From ancient China to vibrant Africa to World War II-era America, children will be transported to other times and places as the Cabarrus Arts Council once again enriches the curriculum for students in local schools.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Cabarrus Arts Council’s Students Take pART in the ARTs! will bring a professional performing arts program to every grade level in Cabarrus and Kannapolis public schools and participating private and home schools.
This year’s schedule includes Theatre IV’s musical production of The Song of Mulan for grades K-2; The Magic of African Rhythm’s multidisciplinary program of dance, stories, songs and culture for grades 3-5; Transactors Improv’s creative improvisational drama for grades 7 and 8; Mike Brown’s inspiring one-man drama One Noble Journey for grade 8; and EbzB Productions’ cabaret about World War II for high school.
Besides enriching the lives of our students, these wonderful programs will enhance the school curriculum. Each program includes a study guide that relates the performance to the N.C. Standard Course of Study and a teacher workshop to help incorporate educators increase their skills and knowledge.
Theatre IV’s The Song of Mulan will transport our youngest students in grades K-2 to another time and place. This noble Chinese folk tale features an extraordinary heroine, authentic costumes and props and lovely songs. It also provides an educational journey to the heart and soul of an amazing civilization. Theatre IV, an acclaimed theater for young audiences, performs annually for more than 2 million children, their teachers and parents.
The Magic of African Rhythm’s An African Day will demonstrate a day in an African village to children in grades 3-5. Beginning with traditional greetings, this family ensemble will introduce students to African drums and other instruments, songs, lively dances and brilliant costumes. Children will also meet a jeli, a West African oral artist, and hear and participate in a traditional story and song. The Magic of African Rhythm is made up of the Shabu family, including Maisha and Baba, who lived in Africa for 20 years, and their children Mabinti, Teli and Taji.
Transactors Improv will treat students in grades 6 and 7 to a performance that is totally improvisational – based entirely on students’ suggestions. The South’s oldest active improvisational theater, the Chapel Hill group will combine dramatic skill, music, dance, movement and storytelling to create a one-of-a-kind performance that students will not soon forget. Emotion, physicality, character development, narrative, commitment, teamwork and fun form the foundation of Transactors’ national reputation for artistic excellence and innovation.
Virtuoso actor Mike Wiley will take students in grades 8 back to a muggy morning in 1849 when Henry “Box” Brown entombed himself in a small crate and shipped himself to Philadelphia and life as a free man. One Noble Journey tells the incredible story of Brown as well as that of William and Ellen Craft who triumphed against overwhelming odds to gain their freedom. Wiley, who has a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has traveled all over the country performing dramas focusing on critical eras in African American history.
EbzB Productions’ War Bonds: Songs and Letters of World War II will bring American history to life for high schools. Interspersed with personal letters from the front and headline news of the World War II era, this living history cabaret will take students back to an era when rationing and blackouts were seen as small sacrifices for obtaining freedom. Featuring talented singers and actors David zum Brunnen and Serena Ebhardt, the production is a warm reminiscence and a harrowing reminder of a pivotal time in world history.
For more information about Students Take pART in the ARTs! and other arts council programs, please visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org or call 704-782-6610.
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