2023 - 2024
Season Brochure
ABOUT THE PIONEER CENTER
The Pioneer Center is northern Nevada’s premier performing arts venue, located in the heart of downtown Reno. Our mission is to cultivate exceptional performing arts experiences in our historic venue and throughout the region because we envision a community that is connected, enriched, and inspired through the power of live performance. Education is fundamental to a thriving community and the Pioneer Center aims to strengthen educational outcomes while inspiring the next generation of creative, compassionate citizens. Pioneer Center Youth Programs [PCYP] is the Pioneer Center’s flagship K-5 educational outreach program, serving well over 1 million Nevada children since 1967.
ABOUT PCYP
PCYP performances are designed to educate, entertain, and enlighten elementary age children and families through interactive presentations. PCYP artists incorporate school subjects into their work and create a curriculum guide for teachers and parents to enhance the learning beyond the show. Performances are designed to enrich the community and provide greater arts access in our region.
PCYP programs are available to all public and private elementary schools, public libraries, and community center venues throughout northwestern Nevada. Explore this season’s artists, presentation format options, and affordable prices.
SELECT your programs from the 2023-2024 Artist Roster.
CONSULT
the Artist Availability sheet and your master calendar before scheduling.
FILL OUT
the attached order form, including the desired format and (2) choices of dates.
SUBMIT your order by e-mail to: youth@pioneercenter.com.
100 South Virginia Street Reno, NV 89501 Phone: 775.686.6143
youth@pioneercenter.com
US
ORDERING IS EASY CONTACT
OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS
PCYP is funded through private donations and government and foundation grants. This includes the generosity of the following organizations:
The Arthur and Mae Orvis Foundation
BRUKA THEATRE FOR CHILDREN
BASED IN RENO, NV
AVAILABILITY
October 16 - November 22, 2023
“The Paramount...History of Nevada”
March 1 - June 30, 2024
“Mother Nurture & the Bright Sides”
*Sensory/Spectrum Friendly available upon request.
FANCIFOOL: KIDS!
BASED IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA AND RENO, NV
AVAILABILITY
October 16, 2023 - June 30, 2024
Brüka Theatre has been presenting live theatre in northern Nevada since 1992. Recognized as a leader in the region for its innovative productions, exceptionally talented artists, and acclaimed Theatre for Children series, Brüka Theatre has produced over 100 shows in their downtown Reno location. Funny and insightful, this theatre troupe creates original, interactive stage works featuring professional actors and a small set of props and costumes.
This fall, Brüka Theatre for Children presents The Paramount & Sometimes Wildly Ridiculous History of Nevada , a whimsical, wild, and abridged journey through the history of our state. In the spring, Brüka Theatre will premiere a new original work Mother Nurture & the Bright Sides , a fun-filled adventure combining environmental science with theatre magic.
Today’s kids are tomorrow’s leaders. Inheriting the mantle of self-governance begins in our imagination! Fancifool: KIDS! is an interactive, multi-character, multi-disciplinary children’s theater show featuring dancing, singing, mime, clown, and valuable lessons about the structure and virtues of American Democracy, advanced citizenship, protecting the environment, and standing up to bullies. Let’s use our imagination to think of the world we want to see and what we want to be when we grow up!
Ananda Bena-Weber has performed in a diverse array of productions and venues throughout the United States and abroad as an interdisciplinary performing artist. Her touring solo work, Fancifool!, won ‘Best Variety Show’ and was a Critic’s Choice pick at the United Solo Theatre Festival in NYC, and a ‘Best of Festival’ award winner at The Marsh Theater SF’s International Solo Festival. Ananda is the Associate Artistic Director of Sierra Nevada Ballet (Reno) and teaches for Alonzo King’s Lines Ballet (San Francisco). For 16 years, she was a professor of dance at Marymount Manhattan College and a teaching artist for Dance Theatre of Harlem and Mark Morris Dance Center in New York City.
.. 2023-2024 ARTIST ROSTER
F-ROCK CREW BASED IN SEATTLE, WA AVAILABILITY
May 3-9, 2024
IZZI TOOINSKY
BASED IN GRASS VALLEY, CA AVAILABILITY
April 10-12, 2024
*Sensory/Spectrum Friendly available upon request.
F-Rock Crew was founded over 20 years ago in the Central District of Seattle, Washington, by Marcus “Fidget” Sharpe, Tim “Chipz” Uomoto, and Remi “Remz” Street. The three founding fathers met during grade school and quickly formed an unbreakable bond fueled by their love for Hip-Hop culture. Since their humble beginnings, F-Rock Crew has achieved massive success around the world, working with artists and companies such as Black Eyed Peas, Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, Usher, 2Chainz, New Edition, Coca-Cola, AT&T, Verizon, Red Bull, Microsoft, Amazon, and Nike. Staying rooted in the community has been F-Rock Crew’s ultimate secret to longevity and success.
F-Rock Crew’s program shares the history of HipHop culture and the origins of each Hip-Hop dance style. Students and teachers will have an opportunity to learn Break-dancing, Popping, and Locking from some of the best dancers in the world! They’ll also learn about the pioneers who invented each move and inspired generations of dancers. This break-dancing based performance includes a positive message for kids, focusing on respect, anti-bullying, arts and culture, and American history.
Internationally renowned storyteller, Izzi Tooinsky, presents The King of Hotdogstan . In this wonderfully unique show, filled with audience participation, juggling, and music, King Izzi dazzles, delights, and inspires children of all ages as they learn about toys, games, and stories known and loved by all children in the legendary country of “Hotdogstan.”
Izzi Tooinsky has been performing around the world for many years, including festivals and schools in 10 different countries. He has been featured on television programs such as Good Morning America, Good Morning Australia, and What’s UP Today in Nairobi, Kenya. Izzi has been invited to display his work on 5 separate occasions at the International Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He is the author of three books: The Turkey Prince, Juggling Without Struggling, and A Teenager’s Compass to the World, and is one of the only Toymaking Storytellers working in the world today.
2023-2024 ARTIST ROSTER
KANTU INKA
BASED IN CARSON CITY, NV AND CUSCO, PERU AVAILABILITY
March 1 - June 30, 2024
*Bilingual (Spanish) available upon request.
2023-2024 ARTIST ROSTER
Carlos Ocampo and Julie Lozada Ocampo unite their musical and teaching experience performing as Kantu Inka. A professional Andean musician and composer for over 25 years in the Cusco region of Peru, Carlos is proficient on charango, guitar, zampoña, quena, and bombo. Julie plays zampoña and percussion, was Nevada’s State World Language Teacher of the Year in 2014 and is now retired after 30 years as a Spanish teacher (NBCT 2011-2021). Since 2003, Kantu Inka has taught Peruvian culture, history, and geography with Andean instruments to over 30,000 students of all ages in Nevada and California.
Kantu Inka’s bilingual performance programs incorporate world language, fine arts, and social studies. Students are encouraged to play instruments, dance to Peruvian rhythms, and interact with the musicians. Julie and Carlos wear colorful clothing of the Andes while explaining the construction and history of the traditional instruments as well as how Peruvian music reflects the three geographical regions of the country.
MAYA SOLEIL TRADITIONS
BASED IN SEATTLE, WA AVAILABILITY
April 24-30, 2024
Maya Soleil Traditions presents traditional African song and dance with performers from the countries of Zambia and Ghana. Authentic rhythms, vocals, and dance performance along with charming stories about the rich culture of the African continent captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Members of Maya Soleil Traditions have toured the world, performing, and recording with some of the greats in African music and dance, including Fela, I.K. Dairo, Obo Addy, Dumi Maraire, Kanda Bongo Man, and the national dance companies of Ghana, Guinea, and Zambia.
Audience members will learn about the use of songs in African cultural ceremonies, dance steps, musical instruments, and colorful costumes while also trying some call-and-response songs in an African language. The diversity of songs from South-Central and West Africa illustrates differences as well as similarities of musical culture throughout the continent.
RENO TAIKO TSURUNOKAI
BASED IN RENO, NV
AVAILABILITY
October 16, 2023 - June 30, 2024
*NOT AVAILABLE WEEKDAY MORNINGS
*Bilingual (Japanese) available upon request.
2023-2024 ARTIST ROSTER
Reno Taiko Tsurunokai brings the ancient art of Japanese Taiko drumming to the children of northern Nevada. Traditionally, Taiko drums have been used in warfare, martial arts, religious ceremonies, and festivals throughout Japan for over 1400 years. It is said that the beating of the Taiko drum echoes the beating of the heart and the rolling of thunder. The powerful sounds of Taiko drums will transport your students on a cultural adventure through Japanese history and customs. Tsurunokai performs traditional Japanese folk music as well as original compositions. Students will be invited to participate in drumming and dancing during the performance.
Tsurunokai was founded in 1997 by Rieko Shimbo, a Japanese native who studied traditional music and dance in Tokyo before moving to the United States. Rieko has assembled a group of talented and dedicated Taiko drummers whose credits include performances at many local and regional festivals and art exhibitions. She has been teaching and performing in our community for almost 25 years and is passionate about introducing people to the rich culture of Japan through the art of Taiko.
WARP TRIO
BASED IN NEW YORK, NY
AVAILABILITY
March 1-7, 2024
Warp Trio is an internationally touring cross-genre chamber music experience. A mashup of Juilliard trained players and members steeped in rock and jazz styles, the one-of-a-kind trio can be seen performing classical works in prestigious halls on the same tour where they headline a standing room only show at a rock venue. In addition to their electrifying public performances, they have gained a reputation for their innovative educational workshops with students from grade school through university level.
Since their inception in 2014, Warp Trio’s Mikael Darmanie (Piano), Ju Young Lee (Cello), and Josh Henderson (Violin), together with Rick Martinez (percussion), have been pushing the boundaries of music consumption through interdisciplinary collaborations and eclectic programming that includes original material, dynamic interpretations of popular music, improvisation, and unique takes on classical repertoire.
ARTIST AVAILABILITY
OCTOBER 2023 - JUNE 2024
PLEASE NOTE: Some artists have limited availability. Book early to ensure the best selections.
TO BOOK A PROGRAM, SEND YOUR COMPLETED ORDER FORM TO YOUTH@PIONEERCENTER.COM
FANCIFOOL: KIDS!
OCTOBER 16, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024
RENO TAIKO
TSURUNOKAI
OCTOBER 16, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024
BRUKA THEATRE FOR CHILDREN
OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 22, 2023
MARCH 1 - JUNE 30, 2024
KANTU INKA
MARCH 1 - JUNE 30, 2024
WARP TRIO
MARCH 1 - MARCH 7, 2024
IZZI TOOINSKY
APRIL 9 - APRIL 13, 2024
MAYA SOLEIL TRADITIONS
APRIL 24 - APRIL 30, 2024
F-ROCK CREW
MAY 3 - MAY 9, 2024
PERFORMANCE PRICING OPTIONS
A | $250 B | $250
Our traditional in-person elementary school assembly format includes 2 back-to-back programs of 30 minutes each performed at the school. The entire student body is divided into 2 groups to ensure all children experience the show in a comfortable space. Each performance includes Q&A time with the performers. Schools have the option to live stream the performances to students working remotely at home. (The school must provide the equipment and facilitate the streaming. Recording the show for later viewing is strictly prohibited.)
This family-friendly format is a 60-minute program performed in-person for one audience group. It is most often used on-site in libraries, community and performing arts centers, and small-sized schools. It includes audience Q&A time with the performers at the end. The performance may take place outdoors, pending weather, access to power, and performance surface approval.
C | $375
The artists provide three 30-minute performances to accommodate smaller gatherings. Two of the performances are scheduled back-to-back with a required 30-minute break period between the second and third performance for the health of the performers. All programs include Q&A time with the performers. This option is not available with all artist groups.
Reno Taiko Tsurunokai at Minden CVIC Hall, Minden
Brüka Theatre for Children at Milestones Early Childhood Learning, Reno
Kantu Inka at Florence Drake Elementary, Sparks
PROGRAM ORDER FORM
Please indicate your desired artists, format choice, and two different possibilities of dates and times. Double check the artist availability and your master calendar (note holiday breaks, school testing, conference weeks, etc.) prior to completing the form. After your bookings are confirmed, an invoice will be provided.
EMAIL YOUR COMPLETED ORDER FORM TO YOUTH@PIONEERCENTER.COM
SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION NAME
CONTACT NAME/TITLE
PHONE
MAILING ADDRESS
PERFORMANCE VENUE NAME/ADDRESS (IF DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE)
NOTES:
F-Rock Crew
Izzi Tooinsky
Kantu Inka
Maya Soleil Traditions
Reno Taiko Tsurunokai
Warp Trio
A B C A B C A BA BA B C A BA B C A BARTIST DATE/TIME 1ST CHOICE DATE/TIME 2ND CHOICE FORMAT CHOICE
Theatre for Children
Brüka
Fanci-Fool: KIDS!
EMAIL