Prologue 2014-2015 Catalogue by Nathalie Prezeau

2014-2015 school catalogue

performances & workshops for gradeS K to 12

English.French.Bilingual.

HOW TO USE THIS CATALOGUE NEW means Prologue is representing this artist or company for the first time. RETURNING means they were not with us last year, but they were two years ago or more.

Icon refers to Grade Divisions in Ontario schools.

RET

URN

Title of the show, workshop or show/workshop.

WORKSHOP means that you can book a workshop without booking a show. SHOW/WORKSHOP means that the price includes a show + a related workshop not available as a “stand-alone”.

NEW means the artist or company is offering this show through Prologue for the first time. RETURNING means it was not offered last year, but it was offered two years ago or more.

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Links to the Ontario Curriculum (more information on each artist’s page on www.prologue.org).

CURRICULUM FO

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Name of the discipline.

PUPPETRY

Name of the artist or company.

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GRADES

ABOUT

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AUDIENCE MAX.

Maximum number of students (for SHOW/WORKSHOP, the maximum audience for the workshop portion is usually smaller).

TRE BREADBOX THEA

Grade level for each specific show or workshop.

K-3 75 $ 335 + HST (2 shows)

K-3 75 $ 335 + HST hop)

(1 show+ 1 works

$ 510 + HST PRICE

AVAILABILITY

(3 shows)

$ 600 + HST (4 shows)

$ 600 + HST

hops)

(2 shows + 2 works

April 7-17, 2015 1, 2015 April 27 to May

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

Some companies only have specific touring dates, book early! Limited year-round means the artists may not be available certain months of the year. Year-round availability indicates more flexibility.

School price (most companies offer 10% off the listed price when you book more than one show on the same day).

HOW TO CHOOSE A PERFORMANCE Looking for a specific artist/company? Use our Alphabetical Index on page 66.

Need inspiration? Browse by discipline or consult our Suggestion index on page 67. You may also want to use our website at www.prologue.org to search by artist, name of a show, grade level, discipline and availability. Bilingual & French 3-12 Dance 14-27 Music & Opera 28-45 Musical Theatre 46-48 Puppetry 49-52 Storytelling & Spoken Word Theatre 57-64

53-56

Then contact us!

Our experienced sales representatives will ask all the right questions to help you find the perfect performance to fit your school’s needs. Call Toll Free at 1-888-591-9092 or locally at 416-591-9092 to their respective extension number, or send an email to one of our staff members: Patty Jarvis (ext. 223) Executive Director patty@prologue.org ------------------------------------Emilie Charlebois (ext. 227) Sales and Administrative Assistant (Bilingual) emilie@prologue.org Eric Phillipson (ext. 229) Sales and Partnership Manager eric@prologue.org Jon Laurie-Beaumont (ext. 224) Sales Manager and Artists Relations jon@prologue.org

Shelley Cahill (ext. 222) Accountant, Young Associates shelley@prologue.org

Stéphanie Filippi (ext. 225) Outreach, Touring Sales Manager (Bilingual) stephanie@prologue.org

1-888-591-9092, 416-591-9092 info@prologue.org Booking is fast and easy. 1. Select a performance and/or workshop (or talk with our sales representatives, they will help you choose). 2. Our experienced team will discuss availability, grade levels, maximum audience, and any other questions you may have about the nature of the experience offered by a specific company. You will get the exact price of the booking. (Note that most of our companies offer a 10% discount if you book more than one show on the same day.) 3. After getting final approval from your school or council, simply confirm your booking and you’re good to go. (The links to our study guides and other teacher resources will be forwarded following your booking confirmation.)

That place of wonder... Every time I am in a school gym during a performance, there is always one young face, one child whom I notice sitting still, focused, eyes fixed on the dance, or the puppets, hanging upon an actor’s or a poet’s every word. That one student may not know or ever articulate what it is in that moment that holds them and it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that every child should have the chance to sit in that place of wonder and of discovery. This has been Prologue’s mission from the start, nearly 50 years ago, when five wonderful women sat around a kitchen table to find some way to ensure that students throughout Ontario could have access to the power of live performances. I am proud to present to you our school catalogue for 2014-2015 with 52 companies and 122 performances and workshops. Our Programming Committee is given the responsibility each year of ensuring we provide the highest quality of performing arts that will offer young audiences exciting, magical experiences. I sincerely hope that our 2014-2015 roster offers you and your students many moments of discovery in your school and community.

Patty Jarvis Executive Director

See our full roster of 52 artists on www.prologue.org.

FRENCH & BILINGUAL PROGRAMMING Prologue to the Performing Arts offers dynamic and engaging French and bilingual performances for Core French, and Early and Extended French Immersion students. Through dance, music, musical theatre, opera, storytelling and theatre, students realize that French is alive and well, beyond the classroom. Prologue offre un choix de 28 spectacles interactifs et ateliers spécialement conçus pour les étudiants des programmes de français langue seconde. Notre programmation artistique bilingue ou entièrement en français permet aux élèves d’apprendre selon leur niveau tout en se divertissant. BILINGUAL performances and workshops include both English and French languages and can often be tailored to the students’ level of comprehension and fluency.

FRENCH performances and workshops are delivered entirely in French.

NEW Bilingual/French artists and performances: CréaSon - L’école-logique! 7 DuffleBag Theatre - Blanche Neige 12 Fana Soro - Yamo! Yamo! Salutations d’Afrique de l’Ouest!

Call us at 416.591.9092 or 1.888.591.9092.

NOUS POUVONS VOUS SERVIR EN FRANÇAIS Visitez la section française de www.prologue.org Saviez-vous que vous pouvez naviguer en français sur le site de Prologue?

Pour y accéder, il vous suffit de sélectionner En Français en haut à droite de la page d’accueil anglaise.

Toutes les informations sur la programmation bilingue et en français offertes dans notre catalogue sont présentées dans la section française du site, avec des liens sur les ressources pédagogiques disponibles en français.

En français, s’il vous plaît! L’équipe de Prologue comprend du personnel qualifié en mesure de répondre à tous vos appels et vos courriels en français. N’hésitez pas à nous appeler au poste 225 pour toute question ou si vous avez besoin d’aide pour choisir le meilleur spectacle pour votre école.

LIKE us on Facebook to support arts education in the schools at www.facebook.com/PrologueToThePerformingArts!

Lorsque vous êtes sur la page d’une discipline spécifique de notre section anglaise, vous accéderez à la programmation bilingue et en français pour cette même discipline en cliquant En Français en haut de la page.

DANCE

AKA DANCE

Oh non! / Oh No!

This performance is AKA Dance’s quirky interpretation of the art of ballroom dancing. The funny and surprising choreography features four dancers and a master of ceremonies. Expect romance, virtuosity and gallantry, but AKA’s ballroom dancing is not all about elegance. It mixes with power struggles, one-upmanship and mishap, with hilarious results.

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY ENGLISH

BiliNgual & FRENCH

bilingual & FRENCH

Photo by Karen Cylla von Tiedemann

Ballet Jörgen Canada BiliNgual & FRENCH

Oh non! / Oh No! WORKSHOP

AKA Dance offers a workshop that gets everyone moving and creating! Using some basic ballroom dance steps and guided improvisation, students will explore their own physical creativity by choreographing their own unique dances.

Le lapin de velours / The Velveteen Rabbit

Written by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit was the most popular of her children’s books, and focuses on the importance of friendship, love and the discovery of what is real. Dancers bring to life this renowned story of a boy and his love for a stuffed rabbit which eventually comes to life. Choreographer Kathleen Rea has created a fairytale which she hopes will teach children that it is what’s inside of you that matters the most.

K-8 3-8 300 30 $ 984 + HST $ 360 + HST December 1-12, 2014 and May 4-15, 2015 See p. 15

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY english

La danse démystifiée! / Dance, Demystified! WORKSHOP

In this workshop, students will learn from professional ballet dancers how to develop characters and communicate story through the language of dance. Using the fundamentals of body positions, lines and gestures, students will explore their own creativity and develop their own dance. Instructors will help them to incorporate timing, facing, levels and group dynamics into a final piece which they can present or record.

K-6 5-8 300 40 $ 822 + HST $ 360 + HST (1 hour) $ 720 + HST Limited year-round See p. 17

416.591.9092

(2 hours)

1.888.591.9092

bilingual & FRENCH

DANCE

Bboyizm

CORPUS

BiliNgual & FRENCH

L’évolution du “Break”/ The Evolution of B-boying

Les bases du B-Boying / Foundations of B-boying WORKSHOP

B-boying (Breakdancing) is a dance form born in the early 1970s, which now has a significant international following and reputation. In addition to its roots in Funk music and contemporary African American culture, the acrobatic aspects of B-boying make it one of the most unique dances in the world. B-boy Crazy Smooth brings together the best local dancers to present a show that will amaze students and teachers alike, while demonstrating the evolution of the dance.

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY english

DANCE

Crazy Smooth and his team transmit their passion and respect for the history and art of B-boying, educating students on the roots and different techniques of this dance form. This workshop offers a unique chance to safely learn B-boying (also called Breaking) and Hip Hop dance and culture from dedicated professionals.

Camping royal / Camping Royale

Two queens from a different time go on a camping trip, far away from court. Without servants, they use their creativity to “survive” in the wild. Their castle is reduced to basic tents, royal dances have to be executed on grass. One even needs to fish for lunch and cope with the unpredictable whims of Mother Nature... Corpus brings its world-renowned blend of comedy and whimsical choreography to this surprising show bound to engage children in innovative ways. Camping Royale is a twisted fairytale for all ages, not to be missed!

K-12 4-12 300 30 $ 960 + HST $ 516 + HST Limited year-round See p. 18

(2 workshops)

Visit our blog at www.PrologueToThePerformingArts.blogspot.ca.

GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY english

K-6 250 $ 720 + HST Limited year-round See p. 19

MuSIC & OPERA

Fana Soro

NEW

BiliNgual & FRENCH

BiliNgual & FRENCH Photo by Ali Manceur

L’école-logique! / Eco-Logical Show!

Being ecological is so logical, isn’t it? CréaSon unites children of all age groups in a big “environmusical” party. This performance is the opportunity to hear tracks such as the popular tune Popcorn from the 1960s played on a “golfun”, the Simpsons’ theme done on the “xylo-hockey”, and an original rap by Sylvain Grenier, L’école-logique!, accompanied by Alain Quirion and his infernal drums. Throughout the show, the young participants are encouraged to clap their hands and sing (with a bit of dance at the end of the performance). Some twenty volunteers will have the chance to play for their peers on CréaSon’s wacky instruments. NEW

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY english

K-12 300 $ 1,020 + HST Limited year-round Available

Yamo! Yamo! Salutations d’Afrique de l’Ouest!/ Yamo! Yamo! Greetings from West Africa! 1

“Yamo! Yamo!” means “Hello! How’re you doing!” in Baoulé (one of the 63 languages in Ivory Coast). Fana Soro is a hereditary master musician of the Senoufo people and his performance shares the soaring melodies, driving rhythms and spirited dances of ancient West Africa performing arts. The artist will fill the air with African magic. NEW

W Percussions et danses d’Afrique de l’Ouest / West African Drumming and Dance WORKSHOP

bilingual & FRENCH

CRÉASON

nin

ur ret

MuSIC & OPERA

This workshop offers a flexible structure which can be tailored to your needs - all dance, all music, or a combination of the two. As a master percussionist, Fana will introduce traditional playing techniques of the djembé, West Africa’s most popular drum, as well as other hand-held percussion instruments. He will share call and response in various languages native to northern Ivory Coast. He will introduce students to choreography from traditional dances and share the cultural significance and joy of the movements. (Two workshops can be booked to accompany a performance or you can book a full day of four workshops.) NEW

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE

K-12 350 $ 660 + HST (1 show)

AVAILABILITY english

Limited year-round See p. 34

W $ 1,080 + HST

(1 show + 2 workshops)

416.591.9092

K-12 30 $ 840 + HST (4 workshops)

1.888.591.9092

MuSIC & OPERA

bilingual & FRENCH

Jack Grunsky

MIKE FORD BiliNgual & FRENCH 2

BiliNgual

Chantons et dansons avec Jack / Sing and Dance with Jack

Jack engages the students in a joyful musical experience, leaving them and their teachers feeling good about themselves. The artist’s songs resonate with rhythms, catchy melodies and toe-tapping fun.

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY english

MuSIC & OPERA

Partout où les enfants chantent! / It’s Showtime! RESIDENCY SW

Enjoy an extended two-day visit with Jack. Eight participating classes will work in advance of Jack’s arrival on one individual song and activity (resources provided). Jack will then rehearse with each class and further develop their song selection. The following day, Jack will act as a master of ceremonies for a school concert, to be repeated for families and friends in the evening of the same day.

K-6 K-6 300 240 (8 classrooms) $ 600 + HST $ 1,200 + HST Limited year-round See p. 36

Explore www.pinterest.com/PrologueArts.

Le Canada a besoin de vous! / Canada Needs You! 1

Mike takes students on a break-neck tour through First Nations lore, explorers’ tales, the War of 1812, rebellions, Confederation, and finally skidding to a halt for an examination of Canada’s explosive 20th Century. It includes new John A. Macdonaldthemed material, in time for 2015 Bicentennial commemorations!

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY english

Le retour d’Étienne Brûlé / Étienne Brûlé Returns

Mike’s original, exciting and interactive song-cycle explores the life and times of Ontario’s first non-aboriginal visitor, Étienne Brûlé. Through his eyes, 17th Century Ontario, First Nations lore, early New France and contemporary issues of environment and inclusion are brought to life in a variety of musical styles.

W Les mots qui chantent! / Mike Ford Song WORKSHOP Using games of improvisation, brainstorming, rhyme & rhythm and more, Mike leads students through rapid-fire stages of song creation. NEW

2 4-12 90

$ 324 + HST (1 show) $ 468 + HST (2 shows) $ 624 + HST (3 shows) $ 468 + HST (1 show + 1 workshop) $ 624 + HST (1 show + 2 workshops) Limited year-round See p. 39

W 4-12 30 $ 324 + HST $ 468 + HST $ 624 + HST

(1 workshop) (2 workshops) (3 workshops)

MuSIC & OPERA

silk road music

BiliNgual

La flûte enchantée de Shoestring / The Shoestring Magic Flute

BiliNgual & FRENCH

Carmen à la récré / The Schoolyard Carmen 1

Back by popular demand, Shoestring revisits Mozart’s most famous opera, and offers an ideal introduction to the glory of this art form. In the whimsical story, Allegra finds a golden flute on her way home from school. Blowing on it, her street turns into a dark forest. She blows again and out pops Papageno, a strange bird-catcher with a padlock on his mouth. Through the power of music and the magic of make-believe, Allegra and Papageno embark on an adventure of sharing and self-discovery. returning

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE

AVAILABILITY english

bilingual & FRENCH

Shoestring Opera

Jou Tou – La francophonie autour du globe / French Traditional Songs from Around the World

Using a great variety of instruments from around the world, Silk Road Music presents French music from a global and cosmopolitan perspective. Some of the songs come from familiar folk traditions of Québec and France, while others will take the audience to such exotic lands as la Camargue or Morocco via the gypsy routes of Southern Europe. Jou Tou delivers a sampling of French culture that has been felt all over the planet, from Vietnam to Madagascar and on to the Americas, where it mixed with existing traditions to create interesting fusions. Audiences will be transported from the cafés of Paris to the Casbahs of Cairo.

