With the onset of difficult economic times and drastic budget cuts, we are all aware of the crisis in our public schools. Schools are overcrowded, resources are limited and arts programming is being eliminated. In addition, field trips are becoming cost prohibitive, especially for Title One schools, and many of the children rarely, if ever, have an opportunity to experience live musical theatre.
The Winter Park Playhouse is meeting this need by launching an arts outreach program called R.E.A.CH (Relevant Educational Arts for Children). The purpose of R.E.A.CH is to bring live musical theatre that educates, engages and entertains to Title One and other under-served elementary schools in the Central Florida community. We reached over 1200 children in December and plan to reach 10,000+ children in 2010.
This year’s show selection, Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr. began as an Emmy Award-winning 1970’s Saturday morning cartoon series and today is a live stage musical that engages, entertains and teaches history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs. Some of the song titles include: A Noun is a Person, Place or Thing; Three is a Magic Number; Unpack your Adjectives; Just a Bill; The Preamble; Do the Circulation; Conjunction Junction; Great American Melting Pot; Elbow Room; Interplanet Janet and Interjections.
To get more information and to schedule a show at your school, contact Heather Alexander at (407) 645-0145. |
“While you were performing for our fifth grade students, a teacher tapped me on the arm and pointed out a student to me. This student had a lot of difficulty in class, sitting still and focusing on his work. As I watched him during the performance he stared in rapt attention…his look was one of focus, concentration, of study, of interest…I’ve never seen that kind of focus from this student before. The performing arts reach out to all types of students, and often to students that have difficulty being motivated to complete academic work. The performing arts must continue to be a part of our curriculum and programs like yours help to reinforce this.”
John Welch, Assistant Principal-Goldsboro Elementary |
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“…Our mission at Midway Elementary School of Arts is to provide a positive academic and arts linked experience where all students reach their highest potential and become life-long learners, and your show is completely integrated in this mission.”
Maria Bianco, Guidance Counselor- Midway Elementary |
“Dear Winter Park Playhouse, you all inspired me to learn more and more each day. You guys gave me more inspiration than I ever had…”
Amon McKinney, 3rd Grader- Goldsboro Elementary |
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“…What an opportunity this was for our Goldsboro student population! Many of them had not seen a live performance of this nature…You are to be applauded for your efforts at keeping the performing arts alive and for sharing with others. Thank you for going the extra mile to bring live productions to our students. For many of our students, this was an experience which has made a very positive lasting impact on them.”
Carrie Frye, Guidance Counselor- Goldsboro Elementary |
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