent's Church, just 300 yards from the intersection of NJ 124 or Main Street and Green Village Road in Madison, New Jersey. )

Acting Workshop (ages 11 - 14) REGISTER ONLINESpecifically created for Home School students
Class meets over two semesters

Instructor: Daryl Embry, Fall
Stephen Davis, Spring
Registration Deadline: Tues, Sept 29, 2009

Please note: If class attendance numbers are not met by registration deadlines, classes will be cancelled. Don't delay---register today!

Students are engaged in the work of building an ensemble, analyzing plays and characters, and adapting and presenting a theatrical piece(s). Specific curriculum may focus on the development of students' understanding of theatrical performance and production and the ability to take creative risks. The program culminates in a showcase of an original work adapted from the works of Shakespeare to be performed on the Playwrights Theatre stage.

Ensemble work relies heavily on the continuous, focused attention from every student involved in the class. This includes, but is not limited to, consistent attendance for the entire program. The lasting impact of the program is largely determined by how much students put into it and build upon the lessons learned in previous sessions. Students must enroll for the entire year; enrollment in only one semester is not possible. Tuition may be paid in full, or over a payment plan. Please contact the Education office for more details.

Fall/Spring Semester

Oct 6 - Dec 8, 2009 Jan 12 - Mar 23, 2010
xxDays:	Tuesdays
Time:	10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Number of classes:	22 classes
Tuition:	$600 for entire Fall/Spring session (no discounts available)

Theatre List

Theatres offering "school time" shows

Or go straight to the few New York theatres listed.

New Jersey

Keane Stage at Keane State University in Union County offers "on school time" shows, mostly at their Wilkins Theatre. Much of the 2009-10 schedule was for elementary school age.

Ramapo College also offers quite a few shows listed online and on Field Trip Lists.

State Theatre of NJ in New Brunswick has school-time performances for students through high school. They will only accept ticket requests from groups/schools - so get your friends together and perhaps make up a name. (At the same time I heard a rumor that maybe if you call the day before for a couple of seats and they have them. . .).

Mayo Community Theatre in Morristown has released their “school year” schedule. For more detail on their & other shows, see Community Theatre's Explorations Through the Arts at http://www.mayoarts.org/genre_explorations.htm. Make your show reservations now. For details and information on theatre policy, contact them directly.

Bickford Theatre, Morris Museum in Morristown has "Intermission Programs", Educator Programs, and (every spring) discussions with Holocaust Survivors. Not all of their shows are listed on Gryphon Academy.

Growing Stage Theatre (Netcong, NJ) : Lyle The Crocodile (February 19 to March 28, 2010, Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00pm). Peter & The Wolf (APril 17 - May 23, 2010). Call (973) 347-4946 for advance Group and School Matinee information. They offered 4 shows for "on school time" performances during the 2007 - 2008 season. (It was 3 shows for pre-K - 4th grade and a "history show" for recommended for grades 3 - 8.)

Paper Mill Playhouse (http://www.Paper Mill.org/visit/directions.php , Millburn, NJ) has “on school time” information. Their 2009-10 events were all for elementary students. Tickets $7.50 and $8.50 ,depending on seating. Shows at 10 am and 12:30 pm. Study guides will be available. Shows approximately 1 hour in length. There are lunch places and a Coldstone Creamery nearby for after the show. Tickets for their Fall series were on sale from September 5^th, and their Spring series usually goes on sale in November. They also have Children's Programming on selected weekends throughout the year (http://www.Paper Mill.org/stage/childrenstheatre.php ).

NJ PAC (Newark, NJ) has "school time" performances listed at: http://www.njpac.org/load_screen.asp?screen=education_schooltime0607

Shakespeare Theatre (Madison, NJ) has their 2010 schedule posted.

