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This theatre workshop and live performance experience, "Exploring Character and Self-Expression Through Live Theatre," is designed for K–5 students and aligns with Wit & Wisdom Module 2: Creature Fe... Read more

This theatre workshop and live performance experience, "Exploring Character and Self-Expression Through Live Theatre," is designed for K–5 students and aligns with Wit & Wisdom Module 2: Creature Features (Grade 1).

Through theatre games, character exploration, improvisation, and collaborative performance activities, students investigate how characters, like animals, have unique features and characteristics that help define who they are. As students explore the creatures and personalities within Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience (written by Mo Willems), they engage with key vocabulary from the module, including observe, characteristic, unique, identity, expression, while strengthening their understanding of how observation helps us learn about the world around us. Students use performance techniques such as movement, voice, rhythm, and role-play to interpret characters and express what makes each individual special.

The workshop builds content knowledge connected to animal characteristics and observation by encouraging students to notice similarities, differences, and unique traits among creatures. Through creative exploration, discussion, and reflection, students consider how Wilbur’s journey demonstrates the importance of curiosity, self-expression, and embracing what makes us different.

Following the workshop, students will attend a live performance of "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience" at Playhouse on Park, where they will continue exploring character traits, storytelling, and the power of individuality 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 rock-filled world of the production 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 April 19 and May 7. 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 l... Read more

Performances are available on weekdays between April 19 and May 7. 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 held at your school to enhance the students' experience. Following the workshop, students will travel to Playhouse on Park at a later date for the s... Read more

This program includes a 45-minute pre-show workshop held at your school to enhance the students' experience. Following the workshop, students will travel to Playhouse on Park at a later date for the scheduled performance. The venue is conveniently located at 244 Park Rd, West Hartford, CT 06119, and buses will find parking on the nearby side streets.

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, characters, and theatrical ele... 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, characters, and theatrical elements of Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience.

Following the workshop, students will travel to Playhouse on Park to enjoy a live performance of "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience," with a runtime of approximately 1 hour 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: Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: Exploring Identity and Self-Expression Through Live Theatre
Grade: K–5
Module: Wit & Wisdom Module 2: Creature Features (Grade 1)

1. Welcome & Introduction (5 minutes)
• Introduce the workshop, learning goals, and upcoming live performance experience of Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience at Playhouse on Park
• Activate prior knowledge through discussion about animals, unique traits, and what makes individuals special
• Introduce key vocabulary: observe, characteristic, unique, identity, expression
• Establish expectations for collaboration, creativity, and safe participation

2. Discovering Character Through Movement (7 minutes)
• Guide students through theatre-based movement activities inspired by the world of naked mole rats and the characters in the production
• Explore how actors use movement, posture, gestures, and physical choices to communicate personality and character traits
• Encourage students to observe how different choices help audiences understand who a character is

3. Character Exploration & Self-Expression (8 minutes)
• Students use voice, facial expression, movement, and imagination to explore characters from Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience
• Investigate how characters’ interests, choices, and individual traits reveal what makes them unique
• Connect character exploration to themes such as creativity, confidence, acceptance, and self-expression

4. Collaborative Performance Creation (10 minutes)
• Students work in pairs or small groups to create short performance moments inspired by the characters, music, and themes of the production
• Encourage students to incorporate theatrical elements such as movement, voice, rhythm, and character choices
• Teaching artist supports students in making creative choices that communicate personality and meaning to an audience

5. Sharing & Reflection (5 minutes)
• Students share character moments or short performance creations with the group
• Facilitate reflection using vocabulary from the module: “What did you observe about this character?” and “What makes this character unique?”
• Encourage students to recognize how stories and performances help us understand ourselves and others

6. Becoming a Wonderful Audience (5 minutes)
• Discuss the role of an audience member in supporting performers and experiencing live theatre
• Explore how audiences observe characters, music, movement, and storytelling choices during a performance
• Practice audience behaviors that allow everyone to enjoy the magic of live theatre

7. Closing (5 minutes)
• Review key vocabulary and concepts explored during the workshop
• Build excitement for seeing Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience come to life on stage at Playhouse on Park
• Celebrate students’ creativity, curiosity, and individuality

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 explore the key themes of individuality, self-expression, and acceptance as portrayed in "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience" through thoughtful discussions ... Read more

Students will identify and explore the key themes of individuality, self-expression, and acceptance as portrayed in "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience" through thoughtful discussions and hands-on theatre activities, fostering a deeper understanding of what makes each character unique.

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

Students will actively engage as audience members by observing, interpreting, and reflecting on the live performance of "Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed: The Rock Experience." Through guided discussions, they will explore character choices, theatrical elements, and the ways stories can celebrate individuality while cultivating a lasting appreciation for live theatre as a meaningful form of storytelling and learning.