One, 1 hour performance with 50-60 minutes pre-performance workshop. Note:Pre-performance workshops with individual or combined classrooms in one or more grade level, culminating in same-day performance. NOTE: We encourage more than one grade level participating in both the pre-performance workshop and performance!
Combo In-School Performance & In-School Workshop
Workshop/ Performance
All year
$10
60
yes
Email , Phone
Artist will provide scenery, props, masks, costumes, sound system. *Additionally*, if the teacher chooses to have the children make masks in advance of the performance (to be utilize in the show) artist will provide simple mask patterns for the children to use and act with for the performance.
See additional notes for mask making options.
Two tables on cleared stage, space (a different cleared classroom or larger space to work in), a table in lobby area for our freestanding display, stairs/risers/gym mats on floor, centered, in front of stage for optional access to stage, stage lights in working order (brief meeting with someone who knows how to work them), and cart to carry heavy props and speakers.
I can act as a character in a story! I can portray this character using my voice and my body. I can act out different characters through the use of masks or by my own facial expressions, my voice quality and through body movements. I can re-tell parts of the story of Anansi the Trickster Spider
Program Description: Leslie Elias-- 2018 Connecticut Arts Hero Winner is a playwright, actress, storyteller, and theater director of Grumbling Gryphons with her troupe will lead Pre-k - 6th grade students in participatory hands on creative dramatics /multi-cultural storytelling program where they will participate in the performance by Grumbling Gryphons of their West African folktale from Ghana utilizing movement, music, drama and masks. The theater company will provide masks, costumes and authentic African instruments in this vibrant dramatization of the Anansi Tale. *Optionally* in advance teachers can receive original mask and puppet patterns created by Grumbling Gryphons mask designer for students to make and prepare in advance of the visit. These masks will depict a variety of dramatic characters which will be used by the children during the dramatization of the story. Ms. Elias will adapt and utilize both applicable common core and arts standard according to each grade level. Ms. Elias will focus on comprehension of text.
A brief phone meeting is required . This initial phone contact is KEY to understanding our participatory process and custom design the days schedule TOGETHER. In this conversation we will learn about your schools' specific needs and jointly work out the schedule for both pre-performance workshops and the same day performance.We will follow through with a detailed email outlining simple steps in our participatory process. MASK OPTIONS: Art supplies for mask making prior to our visit (Paper, glue, magic markers, glitter, staplers , etc. for children making masks, done with art or classroom teacher, based on mask patterns we send in advance. *All art projects should be completed before workshop/performance day. **Performances can be done without completed art projects. PLEASE CONTACT US IN ADVANCE if uncompleted masks pose any sort of problem for your school's enjoyment of our production.
We encourage teachers, administrative staff and parents to participate and join in on this fun, educational program, both during workshops and the performance. The children enjoy seeing their teachers up on stage with them. Teachers and parents are a great help if they play along in the scene with the students. No prior theatrical experience needed! Adults can help by either being in the scenes, or by handing out masks/props at the beginning of workshops/performance. There is no limit to caregivers' participation, the more the merrier!
Grade K
Grade K: Speaking and Listening Standards K-5: Comprehension and Collaboration # 2: Confirm understanding of a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media by asking and answering questions about key details and requesting clarification if something is not understood. Grade PK: Speaking and Listening Standards K-5 Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas #6: Speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.
Grade K: History: Historical Sources and Evidence: HIST K.4: Identify different kinds of historical sources
K: Theater: Responding: Anchor Standard 9: Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
A. With prompting and support, actively engage in dramatic play or a guided drama experience (e.g., process drama, story drama, creative drama).
Grade 1
Grade 1: Speaking and Listening Standards K-5: Comprehension and Collaboration #2: Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
Grade 1: Reading Standards for Informational Text K-5: Key Ideas and Details #2: Identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.
Grade 1: History: Historical Sources and Evidence: HIST 1.4: Identify different kinds of historical sources
Grade 1: Theater: Performing: Anchor Standard 6: Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
A. With prompting and support, use movement and gestures to communicate emotions in a guided drama experience (e.g., process drama, story drama, creative drama).
Grade 2
Grade 2:Reading Standards for Informational Text #1: Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
Grade 2: History: Historical Sources and Evidence: HIST 2.6: Identify different kinds of historical sources
Grade 2: Theater: Performing:Anchor Standard 4: Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
B. Alter voice and body to expand and articulate nuances of a character in a guided drama experience (e.g., process drama, story drama, creative drama).
Grade 3
Grade 3: Speaking and Listening Standards K-5: Comprehension and Collaboration #2: Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.
Grade 3: Speaking and Listening Standards K-5: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas #4: Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience with appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details, speaking clearly at an understandable pace.
Grade 3: History: Historical Sources and Evidence: HIST 3.6: Summarize how different kinds of historical sources are used to explain events in the past.
Grade 3: Theater: Performing:Anchor Standard 4: Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
B. Alter voice and body to expand and articulate nuances of a character in a guided drama experience (e.g., process drama, story drama, creative drama)
Grade 4
Grade 4: Reading Standards for Informational Text #2: Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
Grade 4: History: Perspectives: HIST 4.1: Explain connections among historical contexts and people"s perspectives at the time.
Grade 4: Theater: Performing: Anchor Standard 4: Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
B. Make physical choices to develop a character in a drama/theatre work.
Grade 5
Grade 5: Reading Standards for Informational Text #1: Quote accurately from a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
Grade 5: History: Change, Continuity and Context: HIST 5.2: Compare life in specific historical periods to life today.
Grade 5: Theater: Performing: Anchor Standard 4: Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
B. Use physical choices to create meaning in a drama/theatre work.