1-6

K-6 300 $ 780 + HST

Nov. 18-21, 2014 (Carmen, ENG./BIL.) Feb. 17-20, 2015 (Flute, ENG./BIL.) April 14-17, 2015 (all shows) See p. 41

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY english

K-12 350 $ 600 + HST April 27 to May 15, 2015 See p. 42

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

nin

ur ret

MUSICAL THEATRE

Arsenal À musique

cie vox thÉÂtre

BiliNgual & FRENCH

FRENCH Photo by Phil Genest

bilingual & FRENCH

MUSICAL THEATRE

Le carnaval des animaux / Carnival of the Animals

Carnival of the Animals introduces very young audiences to the imaginative universe of the composer Camille Saint-Saëns. Inspired by the actual score, this fantastical musical adventure highlights animals brought to life through the amazing large marionettes and inventive theatrics. A parasol becomes an elephant. Umbrellas are transformed into turtles and jellyfish. This colourful and humourous performance is an enchanting experience for primary students. A true odyssey and a celebration of entertainment and joy through the arts. returning

Pinocchio dans ma valise

With a delightful narrative, endearing props pulled from a mysterious suitcase by Pier Rodier, and evocative live musical accompaniment by Pierre-Luc Clément, Cie Vox Théâtre enchants young audiences with its modern day rendition of the classic tale of the wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy. Like its classic counterparts, Pinocchio and Me explores childhood fears, self-discovery, and the choices that we all face.

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY english

K-4 250 $ 990 + HST Limited year-round See p. 46

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY English

K-2 225 $ 720 + HST March 9-27, 2015 See p. 47

PUPPETRY

STORYTELLING

BiliNgual & FRENCH

Plastique / Plastic

Plastic is a non-verbal show created and performed by Csaba Raduly and Pavla Mano. In a simple stack of plastic bags, a series of funny and colourful creatures come to life. They begin to breath and to move in their own way, doing what bags do (filling themselves, emptying themselves) and more. They dance, they fly, they even get to eat each other out of boredom. Before the students’ eyes, the bags reveal their true nature: primitive, naive and funny. They interact, evolve and make us think. Most of all, they make us laugh at their plastic world, which is also ours!

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY english

K-6 300 $ 930 + HST Limited year-round See p. 51

Nathalie Vachon BiliNgual

bilingual & FRENCH

Photo courtesy of The Burlington Performing Arts Centre

Puzzle Théâtre

L’imagination en cavale! / Imagination on the Loose!

This mesmerizing storytelling performance takes the audience on an interactive ride through modern fairytales with a twist, adventures all in rhyme, folktales from around the world and so much more. With audience participation, songs and wordplay, students will fall in love with storytelling and see that stories are in fact everywhere!

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX.

K-3 100

$ 300 + HST (1 show) $ 468 + HST (2 shows) PRICE $ 624 + HST (3 shows) AVAILABILITY english

Year-round See p. 55

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

THEATRE

bilingual & FRENCH

DuffleBag Theatre

Faustwork Mask Theatre

BiliNgual

BiliNgual & FRENCH

Il était une fois...

DuffleBag Theatre brings classic fairy tales and Shakespearean favourites to life in their signature fun-filled and humorous fashion, using audience members as the stars. The least you could say is they don’t exactly go by the book! Accompanied by DuffleBag’s witty narration, their lively performances deliver hilarity and spontaneity every time.

1 Your students will be enchanted by the clever stagecraft and audience interaction of the performances. Choose one of the following bilingual shows: Blanche Neige/Snow White NEW Cendrillon/Cinderella La belle et la bête/ Beauty and the Beast Le petit chaperon rouge/ Little Red Riding Hood Les trois mousquetaires/ The Three Musketeers

Le masque est le message / The Mask Messenger

The Mask Messenger is a series of vignettes ranging from comic to curious to poignant. Body language, character development and humour are the essential elements that drive this tour-de-force performance of nearly twenty masked characters. The show utilizes half-masked characters that speak, and full masked characters that remain silent while speaking volumes with convincing body language and subtle grace. Audiences laugh while learning that posture, smiles, slang and fashion are all “masks” that we wear daily. All the masks in the show have been created by world renowned mask maker Rob Faust, the artistic director of Faustwork.

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY ENGLISH

K-8 300 $ 720 + HST Year-round See p. 58

Watch www.youtube.com/user/prologueadmin.

1 GRADES AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE AVAILABILITY ENGLISH

1-12 300 $ 720 + HST Year-round See p. 59

ENGLISH PROGRAMMING With a choice of over 122 performances and workshops, our 52 artists and companies will bring magic and imagination right into your classroom, gymnasium or library. They will invite your students (and their teachers!) to see the world differently, through dance, music, opera, musical theatre, theatre, puppetry, storytelling and spoken word.

NEW artists and/or performances: Ballet Creole – Jou’vert 16 Boris Sichon – The Musical Adventures of Marco Polo 28 Canadian Opera Company – The Bremen Town Musicians 30 DuffleBag Theatre – Snow White 12, 58 Emerita Emerencia – The Mouse, the Ant and the Antelopes 53 Emerita Emerencia – Save Yourself Justina 53 Fana Soro – Yamo! Yamo! Greetings from West Africa! 7, 34 Firebrand Theatre – Beneath Springhill: The Maurice Ruddick Story 48 Gimme One Riddim – Gimme One Riddim 20 Little Pear Garden Collective – Tales of Goddesses and a Painter 22 Puppetmongers Theatre – Foolish Tales for Foolish Times 50 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre – The Last Polar Bears 52 Red Sky Performance – Mistatim 62 Sonic Escape – Around the World 43 Stand Up Dance – The Love Project 26

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

DANCE

Aché Brasil 1

Capoeira and other Dances from Brasil

Aché Brasil’s dynamic, high-energy performance fuses together music, dance... and the martial art of Capoeira (an astonishing display of acrobatics, breathtaking kicks and selfdefense tactics). As you can imagine, it is electrifying to watch and is sure to get your students’ full attention. Exemplifying a rare combination of cultural authenticity and physical excellence unmatched in North America, the company offers the audience an enlightened glimpse into Brazil’s rich cultural heritage.

Prim

int

curriculum focus THEMES: • Capoeira as a fusion of dance • Martial arts and games • Music and musical instruments of Brazil • Elements of the lives of black slaves in Brazil

“Describing the capoeira as a fusion of kick-boxing, break-dancing and the samba would give you no idea of its grace or of its power.” – Lloyd Dykk, The Vancouver Sun

About ACHÉ BRASIL Aché Brasil is an explosion of colour, energy and music. This Vancouver-based company could easily be described as one of the most successful performance groups in Western Canada. They have presented their works in concert halls, at festivals and in over 4,000 schools.

See our full roster of 52 artists on www.prologue.org.

GRADES

K-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

PRICE

$ 1,050 + HST

AVAILABILITY

April 7-30 and May 1, 2015

Prim

Oh No!

int

curriculum focus

THEMES: • Highlighting elements of dance: partner work, lifts, jumps, etc. • Breaking down stereotypes of who does what in dance

Oh No! WORKSHOP

Photo by Karen Cylla von Tiedemann

DANCE

AKA Dance

Character education: • Cooperation, breaking stereotypes

“Thank you for coming to my school. You had a magnificent, wonderful show. It was glorious.” – Grade 3 student, Brampton

About aka dance AKA Dance aims to bring humour and joy to the stage, the classroom and the community through accessible contemporary dance works. The company was founded in 2007 by Amy Hampton and Keiko Ninomiya, with the purpose of creating choreographies that blend Japanese and Canadian traditions, drawing from butoh to ballet. AKA’s pieces are physically exciting and visually stimulating. AKA Dance has performed across Canada and Japan and is proud to have shared its work with over 10,000 children across Ontario.

GRADES

K-8

3-8

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 984 + HST

$ 360 + HST

AVAILABILITY

December 1-12, 2014 May 4-15 2015

Bil. & French

See p. 5

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

DANCE

Ballet Creole 1

Jou’vert

int

THEMES: • Introduction to dance and music of celebrations of Pan-American countries • The evolution of dance and music when affected by migration through contact with other cultures • Flash Mob dance as a mean of social expression

“It was wonderful seeing a number of our students completely mesmerized by the performance.” – Teacher, Scarborough

Afro-Caribbean Dance WORKSHOP

A dance teacher (accompanied by a drummer) will combine the structured Contemporary technique of Katherine Dunham with the physicality of traditional movements derived from Africa and the African Diaspora. This is an exhilarating class, challenging and mastering the body’s ability to move to the central control of the CORE. The students will be taught an exciting Flash Mob Dance combination which they could perform with the City-Wide Flash Mob Dance around Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games. (If you also book Jou’vert, your students will be able to perform a Flash Mob within the school show.) NEW

curriculum focus

Jou’vert is a collaborative theatrical presentation casting six performers (three dancers and three musicians), to display the Carnival celebrations of the Pan-American countries (the Caribbean and the Latin Americas, including Brazil, Cuba and Mexico). Ballet Creole, known for its “Creolization” of dance, will take your students on a journey through the cultural dance and music of the different regions. (Note that Ballet Creole can incorporate a Flash Mob with your students within the performance if you also book the workshop described below. This Flash Mob Dance could be performed around Toronto as part of the 2015 Pan Am Games.) NEW

Prim

GRADES

K-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

About ballet creole Ballet Creole was founded in 1990 by Trinidadianborn dancer, choreographer, drummer and educator, Patrick Parson (who has a Master’s degree in Dance Ethnology). The company, which is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in the 2014-2015 season, endeavors to create a dance legacy in Canada through performance and educational projects. Ballet Creole’s versatile dancers and musicians perform traditional and contemporary dance and music from around the world, with a particular emphasis on the African Diaspora.

PRICE

AVAILABILITY

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$ 840 + HST

(1 show)

$ 1,140 + HST (1 show + 1 workshop)

$ 360 + HST (1 workshop)

$ 600 + HST (2 workshops)

$ 840 + HST (3 workshops)

Limited year-round

The Velveteen Rabbit

int

THEMES: • Imagination • Human relations, family life • Rhythm and movement • How dance can tell a story

“Ce charmant ballet inspiré du classique conte pour enfants a capté l’imagination et l’intérêt de tous les élèves du début au pas de deux final.”

Dance, Demystified! WORKSHOP

curriculum focus

Written by Margery Williams, The Velveteen Rabbit was the most popular of her children’s books, and focuses on the importance of friendship, love and the discovery of what is real. Dancers bring to life this renowned story of a boy and his love for a stuffed rabbit which eventually comes to life. Choreographer Kathleen Rea has created a fairytale work which she hopes will teach children that it is what’s on the inside of you that matters the most.

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DANCE

Ballet Jörgen Canada

– Enseignant, Toronto

About BALLET JÖRGEN CANADA Ballet Jörgen Canada is recognized for the innovation, warmth, humour and beauty of its works. For 25 years, the organization has sought to advance the art and appreciation of ballet and Canadian choreography through performance, educational experiences and outreach. They are the official dance partner behind George Brown College’s dance program.

GRADES

K-6

5-8

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE $

822

+ HST

$ 360 + HST (1 hour)

$ 720 + HST (2 hours)

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

Bil. & French

See p. 5

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

DANCE

Bboyizm 1

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The Evolution of B-boying

THEMES: • Roots of contemporary, urban dance • Dance as a creative and personal expression of thoughts and emotions

“Dance to express! Not to impress.” – Yvon Soglo (B-boy Crazy Smooth)

Foundations of B-boying WORKSHOP

Crazy Smooth and his team transmit their passion and respect for the history and art of B-boyizm, educating students on the roots and different techniques of this dance form. This combo includes two simultaneous workshops (each for a group of 30 students). It offers a unique chance to safely learn B-boying (also called Breaking) and Hip Hop dance and culture from dedicated professionals.

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curriculum focus

B-boying (Breakdancing) is a dance form born in the early 1970s, which now has a significant international following and reputation. In addition to its roots in Funk music and contemporary African American culture, the acrobatic aspects of B-boying make it one of the most unique dances in the world. B-boy Crazy Smooth brings together the best local dancers to present a show that will amaze the students and teachers alike while demonstrating the evolution of the dance.

About BBOYIZM Yvon Soglo (a.k.a. B-boy Crazy Smooth) is known as one of Canada’s top street dancers. His professional experience includes instructing Cirque du Soleil acrobats and performing at the Nancy Jazz Pulsations festival in France. As the founder and artistic director of Bboyizm, Crazy Smooth is dedicated to promoting and preserving the true essence of all street dances. The dance company’s motto is “Dance to express! Not to impress.” (the idea being that if one is truly expressing oneself, their dance will most definitely be impressive). This philosophy informs all its dance classes (including B-boying... and B-girling), workshops, events, street dance history lessons and performances.

Visit our blog at www.PrologueToThePerformingArts.blogspot.ca.

GRADES

K-12

4-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 960 + HST

$ 516 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

Bil. & French

See p. 6

(2 workshops)

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DANCE

Corpus

curriculum focus THEMES: • Imitating movement including dynamics • Quality of movement and intention • Exploring use of space Character education: • Relationships, friendship, risk-taking, perseverance

Camping Royale

About corpus Known for its precise and surrealist humour combining movement with theatrical imagery, Corpus’ unique performances are presented in both traditional and unusual locations, for small and large audiences of all ages. Founded in 1997, the award-winning company has created a repertoire of twelve pieces which were performed throughout Canada and in over 26 countries at dance and theatre festivals, children’s festivals, schools, museums, parks... and even Japanese shopping malls. The outdoor dance festival Dusk Dances, one of the most popular events in Toronto and Ontario, was created by Sylvie Bouchard, co-founder of Corpus with David Danzon, and managed by the company for eight years before becoming an independent entity.

“The school was buzzing about the show for the rest of the day.” – Teacher, Toronto

1 GRADES

K-6

AUDIENCE MAX.

250

PRICE

$ 720 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

Bil. & French

See p. 6

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

DANCE

NEW

Gimme one riddim

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curriculum focus THEMES: • The origins and characteristics of Ska music • Aspects of Jamaican history and culture

“The Gimme One Riddim cast obviously have wisdom and maturity beyond their years; they give hope to those who wonder what will become of the next generation.” – Marcia Reid, blacksebath.com 1

Gimme One Riddim

It is the year 1963. The heat of the island is soaring through the rooftops and rising from the dancing bodies at the Sounds Systems street party in Kingston, Jamaica. The new sound is Ska music, a combination of Calypso and American Jazz and R&B. With its wild popularity, it has become Jamaica’s new freedom soundtrack, having just gained independence from the United Kingdom after 300 years. Gimme One Riddim is a period piece told through the lives of five Black men. Just as Ska music did, this captivating dance-theatre production transcends racial and cultural boundaries. New

Explore www.pinterest.com/PrologueArts.

About GIMME ONE RIDDIM Honouring their Caribbean roots, Jasmyn Fyffe and Natasha Powel are the two powerhouse choreographers and co-directors behind the company Gimme One Riddim. Jasmyn’s movement style is an eclectic blend of her versatile background training while maintaining a strong contemporary foundation. Natasha is another dynamic dancer recognized for her soulful yet hybrid movement style. These talented dance artists bring their 20 years of experience to their unique and entertaining production.

1 GRADES

5-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 840 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Feb. 23 to March 13, 2015

Taonga

After a full dance theatre performance (of either of their two shows) to up to 350 students, members of Kahurangi offer a group of 30 participants a comprehensive introduction to the Maori people of New Zealand and the people of the Pacific through an interactive dance and music workshop.

“Held the students’ attention… Students gave them a standing ovation! I’ve never seen that before!”

This performance is a dazzling rhythmic spectacle bringing to life the traditional songs and dances of New Zealand’s Maori people as well as neighbouring South Pacific cultures. In addition to pieces from New Zealand, students will be thrilled by the choreography, music and exotic regalia of Tahiti, Hawaii and Samoa.

Interactive Dance and Music SHOW/WORKSHOP

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THEMES: • Celebration of cultures through dance and music • Aboriginal education

People of the Pacific

curriculum focus

This is a visually stunning performance which celebrates the unique traditions of New Zealand’s Maori culture. “Taonga” means treasures in Maori and the distinct treasures of this culture are made real to students through action songs such as the famous haka (war/posture dance) and other Maori songs and dances using traditional rhythms and colourful regalia.

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DANCE

Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre

– Father Michael Goetz Secondary School, Mississauga

About KAHURANGI MAORI DANCE THEATRE Based in Hastings, New Zealand, in the territory of the Ngati Kahungunu tribe, the company was formed in the early 1980s by Tama Huata and a team who shared his vision to present Maori performing arts in a dynamic and contemporary manner. Kahurangi has travelled the world, promoting cultural understanding and inviting audiences to participate in their programs.

GRADES

K-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

PRICE

$ 876 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Spring 2015

416.591.9092

$ 1,236 + HST

1.888.591.9092

DANCE

NEW

Little Pear Garden Collective 1

Tales of Goddesses and a Painter

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curriculum focus THEMES: • Introduction to the dances of China • Aspects of Chinese history and culture

Tales of Goddesses and a Painter is the story of how the cave paintings along the Silk Road came to be, presented in a colourful dance performance (with 5 dancers) followed by an introduction to the history of the Silk Road, its geography and how interactions between the east and the west shaped Chinese culture. Students will also learn some basic movements in a number of ethnic dance styles. During the Tang Dynasty, the emperor receives a divine message stating that if he builds a Buddhist temple with a painting of flying goddesses, his empire would enjoy centuries of peace and prosperity. He commissions the country’s best painter for this job. To get inspiration for his project, the painter travels along the Silk Road, observing many cultures including Han, Xin Jiang and Indian. Incredibly moved by all the colours and sounds of the Silk Road, the painter works in the cave for ten days straight without rest. When he falls unconscious from the exhaustion, the picture comes to life. Buddhist goddesses bring joy and beauty to the land, and revive the painter. new

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“Excellent presentation for all students. This performance was the best I’ve seen in over 20 years in education. I would highly recommend them!” – Principal, Strathroy

About LITTLE PEAR GARDEN COLLECTIVE Founded in 1994 and based in Toronto, the Little Pear Garden Collective (LPGC) is Canada’s foremost company of traditional and contemporary Chinese dance. The LPGC develops and promotes Chinese dance in Canada through the production and presentation of performances, lectures, workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions on the local and national levels. It aims at creating an environment that supports Chinese-Canadian artists practicing both traditional and contemporary artistic expressions.

1 GRADES

1-8

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

PRICE

$ 1,020 + HST

AVAILABILITY

November 3-14, 2014 April 7-17, 2015

Wise Monkey, Foolish Crocodile

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int

curriculum focus THEMES: • True friendship • Fables as life lessons • Introduction to South Asia Dance

Wise Monkey, Foolish Crocodile is a timeless classic from the Panchatantra tales (an ancient Indian collection of animal fables in verse and prose) and was created in 1979 for the International Year of the Child. This dance drama is based upon creative dance movements that illustrate several classical and folk Indian dance styles. The delightful tale begins with a husband crocodile forced into a situation where he has to choose between being loyal to his wife or to the monkey. However, the wife’s loyalty is based on greed while the monkey’s is based on genuine friendship. The husband crocodile makes the wrong choice, choosing greed over friendship. In the end, he loses his friend, and upsets his wife. returning

Character education: • Honesty, integrity, kindness & caring, respect, responsibility

“Completely accessible... It showed you could take this wonderful ancient tradition of Indian dance drama and make it absolutely relevant for today’s audiences” – Paula Citron, The Globe and Mail

About MENAKA THAKKAR DANCE COMPANY For over 30 years, the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company has been a unique treasure in Canada’s dance world. Canada’s oldest Indian dance company exposes audiences to the stunning beauty of traditional Indian dance while remaining open to other dance cultures in the creation of new works. The company uses the language of many dance styles to reinterpret ancient

DANCE

Menaka Thakkar Dance Company

themes and introduce contemporary concepts. Led by artistic director, multiple award-winning Menaka Thakkar, it has earned a reputation for artistic excellence, presenting choreographies that are visually spectacular and infused with drama. (Live streaming options are now available. Contact the company directly for more information.)

1 GRADES

K-8

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 870 + HST

AVAILABILITY

April 1 to May 31, 2015

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

DANCE

Motus O Dance Theatre 1

Petrouchka

Kinetic Motion WORKSHOP

Students are guided through exercises that teach “contact improvisation”, a partnering technique practicing mutual support between two or more bodies. This exciting workshop utilizing leverage, balance, and cooperation encourages innovative expression.

Watch www.youtube.com/user/prologueadmin.

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THEMES: • Storytelling through dance Character education: • Responsibility, kindness and caring, empathy, perseverance

The Little Match Girl Revisited

Motus O reinvents Christian Andersen’s Little Match Girl, combining Western and Asian influences with umbrella, fan, ribbon dances and the original classical score by An-Lun Huang. Set in the era just after the Chinese Cultural Revolution, the show includes life-size puppet partnering, shadow puppetry, juggling, hoops and clever use of ladders!

curriculum focus

This is the classical story of a Wizard and three marionettes, the handsome but cruel Strongman, the beautiful Ballerina and the unlikely hero Petrouchka, performed to the music by Igor Stravinsky. Join the small and awkward Petrouchka as he tries to impress the ballerina, outwits the Strongman, tames a bear, dances with a feather, juggles bowling balls, goes fishing and, in a spectacular finale, saves the Ballerina’s life. returning

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About MOTUS O DANCE THEATRE It is strange to think how an American gymnast, an Australian sheep shearer and a Canadian figure skater could have their paths meet and eventually become co-artistic directors of a dance theatre company in Canada. Yet, as it turns out, that diversity has become the essence of MOTUS O. Cynthia Croker, James Croker and Jack Langenhuizen have been trained in several artistic disciplines with decades of performing experience. Since its formation in 1990, the company has created full-length productions for family and adult audiences with equal success. The troupe continues to tour nationally and internationally (and locally) with an innovative physical dance style which portrays the human experience through humour and pathos.

“It was wonderful seeing a number of our students completely mesmerized by the performance.” – Teacher, Scarborough

GRADES AUDIENCE MAX.

1-6

2-12

300

PRICE

$ 720 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

$ 360 + HST

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DANCE

National Ballet of Canada

curriculum focus THEMES: • Rhythm and movement • Symbolism in dance • Career choices • Introduction to elements of ballet Character education: • Teamwork, perseverance, responsibility Photo by Bruce Zinger

Dance About

Pointe shoes, makeup, mime and exquisite costumes make Dance About a performance not to be missed. The magical world of classical ballet is demystified right before your eyes as your gymnasium becomes the setting for a special ballet performance. Four dancers, a piano accompanist, a narrator and a behind-the-scenes crew highlight the beauty and expression of ballet through a selection of dances straight from The National Ballet of Canada’s repertoire. Sponsored by

About NATIONAL BALLET OF CANADA With more than 65 dancers and its own orchestra, the National Ballet of Canada is one of the world’s top international dance companies. It was established in 1951 and is still the only Canadian company to present a full range of traditional full-length classics as well as embracing contemporary works and Canadian choreographers. Part of its dedication to making ballet accessible to people of all ages, the company has developed wonderful school programs and created a Virtual Museum under the Interact section of its website www.national.ballet.ca.

“Every person involved with the show, from the stage manager, pianist, presenter, and especially the dancers, were exceptional!” – Teacher, Toronto

1 GRADES

1-6

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 720 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Feb. 2-3-5-6-9-10, 2015

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

DANCE

NEW

Stand Up Dance 1

The Love Project

Full cast: A. Spaziani, I. Chow, J.A. McKinney, C. Birch, A. Hartley

The Love Project SHOW/WORKSHOP

Following a school performance of The Love Project for a maximum audience of 350, cast members will teach up to 30 participants some of the amazing lifts, falls and partnering choreography from the show. The workshop includes a physical warm up, teaching the skills to perform the lifts and falls before trying them out with partners. Learning partnered choreography builds focus, coordination, trust and timing. The company can offer up to three workshops simultaneously. NEW

curriculum focus

The Love Project is a physical, daring, funny and poignant dance performance which explores elements of healthy relationships. Award-winning choreographer Meagan O’Shea initiated the project through conversations with teenagers on what they perceive is required for healthy relationships. Respect, communication and empowered choicemaking are represented in sections like Chemistry, Taking Risks & Building Trust, Compassion and Forgiveness. The cast of five dancers plays fluid roles throughout the sections in an ever changing configuration of couples to represent multiple possibilities. The Q&A session invites students to talk about relationships and what they saw represented on stage. NEW

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About STAND UP DANCE Stand Up Dance is a new innovative ensemble created by artistic director Meagan O’Shea for emerging professional performers. As the first graduate of the School of Dance in modern dance, Meagan has been creating work since 1996. She has also trained in theatre, clown, and many forms of improvisation. Her work has been presented across Canada, in New York City and in Europe.

See our full roster of 52 artists on www.prologue.org.

THEMES: • Highlighting elements of dance: partner work, lifts, jumps, etc. • Breaking down stereotypes of who does what in dance • Combining dance and narrative to express meaning in dance Character education: • Cooperation, breaking stereotypes

“A red hot talent.” – Ottawa Express 1

GRADES

7-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

30 $ 1,260 + HST

(1 show + 1 workshop)

PRICE

$ 960 + HST

$ 1,500 + HST

(1 show + 2 workshops)

$ 1,740 + HST

(1 show + 3 workshops)

AVAILABILITY

March 30 to April 14, 2015 May 4-22, 2015

Visions of Turtle Island

“The teachers in my Board are overjoyed when Tribal Vision is able to visit their school.” – Shawn McDonald, Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic DSB

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THEMES: • Stories from First Nations cultures • Styles of cultural dances • Respect and responsibility for the natural world • Meaning and symbolism in First Nations dance and regalia Character education: • Respect for elders, animals and nature, compassion, thankfulness

Visions of Turtle Island – Song & Dance WORKSHOP

This high energy workshop is broken into two parts. Students will first learn the essentials of First Nations music and be taught a simple song. They will then be introduced to First Nations dancing, including how and why people dance, and they will pick up basic steps and moves. Throughout the workshop, participants will get to play teambuilding games to reinforce what they have learned.

curriculum focus

Stereotypes are met head on in this high energy dancing and singing performance offering an engaging look at First Nations culture, complete with multimedia. In addition to the live singing and dancing, Visions of Turtle Island includes video and image presentations to help explain the dances and to illustrate the cultural experience of First Nations people in Canada. The message of interconnectedness is embodied in the finale with a demonstration of the traditional Hoop Dance.

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DANCE

Tribal Vision Dance

GRADES

K-12

1-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

500

About TRIBAL VISION DANCE Tribal Vision Dance is a family dance troupe from the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. The company is comprised of champion singers and dancers with a wealth of knowledge to share with young audiences and families, and a desire to build deeper understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture.

$ 900 + HST

(1 show)

PRICE

$ 900 + HST

$ 1,260 + HST

(2 workshops)

(1 show + 1 workshop)

$ 1,560 + HST (1 show + 2 workshops) $ 1,740 + HST

$ 1,260 + HST (3 workshops)

(1 show + 3 workshops)

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

MUSIC & OPERA

NEW

Boris Sichon 1

The Musical Adventures of Marco Polo

int

curriculum focus THEMES: • Exploring culture through music and storytelling • Roots of musical instruments and styles

“Prepare your sails my crew!” says Boris Sichon as he impersonates Marco Polo talking to his crew of 30 wild characters from 30 nations, with 30 accents giving colours and tones to their voices. “Passionate voices, sweet voices, powerful languages, tender dialects” marvels Marco Polo. The explorer and his exotic sailors are on their way to great adventures which come to life through music. Students will hear the sound of the ship, and the sound of the Chinese gong as it approaches the coast. And that’s just the beginning... NEW

“Sichon is the quintessential artist... He is magnetic. His enthusiasm for the moment is contagious.” – Janos Mate, The Western Jewish Bulletin

Bones and Spoons WORKSHOP

People used to play musical bones (made out of cow rib bones) 4,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt but a Celtic origin is often attributed to this instrument. Spoons are still very popular in Quebec, Russia, England, Ireland and South America. In this workshop, Boris Sichon teaches the students how to handle these very user-friendly instruments to play different musical genres and leads them through fun-filled jam sessions. NEW

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About BORIS SICHON After graduating from St. Petersburg Academy of Music and working with well known Russian conductors, Boris Sichon embarked on the journey of stage musician, actor, dancer and singer for over 10 years. He had the opportunity to visit and perform in 25 countries on five continents, assembling a collection of over 200 rare and unique traditional musical instruments along the way, which he learned to play with native musicians.

GRADES

K-8

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

PRICE

$ 720 + HST

$ 300 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

LIKE us on Facebook to support arts education in the schools at www.facebook.com/PrologueToThePerformingArts!

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An A Cappella History Through the Voice

Cadence Master WORKSHOP

Cadence can custom-design a workshop for your choir or classroom of up to 60, or work with them to bring their repertoire to the next level. Typical workshops can draw from the following subjects: Warm-up Exercises, Tricks, Tips and Techniques, Vocal Percussion, The Art of Noise-Making, Vocal group Improvisation, Rounds, Rhythms and Circle Songs, and Musical History of Vocal Jazz: The A cappella Evolution.

THEMES: • Celebration of the voice

“I recommend this performance to everyone in the galaxy... Watch this brilliant performance!” – Grade 5 student, Mississauga

Four Men, Four Mics, No Instruments

Cadence’s singers amaze audiences with their ability to create a full range of instrumental and vocal sounds using only their voices. They illustrates how the voice is the most versatile of all instruments. Tight harmonies and instrumental imitation, with a splash of choreography and the soul of stand-up comics, combine in a high-spirited show for all ages.

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curriculum focus

Take a trip through time with Cadence as its four members survey over 100 years of vocal music in 50 minutes! They will cover such material as Gregorian Chant, Classical, Choral, Jazz, Doo-Wop, Rock, Blues and more, incorporating mind blowing instrument imitation. Expect high energy antics and fun audience participation.

MUSIC & OPERA

Cadence

“Energetic, entertaining, educational and effervescent! This talented group embodies the four Es. We thoroughly endorse them!” – Teacher, Toronto 1

About CADENCE This quintessential quartet has been entertaining audiences worldwide for over a decade with its innovative jazz arrangements, genre-hopping covers and eclectic originals. The company has played to sold-out concert halls, toured jazz festivals, and has been featured on television and syndicated radio stations all over the world. Their three-time JUNO-nominated albums have been met with wide critical acclaim.

GRADES

K-12

4-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

$ 780 + HST (1 show)

$ 1,260 + HST PRICE

(1 show + 1 workshop)

$ 780 + HST

$ 1,740 + HST

(1 show + 2 workshops)

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

MUSIC & OPERA

Canadian Opera Company

GLENCORE ENSEMBLE STUDIO SCHOOL TOUR 1

The Scorpions’ Sting: An Egyptian Myth

curriculum focus

Photo by Karen Reeves: Jacqueline Woodley as Isis

Scorpion puppets, mystical instruments, and magical hieroglyphs lead teachers and students on a time travelling journey to Ancient Egypt. The opera follows three students and their university professor on a quest to find the Lost Temple of Isis. Along the way, they learn about gods and goddesses of Ancient Egypt including Isis, Osiris, Set and Nephthys. When disaster strikes, the scorpions and Isis’ ancient wisdom (along with some audience participation), save the day and restore order in this mythological world! This one-act opera by composer Dean Burry is sung in English. RETURNING

The Bremen Town Musicians

Based on a tale by The Brothers Grimm, a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster set out on a journey to find freedom and start a new life after being mistreated by their owners. On the way, they learn about forgiveness, friendship, respect, self-confidence, and find a new home in an unexpected place. You may even see and hear some familiar characters and melodies from the COC’s popular The Brothers Grimm! This one-act opera by Canadian composer Dean Burry is sung in English. NEW

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THEMES: • Folktales and fairytales as life lessons • Introduction to opera voices (soprano, tenor, etc.) • How the singing voice expresses emotions • Investigating early civilizations Character education: • Teamwork, forgiveness, co-operation, hard work, respect, courage

“Now I love opera because of that performance. Thank you!” – Student

About THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY For over 30 years, the COC’s Ensemble Studio School Tour has inspired and delighted students all across Ontario with one-act operas adapted or created specifically for young audiences. The Glencore Ensemble Studio School Tour operas are performed in full costume with sets, props and piano accompaniment. The Canadian Opera Company is a registered not-for-profit organization.

Visit our blog at www.PrologueToThePerformingArts.blogspot.ca.

GRADES

K-8

K-6

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 925 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Nov. 3-30, 2014

The Celtic Rathskallions

THEMES: • Exploring culture through music and storytelling • Roots of musical instruments and styles

“You brought to life musical concepts that are difficult to teach to our students without the expertise displayed on stage.”

Celtic SHOW/WORKSHOPS

Following The Celtic Rathskallions show to 350 students, the Celtic Rathskallions will complement the performance with a Celtic workshop. You can opt for the Tin Whistle Playing Workshop (where a group of up to 30 participants will be taught the basics of tin whistle playing including finger positions, breath control and reading music notation for a few easy tunes) or choose the Step-Dancing Workshop (where a group of up to 60 will learn some basic steps for step-dancing a reel). By the end of this session, they will be able to perform a short dance to music accompaniment.

curriculum focus

This interactive and entertaining presentation offers Celtic songs and tunes performed on a wide variety of musical instruments: Celtic harp, tin whistle, bodhrán, bagpipes, autoharp, guitar, banjo, oboe, English horn and many more. The show also includes Ontario-style step-dancing and an original Celtic story dramatized and set to music.

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MUSIC & OPERA

Celtic Rathskallions

– Bruce Nienkirchen, principal, Eganville & District Public School

About CELTIC RATHSKALLIONS The Celtic Rathskallions are versatile musicians whose goal is to bring Celtic-rooted music, song, step-dancing, drama, stories and culture to audiences of all ages. Founding member Wendy Moore is the author of two storybooks, Maddie’s Moon and its sequel A Tune for Maddie, and an instructional book with CD, Maddie’s Beginner Whistle Method. The Celtic Rathskallions have a special focus on working with schools and within communities, and have earned kudos for their concerts, workshops and collaborations. They have been performing over 100 shows a year for the past 15 years. Wendy and Arthur McGregor tour extensively, nationally and internationally, and their lively education and family shows, always delivered with humour, are extremely well received.

GRADES

K-6

4-6

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

30 $ 1,080 + HST

(1 show + 1 workshop)

PRICE

$ 720 + HST

$ 1,410 + HST

(1 show + 2 workshops)

$ 1,710 + HST

(1 show + 3 workshops)

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

MUSIC & OPERA

Chris McKhool 1

Earth, Seas and Air

THEMES: • Celebrating diversity through music, respect for environment/life systems • Introduction to folk instruments

Celebrate! Holidays of the Global Village

Character education: • Caring, leadership, responsibility, respect, teamwork

Celebrate the diverse multicultural mosaic of Canada with Chris McKhool! Songs about Bodhi Day, Chanukah, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, Kwanzaa, Native Traditions, Ramadan and Winter Solstice become a vibrant window into many cultures. A workshop for teachers where Chris explores ways to teach diversity in the elementary school classroom is also available for $400 + HST. It includes activities and songs from Celebrate!, and no musical experience is required.

Fiddlefire!

Chris McKhool introduces students to several musical styles: jazz, blues, flamenco, Gypsy-jazz, classical, East Coast fiddling and more. Students scat-sing, become a rhythm section and join the band to play rare percussion instruments from around the world. (All performances include a FREE CD.)

Explore www.pinterest.com/PrologueArts.

curriculum focus

With original songs, EcoSchools champion Chris McKhool takes students beyond the three Rs of ecology to a new level of understanding our global connection to forests, air, water and animals.

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“I was impressed by his musical virtuosity and personal appeal… His songs succeed!” – Ernie Coombs (Mr. Dressup) 1

About CHRIS McKHOOL JUNO Nominee and Canadian Folk Music Award Winner Chris McKhool is hailed as “Canada’s greatest eco-troubadour for young people”. He has been delighting audiences with infectious songs and exotic world instruments for two decades, reaching one million children! All of Chris’ shows feature original songs from his appearances on Mr. Dressup, YTV’s Treehouse, TVOntario and CBC.

GRADES

K-6

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE $

AVAILABILITY

495 + HST

$ 595 + HST (Duo)

$ 720 + HST

Limited year-round

(Trio)

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Cozy Music

Cozy Music is a fun-filled, interactive music performance for young children which entertains as well as educates. Cosima Grunsky accompanies herself with the guitar, hand drum, dulcimer and a variety of other instruments from around the world. Her program is a mixture of traditional and original songs with engaging melodies which help children to explore many different moods, and to celebrate life and the joy of making music. RETURNING

About COSIMA GRUNSKY Cosima Grunsky is a singer, songwriter, artist, mother of two little boys and yes, she’s the daughter of Prologue’s own Jack Grunsky (see p. 36). She’s been singing and performing to live audiences with her dad since she was eight years old. Some of her career highlights include singing the national anthem at a Blue Jays game, opening for Jim Cuddy in concert, TV appearances on Mr. Dressup and the Toronto Sick Children’s Telethon. Cosima has produced seven albums, including four CDs for young audiences which have touched children of all ages.

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curriculum focus THEMES: • Singing together • Songs for learning and self-discovery • Composing music and lyrics

MUSIC & OPERA

Cosima Grunsky

ing

Character education: • Tolerance, peace, understanding, loyalty

“Simply beautiful in every sense of the word – gorgeous vocals, Cosima!” – Ruth Judd, Teacher, Kingston

1 GRADES

K-3

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 540 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Year-round

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

MUSIC & OPERA

NEW

Fana Soro 1

Yamo! Yamo! Greetings from West Africa!

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THEMES: • The music of West Africa • Drums and percussion instruments of West Africa

Photo by Josh Nychuk

West African Drumming and Dance WORKSHOP

This workshop offers a flexible structure which can be tailored to your needs. It can be all dance, all music, or a combination of the two to give your students a taste of everything. As a master percussionist, Fana will introduce traditional playing techniques of the djembé, West Africa’s most popular drum, as well as other hand-held percussion instruments. He will share call and response in various languages native to northern Ivory Coast. As a former member of the National Ballet of Côte d’Ivoire, he will introduce students to choreography from traditional dances and share the cultural significance and joy of the movements. (A set of two workshops can be booked if you’re also buying a performance. Or you can book a full day of four workshops.) NEW

curriculum focus

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About FANA SORO Fana Soro is a musician, dancer and educator from Ivory Coast, where he was a member of the prestigious Ballet National de Côte d’Ivoire for nine years. He is now the creative director of Masabo and opened the Masabo Music and Dance Studio based in Vancouver. Fana spent six years touring with the Rikskonsertene (which is to Norway’s schools what Prologue is to Ontario’s). He also was the artist-in-residence at the International Museum for Children’s Art in Oslo. Since 1997, he has been a cultural ambassador for West Africa, bringing his vast experience of engaging students to hundreds of Canadian schools.

“Nous avons eu la chance d’inviter le groupe Masabo à l’école Stephen Leacock Public School à Kanata. Ils ont plu autant aux élèves qu’aux enseignants! SVP transmettez-leur nos remerciements. Leur spectacle est bien rodé et parfait pour des écoles d’immersion. Depuis leur venue, nos élèves gardent le sourire!” – Claire Sirois 1

GRADES

K-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

$ 660 + HST

(1 show)

PRICE $ 840 + HST (4 workshops) $ 1,080 + HST (1 show + 2 workshops)

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

Bil. & French

See p. 7

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From Handel to Hip-Hop

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curriculum focus

The originality of Infinitus lies in the fact that they are putting their violin, viola and cello (with a hint of vocal beatbox) to work to perform an eclectic repertoire including everything from Mozart masterpieces to TV-show theme songs. (Always popular with the students are various novelty pieces such as the theme from The Simpsons and Hockey Night in Canada.)

THEMES: • Components of musical composition • Imagery and mood in music • Appreciation of many musical genres

Students learn the subtleties of a canon as well as the differences and similarities in the movements of a theme and variations. With a repertoire ranging from a Scottish lament to the rhythmic complexities of hip-hop, the trio is able to tailor each performance to the age range of their audience. Their easy-going stage presence, extraordinary playing and audience participation ensure enthusiastic student engagement.

About INFINITUS

“….Infinitus was WAY beyond expectations. The way they related to the kids, their energy, their sense of humour, their music. One of the best performances we’ve ever seen in over 30 years…” – Teacher, Al Collison Elementary, Nelson, BC

Infinitus is a critically-acclaimed beatboxing string trio known for their unique sound and upbeat performance style. With a repertoire featuring classical standards and original jazz/hip-hop arrangements and compositions, the company formed in 2008 is quickly becoming one of North America’s premier chamber groups. Violist Anthony Cheung, cellist Alex Cheung (yes, they are twins) and violinist John “Adidam” Littlejohn are based in Vancouver. Collectively, the members hold degrees from the University of Michigan and the Peabody Conservatory and have won awards at the local, national, and international level. They have performed extensively throughout North America, presenting community performances, soloing with orchestras, and conducting master classes, workshops, and seminars. Infinitus is truly dedicated to quality outreach.

MUSIC & OPERA

Infinitus

“It’s amazing the musical concoctions these three award-winning musicians can cook up with just a violin, viola, cello and some vocalization.” – The Vancouver Sun

1 GRADES

K-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

PRICE

$ 870 + HST

AVAILABILITY

April 13-24, 2015

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

MUSIC & OPERA

Jack Grunsky 1

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Songs That Teach Peace

curriculum focus

The songs in this presentation teach peace and tolerance. They illustrate how performing a good deed is like dropping a pebble into a pond. The ripple effect spreads from person to person and out into one’s community, town, then around the whole world.

THEMES: • Singing together • Songs for learning and self-discovery • Composing music and lyrics

Walk Around the World

Character education: • Tolerance, peace, understanding, loyalty

Jack Grunsky believes in the power of music to nurture a sense of hope and respect for one another, one’s environment and the world. The song selection for this show touches a variety of global themes.

It’s Showtime! RESIDENCY

Enjoy an extended two-day visit with Jack. Prior to the residency, your school will receive a package of CD samplers, lyrics and activity guides. Eight participating classes will work in advance of Jack’s arrival on one individual song and activity. Jack will then rehearse with each class and further develop their song selection. The following day, Jack will act as a master of ceremonies for a school concert to be repeated for families and friends in the evening.

“A fabulous experience! The kids LOVED it, the parents LOVED it and so did all the teachers. Jack is great!”

Sing and Dance with Jack

Watch www.youtube.com/user/prologueadmin.

– Teacher, Oshawa

About JACK GRUNSKY Jack Grunsky celebrates over 25 years of music for children. His fifteen recordings have received all of the most prestigious awards in children’s media, including 4 JUNO Awards! With his family concerts, Prologue school presentations, symphony shows and early Childhood Education teacher workshops, he has toured extensively across Canada and the U.S. The artist is known for drawing on a variety of musical genres and integrating sounds and rhythms from his colourful palette of global musical instruments.

GRADES

K-6

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

SW K-6 240

(8 classrooms)

PRICE

$ 600 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

BilINGUAL

See p. 8

$ 1,200 + HST

Funny Bamboo Music

The two musicians effortlessly create a truly accessible show with their charming humour and contagious love for their culture.

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curriculum focus

Your students will leave this performance marveling at how inventive Vietnamese people were, over 4,000 years of history, at creating unique musical instruments out of bamboo. They’ll hear the haunting melodies of the dan bau, the one-string zither from Northern Vietnam, and other traditional Vietnamese instruments such as the k’longput and the ko ni (which uses the player’s mouth as a resonation chamber). They’ll also watch Chi perform a quirky song on his squeezing bamboo flutes (an invention of his own!) and they will see Bic and Chi compete on the long flute (an intriguing flute played by two persons). The gifted performers will present classical, folk and contemporary music of Vietnam and its mountain people but won’t shy away from offering their interactive version of the funny “chicken dance”.

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THEMES: • Celebration through music • Music and instruments of Vietnam • Creating new instruments

About KHAC CHI BAMBOO MUSIC Vancouver-based Khac Chi Bamboo Music is a funny and energetic Canadian-Vietnamese duo who won the hearts of audiences in 25 countries and over 1,000 schools across North America. Their rare talents and superb musicianship have won them numerous awards for excellence, as well as invitations to play at major festivals around the world. Chi Khac Ho is the world’s premiere virtuoso on the dan bau, as well as a composer and a music researcher. Bic Hoang is an exceptional vocalist, arranger and multi-instrumentalist. In 1988, she was the first woman to receive the First Prize for dan bau in the Vietnam Competition of Professional Instrumentalists. They have produced three CDs and both members have taught music at the University of British Columbia.

MUSIC & OPERA

Khac Chi Bamboo Music

“Within five minutes they won the hearts and total attention of 300 grade 7 students (believe me, hard to do) and the students were open-eyed the whole time.” – Music Teacher, Ottawa

1 GRADES

K-8

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 660 + HST

AVAILABILITY

May 2015

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

MUSIC & OPERA

Maderaz Latin Music 1

Fiesta and Carnival

Latin Rhythms WORKSHOPS

Maderaz Latin Music will introduce your students to Latin music with a choice of two workshops: Creating Rhythm Compositions WORKSHOP (where students and teachers will learn to create complex compositions which can then be used in school productions), and Latin Percussion WORKSHOP (where participants will learn how Latin rhythms are layered and played).

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THEMES: • Celebration through music • Appreciating diversity through music • Introduction to percussions

Feliz Navidad: A Holiday Celebration

Much like Canada, there are many types of celebrations and traditions throughout Latin America during the winter holidays. Music from Indigenous communities, African dance rhythms and European instruments combine beautifully to represent the spirit and feeling of Latin American holiday music.

curriculum focus

In this perennial favourite, the music of Carnivals and festivals from around the world is celebrated while emphasizing cultural connections. Over fifteen instruments from different countries are introduced in this highly interactive and energetic performance.

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“The staff and students thoroughly enjoyed the interactive atmosphere and vibrant music!” – Vice-Principal, Scarborough

About MADERAZ LATIN MUSIC Based in Toronto, Maderaz is dedicated to celebrating and keeping alive the rich musical heritage of Latin America, within the context of a multicultural Canada, while adding a seductive blend of urban overtones. Their repertoire includes the Afro-influenced rhythms from Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Brazil and Venezuela. Maderaz creates a distinct, vibrant, musical expression and a unique repertoire for its compositions and performances. The band has performed in festivals across Canada.

See our full roster of 52 artists on www.prologue.org.

GRADES

K-12

4-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

PRICE

$ 660 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Year-round

$ 360 + HST

Canada Needs You!

THEMES: • Canadian history through music • Music as a part of life • French and English culture in early Canada

“His performance is an excellent way to inspire interest and curiosity in this country’s geography and history.” – Coordinator of

Flames Across the Border

The 1812-1814 conflict comes alive in music and words with Mike’s original songs about epic events (the invasion of Little York, Great Lake ship battles), famous characters (Tecumseh, FitzGibbon), and unsung participants (settlers, couriers). Provoking boisterous audience interaction, sampling period marches and ballads, challenging myths, Flames Across the Border is a song-cycle show especially created for the War of 1812 Bicentennial.

Mike Ford Song WORKSHOP

Using games of improvisation, brainstorming, rhyme & rhythm and more, Mike leads students through rapid-fire stages of song creation (a basis for their own curriculum-focused musical pieces). The artist works with up to 30 students per one-hour workshop in a classroom with chalkboard (or similar device). He can coach the same group over two or three sessions for in-depth creation of group projects, or different groups throughout the day. NEW

curriculum focus

In this performance, Mike takes students on a break-neck tour through First Nations lore, explorers’ tales, the War of 1812, rebellions, Confederation, and finally skidding to a halt for a decade-by-decade examination of Canada’s explosive 20th Century. It includes new John A. Macdonald-themed material, in time for 2015 Bicentennial commemorations!

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MUSIC & OPERA

Mike Ford

Canadian and World Studies, Halton 1

About MIKE FORD Mike Ford is a bilingual JUNO-nominated solo artist who has released five acclaimed albums of Canadian history-inspired songs. Known to many for his former life as a rock performer, he has aptly been described by the Globe and Mail as being “rabble-rousing and Pythonesque”. Using thought-provoking original songs, personal anecdotes, humour, and an almost encyclopedic knowledge of Canadian History, Mike Ford has carved a niche for himself. His fast-paced curriculumfocused concerts, always adapted for audience levels, have succeeded in the challenging task of inspiring young people towards greater interest in Canada’s past and greater involvement in its present and future.

GRADES

4-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

$ 324 + HST

(1 show)

$ 324 + HST

$ 468 + HST

(1 workshop)

(2 shows)

$ 468 + HST

$ 624 + HST

PRICE

(2 workshops)

(3 shows)

$ 468 + HST

$ 624 + HST

(1 show + 1 workshop)

(3 workshops)

$ 624 + HST

(1 show + 2 workshops)

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

Bil. & French

See p. 8

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

MUSIC & OPERA

Sheesham and Lotus 1

Old Time Ways

Sheesham and Lotus take a remarkably un-Eurocentric approach to explain the roots of North American folk music. Jaw-harps from India and Vietnam, mbira from Zimbabwe, cow bones from Alberta, the duo plays them all with a joy and enthusiasm that is irresistible. As they follow the migration paths of the music and instruments in Old Time Ways, it becomes apparent that many North American instruments started out elsewhere. “The banjo comes from Africa!”, explains Lotus, while Sheesham shows how the sheng is a close cousin to the harmonica. Using audience participation and astonishing musicianship, they’ve created a hilarious yet thoughtful trip around the folk music world, which will leave many wanting to learn to play an instrument.

Old Time WORKSHOPS

Get to the heart of Old-time music and dance fun with a choice of four workshops to initiate your students: Square Dancing WORKSHOP (covering the basic moves for a high-energy square dance with calls, waltz, polka and two-step), Fiddle WORKSHOP (helps violinists understand bow rhythm, and a simple Old-time fiddle tune, and works for rhythm string sections), Harmonica WORKSHOP (teaches the basic technique for playing harmonica) and Flat Foot Clogging & Hambone WORKSHOP (teaches the basic steps to a dance style popular in the Appalachian Mountains, and the means to turning your body into a drum set).

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curriculum focus THEMES: • Roots of musical traditions and instruments • Music for fun and enjoyment • Body percussions

About SHEESHAM AND LOTUS Teilhard Frost, raised in Manitoulin Island, and Sam Allison from Toronto have toured in the U.S. and Canada for seven years before taking on the stage names of Sheesham Crow and Lotus Wight. As Sheesham and Lotus, they’ve played in every folk festival across Canada, keeping the traditional Old-time music and dance alive. (Old-time music is the main foundation of bluegrass and the music rural people played before the 1920s.) “Our music requires no uploads, downloads, computers or wires!” exclaims Sheesham from behind his fiddle, and Lotus couldn’t agree more (not that they’re against technology; they’ve released four CDs). Their commitment to the preservation of music and tradition of the past is indelible. At the core of their show is a repertoire based on their love of the American fiddle tune played with banjo and before long, an array of non-traditional instruments.

“It was like I stepped back into another time. What a great ride!” – Teacher, Hamilton

GRADES

K-12

3-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 660 + HST

$ 480 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

LIKE us on Facebook to support arts education in the schools at www.facebook.com/PrologueToThePerformingArts!

The Schoolyard Carmen

THEMES: • Opera: elements of story, music and storytelling • Use of singing voice to express emotions Character education: • Dealing with bullies through courage, respect, and perseverance • Co-operation, teamwork, honesty, integrity

“A thoroughly creative and funny introduction to opera. Students and adults enjoyed the performance!” – Teacher, Toronto

The Shoestring Magic Flute

curriculum focus

This performance is based on Bizet’s famous opera with the composer’s bewitching music and its infectious Flamenco rhythms. Students will instantly relate to the feisty little girl Carmen, a newcomer to the country struggling to fit in and to her classmate Tory Adair, the coolest kid in school. Carmen is not to be tamed and, of course, gets into a whole lot of trouble. Through her story, the audience looks at the immigrants in Canadian society, the child who’s different, the value of independence, and the saving properties of art. The Schoolyard Carmen is often hilarious, sometimes serious, and always jampacked with action and hummable melodies.

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MUSIC & OPERA

Shoestring Opera

GRADES

About SHOESTRING OPERA Shoestring Opera is four musical artists (one soprano, one baritone, one pianist and one cellist) bringing the glory and magic of opera to school children and families. Since 2004, the company has performed to sold-out audiences across Canada, successfully adapting classic operas in an exuberant, child-friendly format with an emphasis on storytelling and musical excellence.

1-6

K-6

AUDIENCE MAX. PRICE

300 $ 780 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Nov. 4-7, 2014 (Flute, ENG. only) Nov. 18-21, 2014 (Carmen, ENG./BIL.) Feb. 17-20, 2015 (Flute, ENG./BIL.) April 14-17, 2015 (all shows)

BilINGUAL

See p. 9

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

MUSIC & OPERA

Silk Road Music 1

China Speaks your Language

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THEMES: • Diverse cultures working together • The effect of combining different musical styles and traditions • Introduction to instruments of Asia

“I was so excited to have you in our school... Performers had such a command of their artistry and also the skills to entertain and engage an audience.” – Principal, North York

About SILK ROAD MUSIC

1 Shaanxi in China), the ensemble was joined by savvy guitarist André Thibault, a Montrealer with Acadian roots who provides much of the Western influence in the current incarnation of Silk Road. The company has earned a JUNO nomination, two West Coast Music Awards and two Canadian Folk Music Awards nominations. Most recently, the group has begun exploring Flamenco music.

GRADES

K-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

PRICE

$ 600 + HST

AVAILABILITY Bil. & French

curriculum focus

In a musical adventure which explores China and beyond, Silk Road Music joins the traditional Chinese pipa (lute) with world instruments such as Flamenco guitar, Indian flute, Middle Eastern Oud and percussion instruments in mesmerizing multicultural duets. The artists present traditional instrumental pieces, original compositions and Chinese folk songs performed in English, Mandarin and Spanish.

For over twenty years, Silk Road Music has been smashing stereotypes about Chinese music and taking Chinese instruments in new artistic directions. Its pioneering musical fusions have merged Chinese folk and classical music with Brazilian, Jazz, Celtic, Spanish, Arabic, Aboriginal and blues music. Founded by Qiu Xia He (a one-time music teacher and touring musician in her native

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Visit our blog at www.PrologueToThePerformingArts.blogspot.ca.

April 27 to May 15, 2015 See p. 9

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Around the World

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curriculum focus

In Around the World, Shawn Wyckoff (flute) and Maria Millar (violin) perform a rich blend of classical and world music with luxurious tone, technical mastery and superb musicianship. The flute and the violin are two of the most popular instruments worldwide, and the fondness for both can be felt in virtually every culture’s music. In this program of original compositions and arrangements, Soni Escape takes the students on a journey across borders, worlds and time with music from Germany, Ireland, Japan, China, the Czech Republic, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Uruguay, the U.S. and Canada. NEW

MUSIC & OPERA

Sonic Escape

THEMES: • Roots of diverse musical styles • Imagery and mood in music • Appreciation of musical genres

“That was one of the best musical experiences of my life! Can I give you a hug?” – Guy Jackson, audience member, Gravenhurst

Band and Orchestra Students SHOW/WORKSHOP

Following a performance for an audience of 350, the duo will offer a workshop for up to 50 band and orchestra students. The members of Sonic Escape have accumulated over 20 years of solo, chamber, band, orchestral and competition experience. They’re in a unique position to offer an invaluable workshop to help your students achieve greater confidence and mastery of their instruments.

About SONIC ESCAPE Sonic Escape is a flute-violin duo of Juilliard graduates (New York’s prestigious performing arts school) who believes in using every part of the performer (fingers, mind, voice and story) to reshape the live music experience. The virtuoso members have traveled the world in roles as diverse as soloing at Carnegie Hall, fiddle-dancing in Riverdance or playing rock clubs across New York City.

GRADES

K-12

4-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

PRICE

$ 720 + HST

$ 1,050 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

MUSIC & OPERA

Sultans of String 1

Sultans of String

Explore a World of Music SHOW/WORKSHOP

This combo includes a concert for the whole school, followed by a workshop for up to 30 participants, where Chris McKhool and Kevin Laliberté from Sultans of String break down some of the styles and melodies heard in their concert. Your music class, club, band or string program can explore different rhythms by trying out songs like Dark Eyes (Gypsyjazz), Lisboa (rumba flamenca) and El-Kahira (Arabic rhythms). Students will also learn to use scales as a launching point for guided improvisation. Harmonic minor, blues and Arabic scales will then become a window into new worlds of music. (All performances include a FREE CD.)

Explore www.pinterest.com/PrologueArts.

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curriculum focus

“Canada is a real meeting place of musical influences from around the world”, says Sultans of String violinist Chris McKhool. His passion for exploring rhythms and melodies has led him to the far corners of the world, collecting instruments and styles everywhere he went. “We tell uniquely Canadian stories while putting forth our vision of the world as one family.” In this spirit, the musicians of Sultans of String thrill their audiences with their global sonic tapestry celebrating musical fusion and human creativity with warmth and virtuosity.

THEMES: • Celebrating diversity through music • Fusion of musical styles

About SULTANS OF STRING JUNO Award Nominees and Canadian Folk Music Awards Winners, Sultans of String have been called “the very epitome of world music: no boundaries, no rules”. Individually, they’ve performed with internationally acclaimed artists such as Jesse Cook, Pavlo, The Chieftains and Chantal Kreviazuk. Together, they combine Spanish flamenco, Arabic folk, East Coast Celtic, Cuban rhythms and Gypsy-jazz. They have played for BBC Television, Irish National Radio and SiriusXM in Washington. They recently entertained a sold-out audience at Koerner Hall, accompanied by a full symphony orchestra. From CBC’s Canada Live to Birdland Jazz Club in NYC, to Roy Thompson Hall with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, they’ve done it all!

