For Information: (270) 443-9932, ext. 250

For Reservations: (270) 443-9932, ext. 212

Email the Class Acts Director of Education

The Class Acts season runs September through May.  Scroll down or click on the brochure icon to the right for information about the 2010-2011 season.

2010-11 CLASS ACTS SERIES:

Fiesta Mexicana Multi-Cultural Musical Celebration SHOW DATE: Thursday, September 23, 2010 9:30 am & 11:30 am Ticket Price: $5.00 All Ages Run Time: 60 minutes Like the United States, Mexico has a strong national identity but at the same time, it is a diverse country with many ethnic and regional differences. Each region of Mexico has its own style of music and dance, as well. Join GRAMMY® nominated musicians and educators, Sones de Mexico, as they explore and celebrate the differences in Fiesta Mexicana. This lively performance features over 25 Folk Instruments, lush vocal arrangements, and colorful dance demonstrations. Fiesta Mexicana is a grand tour through Mexican music and the magical world which surrounds it. Students will learn about the four sacred elements of nature for the Aztecs: Water, Earth, Fire, and Wind. They will enjoy songs about different animals that inhabit the Mexican ecosystem, like the acamaya, the crocodile and the cucaracha, the cockroach. Audience participation will keep students engaged as they explore Mexicos Native, European, and African roots and learn a little Spanish along the way. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15) and join the Fiesta!! Curriculum Connections: Instrumental and Vocal Music, Dance, World Cultures, Social Studies, Spanish Language Music & Dance Workshops - 1:00 p.m. (Reservations required.) Please see Workshop Registration Form link on the top right sidebar of this page. Visit the Sones de Mexico Website Show Dates: Thursday September 23, 2010 Harold and The Purple Crayon Childhood Fantasy Meets Artistic Genius SHOW DATE: Friday, October 1, 2010 9:30 am & 11:30 am Ticket Price: $5.00 Grades P - 4 Run Time: 60 minutes The "Harold" books by Crockett Johnson have captivated families for more than fifty years, celebrating the imagination of children and the unique way they see the world. That's why Enchantment Theatre Company, one of America's most innovative producers of original theater works for children and families, has adapted these wonderful stories for the stage as its 2010-2011 national touring production. Using all the elements of its signature style, which combines life-size puppets, masks, magic and music, Enchantment's production will delight and amaze children starting at Harold's age, all the way up to grandparents  anyone, in fact, whose heart is young and adventurous. Curriculum Connections: Visual Arts, Music, Puppetry, Classic Literature Visit the Harold & The Purple Crayon Website Show Dates: Friday October 01, 2010 Spencer's Theatre of Illusion An Entertaining Way to Encourage Out-of-the-Box Thinking 10:00 am ONLY Ticket Price: $8.00 Grades 7 - 12 Run Time: 60 minutes Performing in dozens of countries all over the world, master performers, The Spencers, bring the oldest performing art in the world - the art of illusion - into the 21st century! This duo, twice named Americas Best Entertainers, will mystify audiences with skill and charisma. By combining original theatrical elements with high tech illusions, they create "theatre" in the truest sense of the word. This new generation of magic theater is guaranteed to intrigue the minds of students as they try to answer, How did they do that? Technology, theatre, storytelling, drama, and comedy all come together in this production - a magical concert for your eyes! Curriculum Connections: Technology, Physical Science, Critical Thinking, Theatre Arts "Art of Illusion" Workshop - 1:00 p.m. (Reservations required.) Please see Workshop Registration Form link on the top right sidebar of this page. Visit the Spencers' Website Show Dates: Friday October 15, 2010 If You Give A Cat A Cupcake A Marvelous Musical Celebration SHOW DATE: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 9:30 am & 11:30 am Ticket Price: $5.00 Grades P - 4 Run Time: 60 minutes First there was the Mouse, then, the Pig. Now, here comes the Cat! Based on the lively If You Give A... book series by Laura Numeroff, the highly acclaimed Omaha Theater Company brings this madcap production to the stage. If you Give A Cat A Cupcake is bursting with music and audience participation and is sure to keep students engaged and get them excited about reading! Curriculum Connections: Story-telling with Slapstick and Pratfalls, Reading, Language Arts, Nutrition, Geography, and Communication with an emphasis on persuasive rhetoric "The Actor in You" Workshop - 1:00 p.m. (Reservations required.) Please see Workshop Registration Form link on the top right sidebar of this page. Visit the If You Give A Cat A Cupcake Website Show Dates: Wednesday October 20, 2010 The Diary of Anne Frank Thought-Provoking and Inspiring Historical Drama SHOW DATE: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 10:00 am ONLY (90 minutes) Ticket Price: $10.00 Grades 5-12 Run Time: 90 minutes For over 60 years, her words have kept her spirit alive in the minds and hearts of readers all over the world. Relive the incredible life of Anne Frank as she shares with you her hopes, aspirations and observations on family, love and life as a young woman in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. Caught in a world of hate she couldn't comprehend, this young Jewish girl has become an icon of light for all who dare to dream. The acclaimed Barter Theatre deals with subject matter of The Diary of Anne Frank by putting the pieces in an unforgettable and haunting way, making it one of the most moving productions of the last decade. Curriculum Connections: Classic Literature, History, World Religions and Cultures, Dramatic Arts Visit the Diary of Anne Frank Website Show Dates: Tuesday October 26, 2010 Giggle, Giggle, Quack Favorite Storybooks Come to Life on Stage SHOW DATE: Monday, November 22, 2010 9:30 am & 11:30 am Ticket Price: $5.00 Grades K - 4 Run Time: 60 minutes When the farmer's away, the animals will play! In this hilarious sequel to the barnyard blockbuster, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, good ol' Farmer Brown has left his city-slicker brother in charge of his farm while he takes a much-needed vacation. He's left detailed instructions on how to take care of the animals so that nothing will go wrong, including the important warning: "Keep an eye on Duck. He's Trouble." But when the instructions fall into the wrong hands and Duck runs amuck, it's mayhem in the barnyard! This funny and colorful musical for young audiences teaches respect, compromise, and the value of friendship. Based on the popular barnyard series of books by Doreen Cronin, Giggle, Giggle, Quack is brought to life to by the award winning Dallas Children's Theater, thrilling audiences of all ages for 26 seasons. Curriculum Connections: Animals, Conflict Resolution, Fine Arts, Friendship, Language Arts, Music, Sequencing, Teamwork Visit the Giggle, Giggle, Quack Website Show Dates: Monday November 22, 2010 A Midsummer Night's Dream Witty and Engaging Introduction to Shakespeare for Teens SHOW DATE: Friday, January 14, 2011 10:00 am ONLY Ticket Price: $8.00 Grades 6 - 12 Run Time: 90 minutes In this production of one of Shakespeares most revered comedies, we see how wonderful and silly the vagaries of love can be...but with a fresh twist on the setting that makes it relevant to today's fast-moving electronic media-saturated world. The woods glow in the dark, the fairies dance to electronica, setting the scene for the wacky things that can happen when love goes awry. Now in its 62nd season, National Players, acclaimed for their innovative and accessible productions, bring the audience closer to the action, while staying true to Shakespeare's original and rich text. Experience mistaken love, dark nights, and dubious tricks in the classic comedy turned electric farce. Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Literature, Poetry, Shakespear, Theatre Arts "Shakespeare: The Actor's Journey" Workshop - 1:00 p.m. Stage Combat Workshop - 1:00 p.m. (Reservations required.) Please see Workshop Registration Form link on the top right sidebar of this page. Visit the A Midsummer Night's Dream Website Show Dates: Friday January 14, 2011 Mr. Molecule Science Show Hands-On Brain Food for Young Scientists SHOW DATE: Friday, January 28, 2011 9:30 am & 11:30 am Ticket Price: $5.00 Grades K - 5 Run Time: 60 minutes Who knew learning about science could be this much fun? From the moment Mr. Molecule leaps onto the stage, students know they are on a fun-filled journey to success in science! In this fast-paced and highly visual demonstration of core curriculum science principles, The Mr. Molecule Science Show takes on the human body, astronomy, ecology, gravity and mass, metamorphosis, and much, much more!! Mr. Molecule guarantees exciting audience participation and will have your students sitting on the edge of their seats, eagerly absorbing every fun-framed scientific minute! Curriculum Connections: Natural and Physical Science, Theatre Arts Visit the Mr. Molecule Website Show Dates: Friday January 28, 2011 C!RCA Treat Your Students to an International Sensation SHOW DATES: Wednesday, February 9, 2011 Thursday, February 10, 2011 10:30 am ONLY Ticket Price: $5.00 ALL AGES Run Time: 60 minutes The name says it all. With their beeline approach to high-flying fun, the Australian performers of C!RCA push their own limits as they barrel, bolt and balance at breakneck speed. From awesome acrobatics to fantastic free-falls, the competitive camaraderie of four unbelievably skilled performers fuels awe and adoration in this "breathless barrage and banquet of circus pandemonium (City News, Brisbane). Wherever C!RCA has taken this breathtaking, heart-stopping show, audiences have flocked to see the impossible happen. Watch as intrepid acrobats battle the clock. Marvel at the astounding ways they bend, fly, juggle and balance.  Set to upbeat music, this is fast furious, fun for everyone. Curriculum Connections: Contemporary Dance, Music, Human Cooperation, Problem Solving, Technology, Theatre Arts Circus Workshop for Kindergarten through 2nd Grade - 1:00 p.m. (Reservations required.) Please see Workshop Registration Form link on the top right sidebar of this page. Visit the C!RCA Website Show Dates: Wednesday February 09, 2011 Thursday February 10, 2011 We The People An All-American Salute to Our Great Nation SHOW DATE: Tuesday, February 15, 2011 9:30 am & 11:30 am Ticket Price: $5.00 Grades 3 - 8 Run Time: 60 minutes Just in time for Presidents' Day, Theatreworks USA is proud to present We the People, an all-new musical revue that brings American Civics lessons to life and promises to make Social Studies exciting and accessible. Students will have an All-American blast learning about the three branches of government, the First Amendment, presidential elections, democracy, the judicial process, and more. Barreling through a variety of musical styles relevant to today's youth, including rock, rhythm-and-blues, and hip-hop, We the People will instill American pride in audiences of all ages, and perhaps even inspire them to get involved and make a difference. Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Civics, Geography, Music, Performing Arts Visit the We The People Website Show Dates: Tuesday February 15, 2011 The Scarlet Letter A Powerful Story of Human Drama and Conflict SHOW DATES: Thursday, February 24, 2011 Friday, February 25, 2011 10:00 am ONLY Ticket Price: $8.00 Grades 7 - 12 Run Time: 90 minutes, plus Q & A session This adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's searing classic about crime, punishment and Puritanism in 1666 Massachusetts Bay Colony explores the conflict between human emotion and intellect.  Scorned by her adulterous past, Hester Prynne must bear the punishment of a scarlet red A emblazoned upon her chest. Just beyond Hester's daily cloud creeps her husband, long believed dead, waiting to seek revenge.  Will his murderous plot succeed? A kiss, evil, nature, the scarlet letter, and the punishing scaffold bring Nathaniel Hawthornes literary masterpiece to life with vibrancy as the renowned National Players introduce the audience to this unforgettable story. Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Performing Arts Drama Workshop with the National Players - 1:00 p.m. (Reservations required.) Please see Workshop Registration Form link on the top right sidebar of this page. Visit the Scarlet Letter Website Show Dates: Thursday February 24, 2011 Friday February 25, 2011 3 Classics by Mercer Mayer Classic Storybooks Help Conquer Fear and Teach Courage SHOW DATE: Tuesday, March 1, 2011 9:30 am & 11:30 am Ticket Price: $5.00 Grades P - 3 Run Time: 60 minutes How does the little boy get over that big alligator that lives under his bed? Or another child command his toy soldiers to protect him from the Big Nightmare that lives in his closetor is it the Big Nightmare that needs to be protected? And what about the little girl who lassos the Silly Scary Thing that lives in her farm house attic, to show it to her parents? Omaha Theater Companys original musical adaptation of 3 of Mercer Mayers classic storybooks is designed with vivid and imaginative costumes