• The Taming of the Shrew June 2 - 27,
• Arms and the Man, July 7 - August 1
• The Servant of Two Masters, June 23 - August 1
• The Caretaker, August 11 - 29
• All's Well That Ends Well, September 15 - October 10
• The Lion in Winter, October 20 - November 14
• I Capture the Castle, December 1 - January 2

Peak Performances at Montclair State, $15/seat
Prudential Center, Newark
McCarter Theatre, Princeton
IZOD Center (Continental Airlines Arena) (Meadowlands?)
Bergen Performing Arts Center
South Orange Performing Arts Center also has "on school time" performances. Look under "education".
PNC Bank Arts Center,
Two Rivers
Berrie Center at Ramapo College
Shea Center at William Paterson University
Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank

New York
Only a few of the shows from Brooklyn College or New Victory in NYC are listed in the main Field trip list. Check them out yourself for more.

Brooklyn College Schooltime schedule. Advance sales (payment due 6 weeks before the show) $6 per seat, $7 for day of the show. If you have any questions or to purchase tickets call 718-951-4600 x25, Monday - Friday, 10am to 4pm. Study Guides should be posted on their site before the shows. Getting to Brooklyn College Performing Arts Center

NYC's New Victory has wonderful shows (http://www.newvictory.org/shows.m), and has welcomed homeschool groups for years. I have heard only good about their workshops http://www.newvictory.org/events.m - you may want to pick a show day so you can do that as well.

Carnegie Hall
Avery Fisher Hall
New York State Theatre
Broadway Theatre In Manhattan
Off-Broadway Theatre in Manhattan
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
Joyce Theatre
Dance Theatre Workshop
P.S. 122
New York City Center

and in PA:
Limmel Center, Philadelphia
Keswick Theatre, Philadelphia

To return to New Jersey theatres with school time performances listed.

PA Ren. Faire

Weekends August 8 - October 25th (10:00 A.M. -
weekends including Friday, 10/09/2009
Mt. Hope Estate and Winery
2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim PA, 17545
(NY state also has a Ren Faire which may be closer for some of you.)

PA REn Fair: There are "school days" in October for groups of at least 10 students from 9 am - 3pm. (Different days for grades 3 - 12). Or see "Poe Evermore" there in early November.

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, 12 weekends dedicated to a 32-acre re-creation of a 16th century village and marketplace. Join hundreds of colorfully costumed merriemakers including the Queen, Knights on horseback, Jesters, Jugglers, Musicians, hundreds of craftsmen, merchants and artisans, 13 stages, over 25 royal kitchen, and a whole lot more as we sing, dance, perform, cook and create our way into your hearts. Visit soon and visit often!

During August and September the Mansion opens up for Friday Knights at the Improv in which the cast of the Renaissance Faire gather together to bring you some of the funniest improv comedy games you will ever witness tickling your funny bone all the way.

See Ticket prices online. Children 5 - 11 get the children's rate. (Group rate: approx. $14.00 per person. For group admissions, the adult admission may be less, depending on group size. )

You can download student activities, and study guide (after mid-August) at: www.parenfaire.com/ Youth Day was July 30th, but the 2009 Youth Day study guide is still up - with bits on juggling, crests & more.

(Mostly) Theatre in 2009-10

Planning schedules? how about organizing a trip? Committing to a trip now? These theatre schedules are already online:

• Shakespeare Theatre (Madison)
• Community Theatre (Morristown; Mathemagic, CSI Live, etc.)
• NJ Theatre Alliance(around the state)
  
• State Theatre (New Brunswick; 2009-10 season includes: Mayhem Poets, The Nutcracker, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Harold and the Purple Crayon, The Grapes of Wrath, Room on the Broom, African Children’s Choir™, and Tom Chapin & Friends and many others. )

NJPAC (Newark, FamilyTime & SchoolTime performances) schedule is out - but not yet online.

Morris Museum (town) & Papermill Theatre (town), traditionally have "on school time" shows but I have not seen their schedules yet. And you may want to mark your calendar now to look for the March "theatre week" that has all kinds of special shows & pricing. Some of those fill up very fast.

Last year State Theatre's "Mayhem Poets" & Mayo's "Mathemagic" & "CSI live" and everything at Shakespeare Thretre got the best reviews. "Everyone" is also impressed by the Holocaust survivor discussions at Morris Museum in the spring. I also recommend visiting a sculpture garden - Storm King has some free days. For longer programs I highly recommend "Big Dog's" Archaeology Digs, many local Nature Center programs & the "Lost Arts Camp" in New ENgland, and Colonial Williamsburgh's Homeschool Week.

Here are some more ideas: (should also be on the "field trip" list):

• Rennaissance Fairs - in PA & NY (Tuxedo Junction, NY. Weekends only through September. They no longer offer their "school days" in May.)
  
  
• Poe Evermore
  
  
• in NYC:
  
• Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, NYC. Happy Concerts for Young People.
• New Victory Theatre (although the adult: child ratio may make it harder for homeschoolers to attend?)

Mayo Theatre "on school time" 2009-10

Mayo Community Theatre (Morristown) 2009-2010 EVENTS

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: CSI: Live and Mathemagic (plus more: from Baseball's Jackie Robinson to Dancing Dinosaurs to Classic Shakespeare)

MANY SHOWS SELL OUT EARLY. This is an easy HS field trip to run. Special School Pricing: 1 FREE ticket for every 15 purchased. Click here to download an order form

Mad Science Presents CSI: Live - Cool science!
Monday, January 25, 2010 at 10 am & 12:15 pm - Grades 3-8 - $8/ticket
Click here for study guide

The Last, The Very Last...Butterfly - Holocaust remembrance
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 10 am & 12:15 pm - Grades 4 & up - $7/ticket
Click here for study guide

Most Valuable Player - The Jackie Robinson Story
Monday, March 22, 2010 at 10 am & 12:15 pm - Grades 4 and up - $7/ticket
Click here for study guide

Mathemagic - Math made fun!
Tuesday-Wednesday, March 23-24, 2010 at 10 am & 12:15 pm - $8/ticket
March 23: Grades K-3; March 24: Grades 4-7
Click here for study guide

Mammoth Follies - Featuring amazing dinosaurs
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 10 am & 12:15 pm - Grades K-4 - $6/ticket
Click here for study guide

Julius Caesar - Shakespeare's historic tragedy
Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 10 am - Grades 9-12 - $10/ticket
Click here for study guide

Lord of the Flies - William Golding's classic novel
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 10 am - Grades 7-12 - $10/ticket

Order by phone - (973) 539-0345, ext. 6517

• All performances meet NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards
• Study Guides Available for all show
• Click here for more show descriptions, running times and prices
  

The Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
www.mayoarts.org

State Theatre 2009-10 - Sneak Peek!

State Theatre (New Brunswick, 2009-10 season includes: Mayhem Poets, The Nutcracker, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Harold and the Purple Crayon, The Grapes of Wrath and many others.)

Educators: Get a Sneak Peek!
Calling all teachers, school administrators, curriculum specialists, and PTO/PTA representatives! Be our guest at the State Theatre for a multimedia preview of our 2009-2010 Performances for Schools. The event is free and includes a backstage tour, prize drawing, and light refreshments.

When: Monday, September 14, 2009, 4:30-5:45 pm
Where: State Theatre, Heldrich Room (upstairs lobby)
RSVP: Jennifer Cunha - jcunha@statetheatrenj.org • 732-246-SHOW (7469), ext.545

The Growing Stage, 2009-10 classes

Fall Classes at the Growing Stage in Netcong:

• CREATIVE DRAMATICS  September 19 - December 12 (12 Weeks): Creative Dramatics serves young people pre-school through 3rd grade with an exposure and participation program in the performing arts. Through theatre, children sharpen their creativity, improve their self-confidence and learn the importance of teamwork. Above all, children enjoy being part of the magic that they create on the stage. This program is designed to offer an introduction to many aspects of theatre arts through creative games, story dramatization and improvisation. The pre-school program requires that the children are kindergarten eligible in the Fall of 2010.
  
