Online Program Catalog

Inspired by an African proverb that says "A village without music is a very dead place," this stage production explores the impact music has had on Africans and Americans of African descent throughout history. Students create a drum circle and learn of "Congo Square" in New Orleans, where traditional African rhythms and some elements of modern jazz fuse together. Mr. Dixon also explores the impact the Black Arts Movement of the 1960s and 1970s had on society at the time and its present influences, such as today's hip-hop culture. The show ends with an upbeat percussion performance using buckets and found objects.

1999 National Young Audiences Artist of the Year

It's an Asian occasion with Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-Noh-Tec! For more than two decades, Robert has engaged audiences around the country with his versatile performances that draw from his Japanese and Filipino ancestry. Whether he is imitating a toad or "flying" over his audience on the wind, Robert is a mesmerizing and delightful performer.

Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo delights students with folk tales and myths from Asia: Korea, Japan, China, India, the Philippines, Vietnam, and other cultures. His engaging performances immediately mesmerize his audiences on an adventure of the imagination. Robert weaves a variety of traditional tales with music and theatre, often embellishing the plots with bronze gongs, bamboo rattles, flutes and drums, or bringing characters to life with animated facial gestures. His use of timing, elements of surprise, and audience participation create a joyful rapport that draws youngsters and teachers alike into an exploration of Asian culture.

Elizabeth portrays the famous trailblazer from Southeast Texas, Babe Didriksen Zaharias, the world's greatest woman athlete of the first half of the 20th century. On the surface, Babe was a tough-as-nails, no-holds-barred, anything-to-win athlete. but what was underneath? What drove her to hit golf balls until her hands bled? Why did she run for hours by moonlight when track and field team practice was already plenty hard? Elizabeth explores this insatiable desire to win and how Babe triumphed over poverty, an often nasty press, society's constraining ideas of femininity and cancer, to emerge as one of the most inspiring athletes and women of all time. This one-woman original play teaches students success in life - discipline, commitment , the thrill of competition, how it feels to win and how it feels to lose!

Miss Bessie Smith "holds court" with students about the living conditions in the major cities in which she traveled and performed during her rise to stardom. The years 1923-25, generally considered to be the beginning and apex of her career as a recording artist, are the focus of the program. Politics and the mood of post-World-War I America form the foundation of this discussion. As Bessie Smith, Jean Donatto sings, chats, and answers questions from the students about how it felt to be famous and black in the 1920s.

Students will create a classroom book in this workshop designed to explore creative writing and drawing skills. Teachers please provide paper, crayons, and markers.

Gather your "Waddies" (young cowboys and cowgirls) around Red Allen as he demonstrates how he captures the history of the American cowboy on canvas. Elementary student will be spellbound as Red paints while sharing personal stories of his dying American lifestyle and the fulfillment he experiences in the creation of art. Red will demonstrate and explain more advanced painting techniques and design with secondary students. Hang on partner! These classroom workshops are sure to knock you off your saddle!

Visual artist Celia Coleman combines her talent education, travel experiences, and treasure collections to create a complete cultural experience for students. After exposure to the architecture, customs, music, food, textiles, art, and costumes, students create a visual art project that will reflect that particular culture. Work with Celia to create a series of workshops on Africa, China, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, or Russia.

The study of entomology is so much fun when dancers Toni Valle and Joani Trevino convey the characteristics of insects through Becky Valls’ striking choreography with music and costuming. Accompanied by the clever poetry of Paul Fleischman, these professional dancers demonstrate through movement a caterpillar’s metamorphosis and the social behavior of bees. Other dances include the Busy Ant, Firefly, Phantom the Flying Cockroach, and Two Too Many Ladybugs. Insect body parts become a springboard for student participation through creative movement and discussion of choreographic elements. This program will help students see insects in a new and captivating way.

Local artist Greg Busceme uses an electric potter's wheel to show a step-by step procedure for making pottery. Teaching about the traditions and history of pottery, its effect on society and its development from prehistoric times to the present, Busceme tailors his program to the needs and capabilities of the school and students.

This fun and engaging activity uses drumming as a source of cardiovascular conditioning. While this activity is great for developing motor skills, they will also show improvement in social and intellectual skills and increase flexibility, balance and rhythm which consequently improves self-esteem and confidence.

