2014-15 Theatre Education Programs Brochure for Teachers

programs 2014-15

Our Mission: To c r e at e th e at r e o f th e h i g h e st q ual i ty that i n sp i r e s d i sc o u r s e a n d r e fl e ct i o n ab o u t e ach o f u s a n d th e wo r ld i n wh i ch w e l i v e .

Dear Educator, Thank you for your consideration of Long Wharf Theatre’s education programs. As you may already know, this year marks Long Wharf’s 50th anniversary season. While we have been planning about how to celebrate our legacy, we also have been thinking about the next 50 years.

When we consider how we might better serve our community as well as develop the audiences of tomorrow, we keep returning to our education programs.

We probably do not need to tell you the benefits of integrating theatre and theatre techniques into curricula. In fact, all you need to do is type “benefits of arts education” into Google for a myriad of studies which document this positive impact. Yet, the availability of arts education has been eroding. Sadly, another internet search for “decrease in arts education” shows just as many reports of this phenomenon.

Long Wharf sees our role as a community organization to combat this trend. We hope that you will see us as a partner and a resource to keep arts education available for students so that they can better develop both 21st century workplace skills (such as textual analysis, working collaboratively, and public speaking) as well as a lifelong appreciation of theatre as an art form.

We hope that you and your students will join the 5,600 students and 113 schools with which we worked last year. Our teaching artists are dedicated to exploring the mind, body, and heart.

We look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Gordon Edelstein Artistic Director

Joshua Borenstein Managing Director

Dear Educator,

Long Wharf Theatre’s education programs promote comprehension, interpretation, and evaluation – all vital skills.

EDUCATION VISION To illuminate the unique human complexity in each of us through educational and outreach initiatives designed to encourage individual expression and celebration of self; To facilitate the development of analytical, practical, creative, life-long learning and inspiration; To support and celebrate the artists and audiences of tomorrow; To advance the art of theatre.

OBJECTIVES Encourage students’ self-exploration through theatre productions that confront the major issues of our time as well as the eternal commonalities of human life.

Empower students to seek self-directed learning opportunities.

Welcome to another school year and another exciting theatrical season. Since its founding, Long Wharf Theatre has been an influential force in American theatre, producing fresh and imaginative revivals of classic and modern plays and a variety of world and American premieres.

Our 2014-15 Student Theatre Series, in particular, promises to be one of remarkable range and depth, allowing for a myriad of cross-curriculum teaching opportunities. The series includes the classic, OUR TOWN by Thornton Wilder, PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE by comedic genius Steve Martin, Kimber Lee’s poignant play brownsville song (b-side for tray), and the world premiere of THE SECOND MRS. WILSON by Joe DiPietro.

To deepen your students’ theatre going experience or to participate in the intangible benefits of arts integration, we are pleased to provide you with an array of programs which offer forums for learning, growth, and exploration for students and teachers alike. Specifically, our In-School Residencies, ED LAB and PAIR programs support the common core curriculum and encourage new and interesting intersections of art and education.

I invite you to look over our brochure, and I look forward to seeing you at the theatre and in your classroom!

Engage students who are considered at-risk, low achieving, or not otherwise challenged in their academic situation to make a reciprocal investment in the learning process.

Help teachers master dramatic interpretation in order to enhance the learning potential of their students.

Nurture the intellectual leadership capacity of teachers.

Integrate arts techniques into general classroom curricula.

Build strong, sustained relationships between artists and teachers.

Annie DiMartino Director of Education Long Wharf Theatre 203-772-8271 annie.dimartino@longwharf.org

ANNIE DIMARTINO DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION A native of Seattle, Annie received her MFA from California State University, Fullerton.

While in California, she performed in and around Los Angeles and Orange County and was fortunate enough to originate the role of Dorothy Wordsworth in Grasmere, a play that took her around the country. Annie has been nominated for the LA Weekly and OC Theatre Awards, and her voice can be heard in the animated film Prodigal Son, produced by Gener8ion Entertainment. While in CT, Annie has performed with Theatre Four and Artfarm.

Additionally, she has lent her voice to a number of article readings for the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity.

staff

Annie is in charge of all educational programming and oversees the Next Stage Resident/ Intern Program. As a Teaching Artist Annie has taught year-long courses at Amistad Academy, New Haven’s Educational Center for the Arts, High School in the Community and Bridgeport’s Central High School, as well as performed various theatre residencies, workshops and Master Classes at Yale, Wesleyan, Southern Connecticut State, and Housatonic Community College. Annie started the Long Wharf Theatre Shake-it-Up Shakespeare, Summer Youth Ensemble of which she directs the summer productions. In 2013, Annie was a recipient of the Business New Haven Rising Star Award. It’s no wonder that Annie enjoys a Starbuck’s venti caramel macchiato most mornings, sometimes with a Dunkin Donuts latte on the side.

MALLORY PELLEGRINO EDUCATION PROGRAMS MANAGER A Southern Belle with some sass, Mallory graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina with a B.A. in Theatre. Before landing in New Haven, Mallory worked on creative drama, bullying prevention, and interactive literacy programs throughout the Upstate of South Carolina and Seattle, WA. At Long Wharf, Mallory is your go-to girl for ED LAB, PAIR, and In-School Residencies. Mallory has written original shows for residencies at Meadowside Elementary, Fair Haven School, Harborside Middle School, John S. Martinez, and Mary T. Murphy. A proud member of New Haven Theatre Company, Mallory also works as an actress or stage manager when not educating students. Mallory has an intense interest in devised work, imaginative play, “found object” theatre, and physical approaches to acting. She believes the lessons we learn through theatre extend far into our lives: unlocking our creativity and inner voices, teaching us to look farther and deeper than the first choice, and reminding each of us that a little play can go a long way. Mallory is passionate about books, yoga, arts education, her two dogs, and mixed tapes. Her husband is a pretty cool dude, too.

Kristianna Smith Resident Teaching Artist A Bristol, CT native, Kristianna can best be described as “full of energy.” Receiving her B.A. in Theatre Education from the University of New Hampshire, she has been working throughout Connecticut as an educator and youth director for the past nine years. A former member of UNH’s WildActs Social Justice Theatre Troupe, Kristianna has a strong passion for Theatre for Social Change and strives to create stronger community bonds in her work as both an artist and an educator. In her time at Long Wharf, she has created original pieces for Elm City College Prep Middle School and Connecticut Experiential Learning Center. barbara sonenstein Resident Teaching Artist A native New Yorker, Barbara now lives on the Connecticut shoreline with her amazing husband and beautiful children. As an actress, she has appeared in numerous stage productions in New York City and regionally, as well as film and television work. Barbara has been on staff as an early childhood educator at the Red Barn Children’s Center and Our Lady of Mercy School in Connecticut. At Long Wharf, Barbara has taught In-School Residencies at Norwalk-Brien McMahon High School, the Barnum School in Bridgeport, CELC of Branford, and Ridge Road Elementary in North Haven. Barbara holds a BA in Theater from Fordham University at Lincoln Center and an MFA in Acting from The New School, NYC. She fervently believes in the power of theater to teach us what it means to be human.

Based on Sternberg’s theory of Successful Intelligence, ED LAB strives to incorporate the principles of arts education into how teachers approach and communicate general classroom curriculum. Because the arts help to facilitate the development of analytical, practical and creative learning, we have designed a series of workshops wherein teachers from around the state can immerse themselves in innovative strategies to enhance their work in the classroom.

Featuring guest teachers of the highest caliber, ED LAB provides teachers with the tools they need to effectively employ artsbased technique for intellectual stimulation and creative growth in students.

Our ED LABs are held three times a year and provide our teachers with experiential workshops that stimulate mind, body, and creativity. Recognized as an approved Connecticut Professional Development Provider by the State Department of Education, participants in this program can earn professional development hours (formerly known as CEUs). For more information on how your school can participate, please call Mallory Pellegrino at 203. 772. 8272.

ER W PO M E F! L E S YOUR

Educator’s Laboratory allows teachers and students to unlock their potential in powerfully dramatic ways without sacrificing academic rigor or artistic creativity.

– Marc Anthony Solli, teacher participant, High School in the Community

Hydrogen, carbon and oxygen atoms forming a compound in a biology class at Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School

PAIR has helped me become a better student and a better leader because I’ve learned not to be scared to take chances in school and to have fun when I do. – STUDENT PARTICIPANT

PARTNERING ARTIST IN RESIDENCE PROGRAM Partner with a Long Wharf Theatre teaching artist for the entire school year! Teachers participating in all three ED LABs for the season may elect to participate in the PAIR Program, and a resident teaching artist will be assigned to their classroom for the year to co-teach arts integrated lessons. Teaching artists will help facilitate the integration and implementation of techniques from each ED LAB into the classroom. PAIR visits will happen once a month throughout the school year, with the teacher taking over more of the arts integration responsibility as they become more comfortable with the technique and the year progresses.

The PAIR Program is generously funded by the Werth Family Foundation.

The PAIR Program aims to reignite the question for the student and re-examine the question for the teacher in how to effectively employ arts-based technique for intellectual stimulation and creative growth in students. The best part, there is no cost to the teacher or to the school!

To learn more about the PAIR Program or to sign up, please contact Mallory Pellegrino at 203.772.8272 or mallory.pellegrino@longwharf.org.

EXPERIENCE LONG WHARF THEATRE!

student theatre series

FREE 3-Day Workshop for schools bringing their students to see a Student Theatre Series show.

PICK A SHOW! In each 3-Day Workshop, the first 2 days are spent preparing students to see the show at LWT (exploring themes and issues, and establishing the world of the play), while the final day is used for wrap up and gathering student reactions and critique.

OUR TOWN

Student Matinees: October 23, October 30, November 5, November 6 and

November 7 at 11 am

Grover’s Corners is a small town in New Hampshire, but it feels so familiar that it could be anywhere. Follow Emily, George, and the other citizens of Grover’s Corners through their daily lives, loves, and deaths. In this multicultural envisioning, Our Town examines the cyclical nature of the human experience and your place in your community.

PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE

Student Matinee: Thursday, December 11 at 11 am

STUDENT TIX ONLY

$16!

Student price is $16 per ticket for a group of 10 or more.

Chaperones attend the show for free (limit 1 chaperone for every 10 kids attending).

Receive a FREE Video Study Guide and access our Teacher Information Packet online!

To book your student group, contact Annie DiMartino at 203. 772. 8271 or annie.dimartino@longwharf.org.

Albert Einstein a year before the release of the theory of relativity, Picasso in the middle of his Blue period, and a time-travelling Elvis all meet in a bar. Combining science, art history, and sociology, Picasso at the Lapin Agile delves into the expression of young genius prior to recognition.

brownsville song (b-side for tray)

Student Matinee: Thursday, April 9 at 11 am

A young man striving to make a better life is suddenly killed in a senseless act. Encouraging endurance and empathy by exploring the new American family structure, the high cost of urban violence, and the importance of not accepting the story you are given, brownsville song is the Our Town for our generation.

THE SECOND MRS. WILSON Student Matinee: Thursday, May 21 at 11 am Lookout Washington, there’s a new Mrs. Wilson in town, and she isn’t daunted by being the only woman in the boys’ club of Washington. When the President falls ill, Edith Wilson takes charge to keep her husband’s dream of a League of Nations and enduring peace for all nations alive. The Second Mrs.Wilson takes a personal look at the political sciences of the Post-WWI era.

NEXT STAGE TYA SHOW: Each year the Next Stage Residents select a TYA

(Theatre for Young Audiences) show that will be appropriate for K-6 audiences. We do not know what the show for the 14-15 season will be, but performances will be May 26-28 at 9:30 and 11:30 am . Tickets are FREE and reserved on a first-come, first served basis.

enhance your lesson plans

TEACHER INFORMATION PACKETS Comprehensive packets, created specifically to enhance classroom curricula, contain background information on Long Wharf Theatre’s scheduled productions as well as an activity guide including essay questions, discussion prompts and more.

Available on the LWT website, these TIPs can be digitally brought into your classroom for a more interactive learning experience.

VIDEO STUDY GUIDES Our video study guides give a behind-the-scenes look to the production process from conceptual theories to design, rehearsal, and production. Interviews with actors, designers, directors, and other artists increase students’ level of investment by establishing a deeper connection with artists.

The video study guide is awesome and fits perfectly into what I am already working on with my students.

– Emily Waniewski, Kinsella Magnet HS

NEW!

& s t n e m o m nutes mi

In Our Town, students will be transported to Grover’s Corners and introduced to Emily and George, learning about their lives together in their small New England town. At the end of the show, Emily poses the question to the Stage Manager: “Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it—every, every minute?”

Similarly, in brownsville song, students will meet Tray, an eighteen year old growing up in Brooklyn, and will get a glimpse of his neighborhood, family and future dreams. Tray tells us in his scholarship essay “You define your life, By living it, Day by Day, Every Minute a chance to rise.”

Now, LWT Education Department would like to ask your students: what are your moments and minutes?