  
• PERFORMING ARTS WORKSHOP  September 19 - December 12 (12 Weeks): Performing Arts Workshop is for young people in grades 4 through 8 who have either experience on the stage and have a strong interest in improving their skills, or who simply have a desire to participate in the performing arts. For grades 4 - 6, students learn the basics of acting for the stage, including warm-up techniques for both voice and body, improvisation, theatre games, stage direction, and solo and group scene work. For grades 7 - 8, young performers continue to hone their stage skills with in-depth scene study, character development and line memorization. While more intense, this program still offers significant opportunity for the first time student.
  
  
• THE ACTOR SPEAKS  September 19 - December 12 (12 Weeks): The Actor Speaks offers students in grades 7 through 9 an opportunity to express themselves and to grow as writers and performers. They study the basic elements of playwriting: setting, plot, and character de-velopment. They explore and hone their acting skills as they rehearse and prepare to perform their origi-nal work for guests during the final class session.
  
  
• MUSICAL PERFORMANCE LAB  September 19 - December 12 (12 Weeks): Musical Performance Lab is designed for students interested in musical performance. Students will focus on technique, including breathing, warm-up and vocal production as well as song interpretation, move-ment and performance. The lab will culminate in a ‘show and tell’ lab where parents will be invited to attend, giving students the opportunity to perform before a live audience. The lab is offered to stu-dents 4th through 6th, and 7th through 9th grade.
  
  
• BLACK LIGHT PUPPETRY  September 19 - November 21 (10 Weeks): During the course of this class, students will adapt a piece of mythology into script form,create a storyboard, construct two-dimensional puppets of cardboard painted with fluorescent paint, and learn how to operate the puppets. This ninety-minute class for students 9th through 12th grade will culminate in a presentation of the created work for invited family and friends.
  
  
• YOGA & ME  September 19 - December 12 (11 Weeks): Whether you are new to yoga or have already been practicing, this multi-level Vinyasa yoga class will focus on postural alignment, breathing techniques and meditations to focus on relaxation. Yoga is a great way to strengthen and stretch muscles in a positive, safe, and relaxing environment. This program is taught by our certified Yoga Instructor, Lea Antolini-Lid. Registrations available for the entire 11 week program at $ 150 or you can drop in for a per class fee of $ 20. This program is for adults only and will coincide with our programs for students. So now you can truly stretch out and relax while your children are in class.
  
  
• YOGA & ME Sept. 19 - Dec. 5 (11 Weeks) : Adults Only! :9:30 - 10:30 am : $150

For more info, or to register online, register online at: www.growingstage.com Questions?
Call Lori B. Lawrence, Education Director at (973) 347-4946 or email her at eddir@growingstage.com

Shakespeare Theatre 2009-10

The Shakespeare Theatre's "on school time" schedule for 2009-2010 (usually 10 am & 12:30 shows starting around $12) had not yet been announced.

Schedule:

outdoor stage: The Tempest, July 24 - August 2, adult $27, children $10

Hamlet (student matinees): Sept. 23, 29, 30, 2009; Oct. 1, 6, 7, 8, 2009
(Regular shows: September 9 - October 11)

Grapes of Wrath (student matinees): Nov. 17-20, 2009
(Regular shows: October 21 - November 21)

Twelfth Night (student matinees): Dec. 9 & 16, 2009
(Regular shows: December 2- January 3)

If you subscribe to a 4 or 5 ticket show package, the price can be as low as $20-$22/seat for adults and $10 for students. Student matinees are less expensive than their regular (evening/weekend) shows.

State Theatre 2009-10

Some of the "on school time performances" at State Theatre in New Brunswick.
The order form & complete list, including shows for younger students are online.