“The Sultans are terrific players who bring a real enthusiasm to the music. Their infectious energy has made them a hit on the festival circuit… It’s a really classy, dynamic mix of cultures and styles!” – The Ottawa Citizen

GRADES

4-12

9-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

PRICE

$ 720 + HST

$ 1,200 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

The Energy of Percussion

This combination includes one of the two performances for an audience of 350, complemented with a workshop for 30 participants. In a typical TorQ workshop which focuses on ensemble playing and creative music making, everyone in attendance leaves feeling a sense of accomplishment.

“What an amazing show! You are so talented and so much fun to watch. I have never seen our students react so positively to a concert here before. Your standing ovation was definitely deserved.”

This performance is an exploration of how music can be made anytime, anyplace, with everything. Known for their incredible energy and stage presence, the four master percussionists of TorQ take seemingly ordinary, everyday objects (kitchen utensils, wooden planks, old car parts, even keys in their pockets!) and transform them into an orchestra of musical instruments. With a focus on improvisation and audience participation, they encourage students to explore a world of sounds without limits.

Percussion SHOW/WORKSHOP

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THEMES: • Introduction to percussion instruments • The joy of making music together

Everything AND the Kitchen Sink!

curriculum focus

Featuring an array of musical styles and instruments to engage students, this performance includes an impressive five octave marimba, drums from around the world and even household garbage cans. TorQ uses its signature blend of energy and humour to demonstrate the diversity of percussion.

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MUSIC & OPERA

TorQ Percussion Quartet

– Head of Music and Dance, Mayfield Secondary School for the Arts, Caledon

About TORQ PERCUSSION QUARTET TorQ Percussion Quartet was formed by four Canadian percussionists looking to bring new energy to the stage and a passion for sound. They have performed to critical acclaim and standing ovations across Canada, USA, and Europe.

GRADES

K-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

350

PRICE

$ 900 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

416.591.9092

$ 1,380 + HST

1.888.591.9092

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MUSICal theatre

ARSENAL À MUSIQUE

curriculum focus THEMES: • Demonstrating the power of music to create mood and represent characters • Combining movement, circus acts, music and puppetry to demonstrate the magic of theatre • Creating characters from everyday objects

Carnival of the Animals

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About ARSENAL À MUSIQUE Arsenal à Musique has made it its mission to introduce concert music to a broad audience, and especially to young people, through bold and innovative interventions and concerts, as well as through the development of strategies for introducing the arts to school groups. Its productions combine music, circus, theatre, multi media and special effects in an innovative and ground-breaking manner. Since 1978, the company has created over 25 original productions and has presented more than 15,000 performances to over three million viewers in Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia.

“The presentation was superb! What a privilege it is to have such high quality performances for children, introducing them to elements and beauty in arts.” – Teacher, Unionville 1 GRADES

K-4

AUDIENCE MAX.

250

PRICE

$ 990 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

Bil. & French

See p. 10

Prim

Pinocchio and Me

curriculum focus THEMES: • Bringing the classics to life • Exploring familiar fairytales

With a delightful narrative, endearing props pulled from a mysterious suitcase by Pier Rodier, and evocative live musical accompaniment by PierreLuc Clément, Cie Vox Théâtre enchants young audiences with its modern day rendition of the classic tale of the wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy. Like its classic counterparts, Pinocchio and Me explores childhood fears, selfdiscovery, and the choices that we all face.

“Pinocchio dans ma valise a soulevé l’enthousiasme des enfants dans les neuf écoles élémentaires catholiques d’Ottawa. La pièce a séduit les garçons tout autant que les filles, à la plus grande joie des enseignants. Les élèves ont adoré et l’ont démontré de manière convaincante en restant attentifs du début à la fin, de même que par leurs applaudissements nourris.” Photo by Phil Genest

About CIE VOX THÉÂTRE In almost 35 years, Cie Vox Théâtre has created over 45 shows for audiences of all ages but the company is primarily dedicated to the creation and touring of quality musical theatre for young audiences. The

MUSICal theatre

Cie Vox Théâtre

numerous artistic influences which have nourished the creativity of its members over the years infuse their works with the performing arts of voice, mask, music and puppetry, with a taste for ecological art.

– Marie Martin-Hubbard, Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est 1 GRADES

K-2

AUDIENCE MAX.

225

PRICE

$ 720 + HST

AVAILABILITY

March 9-27, 2015

French

See p. 10

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

MUSICal theatre

NEW

firebrand ThEAtre 1

Beneath Springhill: The Maurice Ruddick Story

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curriculum focus THEMES: • Black History in Canada • Canadian heroes and heroines • Creating and presenting one-person show • Using voice and body language to change character

This one-man show is an original musical created and performed by Firebrand Theatre’s artistic director, Beau Dixon, with lyrics and music by Rob Fortin and Susan Newman. It chronicles the story of African Canadian Maurice Ruddick, who was trapped for nine days along with seven other miners during the mining disaster which took place in Springhill, Nova Scotia. (On October 23, 1958, a small earthquake collapsed the No. 2 shaft of Cumberland mines, trapping 174 men 3,900 metres underground and killing 74.) This true story deeply touched the playwright, not only for the bravery and courage Maurice instilled in his fellow miners, but because he was an accomplished musician who used music as a source of strength and hope. NEW

Character education: • Leadership, integrity, empathy, courage, perseverance

“He was absolutely AMAZING! All of his performances have been fantastic. This one just highlighted his strengths as an actor and a playwright. If there is some type of award I could nominate him for, I will.” – Louise, Ontario elementary school teacher 1

About FIREBRAND THEATRE Firebrand Theatre is committed to giving life to Canadian stories written by Canadian playwrights. Beau Dixon, its artistic director and co-founder, is an acclaimed singer-songwriter with three solo CDs to his name.

Watch www.youtube.com/user/prologueadmin.

Over 4,000 people have seen one or more of the seven plays he has created and produced to this day. He has just finished an exciting position as apprentice music director with Obsidian Theatre (Toronto) and Shaw Festival (Niagara On The Lake).

GRADES

4-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 780 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

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School Bound

THEMES: • Storytelling through puppetry • Introducing the magic of theatre as a place where anything can happen • Creating characters from everyday objects

“A charming delightful little gem of a show!” – Teacher, Newmarket

School Bound SHOW/WORKSHOP

Following a School Bound performance to up to 75 students, Breadbox Theatre will give a hands-on workshop to the whole group to teach them how to create their own puppets, using wooden spoons and wool. Returning

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curriculum focus

Gofo, an overworked kitchen helper, has just finished her lunch and is about to toss her garbage onto the ground when she notices she is being watched...by an audience. Caught in the act, she looks for somewhere to dispose of the wrappers and sets her sight on an old breadbox. She pulls down the lid and discovers a magical world inside: a blue sky and white clouds above, a house and a school at each end. Breadbox Theatre is sure to inspire children to harness their creative powers to tell stories in new ways. In this world, not only does an egg yolk become a rising sun and our hero is a yam, this imaginative show is performed in gibberish (nonsensical words such as poofo, sizzlo and poshi). Irresistible. Returning

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breadbox TheatRE

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About BREADBOX THEATRE Breadbox Theatre was launched in 2005 by playwright Emil Sher to introduce younger audiences to the wonders of theatre on a small scale. How small? The entire world of School Bound fits into a breadbox. Emil Sher’s works for children range from playful poems in the magazine Chirp to episodes of TVO’s Polka Dot Shorts and the acclaimed adaptation of Hana’s Suitcase for Young People’s Theatre.

GRADES

K-3

AUDIENCE MAX.

$ 335 + HST (2 shows)

PRICE

$ 510 + HST (3 shows)

$ 600 + HST (4 shows)

AVAILABILITY

$ 335 + HST (1 show + 1 workshop) $ 600 + HST (2 shows + 2 workshops)

April 7-17, 2015 April 27 to May 1, 2015

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

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PUPPETRY

Puppetmongers Theatre 1

Foolish Tales for Foolish Times

THEMES: • Folktales • Fables as life lessons • The arts forms involved in Puppetry Character education: • Humility, self-esteem, learning from mistakes

“The Powells are story-tellers of boundless imagination.”

Puppetry WORKSHOPS

Puppetry takes so many forms. With either Ann or David Powell of Puppetmongers Theatre, your students can explore one of three puppetry workshops tailored to your teaching needs: 2D Paper Rod Puppetry (Primary), Shadow Puppetry (Junior) and Marotte Rod Puppets (Grades 3 and up, with additional cost of $30 for material). They are available in half-day or full-day sessions (counting as two workshops). A full-day workshop will allow for planning and performing of stories created by the students. NEW

curriculum focus

Four foolish tales, full of venerable folk wisdom from around the world, are retold in a celebration of our shared humanity. Presented in a deceptively simple, low tech style that belies the extraordinary artistry of the Puppetmongers, each story is told with a different style of puppetry, from human-sized to hand puppet, table-top to kitchenware. This is a richly imaginative production that kindles creativity, inspires role play and encourages thinking outside the box. NEW

Prim

– Stage Door, Toronto

About PUPPETMONGERS THEATRE Puppetmongers is one of Canada’s leading English language puppet theatre companies, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Over the years, it has developed a reputation for telling evocative and meaningful stories in exciting theatrical ways, and putting puppetry into theatres. The multiple awardwinning company has toured across Canada, the U.S., Europe and Asia. They’ve collaborated on many theatre and film projects (including the whimsical film Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, featuring Dustin Hoffman and Nathalie Portman).

See our full roster of 52 artists on www.prologue.org.

GRADES

1-6

AUDIENCE MAX.

250

PRICE AVAILABILITY

(1 show)

$ 690 + HST

$ 360 + HST (1 workshop)

$ 1,230 + HST (1 show + 2 workshops)

$ 600 + HST (2 workshops)

Nov. 10-21, 2014 April 13-24, 2015

Plastic

Prim

PUPPETRY

Puzzle ThÉÂtre

curriculum focus THEMES: • Storytelling through puppetry • Introducing the magic of theatre as a place where anything can happen • Creating characters from everyday objects

“Puppetry with a large bag of tricks!” – Nathalie Prézeau, member of Prologue Programming Committee

About PUZZLE THÉÂTRE Founded in 1996 in Bulgaria, Puzzle Théâtre settled in Montréal in 2004. The company distinguishes itself with a unique style combining various types of traditional and contemporary theatre, object theatre and puppet theatre. Puzzle Théâtre’s silent creations are characterized by an artistic choice to leave room for the audience to interpret the unmentioned and to freely associate ideas, nourishing their own imagination.

GRADES

K-6

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 930 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

Bil. & French

See p. 11

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

PUPPETRY

RAG & BONE PUPPET THEATRE 1

Prim

The Last Polar Bears

curriculum focus

You and your students will be captivated by this eccentric, moving and very funny story of a Grandfather’s unlikely trip to the Arctic with Roo, his opinionated dog. It features live music and puppets, twenty knitted penguins and, of course, a talking dog. The production includes an intricate scale model of the St. Roch (explorer Henry Larson’s ship used during his famous Arctic expedition), as well as gorgeous footage of Arctic landscapes, northern lights and adorable animals in the wild. NEW

THEMES: • Storytelling through puppetry and music, using classical stories as source for drama • Stories from Canada’s North • Life lessons from Folk and Fairy Tales Character education: • Integrity, empathy, kindness and caring

“Loved the archival footage that was used and the music chosen to go with it. So well done & very creative!! I can just imagine all the knitting of penguins!” – Comment on their website

About RAG & BONE PUPPET THEATRE

Photo by John Nolan

This company has toured across Canada and the U.S. since 1978. Founders John Nolan and Kathy MacLellan are joined by musician Ainsley McNeaney in productions of exceptional creativity and value for young audiences. Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre believes in simple, aesthetically beautiful effects that encourage imagination and new ways of looking at things.

GRADES

1-6

AUDIENCE MAX.

200

PRICE

$ 720 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Nov. 3-7, 2014 April 7-10, 2015

LIKE us on Facebook to support arts education in the schools at www.facebook.com/PrologueToThePerformingArts!

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The Mouse, the Ant and the Antelopes

Character Building SHOW/WORKSHOPS

Following one of her performances for up to 100 students, Emerita offers a workshop to the whole group. With the use of drama techniques, movement, music and improvisation, students learn to become aware of respect following The Mouse. Justina’s workshop deals with the rights of a child. NEW

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THEMES: • Folktales and fables as life lessons • Characteristics of folktales from various cultures Character education: • Humility, sharing, respect for our past, courage, self-confidence

Save Yourself Justina

Emerita revisits the tale of Cinderella, set in modern Aruba. Justina’s life suddenly changes for the worse when her father disappears. Her mean stepmother takes her out of school to look after her half-sisters, and badly mistreats her. The local shop keeper hands her a book about a girl with a similar life. Justina knows no prince who could come and save her, but maybe she can save herself? With songs and audience participation, Emerita explores how the heroin can overcome this difficult time. NEW

curriculum focus

Chabelita (a cute hand-puppet) is still shivering from a scary encounter with a mouse. Her auntie (Emerita) tells her own version of The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse to calm her. She continues with the story of The Ant and the Butterfly, followed by a tale of African antelopes. This performance with audience participation brings forward the message about being humble, and the importance of sharing and respect for what was here before us. NEW

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About EMERITA EMERENCIA Emerita Emerencia is a multilingual artist originally trained as a teacher in Aruba. In 1984, she had a lead role in A Caribbean Midsummer Night’s Dream, which won a Dora Award. She’s been a dance instructor at University of Toronto, has worked on school projects as a choreographer with the National Ballet of Canada, and as a librettist with the Canadian Opera Company. Self-described as “an Aruban by nature and a Canadian by nurture”, Emerita works with Fundacion Muchila Creativo and as an artist in education in Aruba, when she’s not touring in Canada with Prologue.

Storytelling & Spoken Word

Emerita Emerencia

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“She’s a great entertainer and a fine musician.” – Teacher, London

GRADES AUDIENCE MAX.

K-4

7-12

SW Same as show

100

$ 300 + HST (1 show)

PRICE

$ 468 + HST (2 shows)

$ 624 + HST

$ 624 + HST (3 shows)

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

Storytelling & Spoken Word

Greg Frankson 1

Page, Stage and Wordplay

THEMES: • Storytelling through music, poetry and rap • Inspiring others to positively change the world Character education: • Honesty, integrity, empathy, kindness and caring

“Greg showed the boys that their writing

Stupendous Creative WORKSHOP

Using fun, interactive exercises, Greg will inspire the participants to create their own original work, following themes or exploring personal development. This workshop can fit alongside social awareness calendar events such as: Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 5-11), Abolition of Slavery Day (Dec. 2) and Black History Month (February).

