Recommended Grade Levels pg PK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
PERFORMANCE
Curriculum Connections
NJDOE Content Areas Addressed
Flamenco Fire
4
dance, social studies, world languages, physical education, music, theater arts
@ 2 p 6n
Peking Dreams
4
theater arts, social studies, music, physical education
@2pn
The Pigeoning
4
theater arts, social studies, science
@ p $n
Nutcracker
5
dance, physical education, music, theater arts, language arts, visual arts
@23n
STOMP
5
music, dance theater arts, physical education, science
@ 2 $n
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
5
theater arts, language arts, visual arts, science, math, interpersonal skills
@3
Rhapsody in Black
5
theater arts, social studies
@ pn
Love That Dog
6
language arts, theater arts
@3n
Nearly Lear
6
language arts, theater arts
@3n
Goodnight Moon
6
language arts, theater arts, visual arts, interpersonal skills
@3n
π $n
AUTISM-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES Big Apple Circus
7
students (21 and under) on the autism spectrum
physical education, theater arts, science
@2$
Galumpha
7
students (21 and under) on the autism spectrum
physical education, theater arts, science
@2$
Brady Rymer
7
students (21 and under) on the autism spectrum
music, social skills
@
NJ DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION CORE CURRICULUM CONTENT AREAS @ Visual and Performing Arts
$ Science
2 Comprehensive Health & Physical Education
6 World Languages
3 Language Arts Literacy
π
Mathematics
p Social Studies
n
21st-Century Life and Careers
A NOTE ABOUT PRICING FOR SCHOOL PERFORMANCES The State Theatre recognizes that field trip resources for our school patrons are extremely limited. For this reason, admission prices for our Performances for Schools are significantly lower than they are for our public performances. The special pricing applies only to schools (public, private, parochial, and home schools) and is not available to the general public. The State Theatre, a not-for-profit organization, is deeply grateful to the many corporations, foundations, and individuals whose generous financial support helps keep our matinees an affordable option for schools.
KEYS TO THE PERFORMANCE ONLINE STUDY AND ACTIVITY GUIDES The State Theatre’s Keynotes make it easy to prepare for the show. These detailed study and activity guides provide user-friendly information and activities that will help students understand and appreciate the performance. Closely aligned with academic content standards and curriculum, Keynotes help build students’ prior knowledge and continue the learning experience after the performance.
Download Keynotes from the State Theatre website: StateTheatreNJ.org/keynotes
2
DEAR EDUCATOR, Welcome to the State Theatre’s 2015-2016 Performances for Schools. We invite you and your students to step inside our doors and enter a world of imagination, inspiration, and discovery. Our school-day series brings you extraordinary musicians, dancers, actors, puppeteers, and acrobats from across the globe. They connect us to diverse cultures and show us that the arts are indeed a universal language.
PERF ALL OR M A N JU S T C E S
$8
No matter what grade level or subject area you teach, there’s a performance (probably two or three) that’s perfect for your students and your curriculum objectives. The chart on the opposite page will help you identify the performances that are most appropriate for you. It also provides information about how each show connects not only to the performing arts, but also to language arts, social studies, world languages, science, and other core curriculum areas. New this season are three performances offered specifically for students on the autism spectrum. Both the shows and the theater environment have been carefully designed to create a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable experience for this special audience. (See page 7 for information on our autism-friendly performances.) Attending the State Theatre’s Performances for Schools could not be easier. With our central location, free bus parking, professional staff, and low prices, your field trip is guaranteed to be a safe and enjoyable experience. We look forward to seeing you and your students at the State Theatre this season! Cordially,
Lian Farrer Vice President of Education
GOODNIGHT MOON & THE RUNAWAY BUNNY
3
FLAMENCO FIRE Compania Flamenca José Porcel Friday, October 30, 2015 10:30am-12:20pm For students in grades 4-12 Flamenco Fire celebrates the golden age of flamenco in an explosion of vibrant color, passionate rhythm, and intricate movement. The show embodies the soulful spirit of Spain’s enduring national art form and its roots in Gypsy, Jewish, Arabic, and Indian traditions. Considered Spain’s premier flamenco dancer and choreographer, José Porcel was a lead dancer with the renowned Ballet Nacional de España before forming his own company of virtuoso dancers, instrumentalists, and vocalists. Curriculum connections: dance, social studies, world languages, physical education, music, theater arts
PEKING DREAMS National Circus and Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China Friday, November 13, 2015 10:30am-12pm For students in grades K-6 Peking Dreams is a jaw-dropping spectacle of Chinese circus, acrobatics, and Peking Opera, performed by China’s most revered circus artists. With unparalleled grace, agility, flexibility, and athleticism, they present astonishing acts of juggling, contortion, and balance, accompanied by traditional Chinese music, brightlycolored costumes and makeup, and elaborate props. This production—the very same one the company performed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics—pushes the boundaries of possibility. Curriculum connections: theater arts, social studies, music, physical education
State Theatre @ Crossroads
THE PIGEONING
“…a tender, fantastical symphony of the imagination…” —NEW YORK TIMES
4
Wednesday-Thursday, December 2-3, 2015 10:30-11:30am For students in grades 7-12 A New York Times Critics’ Pick, The Pigeoning is a darkly funny yet heartfelt story about an office worker named Frank, whose neat and orderly world is turned upside down when he becomes convinced that the pigeons are plotting against him. He sets out on an adventure to solve a problem…if there really is one! An apocalyptic fantasy about the illusion of safety and control in an uncertain world, The Pigeoning takes a look at the divide between man and nature at a time when listening to the animals may be our best bet. The story is told through exquisitely detailed bunraku-style puppetry, live music, and clever lo-fi special effects. Curriculum connections: theater arts, social studies, science
NUTCRACKER
STOMP
American Repertory Ballet Friday, December 18, 2015 10:30am-12:20pm For students in grades 4-12 In this classic holiday ballet, the gift of a beautiful nutcracker brings young Marie astonishing dreams of battling mice, enchanted forests, and the exotic Land of Sweets. Set to Tchaikovsky’s glittering score, Nutcracker boasts spectacular costumes and scenic effects, inventive choreography, and a cast of more than one hundred performers! American Repertory Ballet’s full-length production is a perfect introduction to the beauty and narrative power of dance.