Scrap Arts Music
Friday, February 05, 2010, 10:30am

Program Length: 85 minutes
For Students in Grades: 3-12
All Seats:$12

Founded by a percussion virtuoso with a talent for welding and a commitment to recycling and a designer with a passion for spectacle, Scrap Arts Music is a one-of-a-kind blend of intricate rhythms, raw energy, athletic choreography, and the greenest, most inventive reuse of materials on stage today. The group performs on more than 140 invented instruments crafted from industrial scrap—ranging from accordion parts to artillery shells. They deliver an adrenaline-laced power-percussion performance rooted in street performance, jazz, and world music traditions.

Le Grande Cirque
Monday, March 01, 2010, 10:30am
Program Length: 75 minutes
For Students in Grades: 3-12
All Seats:$15

This spellbinding cirque-style show features a cast of over 50 world-class acrobats, jugglers, clowns, and high-wire artists from across the globe. Amazing feats of strength, balance, skill, and artistry are set off by stunning costumes, evocative music, and brilliant special effects. This is one production guaranteed to take your breath away!

The Man Who Planted Trees (Puppet State Theatre Company)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 10:00am & 12:00pm
Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 10:00am & 12:00pm
Venue: Crossroads Theatre ("next door" on the same street as State Theatre)
Program Length: 1 hour
For Students in Grades: 2-6
All Seats:$9

A French shepherd sets out to plant a forest and transform a barren wasteland. Based on Jean Giono’s beloved short story, The Man Who Planted Trees shows us the difference one man (and his dog!) can make to the world. This award-winning, internationally acclaimed production from Scotland’s Puppet State Theatre Company is a unique blend of comedy, puppetry and inspired storytelling. Audiences will hear the wind, feel the rain, and smell the lavender in this multisensory theatrical delight.

Organized - Midsummer Night's Dream - March 12, 2009

Shakespeare Theatre, Madison, $12/seat
60 minute show at 12: 30 pm with an optional 15 minute post-performance discussion
Meet at 12:15 & leave enough time to walk over from parking

Study Guides: Their current Study Guide or older Synopsis and Study Guide, download Mayo Community Theatre study guide or click here to see it online, or the Papermill Theatre's Study Guide from their 2005-2006 season production.

Age is not important to me; you know your own child. If your child is interested and their behavior can meet the expectations for at least a 3rd grader then consider attending.

Money due to me: January 14, 2009
Email and I will confirm the number of seats and give you my address so that you can send a check. You will also get my cell phone number in case it is needed on the day of the event. Money will only be refunded if the show is canceled and the money is refunded.

What is the best way for me to contact you in the case of a late cancellation?

Morris Museum

Morris Museum (Morristown) . See the new wing they've finished. Click for directions.

2008 - 09 "On School Time" shows include: Usually at 11 am & 1:30, For $10.00 for non-members, $8.00 for groups of 20 or more. (They also have discussions with Holocaust survivors every spring - different sessions for middle and high schoolers.)

• Dr. Doolittle : Signstage On Tour, Monday, February 16, 2009, Ages 5-13, Probably 11 am & 1:30 pm. The classic doctor who talks to the animals told in a unique way. The stage is filled with the movement of hands and bodies yet every word is spoken to make sure all audience members, both deaf and hearing, don't miss a thing.
  
  
• A Dancing Storybook Adventure : Dance Innovations, Saturday, March 21, 2009, Perfect for the Entire Family!, Probably 11 am & 1:30 pm, probably $10
  This magical dance journey revisits three beloved children's stories, THE LION KING, HAPPY FEET, and THE WIZARD OF Oz as they "Ease On Down The Road" through jungles and ice. Artistry, numerous dance styles (from Tap to Ballet to Modern) and performers of all ages make this show Perfect for the Entire Family!
  
  
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe : Marionette Players, $7/seat, Pre-K - 4th grade. Tuesday, March 31, 2009, 10 & 12:30; Wednesday, April 1, 2009,10 & 12:30; Thursday, April 2, 2009, 10 & 12:30; Friday, April 3, 2009, 10 am only.
  Also (for $10/seat) Friday, April 3, 2009 4:00pm, Saturday, April 4, 2009, Ages 4-10
  Live actors and marionettes perform this endearing and exciting C. S. Lewis classic. Three children discover an old wardrobe in an ancient house that transports them to the bewitched land of Narnia. Only the children can break the spell with some help from Mr. & Mrs. Beaver and Aslan the Lion.
  

• DANCIN’ WITH THE HONEY BEES,Clifford Wright-Sunflower, $7/seat,
  Thursday, May 21, 2009, 10 am & 12:30, Grades: 1-6. Clifford Wright-Sunflower is a master beekeeper and environmentalist. Aided by an eager volunteer from the audience dressed in beekeeping equipment, Clifford demonstrates the precision of a beekeeper working a beehive. He transforms the entire audience into a working hive. With bodies busily buzzing about in the functional dance of the beehive, children learn first-hand about the delicate and complex balance of the bee colony. After the honeybee dance, children are divided into smaller groups to visit with an observation hive of bees, to make a beeswax candle and, most importantly, to share bee fears, experiences and questions.

Summer 2008 Shows were mostly in July, and mostly for the under 12 year old crowd. They sell out fast.

Other 2008 - 2009 shows were:

• The Kazoobie Kazoo Show : Rick Hubbard Producers, Inc., Friday, November 7, 2008, Ages 3-13, Probably 11 am & 1:30 pm. Exceptional fun with music, laughter, and of course…kazoos. The finale features the entire audience as members of the grand kazoo band!! Everyone leaves the show humming with their own personal kazoo.
  
  
• Einstein Alive! (Marc Spiegel) : Tuesday, December 2, 2008, $7/seat, 10 am & 12:30 pm, Grades: K - 5. Marc Spiegel brings Albert Einstein to life! Professor Einstein talks about his life, his difficulties in school, and the "adventures" within his mind. He speaks about his fame and what it means to be a theoretical physicist. Professor Einstein uses song and audience participation to show what "strange" motion is and what the terms "relative" and "frame of reference" mean.
  
  
• Universal African Dance & Drum Ensemble : by Unity Community Center, Saturday, December 27, 2008, Ages 4-adult, Probably 11 am & 1:30 pm. Unique drum beats and traditional African costumes and acrobatics celebrate the beginning of Kwanzaa, the annual festival of family, community, culture, and peace.

2007-2008 On school time SHOWS included
these which may be annual:

1. PSA - A Discussion with Holocaust Survivors(Morris Museum, Morristown), Middle School discussion - April 1,2,16 & May 7. High School Discussion April 15.
   
   
2. Organizing -Dancin' with the Honey Bees, Clifford Wright-Sunflower, Grades: 1-6, Morris Museum (Morristown), Tuesday, May 13, $6 per seat (museum tickets not included), 10 a.m show (or go to the 12:30 show on your own.)
   

State Theatre, New Brunswick, 2009

State Theatre of NJ in New Brunswick has school-time performances for students from pre-K through high school with "keynote" study guides expected for many, if not all performances.

Trips organized. I can't get seats next to ours, but maybe you'll come on the same days?

• Iliad, Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 10:30am, 10:30 curtain. $12/seat. Plan to be at the lobby by 10:10.
• Mayhem Poets, Tuesday, December 09, 2008, 10:00am, $8/seat. Plan to be in the lobby at 9:40.
• Drumline Live, Friday, February 20, 2009 at 10:30. $22/seat. Plan to be at the lobby by 10:10.

Their 2009 performances for School schedule also includes more than :

• Sleeping Beauty -- On Ice;
• Mayhem Poets (one of the shows is already sold out!)
  
