School Performances
2023-24 School Year
Anansi the Spider and the Middle Passage
by Frank Higgins
October 16th-November 10th, 2023
Running Time: Approx. 50 minutes
Recommended for grades K-5
This production will travel for assemblies throughout NE Ohio!
Anansi, the celebrated spider from African folklore, tells the story of an African mother and daughter who are kidnapped and sold into slavery. With each story, Anansi springs to life along with the story characters for action-packed, light-hearted adventures. When mother and daughter arrive in America as slaves, they carry with them the folk tales and wisdom of their homeland — stories that make their lives bearable and give them meaning. This wonderfully theatrical children’s play offers a unique perspective, imbuing the dismal tale of the slave trade with the bright, spirited folklore of African culture.
Themes: Folk Tales, African Culture, American Slavery, Fables
ODOE Standards:
Language Arts: Integration of Knowledge, Comprehension and Collaboration, Vocabulary Acquisition and Use, Identifying Key Details of Drama such as characters, settings and scenes. Fine Arts: Drama/Theatre- Creating (CE), Producing/Performing (PR), Responding/Reflecting (RE)
I Never Saw Another Butterfly
by Celeste Raspanti
February 5th-29th, 2024
Running Time: Approx. 50 minutes
Recommended for grades 4-12
This production will travel for assemblies throughout NE Ohio!
Raja, a prisoner of Terezin concentration camp, teaches children when there is nothing to teach with, helps to give them hope when there is little reason for hope, and creates a little world of laughter, of flowers and butterflies behind the barbed wire. Based on the true stories of some of the 15,000 children who passed through the camp, this is a story of how butterflies became a symbol of defiance, making it possible for them to live on and play happily while waiting to be transported.
Themes: World War II, Literature, Poetry, Hope
ODOE Standards:
Language Arts: Integration of Knowledge, Comprehension and Collaboration, Vocabulary Acquisition and Use, Identifying Key Details of Drama such as characters, settings and scenes. Fine Arts: Drama/Theatre- Creating (CE), Producing/Performing (PR), Responding/Reflecting (RE)
Who Ate the Sun?
by Erin E. Dolan
Field Trips March 21st & 22nd, 2024- 11:45am
Assemblies May 6th-31st, 2024
Running Time: Approx. 50 minutes
Recommended for grades K-5
Who Ate the Sun is a co-production with LCCC Theatre Department
Fascinated by stars and planets, Ash loves to study the sky. One afternoon on a walk through the neighborhood, the sun disappears entirely! Follow their journey as Ash and some animal friends ask, “Who ate the sun?” This play is a World Premiere Production, written by Cleveland playwright, Erin E. Dolan especially for this spring's solar eclipse!
Themes: Fables, Astronomy, STEM, Critical Thinking
ODOE Standards:
Language Arts: Integration of Knowledge, Comprehension and Collaboration, Vocabulary Acquisition and Use, Identifying Key Details of Drama such as characters, settings and scenes. Fine Arts: Drama/Theatre- Creating (CE), Producing/Performing (PR), Responding/Reflecting (RE)
What is included?
45-60 Minute Performance
Question & Answer Session with the Actors
Study Guide corresponding to ODOE State Standards
What if our school doesn't have a stage?
No problem! We just need a clear space about 16' x 16' with at least 12' ceilings. Most cafeterias, gymnasiums and even media centers can work just fine.
How much is an assembly?
First Performance: $250
Second Performance: $200
Travel fees may apply for schools located 20 miles or further from Elyria, Ohio.
Questions? Email us at SparkTheatre4Youth@gmail.com or call us at 440-707-6887.
This program is generously sponsored by:
