Local Theater School Gives Kids A Cultural Edge
Every day we are seeing an increased need to raise our kids with a strong sense of cultural awareness and sensitivity. We do this in the hopes to make our children world citizens, with a respect and appreciation for the many people that make our world a vibrant and colorful place. The Stage School of Park Ridge is putting a unique cultural twist on the theme for their Fall Term.
The Stage School, a part time performing arts school for children 4-16, has been offering a comprehensive singing, drama, and dance program in Park Ridge for the past six years. At the end of each term, students perform a musical showcase, highlighting their work for the term. This Fall, students are learning the core fundamentals of singing, drama, and dance through a variety of material from all over the world.
The Premier Program, for students four to six years old, will be presenting the South African folk tale "Abiyoyo", based on the book and song by Pete Seeger. A Magician and his children are banished from their village because he has a habit of playing tricks on the townspeople. But when the monster Abiyoyo threatens the village, the Magician's children plays a song on their ukuleles to make the monster dance; then the father makes Abiyoyo disappear, and all is forgiven.
The Company, consisting of 45 students between six and sixteen years old, will present a showcase titled "The World Stage," which includes an eclectic mix of songs, dances, and scenes from cultures all over the world. The show includes pieces from Shakespeare, an Indian Bollywood dance, African and Latin American folk tales, a Serbian song, and a Japanese dance piece, among many others.
"We encouraged students to share stories and important things from the cultural backgrounds of their own families and used that as a starting point" explained Singing Teacher Shannon Huneryager. "After exploring lots of different music this term, the students chose their favorites and we developed those into the pieces we will perform in our show."
"At The Stage School, we consistently strive to offer a unique approach to our learning" said Principal Amanda Banden. "In addition to teaching drama, singing, and dance, we also teach responsibility, helping others, and being brave. We feel the theme for this term very much aligns with our core values as a school."
"My teachers are really fun, and I love singing, dancing and acting." says Alani, age 7, a student for the past 3 years. "It's important to practice and work on our parts so that we get better each week. I can't wait to see my costume and to have my mom and dad see the show."
The Stage School will give their end of term presentation on Saturday, December 5 at the Centennial Activity Center located at 100 S Western Ave. "Abiyoyo" will begin at 11:00 and "The World's Stage" will begin at noon. Performance is free to the public.
To learn more about The Stage School, visit www.stageschoolchicago.com.