MAC announces 2011-12 SchoolStage lineup
The McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage offers several opportunities this season for local student audiences to experience curriculum-based events through the Center's 2011-2012 SchoolStage series.
The series, part of the MAC's continuing mission to educate through art, offers theater performances for students in kindergarten through 8th grade.
The SchoolStage program is one part of the MAC's extensive community outreach program and is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. Other components include pre- and post-performance lectures and classes with visiting artists.
Following is a list of SchoolStage performances. Tickets to SchoolStage performances are $6 per student and include one free chaperone ticket for every 20 purchased.
Yamato – 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 21
Yamato is an exciting group of 11 young performers from Japan playing an array of drums large and small, including the barrel-like odaiko, which is 6 feet in diameter. Much
more than a “drumming group,” Yamato blends athleticism, grace, precision and exhilarating music into a tightly synchronized ensemble with expressive solos. (60 min.)
“Skippyjon Jones” – 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31
Based on the book by Judy Schachner, this enchanting music about unleashing your imagination centers on Skippyjon, a little kitten with big ears and big dreams! Sometimes he pretends to be a bird, a llama, a whale … anything BUT a cat! His wild imagination takes over when he looks in a mirror. “Holy guacamole. I am not a Siamese cat – I am a CHIHUAHUA!” He dons a mask and cape, and transforms into Skippito Friskito, the greatest canine sword fighter in old Mexico! Based on the book by Judy Schachner, Skippyjon Jones is an enchanting musical about unleashing your imagination and following your dream. (60 min.)
ArcAttack: Science and Art – 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9
ArcAttack is an interactive journey of music and electricity, sharing the science behind the show that meets National Science Education Standards. Students learn about Nikola
Tesla and his contributions to the birth of commercial electricity, discover Delia Derbyshire and how music and technology are related, and develop an understanding of
machines and robots. ArcAttack uses two Tesla Coils that throw out electrical arcs up to 12 feet long, each one acting as an instrument with a sound reminiscent of the early synthesizer. Add the robotic drum set and LED bright colored lights for a high-powered performance of rhythmic instrumental melodies producing rock, electronica and indie with a splash of punk and metal. Led by an engineer, electrician, audio engineer and a science teacher, this six-member ensemble has created everything the students see on stage for a unique lesson in the fundamentals of science and technology. (60 min.)
Kidjazz! – 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17 (K to 4)
Kidjazz! is an interactive musical concert introducing the world of jazz and other American musical styles. The Arts Center Jazz Ensemble performs a variety of musical styles highlighting jazz legends with images of the musicians and the time period. This year's Kidjazz! features the work of trumpeter, composer and bandleader John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie. (70 min.)
The Rivalry (Lincoln-Douglas Debate) – 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 27
The Rivalry is a depiction of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, using dialogue from the original transcripts to re-create the fierce competition. The play introduces the future president and Stephen Douglas, setting the history and scene of the debates. Throughout the performance, Adele contrasts 19th-century debates with contemporary tactics, sharing little-known attributes about Lincoln, such as his love of practical jokes and storytelling. (60 min.)
“Fancy Nancy and Other Stories” – 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 7
Six stories come to life in Theatreworks USA's Broadway-style mini-musicals based on best-selling children's books, including Fancy Nancy, Duck for President, Babymouse, I Have to Go!, Leonardo, The Terrible Monster and Pirates Don't Change Diapers. (60 min.)
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia presents “Treasured Stories by Eric Carle” – 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Friday, March 9
Drawn from the pages of classics by Eric Carle, including Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Papa Please Get the Moon for Me, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's inventive adaptations feature puppetry, imaginative lighting and original music. (60 min.)
“Sleeping Beauty” – 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 3
David Gonzalez puts a new spin on the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. Using piano accompaniment, projections and captivating rhymed verse, Gonzalez takes this classic fairy tale and creates a magical multimedia show. Our beautiful (and funky) princess is awakened by true love's kiss … or not! Performance includes audience participation, making everyone a part of the story. (50 min.)
For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (630) 942-3008, or visit: http://www.cod.edu/ArtsCntr/schoolstage.htm.