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curriculum focus

Greg Frankson, a.k.a. Ritallin, has developed a reputation for delivering powerful poetry in a way that is lyrically appealing, widely accessible and unapologetically provocative in its socially conscious message. His presentations will take your students on a poetic journey (tailored to your pedagogical needs) about issues that matter, including social justice, mental health, racism, the plight of Africans across the Diaspora, and empowerment of the disfranchised.

could be powerful and provocative.” – Michael Paluch, English Department Head, St. Andrew’s College, Aurora

About GREG FRANKSON Greg Frankson is an award-winning spoken-word artist whose energetic and accessible performance style has moved audiences for nearly a decade. He has worked with youth on three continents, encouraging them to find and use their voices. He’s also a savvy speaker, a member of the Ontario College of Teachers and he shares his poetic commentary on current affairs on the CBC Radio One program Here and Now as the resident poet. (Greg is also part of Travellin’ Slam. Ask a Prologue sales representative about this original concept for high schools turning slam poetry into a competitive sport judged by the students!)

Visit our blog at www.PrologueToThePerformingArts.blogspot.ca.

GRADES

4-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

30 $ 300 + HST (1 workshop)

PRICE

$ 540 + HST

$ 480 + HST (2 workshops) $ 630 + HST (3 workshops)

AVAILABILITY

Temporarily unavailable

Prim

Imagination on the Loose!

Photo courtesy of The Burlington Performing Arts Centre

“300 children were absolutely silent and engaged throughout.” – Teacher, Toronto

THEMES: • Inspiring a love of words, writing and imagination • Folktales and fairy tales • Introducing Creation stories from various cultures

Stumbling Upon a Story SHOW/WORKSHOP

Following a performance of Imagination on the Loose! for up to 100 students, Nathalie Vachon offers the whole group a workshop which plays with language, reaffirms the fun of grammar, and empowers students to be storytellers with a capital S! With her help, students will see for themselves that the blank page offers a world of endless possibilities where a monster can be afraid of people, or a river can long to be a little boy.

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curriculum focus

In the realm of a story anything is possible! Mirabelle’s dress holds magical powers, there’s a giraffe in the car, a blanket of darkness has covered the sky, Edgar has forgotten his shoes and Madeleine is having a most unlucky morning... Follow Nathalie as she spins original tales that will engage, inspire and tickle the funny bone. This mesmerizing storytelling performance takes the audience on an interactive ride through modern fairytales with a twist, adventures all in rhyme, folktales from around the world and so much more. With audience participation, songs and wordplay, students will fall in love with storytelling and see that stories are in fact everywhere!

About NATHALIE VACHON Nathalie has delighted audiences in Canada, the U. S. and Asia with her whimsical and imaginative tales. She effortlessly creates stories to spark the imagination, and delivers them with heart, warmth and an infectious love of storytelling.

Character education: • Friendship, kindness, respect, inclusion, teamwork, empathy

Storytelling & Spoken Word

Nathalie Vachon

GRADES

K-6

4-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

100

$ 300 + HST (1 show)

PRICE

$ 468 + HST (2 shows)

$ 624 + HST

$ 624 + HST (3 shows)

AVAILABILITY

Year-round

BilINGUAL

See p. 11

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

Storytelling & Spoken Word

Rukhsana Khan 1

Picture the Story

A New Life/Coming to Canada

“... A delight. Perfectly matched to the age, interest and ability of each group.”

The Roses in my Carpets

Wanting Mor

Featuring the author’s novel Wanting Mor, this presentation deals with character issues of loss, abandonment, addiction and blended families while offering students insights into the creative process.

Beyond the Stories SHOW/WORKSHOPS

Following the performance of your choice for up to 100 students, Rukhsana delves into the themes of the show, tailoring the workshop to each audience.

Explore www.pinterest.com/PrologueArts.

Character education: • Respect, caring, empathy, fairness

Based on Rukhsana’s book about her Afghan refugee foster child, this presentation uses humour to address difficult issues like child sponsorship and poverty. It includes a visual tour of the refugee camp she visited in Peshawar, Pakistan.

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THEMES: • Storytelling and story writing • Racism, overcoming obstacles, freedom and safety

Addressing the immigrant experience, this show highlights the importance of overcoming obstacles and taking advantage of learning opportunities.

curriculum focus

South Asian culture is actively explored with Rukhsana’s delightful picture books: Silly Chicken, Ruler of the Courtyard and Big Red Lollipop. Students will learn about story ideas and how a story develops.

Prim

– Jen Mactaggart, Teacher-librarian, Sunnybrook School 1

About RUKHSANA KHAN Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Rukhsana Khan is an awardwinning author and storyteller with eleven books published. Her Big Red Lollipop was celebrated in 2013 by the New York Public Library as one of the top 100 Great Children’s Books in 100 Years. She has appeared on television and radio, and has been featured at international conferences in Denmark, Mexico, Singapore, India, South Africa, all across Canada and the U.S. (Skype visits are also an option! Contact Rukhsana Khan directly for more information.)

GRADES K-3 3-6 3-12 5-12 Same as show AUDIENCE MAX.

100

$ 300 + HST (1 show)

PRICE

$ 468 + HST (2 shows)

$ 624 + HST (3 shows)

AVAILABILITY

Year-round

$ 624 + HST

First Day in the School Yard

THEMES: • Storytelling • Creating and presenting one-person show • Overcoming obstacles to fulfill one’s dreams Character education: • Empathy, perseverance, respect and understanding

Still Waiting for that Special Bus

Alan Shain has brilliantly created a dramatic monologue to give the audience some insight into the complex, and in turn frustrating and hilarious life he leads. The artist takes us into the living room of a young man with a physical disability, waiting and worrying about a hot date. Alan’s particular exasperation is directed at the Wheel-Trans bus. It is getting late and threatening the success of his outing. Will he ever get to his date? How will his evening end?

curriculum focus

This show, based on a true story, recounts Alan’s own experiences of going to a “regular” school for the first time to attend Grade 6. The artist’s humour challenges many assumptions about the lives of people with disabilities. Through laughter, students identify with Alan and learn to celebrate differences of all kinds. Much like anyone at a new school, he struggles with gaining acceptance, making friends and finding his place in the school yard.

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THEATRE

Alan Shain

“His stories are at the same time funny, angry, tender and always very real.” – MASC Newsletter

About ALAN SHAIN Alan Shain blends comedy with a strong dose of honesty and truth while drawing from the lived experience of disability. Alan Shain’s artistic work is founded on a deep commitment to taking personal responsibility for creating change. (He holds a Masters degree in Social Work where he graduated with distinction. His thesis was written on disability and theatre.) Alan has toured across Canada, England, the U.S., Australia and Taiwan.

GRADES

4-8

7-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

200

PRICE

$ 540 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Oct. 20-24, 2014 April 20-24, 2015

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

THEATRE

DuffleBag Theatre 1

Twelve shows to choose from!

“I have never seen a performance that captivates the interest and humour of EVERY child and adult, regardless of their learning style!”

Rumpelstiltskin

Grades 4-12

Romeo and Juliet Macbeth

Character education: • Teamwork, co-operation, responsibility

You can now choose from a repertoire of twelve shows:

Beauty and the Beast Cinderella Peter Pan Robin Hood Sleeping Beauty Snow White NEW The Three Musketeers Seasonal: Dracula A Christmas Carol

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THEMES: • Bringing the classics and traditional stories to life through improvisational theatre • Using props and costumes to change characters

Your students will be enchanted by the clever stagecraft and audience interaction of the company’s performances.

Grades K-8

curriculum focus

Grades K-6

Prim

– Anne Stephens, Keppel Sarawak School, Georgian Bluffs 1

About DUFFLEBAG THEATRE DuffleBag Theatre is the self-proclaimed “nearly world famous” troupe who intends to entertain the galaxy, one planet at a time. The company started at the London International Children’s Festival (in London, Ontario) in 1992. Now based in Toronto, it has grown from 4 to 14 actors who perform over 600 shows every year across Canada, the U.S. and internationally.

GRADES

K-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 720 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Year-round

BilINGUAL

See p. 12

The Mask Messenger

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THEMES: • Masks worldwide throughout history • Daily ‘masks’ such as fashion, hidden emotions, non-verbal communication Character education: • Empathy, self-awareness, respect

“My children came home yesterday from school bouncing with excitement! How wonderful, as a parent, to see this in their eyes and hear the excitement in their voices.” – Parent, Toronto

Mask Movement Theatre WORKSHOP

This workshop involves physical theatre exercises and games, character development and improvisations with masks, with an eye towards the creation of short sketches. In addition, students will have the opportunity to become more aware of posture, self-image and self-expression. Participants will have fun experimenting with a new art form and experiencing the power of transformation through masks. (You can either book this workshop with the show or book three workshops on the same day.)

curriculum focus

Prim

THEATRE

Faustwork Mask Theatre

About FAUSTWORK MASK THEATRE Artistic director Rob Faust performed with many renowned theatre companies including Pilobolus before he founded Faustwork Mask Theatre in 1983. Since then, the company has made appearances in Italy, England, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei, Israel and South Africa and has delighted audiences of all ages across Southern Ontario for many years.

GRADES

1-12

4-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

$ 720 + HST

(1 show)

PRICE $ 990 + HST

$ 810 + HST

(3 workshops) (1 show + 1 workshop)

AVAILABILITY

Year-round

Bil. & French

See p. 12

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

THEATRE

Jim Dalling 1

Loki’s Big Dream

In this performance, a young boy named Loki finds inspiration in his grandpa’s playful and loving way of being. Igniting Loki’s imagination, this leads to a fantastic world of dreams which Jim Dalling brings to life through playful storytelling, magical masks, cartoon puppets and the sublime magic that can only happen in theatre. Loki’s Big Dream walks a tight wire, effortlessly balancing elements that are humorous and poignant. This is a story about how special people can inspire us to make our dreams a reality.

About JIM DALLING Jim Dalling is a freelance joymonger, at times comedian, writer, mask maker, teacher and creator of fantastic things. A graduate of both Dalhousie University and Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theatre (California), the artist has also trained with theatre legend Primus Theatre and with Philippe Gaulier in France. Mentored by Prologue’s own Rob Faust (see page 59), Jim Dalling has appeared in festivals across Canada and in the U.S.

Watch www.youtube.com/user/prologueadmin.

Prim

curriculum focus THEMES: • Role of special people in our lives • Taking risks, learning from mistakes, following our dreams • Creating and presenting one-person show • Using props and costumes to create characters Character education: • Friendship, risk-taking, courage

“I create experiences for people to feel, imagine and enact changes leading to more fulfilling lives.” – Jim Dalling 1 GRADES

K-6

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 540 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Year-round

The Spirit of Harriet Tubman

There are many plays about Harriet Tubman (the famous African-American abolitionist slave who escaped and led missions to rescue 70 enslaved family and friends) but none share her entire life story like a visit with The Spirit of Harriet Tubman as written and performed by Leslie McCurdy. The artist invokes the “spirit” of Harriet Tubman as she portrays her life in the 1850s, recreating stories, some rarely told, using words said to have been Harriet Tubman’s own. Through it all, we learn of the faith and conviction which drove the heroine to follow her dreams (literally); the spirit of the past connecting with the present, inspiring her charges to have the courage to do the same in envisioning their future.

Prim

Things my Fore-Sisters Saw

Written and performed by Leslie McCurdy, this performance introduces audiences to four women of African descent who affected significant social changes in Canada: Marie-Joseph Angelique, Rose Fortune, Mary-Ann Shadd and Viola Desmond.

int

curriculum focus THEMES: • Black History in Canada and U.S., heroes and heroines • Creating and presenting one-person show • Using voice and body language to change character Character education: • Leadership, integrity, empathy, courage, perseverance

“Her performance was brilliant and inspiring. We felt that Harriet Tubman visited our school. We were captivated by Leslie’s storytelling techniques.”

Harriet Is my Hero & The Spirit of Harriet Tubman

This combination of two shows, the first for K-2 and the second for Grades 3 to 12, allows your school’s students to be introduced to the amazing life of Harriet Tubman in an age-relevant manner. In Harriet is my Hero, Leslie McCurdy explores what makes Harriet a good hero with the younger students. They actively participate in re-creating some of the aspects of the story with dolls. The artist then offers a riveting performance of The Spirit of Harriet Tubman to the intermediate grades.

THEATRE

Leslie McCurdy

– Teacher, Toronto 1

About LESLIE McCURDY Named Outstanding Performing Artist of Windsor, Ontario, Leslie McCurdy has been touring with her historic plays for fifteen years across Canada and the U.S. Her brilliant solo performances are at once educational and inspirational, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience them.

GRADES

3-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

5-12

250

3 Hero

Harriet

K-2

3-12

250

PRICE

$ 720 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Limited year-round

416.591.9092

$ 1,080 + HST

1.888.591.9092

THEATRE

RED SKY PERFORMANCE

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curriculum focus THEMES: • Friendship through understanding cultures • Aspects of First Nations’ Cultures • Accepting and sharing one’s talents Character education: • Perseverance, friendship, respecting difference

Mistatim

Mistatim is an action-packed performance fusing theatre, dance, storytelling, visuals and music in celebration of the transformative power of the natural world. A wooden fence separates Calvin’s ranch and Speck’s reservation. An unlikely friendship is struck between the two 11-year-olds when Calvin attempts to “break” the only horse no one else can tame and Speck discovers she has an incredible gift with horses. Both are struggling to find their place in their family. Together, they will learn to communicate with one another across the divide of their own cultures. The audience will experience drama, suspense and humour in this coming of age story about the truest of friendships. NEW

About RED SKY PERFORMANCE Internationally renowned for its artistry and innovation, Red Sky is Canada’s leading company of world Indigenous performance in dance, theatre and music. This multi-award-winning company, founded by artistic director Sandra Laronde in 2000, creates, produces and tours original work for adult and family audiences on stages across Canada and throughout the world. The company has captured the imagination of close to 550,000 people from nine countries on four continents. Red Sky Performance’s work highlights the promise and potential of what is possible within Indigenous contemporary performance.

See our full roster of 52 artists on www.prologue.org.