• Nutcracker;
• STREB Extreme Action, $9/seat;
• Shakespeare's King Henry V, April 23, 2009, grades 7 - 12, $12;
• Bing, Bang, Boom - percussion for Grades K - 5, $8/seat, and
• shows for the youngest crowd, like "Goodnight Moon" & "Bob The Builder".

Click here to download the Programs for Schools order form.

If you want to organize something and need a place to list it, let me know. Some of these shows show end up in the Field Trip List too.

Organized "ILIAD", 11/18/08

Payment was due in August. If you come the same day, maybe we'll see you?

Iliad, Tuesday, November 18, 2008, 10:30am, at the State Theatre, New Brunswick,
$12/seat.
10:30 curtain. Plan to be at the lobby by 10:10.
Admission: Lobby doors open one hour prior to the announced time of each performance. Theater doors open at least 15 minutes prior to curtain. Latecomers are seated at the discretion of the management.

Iliad, presented by Aquila Theatre Company.
Program Length: 90 minutes.
Recommended For Students in Grades: 6-12,

Described by The New York Times as “a performance of staggering power,” Aquila Theatre Company’s staging of Homer’s Iliad creates a “stunning, stirring, and memorable” theatrical experience. The action-packed production tells the essential parts of Homer’s Trojan War epic through superb acting, dynamic movement, and original music. Inspired by Stanley Lombardo’s acclaimed English translation, the production transposes the visual setting to World War II to emphasize the timeless relevance of “the greatest story ever told.”

If there is a study guide, it is not expected until 1 month before the performance.
Those who paid will have seats confirmed. I have not worked with the State Theatre before & I have no idea whether they will let me "add on" later.

Berrie Center, Ramapo College 2008 Schooltime Performances

2008 - 2009 Schedule
Berrie Center, Ramapo College, 505 Ramapo Valley Road, Mahwah, NJ 07430
Call 201-684-7202 to reserve seats. Last year they also took reservations/payment for lunch for "on show time shows"!

Study guides are provided two weeks prior to performances.
I assume there are more, but they are not easy to find on their website. No liability is accepted for any typos. Price not yet known.

• October 14, Tuesday, American Place Theatre Literature to Life series, The Things They Carried, 2 p.m.
• October 17, Friday, Schooltime Performance: World of Robots, 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
• December 3, Wednesday, Schooltime Performance: Mathemagic, 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Box Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 12-8 p.m. • Saturday and Sunday, 12-5 p.m.

Kean "school time" shows for high schoolers

Kean University in Union County offers "on school time" shows for November & December 2007, January & February 2008, mostly at their Wilkins Theatre. $8 per seat, discount for groups of 10 or more. Contact their group sales office (908) 737-4351for reservations. Click for directions to campus.

Their schedule includes shows for high schoolers:

Show - Othello by William Shakespeare, November 16, 2007 at 10 a.m., $8 per seat. University Center Little Theatre, Kean University, Union, NJ, Grades 9-12. Group sales office (908) 737-4351

Show - Humbug, December 18 and 19, 2007 at 10 a.m. Wilkins Theatre, $8 per seat. University Center Little Theatre, Kean University, Union, NJ, Group sales office (908) 737-4351. Grades 7-12

Show - Kean Dance Theatre, February 1, 2008 at 11 a.m., Wilkins Theatre, $8 per seat. University Center Little Theatre, Kean University, Union, NJ, Group sales office (908) 737-4351. Grades 7-12

For further information and to make reservations, call Kean Stage at 908-737 4350 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you want to organize something and need a place to list it, let me know. These shows should also be listed in the Field Trip List.

Nutcracker Study Guides

I don't have the stamina to track down and list every Nutcracker show around, but there are many study guides online that would be relevant no matter which production you see.

Besides the story summary every guide has, I especially like the photos of the basic hand and foot positions for ballet on page 29 of the San Francisco Ballet'sNutcraker Study Guide and page 7, page 8 of Balletbc's Dance CompanyB study guide .

