LOADING...

This theatre workshop and live performance experience, "Exploring Character and Storytelling Through Live Theatre," is designed for K–5 students and aligns with Wit & Wisdom Module 4: Myth Making (G... Read more

This theatre workshop and live performance experience, "Exploring Character and Storytelling Through Live Theatre," is designed for K–5 students and aligns with Wit & Wisdom Module 4: Myth Making (Grade 4).

Through theatre games, character exploration, improvisation, and collaborative storytelling, students investigate how myths and classic stories communicate important ideas, lessons, and values. As students explore the characters, conflicts, and choices within Pinocchio’s journey, they engage with key vocabulary from the module, including character, conflict, theme, and tradition, while strengthening their understanding of how stories convey meaning. Students use performance techniques such as movement, voice, and role-play to interpret the story and express their understanding of its central ideas.

The workshop builds content knowledge connected to mythology and storytelling traditions by examining why certain stories are shared across generations and how characters’ experiences can reveal universal lessons. Through creative exploration, discussion, and reflection, students consider what Pinocchio teaches us about courage, responsibility, honesty, and personal growth.

Following the workshop, students will attend a live performance of "Pinocchio" at Playhouse on Park, where they will continue exploring the themes, characters, and storytelling techniques introduced in the workshop. After the performance, students will participate in a 10–15 minute post-show Q&A with the cast, providing an opportunity to ask questions, learn about the creative process, and reflect on the choices that bring the story to life on stage. Educators will also receive an electronic study guide featuring activities and discussion prompts designed to extend learning before and after the performance.

Performances are available on weekdays between November 2 and November 20. Standard performance times are 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, with limited flexibility to adjust start times by up to 30 minutes earl... Read more

Performances are available on weekdays between November 2 and November 20. Standard performance times are 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM, with limited flexibility to adjust start times by up to 30 minutes earlier or later to accommodate school transportation and scheduling needs.

This program includes a 45-minute pre-show workshop presented at your school on a scheduled date prior to the performance. Students will then travel to Playhouse on Park on their assigned performance ... Read more

This program includes a 45-minute pre-show workshop presented at your school on a scheduled date prior to the performance. Students will then travel to Playhouse on Park on their assigned performance date to attend the production.

Playhouse on Park is located at 244 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119. School buses may park on the side streets adjacent to the theatre.

A 45-minute pre-show workshop will take place at your school on a scheduled date prior to the performance, giving students an engaging introduction to the story, themes, and theatrical elements of Pin... Read more

A 45-minute pre-show workshop will take place at your school on a scheduled date prior to the performance, giving students an engaging introduction to the story, themes, and theatrical elements of Pinocchio.

Following the workshop, students will travel to Playhouse on Park to enjoy a live performance of Pinocchio, with a runtime of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes and no intermission.

After the performance, students will participate in a 10–15 minute meet-and-greet and Q&A session with the cast. This interactive conversation gives students the opportunity to ask questions, learn about the creative process, and deepen their understanding of the production through direct engagement with the artists.

Lesson Plan (45-Minute Pre-Show Workshop)
Workshop Title: Exploring Character and Storytelling Through Live Theatre
Grade: K–5
Module: Wit & Wisdom Module 4: Myth Making

1. Welcome & Introduction (5 minutes)
• Introduce the workshop, learning goals, and upcoming live performance experience of Pinocchio at Playhouse on Park
• Activate prior knowledge through discussion about classic stories, characters, and the lessons they teach
• Introduce key vocabulary: character, conflict, theme, tradition, lesson
• Establish expectations for collaboration, creativity, and safe participation

2. Storytelling Through Movement (7 minutes)
• Guide students through theatre-based movement activities inspired by Pinocchio’s journey from puppet to real boy
• Explore how actors use movement, gesture, and physical choices to communicate character traits and emotions
• Encourage students to consider how physical choices help audiences understand a character’s story

