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The New England School Performing Artist Directory
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THEATER
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This is an alphabetical listing of
performing artists whose theater programs support topics
in Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics, and Health. You can browse the list by scrolling down or, if you are looking for information on a particular group or individual,
you can select a letter and move directly to that section of the list.
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Rick Adam
Encore Performing Arts, Inc
Roberta Wolinsky
PO Box 630
Melville, NY 11747
(800) 669-9850
Fax: (631) 423-1795
Email: rickadam@encoreperforming.com
Website: http://encoreperforming.com/ra.htm
Rick Adam presents entertaining and effective performances dealing with social issues for all ages.
"Sound Choices" (for grades K-6) With a unique combination of songs, circus
arts and audience participation, this up-lifting,
entertaining program teaches children how
to build a foundation for healthy living.
Grades K-3 focuses on developing healthy
choices around food, exercise, emotions and
having fun. Grades 4-6 expands on how to make
positive choices, grow up substance-free and
create a balanced lifestyle.
“Be Cool, Be Safe” (for grades K-6) creates a fun jam of original music, mime, circus stuff, and audience participation that will help empower
children to make positive choices regarding bullying, taming tempers, preventing abuse and violence, resisting peer pressure, and celebrating differences.
It is an educational, enchanting, and highly entertaining performance designed to leave the audience with plenty of creative tools to build and maintain
harmony in our world.
"A Journey Through Addiction" (for grades 5-12) is a compelling theatrical production, using original
music, drama, mime and vaudeville, to explore alcoholism, drug dependency, eating disorders,
teen suicide, and self-destructive attitudes, encouraging students to make healthy choices and
build self-esteem.
"Resolving Rage" (for grades 6-12): This mesmerizing, autobiographical program teaches
easy-to-remember tools to control tempers, address bullying, channel
aggression, avoid conflicts, and simple tips on how to be smart and safe in
cyber-space. Rick delivers his message using music, mime, storytelling, and
a variety of stage skills to discover how to tap into student’s creative energy,
appreciate differences, and instill a positive outlook on life.
"Red's Recycle-O-Rama" (for grades K-6) uses audience participation, storytelling, magic, juggling, hand shadows, original songs, and Red's Original One-Man Junk Band to
offer fun-loving tips on how and why to recycle, reuse, and reduce.
“Shaking’ Up Shakespeare” (for grades 6-12)
Equipped with an electric guitar and his arsenal of
stage skills, Rick translates into modern times, the
works and world of Shakespeare. Rick shares his
personal story, of how at 18 he went from the streets
to the stage. Students will get to examine ageless
teen issues and discover that the “Old Bard” still
rocks, raps, and rules!
Program Titles: Sound Choices; A Journey Through Addiction; Be Cool, Be Safe; Resolving Rage; Red's Recycle-O-Rama; Shaking Up Shakespeare.
Audience Limits: none
Special Requirements: 90 minute set-up time; electricity; clear stage.
Fee: $650-750 for 1 show; $950-1050 for 2 back-to-back; public performances may be higher
Funding Sources: New England Touring Roster, New England Foundation for the Arts
Health: Self-esteem, Drug Prevention, Conflict Resolution
Science: Ecology, Environment
Language Arts: Shakespeare
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Bubble-Mania!
Casey Carle
Booking Manager: Todd Little, 860-632-9049
E Mail: bubblemaniabooking@gmail.com
Web site: www.bubblemania.com
How do you earn the position of bubble consultant to Cirque du Soleil? How do gain the title “Bubble Artist Champion” at an
international contest on Japanese TV? How do you get to be the guy who explains bubble science to millions on The Discovery Channel?
Comic bubble-ologist Casey Carle does it by being really, really good at...... well, bubbling.
Which explains why his stage show BubbleMania!! has been in high demand throughout New England and beyond since 1989 - performing
350+ shows a year. Other credits include The Ringling Bros Circus, The Smithsonian Institute, Lincoln Center, The CT Public TV Science
Expo (5 years), plus science centers and theaters coast to coast and in 8 countries.
