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"Mad-Lib-retto" brings the excitement of a live performance directly to your classroom - and YOU get to help create the show! Veteran performers John & Deanna Swanson lead the students in using their... Read more

"Mad-Lib-retto" brings the excitement of a live performance directly to your classroom - and YOU get to help create the show! Veteran performers John & Deanna Swanson lead the students in using their knowledge of parts of speech to contribute appropriate words, Mad-Lib style, to complete the libretto of an opera. The activity integrates knowledge of the English language with the creation of an artistic work. The opera the students help create is performed live and presented to them for critical review, right in the classroom. An accompanying booklet of classroom materials is provided to the teacher, who may select at their discretion worksheets that apply to their particular grade level. The booklet has information on opera as well as worksheets on parts of speech. Mad-Lib-retto is different from Lollipop Opera's other productions; it does not require a stage or auditorium setting, nor a piano and microphone, and does not rely on set pieces or costumes to deliver the story, which the students help to create. The resulting opera is sung to pre-recorded tracks played on a small sound system which the artists provide.

An original, semi-staged opera performed to prerecorded audio tracks; a small sound system; a few small props, including a bench, and a link to classroom materials with information about opera as well... Read more

An original, semi-staged opera performed to prerecorded audio tracks; a small sound system; a few small props, including a bench, and a link to classroom materials with information about opera as well as parts of speech. The classroom materials are suitable for several grade levels, teachers may choose whatever they feel is appropriate for their class. This program is also available though interactive social distancing media (Google Meet).

Classroom chalkboard or Smartboard to write on (must have clear space on which we can write the students' suggestions ) ... Read more

Classroom chalkboard or Smartboard to write on (must have clear space on which we can write the students' suggestions ) Chalk or markers for board A few feet of clear space in the front of the classroom; will also use the classroom door for character entrance.

We would like access to the classroom a half hour prior to the show for setup. We'll only need a few feet of space up in the front of the class for the performance, an electrical outlet to plug our so... Read more

We would like access to the classroom a half hour prior to the show for setup. We'll only need a few feet of space up in the front of the class for the performance, an electrical outlet to plug our sound into, and use of the classroom door for the first entrance in the opera. Please advise neighboring classrooms of when the performance will be, as they will likely hear us through the walls. We wouldn't want to ruin anyone's concentration if they're taking a test next door.

I can...demonstrate command of formal English using proper parts of speech. I can...refine and complete artistic work through my contri... Read more

I can...demonstrate command of formal English using proper parts of speech. I can...refine and complete artistic work through my contributions to the script. I can...ask and answer questions about opera I can...ask and answer questions about parts of speech.

Please allow us a half-hour setup time prior to the program so that we may familiarize ourselves with your classroom space, find out where we will be able to write audience suggestions, and set up the... Read more

Please allow us a half-hour setup time prior to the program so that we may familiarize ourselves with your classroom space, find out where we will be able to write audience suggestions, and set up the sound system.
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