and scenery and reinforces that children can confidently face the Alligator under the bed, the Nightmare in the closet and the Thing in the attic- and maybe even make them their best friend. Curriculum Connections: Story-Telling with Comic Invective, Reading, Performing Arts/Theatre, Music, Dance, Language Arts, Voice/Singing, and Communication with an Emphasis on Negotiating, Problem-Solving, and Risk Assessment "The Actor in You" Workshop - 1:00 p.m. (Reservations required.) Please see Workshop Registration Form link on the top right sidebar of this page. Visit the 3 Classics by Mercer Mayer Website Show Dates: Tuesday March 01, 2011 The Alice In Wonderland Follies A Wonderful Welcome to the World of Ballet SHOW DATE: Friday, March 18, 2011 9:30 am & 11:30 am Ticket Price: $5.00 All Ages Run Time: 60 minutes The New York Theatre Ballet presents... The Alice In Wonderland Follies! What a jumble of jollification! Follow Alice down the rabbit hole for an hour-long dance adventure. The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies, based upon Lewis Carrolls famous stories Alices Adventures in Wonderland and Through The Looking Glass is presented as a series of vignettes in a vaudeville setting (New York, circa 1915). This eclectic ballet draws on many different dance forms  from Irish Step Dancing to African Juba to classical ballet. The musical score is a collage of styles from Ragtime to American ballads to turn-of-the 20th Century popular song. Join the renowned New York Theatre Ballet for a zany potpourri of dance and music and follow Alice's adventures through Wonderland as she meets some of the most beloved characters in children's literature.   Curriculum Connections: Dance, Music, World Culture, Classic Literature Ballet Master Class with New York Theatre Ballet - 1:00 p.m. (Reservations required.) Please see Workshop Registration Form link on the top right sidebar of this page. Visit the New York Theatre Ballet Website Show Dates: Friday March 18, 2011 Mad Science presents: STAR TREK LIVE Space...the Final Frontier SHOW DATE: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 9:30 am & 11:30 am Ticket Price: $5.00 Grades 3 - 8 Run Time: 60 minutes From the producers of the ever popular CSI Live comes an out-of-this- world, interactive space adventure based on the most popular science fiction franchise of all time- Star Trek. Students join Starfleet Academy to be unexpectedly whisked into an adventure steeped in the grand tradition of Star Trek itself. Academy cadets will have to quickly learn the intricacies of living and working in space, modern space travel and the latest in communication and technology as they draw on the achievements of NASA and science in the 21st century. It will require knowledge, ingenuity, logic and an exploration of science to discover what is happening and how to set things right before it is too late! Amazing special effects, unrivaled audience interaction, and an exploration of real space-age technology take everyone on an unforgettable journey through the Star Trek universe. Join STAR TREK LIVE and boldly go where no one has gone before"! Curriculum Connections: Scientific Inquiry, Physical Science, Earth and Space Science, Technology, Problem-Solving Visit the Mad Science Website Show Dates: Wednesday April 13, 2011 The Man Who Planted Trees A Tribute to the Human Spirit SHOW DATE: Thursday, May 5, 2011 9:30 am & 11:30 am Ticket Price: $5.00 All Ages Run Time: 60 minutes Laughs, heartbreak, war, regeneration, sparkling wit and the best dog puppet ever! Perfect for children and grown-ups! This multi-sensory theatrical adaptation of Jean Gionos environmental classic tells the inspiring story of a shepherd who plants a forest, acorn by acorn, transforming a barren wasteland. As much a touching tale as it is a hilarious puppet show, The Man Who Planted Trees shows us the difference one man (and his dog!) can make to the world. If you can only see one show this season, this is the one to experience as the internationally acclaimed Puppet State Theatre of Edinburgh, Scotland grace the Carson Center stage with a performance that will warm your heart and even inspire you to plant a tree. This award winner is the perfect climax to your Earth Day celebrations. SPACE IS LIMITED FOR THIS SHOW. PLEASE RESERVE EARLY. Curriculum Connections: History, Civics, Science, Environmentalism, Puppetry, Theatre Arts Visit the Man Who Planted Trees Website Show Dates: Thursday May 05, 2011