BubbleMania! is available in two formats:
- Comedy With A Drip! — A BubbleManiac since 1987, Mr. Carle creates an event loaded with visual comedy, quick wit, big band
swing music and amazing soap bubble manipulations - from intricate and inspiring bubble art forms (including fog-filled bubbles)
to trapping people inside giant bubbles! It's a unique combination of soap and showmanship that will amaze and amuse ages 5-95!
- Science, Art & Comedy! — Since 1992 Mr. Carle has combined his eye-popping bubbling skills with engaging, fun and age
appropriate science for schools. From super solutions and surface tension to cube-shaped bubbles and human-sized bubbles, this high energy
show guarantees that jaws will drop, laughter will explode and brains will be whirling as he connects the dots between scientific know-how and artistic achievement in a way that
captivates grades K-6.for grades K-6. A study guide co-authored by The Smithsonian Institute is available at www.bubblemania.com.
More thorough descriptions, news articles, recommendations, photos and booking guidelines are at www.bubblemania.com.
Program Titles: Bubble-Mania: Comedy With A Drip! (Family shows); Bubble-Mania: Science, Art and Comedy (School assembly).
Audience Limit: Assembly: 250 with a stage, 200 without a stage. Family Show: 350-400. Theaters: 600-800 seats.
(For larger theaters, check out www.Bubble-Time.com, Casey's much bigger, two-man bubbling show.)
Current Fees: One show : $495-$595, Two back-to-back shows: $895-$995. (Additional travel expenses usually apply beyond 2 hours from
home in East Haddam, CT.)
Funding Sources: BOCES (NY State), CT Commision on Culture and Tourism (cultureandtourism.org), New England Foundation for the Arts (nefa.org)
Special Requirements: Indoor only. No worries, any mess is self-contained. (This is a VERY clean show.)
Science: Physics, Chemistry, Nature
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Lon Cerel
18 Pinewood Avenue
Johnston, RI 02919
(401) 946-3183
E Mail: magicguy@cox.net
Website: loncerel.com/magicofreading.html
"The Magic of Reading" is a curriculum-based program incorporating popular children's books.
Lon Cerel has been entertaining children and their families for over 20 years and has twice been voted "RI's Best
Family Entertainment" by the RI Parents' Paper.
Lon's goal is to aid in your efforts to motivate your children, by promoting the Fun of recreational reading, and the use of the library. Instead of turning on the TV, children learn to turn on their minds and their imaginations. The program is a perfect companion to the Books & Beyond and Feinstein Good Deeds programs. In addition, by utilizing the techniques of stage magic, each illusion reinforces moral values such as sharing, cooperation, giving respect to get respect, "paying it forward", and consequences (cause and effect).
The program is specirfically geared to grades K-5.
Program Title: The Magic of Reading
Audience Limit: 250/assembly
Fee: $450-$550; second show, same day: $200 additional
Language Arts: Reading, Children's Literature, Folk Tales
Health: Self-Esteem
Social Studies: Famous People - Betsy Ross
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Children’s Voices Theater
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net
Website: www.elweiner.com
Promote Literacy and Celebrate the Imagination With ‘Children’s Voices Theater’
Children’s Voices transforms stories and poems written by students K-6, into a magical theatrical experience that combines
acting, mime, comedy,masks,puppetry,jugglling, and audience participation.
Throughout the performance, Michael Zerphy and Marv Klassen-Landis, creators of Children’s Voices, weave themes of trusting one’s inner voice, overcoming fear, and getting started when ‘I don’t know what to write’ . Students get so excited after seeing this performance that they can’t wait to write their own poems and stories. This production is a high energy high student motivator. Workshops and residencies are also available. A Teacher Guide is provided.
Audience Limit: 250/300 for schools; Public Presentations: No limit
Fee: $800 for one, $1,300 for two -block booking rates available -public performances may be somewhat higher
Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Vermont Arts Council, New Hampshire Council on the Arts
Special Requirements: None- a stage is not required –set up time approximately one hour
Language Arts: Reading, Writing
Health: Self-esteem
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Debbie O'Carroll Magical Theatre for Children
Debbie O'Carroll
51 Olive Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 462-9954
Fax: (978) 462-9954
Email: debbie@debbieocarroll.com
Website: www.debbieocarroll.com
Debbie O'Carroll is a 'one of a kind' performer. She combines stage magic, theatre, and dance with lots of audience participation.
Her appealing props, delightful costumes, enchanting magic and lively stage movement both educate and entertain.
Program Titles: Addacadabra (math): The Flower Power Magic Show (science and social Studies): Celebrate the December Holidays (diversity); The Irish Magic Show (children's literature); The Amazing America Animals Magic Show (history): The Railroad Magic Show (geography of the U.S.); The Magic of Exercise (physical fitness); Tall Tales from a Small World (world geography); The Planets Magic Show (science)
Grade Level Suitability: Pre-K through 6
Audience Size Limit: None.
Fee: $300 - $400; Block Booking rates for two or more performances. Discounts for after school programs.
Language Arts: Reading, Children's Literature
Social Studies: American History, Holidays, Geography, Countries (Ireland),Transportation
Health: Physical Fitness
Science: Solar System, Nature
Math
Funding Source: NEST, New England Foundation for the Arts, BOCES, Massachusetts Cultural Council, local cultural councils.
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Bill Dougal
243 Tobacco Street
Lebanon, CT 06249
(860) 456-9041
E Mail: bill@dougalart.com
Website: www.dougalart.com
COWBOY BILLY - A colorful cowboy character educating and entertaining through original songs and comedy. The Wild & Witty West Show provides a humorous look into the lifestyle of the cowboy. The OK Corral Show emphasizes character values. Songs teach moral lessons like being nice to your neighbor, and peaceful conflict resolution.
FUN SONGS FROM BILL'S HAT - Bill Dougal's original songs educate young people, and incorporate humor. Songs include; "Fact collection", "Mr.
Gravity", "It's My Brain" and "Ooey Gooey". A large cartoon visual accompanies each tune.
CARICATURES - Cartoon-style portraits. Visual interpretation of various head shapes and facial features with exaggeration & humor. Cartooning presentation also. Lecture/demo, workshop or drawing by the hour.
Program Titles: Cowboy Billy, Caricatures, Fun Songs From Bill's Hat
Fee: Start at $275
Social Studies: Geography, Regions (West), Occupations (Cowboys)
Health Conflict Resolution, Safety
Ed the Wizard
Ed Cope
192 West Main Street
Orange, MA 01364
(978) 544-8092
E Mail: edthewizard@edthewizard.com
Web Site: www.edthewizard.com
Ed the Wizard delights and entertains his audiences with mystical and comedic routines suitable for all ages. Dressed as a wizard straight
out of a fairy tale, complete with curly pointed elf shoes, Ed the Wizard combines a life-long interest in magic with a passion for
reading. He delivers a strong positive message about reading as key to teaching yourself anything, and also to having a lot of fun!
At the end of each performance, Ed the Wizard donates a magic book to the hosting school or library. Audience members will
be delighted to find that some of the routines Ed the Wizard performs in his show are taught in the book!
Program Titles: Ed the Wizard performs 'Reading is Magic'
Grade Level Suitabiilty: Performances - Pre K and beyond; Workshops - grade 3 and up
Audience Size Limits: Performances - the smaller the better, but from a single class to whole school assemblies; Workshops - 15 - 20 is best.
Fee: Call for prices. Prices for single, multiple, and all day events available.
Funding Sources: Many events have been funded by Local Cultural Councils.
Language Arts: Reading, Literary programs
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Enchanted Circle Theater
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net
Website: www.elweiner.com
Enchanted Circle Theater is one of New England's premier children's theater companies, integrating
music, dance, theater, visual arts and literature. The current repertoire includes:
Folktales From Japan (K - 6), Roots, Rhythm and Rapture - Caribbean music and dance (all ages), A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream - a multi-media
performance about three courageous young people who each, in their own way stand up and speak out against injustice (5-8),
Tales From Mother Russia (K - 6), Dance of the Earth (4-8) about the life of our planet Earth, and
From Page to Stage (5-12), a dramatic rendering of prose, poetry, and drama aimed at encouraging
young people to read.
Program Titles: Folktales from Japan; Tales From Mother Russia; Dance
of the Earth; From Page to Stage; Roots, Rhythm and Rapture; A Bullet Can't Kill A Dream.
Audience Limit: approx. 25/class/workshop; 300/assembly
Fee: For Tales From Mother Russia, Folktales From Japan, Latino Voices, Dance of the Earth: $800 for one; reductions for multiples and block booking; workshop fees lower
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S.
Special Requirements: space approx. 20' X 20'; electricity; (do not require stage)
Language Arts: Folktales, Reading)
Social Studies: Countries and Regions of the World (Japan, Russia, Latin America), Geography
Science: Environment, Ecology
Health: Conflict Resolution
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FOODPLAY PRODUCTIONS
Barbara Storper, M.S., R.D.
1 Sunset Avenue
Hatfield, MA 01038
(800) 366-3752
Fax: (800) 366-3752 (please call first)
E-Mail: info@foodplay.com
Web Site: www.foodplay.com and www.foodplaykids.com
"FOODPLAY" -- Captivating theater with essential health messages, this national award-winning nutrition show helps turn today's children
on to healthy eating and exercise habits. Featuring fantastic feats of juggling, a cast of colorful characters, motivating messages, audience
participation, music, magic and more...FOODPLAY addresses the major health concerns affecting today's schoolchildren. This educational and entertaining program includes a school-wide assembly performance (45 minutes), a comprehensive school resource kit with materials for everyone involved including, a Teacher's Follow-Up Activity Guidebook, a snack guide for parents, handouts for children, packet for school food service, evaluation materials, and press packet. FOODPLAY has been presented to over one million schoolchildren coast to coast and
received a host of awards including an Emmy Award for "Best Children and Youth TV Special". (Grades K-5)
"THIS IS YOUR LIFE" -- Help adolescents make their choices healthy ones with this upbeat, thought-provoking, health theatre
show that has received the highest ratings from schools throughout the country. Addressing nutrition, fitness, and body image,
"THIS IS YOUR LIFE" helps young people see through the messages they receive from the media, family, and peers in order to make healthy choices. Originally sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and Centers for Disease Control, this program features a school-wide assembly performance, Follow-Up Teacher's Activity Guidebook, School Resource Kit, and press packet. (Grades 5-9)
Program Titles: FOODPLAY; This Is Your Life!
Audience Limit: 400/assembly
Fee: Call for prices
Funding Sources: Safe and Drug-Free Schools, TEAM Nutrition, BOCES, and more
Health: Nutrition, Physical Fitness, Self-Esteem, Drug Awareness, Eating Disorder Prevention
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Gould & Stearns
Bonnie Stearns, Managing Director
44 Hillcrest Terrace
Brattleboro, VT 05301
(802) 254-8355
Fax: same
email: stearns@sover.net
Web: www.sover.net/~stearns
OR
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net
Website: www.elweiner.com
Peter Gould and Stephen Stearns are madcap performers and master teachers who have been
offering school programs and residencies for over 20 years. Their performances are clever, often
zany, and always heart-warming. In their work as workshop and discussion leaders, often in
conjunction with a performance, they give students a can-do message about managing problems
and opportunities with the help of humor.
Programs include:
Secrets: Peter and Stephen use stories of their own growing up to look, with humor, at
real kid issues - peer pressure, self esteem, and choice-making. (grades 4-6, 7-8)
Fee Fie Fo Fun! involves the audience in re-creating the familiar story of Jack and the Beanstalk
with Peter and Stephen - and gives insight into the art forms of mime, theatre and comedy.
This new look at an old favorite is a perfect way to introduce young students to storytelling as
a living art form. (grades preK-5)
A Peasant of El Salvador - about which teachers have said - "The best social studies
lesson my students will have all year... The most moving, meaningful play I have ever seen...
Taught more about Latin American culture in one hour than I do in three years teaching."
(grades 9-12)
Simple Gifts - a special holiday program for December - highlights stories from a variety of
cultures and traditions, and reminds us that the simple gifts of ourselves are the best sources of
warmth and comfort we can offer one another.
Laughing Matters teaches students basic illusions and mime techniques and creative
use of language while it takes them on a journey of the imagination - from a whaling ship of the
1800s to the vaudeville stage, and into the future! (grades K-5, 6-8, 9-12).
Program Titles: Secrets, Fee Fie Fo Fun!, A Peasant of El Salvador, Simple Gifts, Laughing Matters
Audience limit: 24/class, usually 300-350 /assembly, up to 650 or more in suitable auditorium.
Fee: $500-$800/performance
Funding Source: New England Foundation for the Arts
Language Arts: Folk Tales, Bilingual (Spanish)
Social Studies: Countries and Regions of the World - Latin America, Holidays
Health: Self-Esteem, Drug Prevention, Peer Pressure
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The Improbable Players
Lynn Bratley, Artistic Director
22 Mt. Auburn Street
Watertown, MA 02472-3955
(617) 926-8124 or (800) 437-4303
Fax: (617) 926-8315
E Mail: players@improbableplayers.org
Website: http://www.improbableplayers.org
Not another lecture about substance abuse! Spotlight tough social issues as they relate to alcohol/drug use with plays that
captivate, educate, motivate. All the young actor/educators are in long-term recovery. Participate in drama workshops that weave theater
and health lessons so students can give voice to their ideas to help solve community issues.
“Thanks for coming to our school today. The issues you portrayed were realistic. Both the performances and the opportunity to speak
with and hear from the actors was invaluable
to our students – it stimulated great discussions. The best part of the experience was knowing the actors had real issues:
it made the students more willing to listen, and it offered them the hope of having fun without drinking. Your work is amazing and
inspirational.”
Program Titles:
I'll Never Do That!; Passing It On; Running on E; Hitting Rock Bottom; Stages
Audience Limits: none
Fee: Ranges from $550 to $1,600 (+travel expenses)
Funding Sources: Call us to find out about the many options available for funding. Improbable Players is a Massachusetts Cultural Council Creative Teaching Partner
Health: Drug Prevention, Self-esteem, Conflict Resolution
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Keith Michael Johnson
Educational Programs for K-6
45 Ann Mary Brown Drive
Warwick, RI 028888
(401) 781-6676
Fax:(866) 247-7073
Web site: http://keithmichaeljohnson.com
E-Mail: kmjshows@yahoo.com
Keith Michael Johnson uses humor to motivate, educate
and entertain students in grades K-5. Thousands of
students throughout Southern New England have enjoyed
his time-tested and popular assembly programs:
The Secret World of Bubbles brings curriculum concepts of soap films, gasses, liquids, tension and pressure to life in an amazing program
featuring soap bullles. (K-5)
Science Isn't Always Pretty challenges students with outrageous questions and demonstrations that brings the K-5 science curriculum alive! (k-5)
Mad About Math is full of things to see, ideas to
ponder, and advice to make learning math easier. It's
not a math lesson, it's a "here's why mathapulluza!" (k-5)
Amazing Americans is chock full of insightful
immigrant stories, antique artifacts from everyday
American life and a look at history through the lens
of hobbies. A program which touches on culture,
science, art, fashion and our diverse culture as ways
of exploring our history, Amazing Americans also
encourages responsible citizenship. (History and
Reading for K-5)
Wild About Weather (k-5) takes a creative and quirky look at clouds, air pressure, forecasts and storms.
Kids discover why our weather happens and how it works while experiencing a tornado machine, a hot air balloon and an air
cannon.
Program Titles: The Secret World of Bubbles; Science Isn't Always Pretty; Amazing Americans; Mad About Math; Wild About Weather
Audience Limit: 200/assembly in school setting. No audience limit for summer reading, evening family, or fundraising events.
Fees: $625/1 show; $950/ 2 shows, back to back, $975, AM/PM; $1,325/3 shows; $1,625/4 shows.
Possible Funding Sources: Potential funding available from local Massachusetts cultural councils and the Massachusetts Cultural Council; New England Foundation for the Arts - listed as a NEST performer on www.MATCHBOOK.org
Science: General; Weather
Math
Social Studies: American History, Citizenship
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Henry Lappen
120 Pulpit Hill Road, #31
Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 549-3722
E mail: wow@HenryLappen.com
Website: www.henrylappen.com
A Passion for Birds (formerly Birds in Their Habitat) is a unique, interpretive program which helps students to understand and connect with birds and other wildlife. Using masks, comedy, and lots of audience participation, Henry Lappen explores how and why birds have adapted to their environment. He explains the science while demonstrating how the birds move and act. Participants get to don the masks and soar as Eagles, stalk as Herons, and swim as Puffins. Covers several state science curriculum standards.