¡Una programa muy interesante! Students will explore the fiery excitement of Spanish classical and flamenco music and dance and its remarkable influence on Texas and the entire western hemisphere. In this fast-paced, bilingual program with award-winning dancer Daniel de Cordoba children experiment with rhythms, zapateados (foot beats), bazeo (arm and hand movements), and castanet playing. Ole! (Also excellent for middle or high school Spanish classes!)

We all know a hummingbird cannot gobble up a fish and, of course, a pelican can’t drink nectar from a flower! A bird beak is an example of adaptation, a special feature or behavior that helps an animal survive in its environment. In this program, students will visit 8 simulated habitats and, by using every day objects that model bird beaks, will deduce what beaks are most efficient for given foods by experimenting with imitation beaks and given food sources. Debbie Loftus is the Program Director at the Enviromental Learning & Research Center, and Captain at Neches River Adventures.

Students will learn that art doesn't have to be expensive or difficult. Art can be created from "found" objects, things around the house, things you would find in the most unlikely places!

In this world of feathers, students will learn about the common characteristics of birds. Some have huge wingspans, others have webbed feet, and some birds don't even fly! Prior to dancing, Toni Valle shows students the hand and body movements to be used in a dance. The "Dance of the Swan" delights the students while illustrating how to use body movements and props to present a thought. The use of music and poetry that match a bird's characteristics helps students understand the dance. Throughout the program, students participate in delightful dances such as the "Chicken" and the "Penguin" dances. All will enjoy the poetry, music, creative movement and choreography based on images of birds.

This Gunstwork production of the classic tale, which features exquisite puppets, expressive masks, and original choreography, ignites the imagination of young and old alike. This dynamic solo production by puppeteer Michael Gunst is a teaching story of the Wabanaki, the native people of New England and southern Canada. It depicts the journey of four native New England Abenaki men as they make their way to the island where the great Gluskabe (the protector of the Abenaki) lives and the story of the wishes he bestows on them. One wishes for worldly possessions; the second yearns to be taller than all; another seeks immortality; and the fourth wishes to be a better hunter so that he may provide food for his people. Four Wishes is for children and their families.

An eight year old girl, sold into slavery an ocean away from home, shows a remarkable aptitude for languages and goes on to become one of America's most distinguished poets. Join actress/dramatist Jean Donatto as she recounts Phillis Wheatley's fascinating quest, from her initial capture in Africa and early life of servitude in Boston, through her ultimate liberation and the attainment of the greatest freedoms of all - literacy and creativity.

Gayle Danley offers a workshop in which students and teachers gain insight into the process by which Gayle writes her slam poetry, introducing her step-by-step method. In addition to focusing on the structure and language of slam poetry, participants discover creative ways to use language, review performance techniques that draw the poet closer to the audience, sharpen listening and critiquing skills, and perform original poems.

In this outstanding program Hope Shiver portrays Harriet Tubman, interweaving her monologue with spirituals of sorrow and joy. Discover how this heroic woman used lyrics of spirituals and other devices to aid her slave "passengers" on their quest for freedom using the Underground Railroad. You will chant, clap, cheer, and rejoice!

Brien is one of very few people who play a seldom-heard instrument, a set of tuned glasses called the Glass Harmonica or Glass Harp. 42 individually pitched glasses are played on their rims to create music often described as ethereal and mesmerizing. Music of different styles and periods is combined with anecdotes about the history of this instrument and some of the people, like Mozart and Ben Franklin, who played a part in its evolution. He explores musical instruments made from everyday materials, the history of glass and water-tuned music, and concepts of physics and sound.

Storybook Theatre of Texas is proud to present another original story, "Goldifox and the Two Hares." What foods make a well balanced meal, and why are those foods important? What is a good way to make new friends? These are some of the lessons learned in this delightful show that appeals to PreK through 3rd grade. Incorporating nutrition facts, familiar sayings, and twists on nursery rhymes, this highly interactive show is sure to please!

Have you wondered what a bear has for lunch? Or how do spiders benefit us? Growing Up Wild can teach your class these things and much, much more. The newest addition to the nationally acclaimed Project Wild family, Growing Up Wild, is specially designed for early childhood environmental education. Pre-K, kindergarten, and 1st grade classes are a perfect fit for these workshops. Activities include Wildlife is Everywhere, which helps children understand the wildlife around us, Less is More, which teaches children the importance of sharing resources, and lots more activities to chose from. Activities includes a special song, themed snack, poetry, dances, and lots more ways to bring nature to life for your class.

Using the talents of our Southeast Texas neighbors, the music from the 40's through today serves as an example of how music composition is influenced by events. Local musician and songwriter Ray Simien puts history in a lively and fun context. Music features some of our famous local artists including Harry James, The Big Bopper, Janis Joplin, Tracy Byrd, and others.

Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee for 2008

Discarding such "extras" as pen and paper or computer keyboard, Tim Tingle helps students discover and use the most important tool available to any writer - the imagination - a tool everyone has! De-mystifying creative writing and addressing the "I can't write" syndrome, this workshop for middle and high school students uses "nickels" (the five senses), details, gestures, voices and quotes as Tim teaches students to look at the world in new ways. Conducted in an out-of-the-classroom environment, the "jumpstart" experience helps students appreciate how words evoke emotions and ideas. Spark excitement for language while improving literacy skills! Excellent state test preparation!

What is a wetland? Most people would say a swamp or marsh. But, what about a sandy beach? Wetlands generally are found at the boundary between land and water and include characteristics of both. They are important for erosion control, floodwater storage, water purification, and wildlife habitats. Wetlands provide food, shelter, and nesting sites for thousands of migratory and resident birds. Students will learn about the different types of wetlands and how they are affected by natural and man made phenomena, and how this affects wildlife and in turn us. This workshop will help instill stewardship of birds and other natural resources by promoting awareness, appreciation, and knowledge of the wetlands.

Actually, there is nothing plain about them! When Shelly Kneupper Tucker takes the stage, she can rock the house with laughter. Over the years, Shelly has worked hard to incorporate stories into her programs that can be utilized in the classrooms. Language arts teachers love her use of similes, metaphors, and alliteration. Teachers of history, reading, drama, and even math and science have found ideas for “springboards” into learning in the classroom.

Join soprano/storyteller Hope Shiver on a fantastic ride through African American History via popular music styles. With lots of audience participation, students don costumes and become one of the lovable characters - Bluesy, Jazzy, and others.

One of the most common instruments in the world is the harmonica. This instrument is used in many different type of music, which includes folk and blues. Ray Simien will use a Chromatic Harmonica to play musical pieces normally composed for instruments like the violin, flute, and clarinet. While playing classical pieces by such composers as J. S. Bach, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, and more, he will tell the stories of their lives and their historical time periods. Children will enjoy hearing music written by the masters, but played on an instrument some may have at home!

What does the color blue sound like? How does a melody look? In this fascinating, interactive workshop, Kim Ellis turns the classroom into a sensory immersion in music and visual imagery. Blending beautiful clarinet music with visual art and photography, Kim engages students' imaginations as they create short stories and art works of their own while accompanied by works of such composers as Bach, Gershwin and Von Weber with displays of photos by Keith Carter and other artists. Listening to classics such as Peter and the Wolf, students create their own musical books. What develops is an irresistible album of musical "snapshots." Adaptable for secondary students as well!

Two singer-actors and an accompanist take the audience on a lively journey through the "greatest hits" of opera, including The Barber of Seville, Carmen, Hansel and Gretel, Il Trovatore and The Magic Flute. During the course of of this highly interactive program, students learn appreciation for what it takes to become a professional opera singer. Most importantly, they discover that opera is FUN!

Have you ever wondered how grass grows, or about the life cycle of the butterfly? Have you ever thought about well ants work together, or how great of an army they are? Well, Ray Simien and his guitar will take you through a scientific voyage of these and other animals! Students will learn through singalong about the living world around them and sing their way to new knowledge in life science.

"Something there is that doesn't love a wall, that wants it down." This familiar line from one of Robert Frost's most memorable poems is only one of Jean Donatto's examples of verse that examine conflict, the way we feel about it and the way we deal with it. In this insightful program, Jean discusses various aspects of conflict resolution, illustrating her message with poems that lend the comfort of knowing that others have experienced and dealt with these same emotions.

In existence since 1984, Poetry Alive's actors have memorized hundreds of poems, from the classics to contemporary, to present to more than 7 million people in 49 states and many foreign countries. Poetry Alive actors present "poetry with a twist," transforming the poems into scripts and the audience members into fellow actors in their innovative performances. The result is a non-stop tour de force of words with a hint of sorrow and a dash of silliness and every emotion in between.

In this make-it-take-it workshop, students will each make a pot of clay and have it fired by artist Greg Busceme, a master on the potter's wheel. Greg will tailor his workshop to meet the needs of your students.