3. Character Exploration & Imagination (8 minutes)
• Students use voice, facial expression, and movement to explore characters from Pinocchio, including Pinocchio, Geppetto, and other figures from the story
• Investigate how characters’ choices, challenges, and relationships reveal important ideas and lessons
• Connect character exploration to themes such as courage, honesty, responsibility, and growth

4. Collaborative Storytelling & Scene Creation (10 minutes)
• Students work in pairs or small groups to create short dramatic moments inspired by Pinocchio
• Encourage students to incorporate storytelling elements including character, conflict, and theme
• Teaching artist supports students in making creative choices that communicate meaning to an audience

5. Sharing & Reflection (5 minutes)
• Students share character moments or short scenes with the group
• Facilitate reflection using vocabulary from the module: “What lesson does this story communicate?” and “How do a character’s choices reveal the theme?”
• Encourage students to recognize how stories can connect audiences across generations

6. Becoming a Wonderful Audience (5 minutes)
• Discuss the role of an audience member in helping performers tell a story
• Explore the difference between a distracted audience and an engaged, supportive audience
• Practice audience behaviors that allow everyone to experience the magic of live theatre

7. Closing (5 minutes)
• Review key vocabulary and storytelling concepts explored during the workshop
• Build excitement for seeing "Pinocchio" come to life on stage at Playhouse on Park
• Celebrate students’ creativity, collaboration, and curiosity

Students and educators will receive an electronic study guide designed to extend the theatre experience beyond the performance. This resource includes background information about the production, thea... Read more

Students and educators will receive an electronic study guide designed to extend the theatre experience beyond the performance. This resource includes background information about the production, theatrical vocabulary, character descriptions, and engaging classroom activities that encourage creativity, reflection, and deeper connections to the story’s themes.

The study guide also features behind-the-scenes insights into the creative process, including information about the cast, crew, and elements of bringing a live production to the stage. These resources provide opportunities for students to continue exploring themes of courage, honesty, imagination, and self-discovery long after the final curtain.

The wonderful thing about theatre is that it thrives on creativity and imagination! Our teaching artists provide the materials needed for each workshop, allowing students to fully engage in the creati... Read more

The wonderful thing about theatre is that it thrives on creativity and imagination! Our teaching artists provide the materials needed for each workshop, allowing students to fully engage in the creative process.

To support the workshop experience, please provide access to a SmartBoard or interactive display, as well as chart paper and markers for collaborative activities and group reflection.

To support an engaging and interactive workshop experience, we recommend an open space where students can safely move, stand, and participate in theatre activities. Ideally, students should have enoug... Read more

To support an engaging and interactive workshop experience, we recommend an open space where students can safely move, stand, and participate in theatre activities. Ideally, students should have enough room to stretch their arms and move comfortably without bumping into others.

We understand that classroom spaces vary, and our teaching artists are happy to adapt to the environment available. Desks and chairs can be moved to the perimeter of the room to create additional space, allowing classrooms, libraries, gyms, or other areas to become creative learning spaces. With a little room, imagination, and flexibility, any space can transform into a place where theatre comes to life!

Students will identify and analyze the key themes of courage, honesty, responsibility, and personal growth as portrayed in "Pinocchio" through thoughtful discussions and hands-on theatre activities... Read more

Students will identify and analyze the key themes of courage, honesty, responsibility, and personal growth as portrayed in "Pinocchio" through thoughtful discussions and hands-on theatre activities, fostering a deeper understanding of how stories communicate important ideas and life lessons.

Students will use their imaginations to bring characters and stories to life by experimenting with movement, voice, and expression, building confidence in their creativity while strengthening communication skills through collaborative storytelling and performance.

Students will actively engage as audience members by observing, interpreting, and reflecting on the live performance of "Pinocchio." Through guided discussions and reflection, students will explore character choices, thematic elements, and storytelling techniques while cultivating a lasting appreciation for live theatre as a meaningful form of artistic expression and learning.