A SPOKEN WORD, MONOLOGUE AND VISUAL ARTS FESTIVAL FOR NEW HAVEN YOUTH APRIL 17 @ 7 PM WHAT IS IT? The Moments and Minutes Festival will be an evening of celebration where spoken word, monologues, and visual art are showcased by students. Each piece will feature students’ perspectives of life in New Haven today.

Guidelines of the submissions will be as follows:

SPOKEN WORD/MONOLOGUE: Each performance piece must be an original composition created by the student performing it.

The piece should speak to one of the following: • The student’s identity within the town they live (how they are perceived vs. how they view themselves) • The student’s view of their neighborhood (sounds, sights, hopes, fears) • Dreams the student hopes to achieve and the challenges they face in reaching their goal (how they will overcome) • Advice on how to really see and appreciate the world around you (family, friends, strangers on the street) Each performance piece should be memorized.

Each performance piece should be no longer than 2 minutes in length.

Each performer will have the option to use a chair, a theatre cube or a microphone only.

VISUAL ART: Done in any of the following mediums (paint, chalk, pencil, photography or collage), the piece should be a visual representation of one of the following: • The student’s identity within the town they live (how they are perceived vs. how they view themselves) • The student’s view of their neighborhood (Sights, sounds, hopes, fears) • D reams the student hopes to achieve and the challenges they face in reaching their goal (how they will overcome) • Advice on how to really see and appreciate the world around you (family, friends, strangers on the street) The student artist must clearly articulate how the piece represents the above statements.

HOW TO SUBMIT: Students will send video performances of spoken word pieces or monologues to Annie DiMartino at annie.dimartino@longwharf.org.

Students wishing to submit visual art pieces must include a picture of the piece of art, the title, and how the piece answers one of the above questions.Visual art submissions can be sent in written essay or video format to annie.dimartino@longwharf.org.

Should video submission be a challenge for your students, a representative from Long Wharf Theatre will come to your school by appointment to audition them.

Please note: An Education Staff representative will visit each individual school ONLY ONCE. For more info, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact Director of Education, Annie DiMartino at 203. 772. 8271 or annie.dimartino@longwharf.org.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION: DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS WILL BE FEBRUARY 1 LWT Education Staff will view all of the pieces and choose the top 15 performers and 10 pieces of art work which will be displayed in the Stage II lobby on the night of the event.

LET LWT EDUCATION HELP YOU PREPARE YOUR STUDENTS: ED LAB: In our first ED LAB of the season (October 18 from 9:00-3:00), one of the facilitators will be a Spoken Word expert. Participate in this professional development workshop and get a deeper look at techniques used to teach Spoken Word to your students.

WORKSHOPS: Throughout the season, LWT Teaching Artists will be available to come into your classroom to teach workshops on writing, developing, and performing original monologues and spoken word pieces.

For pricing on these workshops or to register for ED LAB, contact Mallory Pellegrino at 203.772.8272 or mallory.pellegrino@longwharf.org.

REMEMBER: April is National Poetry month and the perfect time to highlight student work! Please take the time to tie poetry and monologue work into your curriculum, as this festival will aide in strengthening analytical, practical and creative thinking skills for their students.

BRING AN ARTIST TO YOUR CLASSROOM!

theatre residency program

free!! free ! free

3

FREE WORKSHOPS WHEN YOU PURCHASE TICKETS TO AN 11 AM STUDENT MATINEE, WE’LL DEEPEN YOUR STUDENTS THEATREGOING EXPERIENCE WITH TWO 60-MIN PRE-SHOW WORKSHOPS FOLLOWED BY A 60-MIN POSTSHOW WORKSHOP FOR FREE! Shows include: Our Town, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, brownsville song (b-side for tray) and The Second Mrs.Wilson

ONE DAY WORKSHOPS CORE DRAMA Equip your students with actor training.

Core classes can concentrate on the body, voice, character, stage movement, improvisation, Shakespeare, or an arrangement of several.

BULLYING A workshop on how to identify bullying and steps that students can take to reduce bullying within their school and peer groups through discussion, interactive lessons, and even roleplay scenarios!

AUDITION WORKSHOP This workshop is perfect for providing students with proper techniques for auditions. Great for upcoming school plays or events, or preparing students for college interviews or auditions.

PUBLIC SPEAKING AND INTERVIEW TECHNIQUE We want all of our students to learn to be Loud and Proud!