1999 National Young Audiences Artist of the Year

It's an Asian occasion with Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-Noh-Tec! For more than two decades, Robert has engaged audiences around the country with his versatile performances that draw from his Japanese and Filipino ancestry. Whether he is imitating a toad or "flying" over his audience on the wind, Robert is a mesmerizing and delightful performer.

From the land of the "Southern Kingdom," also known a s Vietnam, comes a rich garden of tales and myths as fertile as the Mekong Delta. Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo takes his audiences on a magical and whimsical journey where Toad is the "Uncle of Heaven," where bridge magpies bring Star Lovers together, and where the Big Liar of the village ends up on the Moon. Join Young Audiences of Southeast Texas for Robert's newest program, featuring the legend of Vietnam!

Setting his firefighter knowledge to music, Ray Simien uses original songs to reinforce the basics of personal safety. What do you do in case of a fire, how do you stay safe in water, in a car? Accompanied on a guitar, these toe-tapping songs include Stop, Drop, and Roll, On the Right Side of the Road, and Crossing the Street.

Born outside of Linden, Texas in 1868, Scott Joplin demonstrated his extraordinary talent for music at an early age. He combined classical music with African American harmony and rhythm in his compositions of ragtime music. Joplin's impressive repertoire totaled some sixty composition including his best known Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer. In 1973, more than 50 years after his death, his music was featured in the motion picture, The Sting, which won an academy award for the film score. Three years later, in 1976, Joplin's opera Treemonisha won the coveted Pulitzer Prize. In his portrayal of Scott Joplin, Ray Simien exposes the students to Scott's consuming love of music along with the trails of an African American musician in the early 1900s when ragtime and jazz were an emerging form of American music.

We all have real-life "home alone," "getting lost, and "who is that strange neighbor, really?" stories. This workshop encourages students, in small groups, to share their scary tales. With personal experience as a springboard, we will use our imaginations to "what if?" and exaggerate, creating short ghost stories for the page. Lessons will include the importance of descriptive words, dialogue for character development, plus a discussion of the key components of any narrative, long or short.

Don't know what Slam Poetry is? Discover the power as Gayle Danley, International Slam Poetry Champion, introduces "poetry with the gloves off." Slam are performance poetry competitions where the audience rates both the poem and the performance. Gayle Danley is a presence like few have ever seen in the classroom or on the stage. By proving that poetry can be dynamic and dramatic, she encourages students to express their creativity in a positive way.

Hope Shiver illustrates through story and song the life of famous abolitionist Sojourner Truth. Students learn how laws are made and examine the plight of slaves in the North while clapping and chanting to the familiar spirituals of the time. Featured topics include the abolitionist movement, the women's movement, the Civil War, and President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

Singing one moment, whispering verse the next, Gayle's ever-changing expressions and movements enhance the emotional energy she beams into the audience. This poetry warrior's interactive performance deals with contemporary issues important to the young, exposing children to poetry that is, to quote Gayle, "cathartic, moving, and above all, real." Depending upon grade level, her poetry encompasses subjects such as urban life, the undying love between two friends, grief and healing, and other topics important to today's young people.

Shelby Smith brings her many years of teaching, the language arts, and storytelling together in these delightful 45-minute performances. Shelby focuses on developing a love of learning and the environment through nature stories and stories of respect. But she can't leave out multi-cultural tales that foster understanding between all people.

Her stories are entertaining, engaging, and thought-provoking, and are guaranteed to inspire, motivate, and delight audiences of all ages. Shelby can also design a performance just for you.- whether it's multi-cultural tales, science, history, math, or just for fun, Shelby's stories are a sure hit just for you and watch your students bloom!

Storytelling... an art that has been handed down through the ages, meeting a basic need in human culture - that of preserving our history, identity, and personalities. Through stories, our heritage is preserved and a love of learning is encouraged. Professional storyteller Dru Woods motivates children to read and instills an appreciation of literature through her incredible ability to capture her audience's attention with stories. Using music, puppets, body language, audience participation, and high energy, Dru takes young people on a journey to other lands and other times, introducing them to characters from throughout literature. Stories may include Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, Texas legends, fractured fairy tales, contemporary stories, or tales with morals. Dru Woods is also available through Young Audiences for meetings, care facilities, and other public programming.

Discover the vast and varied percussion family when Mark Shelton brings an assortment of instruments including Drums, Hand Pan, Hammered Dulcimer, Marimba and Electronic Percussion into your school. In this exciting and educational program, Mark plays melodic percussion and indefinite pitch instruments to demonstrate the variety of sounds at the fingertips of a percussionist. Mark is also available for other school and community programs such as drum circles, percussion clinics, seminars on life in the music biz, and more! Call us and we can create a program that meets your group's needs.