Most people seem to enjoy theatre more when they know a bit about the show before they walk in. Sometimes I give my children special things to watch for, a mental scavenger hunt, to keep them interested. Having a study guide sure makes that job easier!. (For Chinese dance, I asked them to see how many ways the dancers make circles, for Shakespeare I asked them to listen for a couple of quotes, and if we go to see "The Nutcracker" this season, I might check out one or two of these for questions or ideas.) Some of these study guides have "after the show" activities and work sheets too - Mad Libs, word searches, and even some coloring pages.

Nutcracker Study Guides available online include:

• SF Ballet Nutcracker Study Guide (40 pages) - while you might not be interested in the page about their set designer and their opera house, the word search, number match and fun facts all work for any nutcracker, "what is dance", and the pictures of the basic hand and feet "positions" for hands and feet are useful to any one attending any Nutcracker. My suggestion is to look before you print it out & perhaps only print what you need/want. I would not print the answers, I'd just peek if I needed it so I would only print 1 - 14, 18 - 25, 29 - 32, and only print 26-28 if someone wants more information on the ballet of the show.
• Pages 4 - 9 of GBPAC Nutcracker Study Guide
• NYC Ballet Nutcracker Study Guide (1 page)
• National Ballet of Canada Nutcracker Study Guide(22 pages)
• LPAC Arts Nutcracker Study Guide (4 pages)
• Popejoy Schooltime Nutcracker Study Guide (8 pages)

or watch videos of some of the greatest ballerinas dancing the Nutcracker at We Show videos online.

Links current as of 2 December 2007.

Kean University (Union County) "on school time"

Kean University in Union County offers "on school time" shows for 2007 - February 2008, mostly at their Wilkins Theatre. Only some of their shows are listed on the Gryphon Academy Field Trip List. $8 per seat, discount for grouips of 10 or more. Contact their group sales office (908) 737-4351 for reservations. Click for directions to campus.

Their schedule includes:

The Lakota Sioux Indian Dance Theatre, November 19, 2007 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Wilkins Theatre, Grades 2--6

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia presents Leo Lionni's Swimmy, Frederick and Inch by Inch, November 26, 28-30, 2007 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Wilkins Theatre, Grades Pre-K--3

New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble presents The Nutcracker, December 3 and 4, 2007 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., Wilkins Theatre, New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble returns to Wilkins Theatre with its must-see holiday classic The Nutcracker . This exciting, vibrant and colorful production is based on the tale by E.T.A. Hoffmann and is performed by young dancers for a young audience. In-school master classes and arts and education residencies are available to complement the students' in-theatre experience. Contact NJDTE at 908-232-0114. Grades Pre-K--8

Show - Othello by William Shakespeare, November 16, 2007 at 10 a.m., $8 per seat. University Center Little Theatre, Kean University, Union, NJ, Grades 9-12. Group sales office (908) 737-4351

Show - The Adventures of Flat Stanley, December 7, 2007 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Wilkins Theatre, Grades: Pre-K--5. $8 per seat. University Center Little Theatre, Kean University, Union, NJ, Group sales office (908) 737-4351

Show - Humbug, December 18 and 19, 2007 at 10 a.m. Wilkins Theatre, $8 per seat. University Center Little Theatre, Kean University, Union, NJ, Group sales office (908) 737-4351. Grades 7--12

Show - Moscow Cats Theatre, January 18, 22 and 23, 2008 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Wilkins Theatre, $8 per seat. University Center Little Theatre, Kean University, Union, NJ, Group sales office (908) 737-4351. Grades Pre-K--6

Show - Kean Dance Theatre, February 1, 2008 at 11 a.m., Wilkins Theatre, $8 per seat. University Center Little Theatre, Kean University, Union, NJ, Group sales office (908) 737-4351. Grades 7--12

For further information and to make reservations, call Kean Stage at 908-737 4350 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.