Henry the Juggler Henry the Juggler (AKA Henry Lappen) is wanted! He is wanted by audiences everywhere for his zany attempts
to defy the laws of gravity. He juggles any number of balls, clubs, rings, members of the audience . . . He balances strange
items on the tip of his nose.
Everything is accomplished wordlessly as Henry uses body language and gesture to express himself.
Caution: Henry is known to use innocent bystanders in his act.
Henry the Juggler is a professional. He has been seen by tens of thousands up and down the East Coast - at theaters, schools,
libraries and festivals. He has been performing for over twenty five years. He studied physical comedy at California's Dell'Arte School.
He is an active member of the International Jugglers' Association.
Program Title: A Passion for Birds; Henry the Juggler
Audience Limit: A Passion for Birds: 250; Henry the Juggler: 500
Fee: $425 for 1 show, $650. for 2. Travel may be extra.
Funding Sources: Massachusetts Cultural Council, your local Massachusetts cultural council, and New England Foundation for the Arts.
Science: Animals (birds), Nature, ecology, environment
Health: Physical Fitness
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Mary Jo Maichack, Minstrel/Storyteller
Maichack Arts
93 Homestead Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-3667
Fax (413) 538-6023
E Mail: EmJay7@aol.com
Website: www.maryjomaichack.com/
Winner of two national awards (NAPPA Gold & Honors) for her CDs of storytelling & music, veteran singer and storyteller Mary Jo Maichack
has "got it down to a science," says Pat Pierce of Newington's Lucy Robbins-Welles Library. Mary Jo offers a huge variety of themes for
your library, school (prek-8), museum, festival or other venue, from summer reading club shows to school residencies and professional
development workshops for teachers and parents in using storytelling as oral literacy skill-building. Fun. Fun. Fun.
Aligned with learning standards. Easy, fun and businesslike in making arrangements. Free posters and press releases save you time.
Performer, creative teaching artist, cabaret singer and dynamic teller of folktales, Mary Jo's shows work because they are unusually
interactive. In family and children's programs, your audiences sing, (MJ plays guitar) chant, play instruments, make sound effects,
dance, act in costumes and have a ball. Vastly experienced (22 years) in any age-group or mix of ages. Using multicultural folktales at
the heart of each program, Mary Jo weaves in music, dance & audience play. Please visit Web site for show descriptions from summer
reading to preschools to Halloween and beyond. Winner, Julie Andrews Artist-in-Residence Award, Mass. Cultural Council Stars residency,
NEFA touring artist can help fund your program. B.A. cum laude, English lit., Middlebury College. Extensive foreign language study.
"Clever and engaging," says School Library Journal, "A perfect choice for the literacy path," says L.A. Parent Magazine
As a cabaret singer interpreting the Great American Songbook, Mary Jo brings top notch professional pianists to accompany her and
wow your audience--background or shows. Performed at Pittsfield Mass.'s Colonial Theatre, Cranwell Resort, Berkshire Forum.
Program Titles: Books Are Celebrations—the funniest reading show ever; Everybody Says Hello—Multilingual Fun in Story & Song; The People Could Fly/African-American Folktales and Music; Clever Maidens: Women's History in Folklore and Myth; Greek Myths—ALIVE!, Native American Tales; Skunk Grease & Turpentine (Hilarious Tall Tales & Tunes of American Pioneers); The Minstrel's Revels: A Medieval Romp; Or Would You Rather Be A Fish? Folklore & Songs of the Sea); Howlarious Halloween/Ghost Stories & Songs; Sun, Moon, Stars!; All Together Now/Stories & Songs to Celebrate Diversity; Round the World in Tales & Tunes multicultural show; The Lake of the Croaking Frogs and Other Tales & Tunes of Nature; Preschoolers’ Palooza!; Stinkbug Bugaloo: Stories & Songs of Insects; Meowls & Growls: Animal Tales; After-school programs incorporating performance with teaching kids storytelling skills; Workshops, in-service programs and residencies in storytelling for adults and children; “Oh, Behave! Family Audience Management Essentials for Event Hosts.”