Take equal parts of three ancient crafts (spinning, weaving, and storytelling); mix with tidbits of historical fact and folklore; add a dash of humor and you have a recipe for a program that can't be missed. Shelly Tucker, deemed an American Masterpiece by the National Endowment of the Arts, amazes her audience with demonstrations of spinning wool on a spinning wheel and weaving it on a loom. She explains the work that children would have done in times long past. Then she "spins a yarn," or tells a story (a term derived from the days when there was no television --- the spinner told a "yarn"). Her unique programs are geared to the age group and the curriculum. The audiences learn about history and language without ever knowing that Shelly was teaching them!

2000 National Young Audiences Artists of the Year! Like tap dancer Savion Glover (of the Tony Award-winning Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk,) Tap Team Two of Philadelphia makes the art of tap relevant to a whole new generation. Tap Team Two takes you on a trip to the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, introducing key artists of the time whose influence still resounds today all around us. Kids will learn the basic steps of tap dance as Tap Team Two demonstrates dances of the era!

Tap Team Two brings children the beloved tale of "Goldilocks and The Three Bears" through tap dance, associating characters with dance steps and different rhythms. Students learn to count in patterns and also learn the seven basic steps of tap dance, while discovering this classic children's story.

The Blue Shoe Project is an interactive enrichment program using the power of Blues music to inspire students. The program features resident bluesman Mr. Blue Shoes, who takes students on a musical journey designed to strengthen learning in the classroom. Your students won't be able to keep from dancing as they learn the Wiggle Bounce with Mr. Blue Shoes and his trusty guitar, and discover the roots of American Blues!

Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee for 2008

A member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Tim Tingle uses a unique blend of Native American tradition, history and lively fictional narrative to recant his fascinating stories. For elementary grades, his animated tales are filled with audience participation and humor, For secondary level, Tim introduces more challenging themes through an array of colorful characterizations. Using traditional "vocable" style chanting, and instruments such as the Indian flute, Chippewa drum, and Choctaw chant sticks, Tim allows participants an easy journey to the past as the stories unfold.

Hear about the Texas Revolution in a different way-through its music. Combining keyboard, guitar, singing and creative dramatics, the true story of The Yellow Rose of Texas is told, from its origin as slave song through its journey to state song. Learn how the music of this period added its own unique style and influence to the Texas Revolution.

All aboard the super liner that guides magically from continent to continent with Jean Donatto. Known for her interpretations of poetry and other literature, this acclaimed actress turns her inimitable talents to storytelling. From Africa to Russia to the American South, she recounts folk stories from different cultures around the globe. In this highly participatory program, students journey through an itinerary filled with tricksters, humor, high drama, and lessons of life.

Tipi Tellers brings a unique storytelling experience to students, as they set up a real 15-foot diameter tipi and transport students back to another time and place in history. The Tipi Tellers story bag includes wit and wisdom from folktales and legends from many cultures, as well as personal tales. This is an experience students will remember for a lifetime as they learn from history then relate and apply these life-lessons to today.

Travel into the depths of the ocean and experience the phenomenal underwater world. Experience the energetic performance of the University of Houston’s Dance Ensemble as they create a science lesson on ocean communities. Their dances take students “into the deep” to explore ocean landscapes, plant life, the species of fish, and the power of waves and tides. A crazy choreographed fashion show with audience participation focuses on fish and other marine animals. The University of Houston Dance Department is directed by Karen Stokes and the University of Houston Ensemble is directed by Becky Valls. Student performers are: Jae Jerrols, Danielle Koblinski, Lilian Mason, Katie Trevino, and Katy Weaver.

As a storyteller, Young Audiences artist Shelly Kneupper Tucker knows the power of words. In 27 years of telling tales, she has developed her craft such that the National Endowment of the Arts named her an "American Masterpiece." She uses her language skills to encourage better writing in young students. After telling them a story, she uses games and examples to emphasize the importance of writing creatively to "paint a picture with words." Excellent for state test preparation! Have the children bring a sheet of paper, a pencil, and their imaginations.

In this animated exploration of poetry, Jean Donatto conducts a tour of the animal world through poems of A.A. Milne, Ogden Nash and Lewis Carroll. Join Jean on an entertaining adventure into the animal kingdom through her poetry performances.