Crane Opera Ensemble's MAYO
November 8 · 9:30 am
Snell Theater
Grades 7 - 12
Students: $5 · One Chaperone per 10 Students: Free · Adults: $10
MAYO is a new opera that has recently been commissioned by the Crane School of Music through the Pellicciotti Opera Composition Prize.
The work is based on a true story and reflects a time in American history when thousands of unwanted American children were placed in institutions and held there, often for their entire lives. Using early, flawed versions of IQ tests as well as a perverted view of Darwinian science, officials of many states incarcerated numerous “deficient” children to protect the nation from what was described as “the menace of the feeble-minded.” Mayo Hazeltine Buckner was committed to an institution at the age of eight and lived there for sixty years. At the age of 67, he was given a more modern intelligence test and was determined to have an IQ of 120. This unique operatic story chronicles Mayo’s journey through inequity, misfortune, and perhaps most surprisingly, love.
In-School Workshops
Fall 2018
Please contact us to make arrangements
Grades 7-12
FREE
Under the guidance of Crane Opera Ensemble Director Kirk Severtson and Stage Director Dean Anthony, students from the cast of Mayo will be offering in-school activities at your location prior to experiencing the performance. Performing arts workshops help to improve public speaking skills, understanding of physical presence and to develop confidence in front of an audience. Students will learn exercises that they can use in many areas of their lives.
Post-Performance Activities
Activites TBD
Thursday, November 8, 2018
9:30am · Snell Theater
FREE
Theater Heroes' Call of the Wild
March 25 · 9:30 am & 12 pm
Snell Theater
Grades 4 - 12
Students: $5 · One Chaperone per 10 Students: Free · Adults: $10
Jack London’s classic tale comes to life on stage. This multi-media adventure mixes performance and storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the story of Buck, the magnificent offspring of a St. Bernard and Scottish Collie.
Kidnapped from his lavish life on a California estate and sent to work as a sled dog during the great Klondike Gold Rush of the 1800s, Buck becomes the most famous dog in the northland’s history and discovers the endurance and strength of his wild, primal ancestors as their call courses through his blood. A thrilling tale of courage and survival.
Literacy Study with Purdue University
Schools will be selected in the early fall 2018
Grades 4-12
FREE
It is generally accepted that the arts have a positive influence on academics. However, there is still a need for measurable data to support this assertion. Through scientific research, Dr. Amanda Mayes of Purdue University will examine the theory by conducting a nationwide study aimed at measuring the impact of live performance on literacy initiatives. For schools that choose to participate, each student will receive a free copy of the book. A graphic novel version will be available for younger students. The commitment is a short assessment following the reading of the book or attendance at the performance. This is a great opportunity to participate in a nationwide study aimed at assessing the impact of arts integration on literacy initiatives.
Workshop with North Country Children’s Museum
Monday, March 25, 2019
9:30 am & 12 pm · North Country Children’s Museum
Grades 4-6
Workshop & Performance Price: $10
CPS is partnering with North Country Children’s Museum (NCCM) to create a unique full-day experience for students. A workshop with hands-on learning activities at the museum’s new location will be based on The Call of the Wild story. An opportunity to explore all of the museum's exhibits will follow the workshop.
The package price includes admission to the museum workshop and a ticket to Theatre Heroes’ The Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition.
SUNY Potsdam Department of Theatre & Dance's Wiley and the Hairy Man
March 29 · 9 am & 12 pm
Performing Arts Center
Grades K - 4
Students: $5 · One Chaperone per 10 Students: Free · Adults: $10
Set deep within the mysterious Tombigbee Swamp, WILEY AND THE HAIRY MAN tells a heroic tale of the young Wiley. With the help of his conjuring mother Mammy, and his faithful companion Dog, he sets out to face the unrelenting, Hairy Man. In a stirring duel of wits, Wiley learns to rely upon his own strengths in order to conquer his fears. Through rhythm and rhyme, a Chorus creates the mystery of the swamp, and magic is the tool for survival.
In-School Workshops
Spring 2019
Please contact us to make arrangements
K-4
FREE
Under the guidance of Theater & Dance Director Jay Pecora, students from the cast of Wiley & the Hairy Man will be offering a variety of in-class activities at your location prior to the performance. Performing arts workshops help to improve communication skills and to develop confidence and self-awareness in space. Students will learn exercises that they can use in many areas of their lives.
Family Puppetry Activity
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Performing Arts Center lobby
FREE
Stop in before Sunday’s public matinee for family fun that will include hands-on activities and puppetry mayhem! Enjoy an opportunity to meet the “Hairy Man” and other characters.
National Players' Twelfth Night
May 9 · 9:30 am & 12 pm
Snell Theater
Grades 7 - 12
Students: $5 · One Chaperone per 10 Students: Free · Adults: $10
Shipwrecked and alone, Viola disguises herself as a boy and enters into Duke Orsino's service. Lovesick Orsino sends her to court the Lady Olivia, but Olivia is much more interested in this cute young newcomer... When, unbeknownst to her, Viola's identical twin Sebastian also washes ashore, a merry brand of chaos ensues.
One of Shakespeare's most delightful plays, Twelfth Night is a classic tale of reckless revenge, mistaken identity, and mismatched lovers. All audiences will enjoy the National Players' fresh take on this spirited story.
Page to Stage - Shakespeare
Spring 2019
Sheard Literacy Center
Grades 7-12
FREE
The 8th annual Page to Stage and Back Again… Professional Development Day will focus on the Shakespeare unit and National Players’ performance of Twelfth Night. Page to Stage will again be an opportunity for teachers from the area to develop their professional skills and to collaborate on unique ways of teaching literature. As with most recent years, we invite students to participate so that they may contribute to the conversation.
In-School Workshops with National Players
Friday, May 10, 2019
Please contact us to make arrangements
FREE
The National Players offer a variety of workshops specifically developed to support your curriculum. Performing arts workshops help to improve public speaking skills and to develop confidence in front of an audience. Students will learn exercises that they can use in many areas of their lives. The Players can bring these workshops to your classroom, or your group may attend sessions on the SUNY Potsdam campus.