Focusing on proper public speaking and interview technique, this invaluable class instills confidence and prepares students for the work force.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS Bring the professional development to you! Immerse your teachers in experiential and practical techniques to integrate the arts in any curricula.

IN-SCHOOL RESIDENCIES

dramatic storytelling, in an effort to strengthen student understanding of the art form.

PERFORMANCE BASED Bring Long Wharf into your school to direct a show! You can select preexisting material or work with a LWT Teaching Artist to create your own piece to perform. Past plays we’ve directed or devised available upon request.

CUSTOM Let the LWT Education Department build a workshop or residency especially for you. Our Custom option is completely tailored to your specific individual needs and wants. We can connect with any curriculum (science, social studies, etc), piece of literature (play, book, poem, etc), or standard (literacy, comprehension, etc). Discuss your ideas with a LWT Teaching Artist, and then they will draft a program outline for you. The Custom option creates a dialogue between teacher and artist that is sure to excite your students and administration!

SHAKESPEARE Encouraging engagement with language and process, students’ individual interpretations, and ensemble work, these workshops bring Shakespeare off the page!

CULTURAL ARTS (Grades K-4) Students will explore folktales and mythology from various cultures from around the world. This class will incorporate basic acting, mask or puppet making, music, and

For more information or to book a workshop/residency, contact Mallory Pellegrino at 203.772.8272 or mallory.pellegrino@longwharf.org.

NSE UTH E O Y R E S U MM

MBLE

SFOURMYMOEURR

STUDENTS

ROMEO & U J LIET

Shakespeare’s words are like a heartbeat. Here at Long Wharf, we believe what better way to breathe life into a story than to infuse it with music. During the summer, Shake-It-Up Shakespeare Summer Youth Ensemble Members spend their days rehearsing, memorizing lines and blocking, and delving deeper into the Bard. Since 2010, we have presented Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and Much Ado About Nothing.

Those interested and eligible (ages 15-21) in becoming part of the Shake-It-Up Youth Summer Ensemble can look for auditions in late spring. All members are required to take a week-long text analysis class the first week of rehearsal. Rehearsals begin in July, and performances occur in August.

ER A MIDSUMM AM E NIGHT’S DR

studio acting school

for classes & all ages ce experien ! levels

learn more!

SEE WWW.LONGWHARF.ORG FOR COURSE OFFERINGS and dates

THE WILEY AND HAIRY MAN

NEXT STAGE PROGRAM WHAT IS THE NEXT STAGE PROGRAM? Long Wharf Theatre has a long history of launching the careers of young artists through its Next Stage program, the theatre’s early career development program.

The Next Stage program is dedicated to engaging and employing a new generation of diverse theatre artists, administrators and leaders.

The Next Stage Program is divided into two groups: Residents and Interns.

Both groups work among professionals to learn from hands-on experience.

For more information on the Next Stage Program, please visit our website at www.longwharf.org/ next-stage-program

oPEn HoUSE FUn FoR THE WHoLE FamILY!

DISCOVERY DAY is a themed event where Long Wharf Theatre opens its doors to the community to show them the inner working of the theatre. Children (usually ages 5-12) take workshops in different theatre departments (props, set/lights, costumes, sound, and acting) and even perform in an interactive adventure at the end of the day.

This year, Discovery Day will take place on November 8.

For more information or to be involved in our backpack express to get the word out, contact Mallory Pellegrino at 203.772.8272 or mallory.pellegrino@longwharf.org

Y OVER C 3 S I 1 D Y 20 : DA CSkE! BAEAYODGRNURE! A R ChE CA RDaY noV. 2 t 9 am - noon SaTU JUNIOR INSPECTOR

register online for pay-whatyou-can. tickets also available at the door.

arf.org www.longwh

4282

: call 203-787-

for MorE Info

SPONSOR INFO TO

GO HERE....

BACKSTAGE TOURS

GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT LONG WHARF THEATRE

Discover the craftsmanship behind Long Wharf Theatre productions by taking a backstage tour with a member of our knowledgeable staff.

Sneak a peek at our green room or perhaps catch an actor rehearsing on the Mainstage! Your 45-minute experience includes access to restricted areas rarely seen by the public. Tours available MondaySaturday, by appointment only.

Access is determined by production schedules. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 203-772-8272.

@

FRONT COVER PHOTO BY TERRI WALKER.

www. l o n g wha r f. o r g / e d u cat i o n

2 2 2 S a r g e n t D r i v e N e w H av e n , C T 0 6 5 1 1