“Audacious, astonishing... magnificent in the scope of its imagination, mysterious in its beauty.” – The Globe and Mail

1 GRADES

4-8

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 960 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Feb. 2-20, 2015

Prim

THEATRE

Sheldon Casavant

int

curriculum focus THEMES: • Inspiring curiosity and imagination • Following dreams to achieve a goal • Practicing and persevering to master a task Character education: • Perseverance, self-discipline, goal setting, problem-solving

“Everyone was amazed by Sheldon’s skill, charmed by his personality, and truly entertained by his humour… wonderful presentation!” – Suncor Energy 1

Exploring the Impossible

Blending the history of magic with skilled sleight of hand and memorable audience participation, Sheldon Casavant is sure to engage the students. The magician shares his personal childhood story of how he discovered the secrets of magic tucked away in his local library, changing his life forever. Designed to motivate and amaze, the show uses the art of magic to inspire the curiosity and the courage to imagine the impossible. See objects appear, disappear and float in mid-air throughout his logic defying performance.

About SHELDON CASAVANT Since discovering the art of magic at a young age, Sheldon Casavant has become one of Canada’s most sought-after magicians, amazing audiences with his skill, charming them with his personality, and truly entertaining everyone with his humour. His awardwinning magic has been appreciated across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Panama, China and Japan. Sheldon is also the author of the illustrated book Morton the Magician and his Magnificient Magic Show.

1 GRADES

1-8

AUDIENCE MAX.

300

PRICE

$ 750 + HST

AVAILABILITY

April 8-24, 2015

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

THEATRE

West Wind & the Woodland Sister 1

Eagle Thunder: Song of Hope

Based on traditional Medicine Wheel teachings, Eagle Thunder: Song of Hope invites young people to explore intercultural connections, the value of good character, increased self-esteem and personal leadership. Eagle Thunder is both a performance and interactive experience involving vocals, big powwow drums, a little improvisational theatre and dance, all woven around the stories of Canada’s First Nations. The big drums are incorporated to illustrate the powerful message of mindfulness, co-operation, hope and right action and to inspire students to embrace the joyful sound of one heart beating. The show is adapted to grade levels. Upon request, specific Aboriginal curricula topics can be addressed.

Thunder Wolf: Big Drums and Songwriting WORKSHOP

This engaging workshop invites educators and students to learn how to create Indigenous music in the traditional manner of “soundscaping” (a timehonoured method of producing sound with eyes closed and drums pounding), and to understand its importance to the cultural grounding of Native people. Students create an original song which is then translated into Sm’algyax (Tsimshian language) and performed on Gyemk Loop and K’ool Gyet Na’hool big drums. This can be booked as a stand-alone workshop or to accompany Eagle Thunder.

Prim

int

curriculum focus THEMES: • Interconnectedness through First Nations stories and songs • Beauty and sacredness of the environment • Challenging stereotypes towards First Nations people Character education: • Respect, leadership, integrity, equality

About WEST WIND & THE WOODLAND SISTER Shannon Thunderbird is a Coast Tsimshian First Nations artist/educator, playwright, classically-trained recording singer, and author. Her dedication to her First Nations’ culture and her artistic craft creates an extraordinary combination of vibrant storytelling, vocals and insightful perspectives on First Nations cultures. Sandy Horne is nothing less than founding member, songwriter and musician of Canadian new-wave synthpop sensation Spoons! For 13 years, the two “sisters of heart” have seamlessly blended their beautiful voices together in this wonderfully unique collaboration, touring extensively through North America, Europe and Asia.

“Our souls sing the same song as we walk parallel paths.” – Shannon Thunderbird

GRADES

3-12

6-12

AUDIENCE MAX.

200

PRICE

$ 840 + HST

$ 360 + HST

AVAILABILITY

Year-round

LIKE us on Facebook to support arts education in the schools at www.facebook.com/PrologueToThePerformingArts!

about prologue

1-888-591-9092, 416-591-9092 info@prologue.org

Prologue to the Performing Arts was the first not-for-profit organization to help schools across Ontario bring live performances to their students, nearly 50 years ago. Over the years, our roster has evolved from offering a package of three English performances to presenting a selection of 122 shows and workshops from 52 artists and companies in both French and English, reaching across Ontario. In the last year, Prologue has sent artists to over 199 communities across Ontario! In addition to our experienced staff and sales representatives booking and organizing tours, and promoting and supporting our artists, we have a dedicated Programming Committee scouting current and new shows to ensure they meet the standards of quality school performances. Programming Committee Anne Harper, Theatre Artist and Educator Debbie Barton-Moore, Educator Jane Carnwath, Theatre Director and Educator Melvin J. Hurst, Music Educator Pat McCarthy, Arts in Education Consultant

Why book a school show with Prologue? When you bring performing art to your school, you also bring students together. (Did you know that you can book an evening performance to invite your students’ families to create a community experience?). Of course, there are many other reasons to book a school performance: • No need to spend money on busing. • No need for parents’ permission to leave the school. • Very affordable (costing an average of $3 per student). • Each performance comes with a study guide and is followed by an engaging Q&A session (allowing your students to exchange with the artists). • Many options in our roster promote resilience, inclusion, tolerance, diversity (a great way to start important conversations).

416.591.9092

1.888.591.9092

ALPHABETICAL INDEX (Search by artist or company name) A

Gimme One Riddim NEW COMPANY Greg Frankson 54

Aché Brasil 14 AKA Dance 5, 15 Alan Shain 57 Arsenal à Musique 10, 46

Infinitus

Cadence 29 Canadian Opera Company NEW SHOW Celtic Rathskallions 31 Chris McKhool 32 Cie Vox Théâtre 10, 47 Corpus 6, 19 Cosima Grunsky 33 CréaSon NEW SHOW 7

Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre Khac Chi Bamboo Music 37

12, 58

Emerita Emerencia NEW SHOW

Leslie McCurdy 61 Little Pear Garden Collective NEW COMPANY

Maderaz Latin Music 38 Menaka Thakkar Dance Company 23 Mike Ford NEW WORKSHOP 8, 39 Motus O Dance Theatre 24 Music 7-9, 28-45 Musical Theatre 10, 46-48 Nathalie Vachon 11, 55 National Ballet of Canada

O 48

Fana Soro NEW ARTIST 7, 34 Faustwork Mask Theatre 12, 59 Firebrand Theatre NEW COMPANY

Opera

9, 30, 41

Visit our blog at www.PrologueToThePerformingArts.blogspot.ca.

Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre NEW SHOW Red Sky Performance NEW SHOW 62 Rukhsana Khan 56

Jack Grunsky 8, 36 Jim Dalling 60

Puppetmongers Theatre NEW SHOW Puppetry 11, 49-52 Puzzle Théâtre 11, 51

Ballet Creole NEW SHOW 16 Ballet Jörgen Canada 5, 17 Bboyizm 6, 18 Boris Sichon NEW ARTIST 28 Breadbox Theatre 49

Dance 5-6, 14-27 DuffleBag Theatre NEW SHOW

Sheesham and Lotus 40 Sheldon Casavant 63 Shoestring Opera 9, 41 Silk Road Music 9, 42 Sonic Escape NEW SHOW 43 Spoken Word 54 Stand Up Dance NEW COMPANY Storytelling 11, 53-56 Sultans of String 44

Theatre 12, 57-64 TorQ Percussion Quartet 45 Tribal Vision Dance 27

West Wind & the Woodland Sister 25

SUGGESTION INDEX (Consult for inspiration) Need a French or bilingual show?

Wondering who has a new show?

Looking for a show based on a book?

Oh non! DANCE 5 Le lapin de velours DANCE 5 L’évolution du “Break” DANCE 6 Camping royal DANCE 6 L’école-logique! MUSIC 7 Yamo! Yamo! Salutations d’Afrique de l’Ouest MUSIC 7 Chantons et dansons avec Jack MUSIC 8 Le Canada a besoin de vous! MUSIC 8 Le retour d’Étienne Brûlé MUSIC 8 Carmen à la récré OPERA 9 La flûte enchantée de Shoestring OPERA 9 Jou-Tou - La francophonie autour du monde MUSIC 9 Le carnaval des animaux MUSICAL THEATRE 10 Pinocchio dans ma valise MUSICAL THEATRE 10 Plastique PUPPETRY 11 L’imagination en cavale! STORYTELLING 11 La belle et la bête THEATRE 12 Blanche Neige THEATRE 12 Cendrillon THEATRE 12 Les trois mousquetaires THEATRE 12 Le petit chaperon rouge THEATRE 12 Le masque est le message THEATRE 12

Ballet Creole DANCE 16 Gimme One Riddim DANCE 20 Little Pear Garden Collective DANCE 22 Stand Up Dance DANCE 26 Boris Sichon MUSIC 28 Canadian Opera Company OPERA 30 CréaSon MUSIC 7 Fana Soro MUSIC 7, 34 Sonic Escape MUSIC 43 Firebrand Theatre MUSICAL THEATRE 48 Puppetmongers Theatre PUPPETRY 50 Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre PUPPETRY 52 Emerita Emerencia STORYTELLING 53 DuffleBag Theatre THEATRE 12, 58 Red Sky Performance THEATRE 62

A New Life – Rukhsana Khan 56 Beauty and the Beast – DuffleBag Theatre 12, 58 Big Red Lollipop – Rukhsana Khan 56 Cinderella – DuffleBag Theatre 12, 58 Little Red Riding Hood – DuffleBag Theatre 12 Peter Pan – DuffleBag Theatre 58 Pinocchio – Cie Vox Théâtre 10, 47 Robin Hood – DuffleBag Theatre 58 Ruler of the Courtyard – Rukhsana Khan 56 Rumpelstiltskin – DuffleBag Theatre 58 Silly Chicken – Rukhsana Khan 56 Snow White – DuffleBag Theatre 12, 58 The Bremen Town Musicians – COC 30 The Last Polar Bears – Rag & Bone Puppet Theatre 52 The Little Match Girl – Motus O Dance Theatre 24 The Magic Flute – Shoestring Opera 9, 41 The Monkey and the Crocodile – Menaka Thakkar Dance Company 23 The Roses in my Carpets – Rukhsana Khan 56 The Scorpions’ Sting: An Egyptian Myth – Canadian Opera Company (COC) 30 The Three Musketeers – DuffleBag Theatre 12, 58 The Velveteen Rabbit – Ballet Jörgen Canada 5, 17 Wanting Mor – Rukhsana Khan 56

Interested in Aboriginal Education? Kahurangi Maori Dance Theatre DANCE 21 Tribal Vision Dance DANCE 27 Red Sky Performance THEATRE 62 West Wind & the Woodland Sister THEATRE 64

How about something for Black History Month? Aché Brasil DANCE 14 Ballet Creole DANCE 16 Bboyizm DANCE 6, 18 Gimme One Riddim DANCE 20 Fana Soro MUSIC 7, 34 Firebrand Theatre MUSICAL THEATRE 48 Greg Frankson SPOKEN WORD 54 Emerita Emerencia STORYTELLING 53 Leslie McCurdy THEATRE 61

Care for more seasonal fun? Celebrate! Holidays of the Global Village MUSIC 32 Feliz Navidad - A Holiday Celebration MUSIC 38 A Christmas Carol THEATRE 58 Dracula THEATRE 58

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE As an arts education leader, Prologue to the Performing Arts believes that the development of strong partnerships is essential in advocating for arts experiences for all young people. Our Board of Directors is composed of a diverse mix of people bringing an eclectic range of expertise to the table, from law, music and accounting, to teaching, management, dance and marketing.

Arts Education Partnerships ArtStarts in Schools (BC) Arts Network for Children and Youth (ANCY) Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton Canadian Network for Arts and Learning (CNAL) Canadian Parents for French (CPF) CAPACOA Eunic Toronto Ontario Presents Council of Ontario Drama/Dance Educators (CODE) Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (EFTO) Mariposa in the Schools MASC (Ottawa) Ontario Modern Language Teachers’ Association (OMLTA) Ontario Music Educators’ Association (OMEA) Professional Arts Organizations Network for Education (PAONE) Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) Toronto Fringe Toronto Public Library

Explore www.pinterest.com/PrologueArts.

Board of Directors Melvin Hurst, Chair Barbara Bryden, Treasurer Pat McCarthy, Secretary Charlie Mills Chris McKhool (Artist Rep) Christopher Rzepa Graceline Mendes Ian Armstrong Jenelle Ambrose Kevin Ormsby Shana Pereira Shannon Thunderbird (Artist Rep) Steve D. Anderson Steve Russell Tonya Lindo Honorary Members Jane Bishop, Founder Joan McCordic, Founder Joan Osler, Founder Mary Mingie, Founder Susan Rubes, Founder Bram Morrison (Member for Life) Eric Nagler Frank Augustyn Martha Burns Michael Burgess Paula Butterfield (Member for Life) Susan Daniel (Member for Life) Walter Pitman

Every dollar counts... Prologue accepts donations via VISA, MasterCard and American Express through CanadaHelps.org, a public charitable foundation, which serves as an easy and secure online donation portal for over 12,000 Canadian charities. Visit www.canadahelps.org/dn/531 to make a donation to Prologue.

As a non-profit organization, Prologue to the Performing Arts relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations that support our goal of delivering top quality performing arts experiences to as many young people as possible throughout Ontario.

Thank you to our 2013-14 funders and supporters for their generosity:

Dentons Canada LLP George Lunan Foundation J.P Bickell Foundation Leonard Foundation PriceWaterhouseCoopers Royal Bank of Canada

4 WAYS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR SCHOOL PERFORMANCE! Curriculum expectations

Study guides at your service

Interactive workshops

Community building

Check some curriculum expectations off your list! This catalogue points out the themes and character education opportunities of each show. You will find a more detailed list of curriculum expectations for each show on our website. (Go to www. prologue.org under PERFORMANCES, making sure you’re in the SCHOOL section, and search by artist or name of the show to access their page.)

Make the study guides work for you (before, during and after a performance). These teachers’ resources will give you tips on how to make the most out of the artists’ visit. Each study guide is unique but here’s a sampling of some of the resources: • Introduction to the performers (your students will feel they already know the artists), • Explanation of the creative process, • Tips on what to observe during a performance, • Games to complete a show, • Pointers on what to explore, • Templates for student reviews for the artists, • Professional advice to improve students’ artistic skills.

Use a workshop to further engage a smaller group of students. Prologue’s 52 artists and companies offer a total of 38 workshops. Most of them can be tailored to grade levels.

Performances in the schools are not just for students!

When you see WORKSHOP in this catalogue, it means that this is a “standalone” workshop which you can buy without booking a performance. SHOW/WORKSHOP in a title means that this workshop is only available in combination with a performance. Note that the price includes a show AND a workshop. Most of the workshops are offered to a small group while the school performances are presented to larger groups. Maximum audience varies for each show and workshop, please consult each artist’s page for the exact numbers.

Special events: Many schools book a performance with Prologue to complement a yearly event in their school (such as Carnival Week) and make it truly special. As a fundraising activity: We’ve seen school councils booking evening presentations, open to the students’ parents and siblings, to create a sense of community within the school. Some charge a small fee at the door to recoup the costs, others even charge the market price to do fundraising.