Friday, January 15, 2016 10:30am-12:15pm For students in grades 3-12 STOMP, the international percussion sensation, is a joyful explosion of music, dance, and physical comedy—an exhilarating sound adventure using instruments created from everyday objects: plastic bags, push brooms, wooden poles, hammer handles, garbage cans, inner tubes, matchboxes—and yes, even the kitchen sink. The cast of eight inventive young performers create rhythms and music with a technical skill that is truly awesome. Their perfectly synchronized ballet of juggled sticks, drums, and dance is thrilling to watch, incredible to hear, and impossible to forget.
Curriculum connections: dance, physical education, music, theater arts, language arts, visual arts
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR AND OTHER ERIC CARLE FAVORITES Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia Tuesday, February 16, 2016 10-11am & 12-1pm Wednesday, February 17, 2016 10-11am For students in grades Pre-K-2 Mermaid Theatre’s magical production presents three of Eric Carle’s storybook tales, adapted for the stage with brilliant black-light puppetry, fanciful music, and the author’s original text. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a counting story that depicts a caterpillar’s progress through a variety of foods and his eventual metamorphosis into a butterfly. In Little Cloud, the title character changes into the shapes of things he sees before rejoining his cloud family to make a rainstorm. The Mixed-Up Chameleon teaches children the importance of being true to oneself. Curriculum connections: theater arts, language arts, visual arts, science, math, interpersonal skills
Curriculum connections: music, dance theater arts, physical education, science
State Theatre @ Crossroads
RHAPSODY IN BLACK Monday-Tuesday, February 22-23, 2016 10-11am For students in grades 6-12 Rhapsody in Black is a one-man show that explores LeLand Gantt’s personal journey to understand and eventually transcend racism in America. We follow his life story—from his childhood in the ghettos of McKeesport, PA to teenage experiments with crime and drugs to scholastic achievement and an acting career that lands the adult LeLand in situations where he is virtually the only African-American in the room. How he manages to cope with the effects of consistently being labeled The Other is recounted in remarkable detail. Charming, self-deprecatingly funny, and linguistically awesome, LeLand confronts serious subjects in a way that will spark open, constructive conversation about up-to-the-minute issues, and leave lasting impressions on hearts and minds. Curriculum connections: theater arts, social studies
5
State Theatre @ Crossroads
LOVE THAT DOG
“I guess it does look like a poem when you see it typed up like that.”
Theatergroep Kwatta Tuesday-Wednesday, April 26-27, 2016 10-11am & 12-1pm For students in grades 2-6 Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Ms. Stretchberry, won’t stop giving her class poetry assignments. Then something amazing happens. The more Jack writes, the more he learns he does have something to say. Based on the book by Newbery Medal winner Sharon Creech, Love That Dog tells a fresh, deceptively simple story of how a boy finds his own voice with the help of a teacher, a writer, a pencil, some yellow paper, and of course, a dog. This delightful production from Holland’s Theatergoep Kwatta brings Jack’s poetic world to life with imaginative video effects, live music, and beguiling puppetry. Curriculum connections: language arts, theater arts
State Theatre @ Crossroads
NEARLY LEAR
“A frisky, funny, tantalizing introduction to the lifelong pleasures of Shakespeare.” —NEW YORK TIMES
Tuesday-Wednesday, May 17-18, 2016 10-11am & 12-1pm For students in grades 4-12 What if the great and tragic story of King Lear were to be told by the King’s closet companion: his jester? In this one-woman tour-deforce, actress Susanna Hamnett plays the Fool—as well as every other character in the play—to tell a very personal and poignant story. Honoring the beautiful language of King Lear while taking a bit of poetic license, Nearly Lear upends expectations of what a Shakespeare play ‘should’ be. With hilarity and heartache, exuberant storytelling, music, and film, the show is both profoundly accessible and fun, while at the same time serving the spirit, language, and emotional core of the play. Curriculum connections: language arts, theater arts
GOODNIGHT MOON AND THE RUNAWAY BUNNY Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia Monday, May 23, 2016 10-11am & 12-1pm Tuesday, May 24, 2016 10-11am For students in grades Pre-K-2 Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia returns to the State Theatre with its enchanting adaptation of two beloved “rabbit tales” by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd. Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny reassures young children that there’s no place like home. Whimsical puppetry and evocative original music bring a new sense of magic to stories that have delighted generations. Curriculum connections: language arts, theater arts, visual arts, interpersonal skills
6
NEW! AUTISM-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES The State Theatre is proud to present a new series of performances designed especially for groups with children on the autism spectrum. The performances take place at Crossroads Theatre, two doors down from the State Theatre. In this cozy, 300-seat space, everyone in the audience can be right up close! These performances are recommended for students (age 21 and under) on the autism spectrum.