Audience Limit: prefer audiences of 200 and under but will discuss any
Fee: $395 and up
Funding Source: Massachusetts Cultural Council, local councils, CT Humanities Council, other
Language Arts: Folk Tales (including Animal Tales, Tall Tales), Greek Myths, Reading
Social Studies: American History (westward movement), Women's History, Countries and Regions of the World, Native American, African-American,
Famous People (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.), Holidays (Halloween and Winter Solstice),
European (Middle Ages)
Science: Animals, Insects, Nature, Sea, Solar System
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Sally Matson - "Susan B. Anthony - The Invincible"
23 William Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 749 - 9908
E-Mail: ssmatson@aol.com
Website: http://www.susanbanthonytheinvincible.com
The feisty activist comes to life- circulating petitions, getting arrested, wearing bloomers, and challenging legislators. The forty-five minute play (roughly 1850-1906) mentions twenty-two of Anthony’s contemporaries as they fight for abolition, women’s rights and woman suffrage. Letters, speeches and diaries reveal her wit and intellect.
A graduate of the Northwestern University School of Communication, actor/educator Sally Matson has been a writer/ interviewer on CT Cable TV, a teacher (5th graders) at the American Textile History Museum, and an actor for over thirty years.
A curriculum packet and portions of the script are sent ahead with suggestions for social studies, English, math, art, drama, debate.
Program Titles: Susan B. Anthony - The Invincible
Grade Level Suitability: 4th-12th - adjusted for age level
Special Requirements: Lavaliere microphone if over 200
Fee: $300 - negotiable
Possible Funding Sources: Potential funding available from local Massachusetts cultural councils and the Massachusetts Cultural Council,
Social Studies: American History (Civil War), Women's History, Famous People (Susan B. Anthony)
Historical
Characters: Susan B. Anthony
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The Mystic Paper Beasts
Marya Ursin
8 Hancox Street
Stonington, CT 06378
(860) 535-3346
Email: mybeasts@aol.com
Website: www.mysticpaperbeasts.org
The Mystic Paper Beasts have gained international renown for their whimsical performance style and for their amazing hand made masks.
Performances of new and old myths include dance, mime, narrative, and feature 25 - 30 masks in each show.
Appropriate for family audiences, and for pre-K - 6, depending on the show. Shows run 45 minutes and can be followed by a Q & A time.
Repertoire includes: Art Fool (about making art, antic and amusing); Myth Spritz (Greek Myths); Magic Soles (Fairy stories about shoes); Sky Tails (Native American Stories),
Asian Mystery Tales (two Japanese and one Chinese story). Plays may be commissioned.
Workshops:
Myth in mask (using the Beasts' masks): using the body and the mask in creating short tales. (15-20 students)
Mask making (requires art supplies and quite a bit of time): 3 hours with paint drying time separate. (Small groups are best)
Program Titles: Myth Spritz; Art Fool; Asian Mystery Tales; Sky Tails.
Audience Limit: 30/class; 500/assembly
Fee: $600 for single performance; $900 for two in same location. Workshops: "Myth in the mask: $100 per instructor per hour; "Mask making": $120 per hour per instructor, most materials supplied. All fees negotiable.
Special Requirements: One hour set up time for programs. If the distance is great, the Beasts ask to be housed locally.
Funding Sources: New England Foundation for the Arts, Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism
Language Arts: Folk Tales, Myth
Science: Ecology
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Stephen Stearns
Bonnie Stearns, Managing Director
44 Hillcrest Terrace
Brattleboro, VT 05301
(802) 254-8355
Fax: same
E Mail: stearns@sover.net
Web: www.sover.net/~stearns
OR
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
Fax: (781) 784-5393
E Mail: elweiner@att.net
Website: www.elweiner.com
Stephen Stearns, creator of the New England Youth Theatre in Brattleboro VT, has been performing
and teaching theatre residencies in schools since 1977. "As animated as the Marx Brothers and
as commanding as Laurence Olivier." (New England Storytelling Festival)
In Right Under Your Nose, Stephen teaches young people some of the physical tricks of being
a clown. But, more important, he demonstrates that determination, empathy, creative thinking
and a sense of humor are tools we all can use to turn mistakes and set-backs into opportunities for
growth.