State Theatre @ Crossroads
BIG APPLE CIRCUS BAC Embraces Autism! Monday-Tuesday, November 9-10, 2015 10-11am & 12-1pm Ladies and gentlemen! Step right up and see the greatest, most amazing show in town! Created by New York’s Big Apple Circus especially for students on the autism spectrum, this crowdpleasing performance features world-class artists and acts, with incredible feats of juggling, balancing, plate spinning, and aerials… and—of course—the Ringmaster! Curriculum connections: physical education, theater arts, science
State Theatre @ Crossroads Both the performances and the theater environment at these autism-friendly events are designed to create a safe, welcoming experience. Here’s what you can expect: • A relaxed atmosphere in which the audience is free to talk and vocalize, and leave and re-enter the seating area as needed. There will be space throughout the theater for standing and moving around. • Throughout the show, lighting in the seating area will be dimmed, but not fully dark. • During the performance, sound levels will be lowered, with no sudden loud noises. • There will be a calming room for audience members who need to take a break from the show. The room will be equipped with coloring pages and fidget toys.
GALUMPHA Monday-Tuesday, March 7-8, 2016 10-11am & 12-1pm Galumpha is a “human jungle gym” featuring three fearless performers who combine acrobatic movement, physical comedy, and inventive choreography in gravity-defying poses and spectacular feats of physical strength. Utilizing skillful balance, trust, and collaboration, the dancers demonstrate what real teamwork is all about as they create a sensory feast of images ranging from the ridiculous to the aweinspiring. Curriculum connections: physical education, theater arts, science
State Theatre @ Crossroads • A gender-neutral restroom will be available. • Specially-trained staff and volunteers will be available throughout the show for support and assistance as needed. • Pictorial social narratives will be provided to help audience members become familiar with the show and the theater environment ahead of time.
Autism-Friendly Performances made possible in part by THE KARMA FOUNDATION
BRADY RYMER & THE LITTLE BAND THAT COULD “Love Me for Who I Am” Monday-Tuesday, May 2-3, 2016 10-11am & 12-1pm Join two-time Grammy® Award nominee Brady Rymer and his band for a rockin’ and rollin’ show featuring songs that celebrate children of all abilities. Dance and sing along with the group that National Public Radio has called “the best-sounding band in children’s music.” This upbeat concert will include music from Love Me for Who I Am, Brady’s joyful album inspired by and dedicated to kids on the autism spectrum. Curriculum connections: music, social skills
With additional support from The Wawa Foundation
Eden Autism Services is pleased to partner with the State Theatre to make the thrill of live theater accessible for individuals with autism.
7
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID New Brunswick, NJ Permit No. 1
15 Livingston Avenue New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1903
Phone: 732-246-SHOW (7469), ext. 545 Online: StateTheatreNJ.org/education
WHAT ARE TEACHERS SAYING?
“My students were completely mesmerized by the performance. They thanked me many times for planning this wonderful field trip.” —TRACY DUGAN, PEMBERTON TWP. MIDDLE SCHOOL
“Thank you for the most memorable field trips we have ever had!” —REGINA MURPHY, LAKEVIEW SCHOOL, EDISON
WE LO GE TEACHERS Educators receive a $5 DISCOUNT on select State Theatre-presented public performances. Contact our Ticket Office for more information: 732-246-SHOW (7469) • StateTheatreNJ.org Valid ID required. Discounts are not retroactive, cannot be combined, and do not apply to Performances for Schools. Additional fees and restrictions may apply.
FRANK & LYDIA BERGEN FOUNDATION
THE THOMAS AND AGNES CARVEL FOUNDATION
MCCRANE FOUNDATION
Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/ Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
Official hotel of the State Theatre.
Official airline of the State Theatre.
Additional support for the State Theatre’s education program is provided by Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, E & G Foundation, Ingredion, M&T Bank, MagyarBank Charitable Foundation, Plymouth Rock Assurance, The Provident Bank Foundation, PSEG Foundation, RBC Wealth Management, Silver Line Building Products, The Wawa Foundation, and others. Additional in-kind support is provided by Cream-OLand Dairy, La Bonbonniere Bake Shoppe, and Miller’s Rentals. Their support is gratefully acknowledged.