Water is Life is a zany, magical and educational trip through the water cycle. With a riotous
array of props, Stearns teaches facts about water and why it is so important to value it as our most
precious resource.
Library Shelf Stories"- Books from your own library's shelves leap off the page with acting,
mime, and audience participation. "By bringing to life stories on our own shelves, Stephen awakened
a spirit of fun and adventure in our young readers that lingered all through the summer... No one wanted
to leave... They lingered and selected books or talked about the stories. That's what I call a successful
library program!" said Jeanne Walsh of Dover Library in Vermont.
Laugh Me to the Moon is a hilarious performance of physical comedy, idiotic illusion, magic,
music, wit and wisdom, served on a bed of audience hysterics. Stephen is a master of audience
rapport who can make everyone in an audience of a thousand feel like part of his own special family.
"It's so great to be silly and laugh... He's wonderful! As animated as the Marx Brothers and as
commanding as Laurence Olivier," say audiences.
Program Titles: Right Under Your Nose; Water is Life; Library Shelf Stories; Laugh Me to the Moon
Audience Limit: 250 for Water is Life,for other shows- 300, elementary; 400, middle and high
Workshop Limit: 20
Fee: $300-$500/performance
Funding Source: NEST program of New England Foundation for the Arts
Health
Science: water
Language Arts: Literature
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Trimmings and Trappings: 17th century fashion of England and New England
Ellen Weiner
Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net
Website: www.elweiner.com
‘Trimmings and Trappings’ is an engaging interactive look at the life of our earliest settlers. Through a broad display of children’s’ and
adults’ costumes woven around a story line and songs, audiences experience the daily lives of a 17th century family. Discover why the tailor lined his
coats with cabbages and toddlers wore puddings on their heads!
Lynne Wilkinson, creator of 'Trimmings and Trappings' has been a costumer for historic Plymouth Plantation as well as the ensemble, Ayriel of
which she was a founding member. She made all of the costumes for this production of 'Trimmings and Trappings'. She is a gifted musician, singer and
choir director and performs with the Boston Cecila.
'Trimmings and Trappings'is an ideal program for schools, libraries, historical societies and public and private organizations.
Program Titles:Trimmings & Trappings:17th century fashion of England and New England
Audience Limit:75 for school audiences-no restrictions for public library etc.
Fee: $500 for school shows, $300 for each thereafter same day same location, public performances somewhat higher-travel extra
Funding Sources: local Massachusetts cultural councils and the Massachusetts Cultural Council
Special Requirements:sufficient space for display of large array of costumes-standard size table-children may be seated on floor-stage not a requirement
Social Studies: American History (colonial)
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Michael Zerphy
Ellen Weiner, Professional Artists Management
2411 Bay Road
Sharon, MA 02067
(781) 784-6394
E Mail: elweiner@comcast.net
Website: www.elweiner.com
Michael Zerphy, with his zany style and participatory humor, has captivated audiences across the
United States and Europe.
Michael offers a school performance, "Don't Do That!" for grades K-6 that focuses on problems,
conflicts and a peaceful approach to solving them. We all experience problems - how we react to them
is what sets us apart, and therein lies the tale. Physical comedy, stories and humor set the stage for a
look at personal conflict. "Don't Do That!" encourages students to deal with conflict in a positive, creative
way instead of reacting negatively. Study Guide available.
Zany Acts is a show for general audiences - a family concert of clowning and fun for all.
Michael creates a world that continually surprises both Zany, the clown, and the audience - a world
in which the ordinary becomes magical and failure is turned into success. Music, juggling, a wide
variety of props, and even the audience are included in this versatile show which is appropriate for
all ages.
Recent appearances, in addition to schools, include the New York International Festival of Clown
Theater, the New England Vaudeville Festival and the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
Program Titles: Don't Do That!; Zany Acts; $600 (1), $950 (2), travel extra
Fee: $525 for a single performance, $800 for a double; reductions for block booking.
Funding Sources: Vermont Arts Council,
New Hampshire Cultural Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, B.O.C.E.S.(New York)
Health: Self-esteem, Conflict Resolution
Language Arts: Folk Tale (Spanish)
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