CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS IN THE LIBRARIES, 2005/2006 SEASON
The Art of Mime
with Bill Bowers  or  Gregg Goldston

Depending on availability, either Bill Bowers, who created the role of Zazu in Lion King, or Gregg Goldston, who has toured the world with the father of modern pantomime, Marcel Marceau, present mime as an art form. They will demonstrate short mime acts followed by discussion and interactive mime pieces created with the audience. Each artist will tailor their programs for any specific age group. Available as a one-time event or a teaching series. *Suitable for children 5 and up, Young Adults welcome.

Upcoming Dates:

4/13/2007- Queens Library- Ravenswood

 


See study guide...

LETTERS TO HARRIET TUBMAN by Paul Morse, with Cherene Snow

Two character play by Paul Morse set on the porch of Harriet Tubman’s home in Auburn. New York in 1902, when she was 80 year old. From the characters perspective, the audience is regarded as a group of visitors who have traveled to Auburn to reminisce, in story and song, with Harriet’s telling of the heroic adventures of her life. A neighbor, Jeffrey Taylor, Jr., assists Harriet and also accompanies her on guitar. The production is interspersed with lively Civil War songs and Black spirituals including "Go Down Moses," "Steal Away," and "Battle Hymn of the Republic". For ages 6 and up

One Noble Journey by Mike Wiley.
One muggy dawn in 1849, to escape the perils of slavery, Henry "Box" Brown entombed himself in a small crate and secretly shipped himself to a new life in Philadelphia as a free man. One Noble Journey tells the incredible true story of Brown as well as Ellen and William Craft, who triumphed against overwhelming odds to gain their freedom. Ages 9 and up. This could also be suitable for young adults. Ages 7 and up.

RHYTHM AND SOUND IN THEATRE
 with Jon Berger
This show was a favorite in Brooklyn Public libraries this past summer. Utilizing percussion instruments from all over the world, Mr. Berger will show how percussion is used in theater and in other mediums to tell stories, create moods, and enhance movement. Join in, so you can experience the power and language of music by creating on the spot sounds for dancers and readings from books! Jon Bergen has been a drummer and percussionist and teacher for over 20 years. He has toured internationally with many classic musical theater productions as well as on Broadway (such shows as Cats, Saturday Night Fever, Suessical.) He also played with a variety of artists in Jazz, Fund, Rock, Classical, Folk, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban music. Available is a one-time event or a teaching series. *Suitable for children 4 and up. Young Adults welcome. This Fall we traveled to over 15 libraries with this program. Stay tuned for more!

Two Friends: Dos Amigos by Paul Morse
is a one-act play by Paul Morse. Set on a basketball court in a neighborhood park, the story concerns the developing relationship of two boys from different cultures who resolve their differences across the language barrier and become friends. (two actors) Ages: 7-12 This show was originally created by Paul Morse Productions in California and has been running in Los Angeles schools with great success.

Mama From Mars by C. C. Campbell

An accomplished Broadway star, C. C. Cambell, presents Mama From Mars. Accompanied by Brother Ah, a talented electric guitar player, Mama visits us from Mars to teach us about the solar system. Through rocking music and audience participation, kids ages 5 to 10 are taught about the planets, the stars, and the way our galaxy works.

Multicultural Musical Workshop "Penelope"
Inspired by the story of the Dutch Settler Penelope Stout, Penelope teaches young children about the pillgrims's journey to the new world. Kids ages 4-7 will have tons of fun with the activities and music. Come join Penelope as she crosses the ocean, encounters the Native Americans, and sings multicultural songs.

Home on the Range with Carol and Steve:
Children will love singing popular nursery songs, hearing Western stories and learning about the Old West from cowhands Steve and Carolyn. With coloring handouts and surprise treats! Ages 2-5. In the Fall of 2004 we traveled to over 30 libraries with great success! More in the future.
Music by the Sea  with Beth-Anne Arensten

Let's have a music party!  Teaching artist, Beth-Anne creates a whimsical party atmosphere through music and movement with her repertoire of fun traditional children's music. Together we'll sing and groove to each song with percussive instruments and numerous children's games set to a musical backdrop.  Workshops are a blast for toddlers through pre-school aged children.

Upcoming Programs:

4/18/2007-Brooklyn Public Library- Leonard
4/20/2007-Brooklyn Public Library-Bushwick
4/30/2007-Brooklyn Public Library-Brighton Beach
5/8/2007- Brooklyn Public Library-Mill Basin

Poetry is Power with Jennifer Noonan
Kids will explore and celebrate their creative voices through the power and art of poetry and spoken word. Utilizing fun activities, such as song, dance, and storytelling, Poetry is Power teaches K-6th grade the art of self-expression.

This program can be arranged as a one-time assembly or a series of workshops

Upcoming Programs:
4/11/2007-Queens Library- Forest Hills
4/16/2007-Queens Library-Ozone Park


Adult and Young Adult's Programs in the Libraries, 2005/2006 Season

ANITA BUSH —The Mother of Negro Drama , by Jo Tanner

After a hit run in the numerous Brooklyn Public Library branches in the Spring 2001, this show is now av

ailable for your libraries.  Set in Harlem in the midst of the 1960s riots, this dynamic, solo performance piece brings to life on stage Anita Bush, the acclaimed, turn-of-the-century, African American actress, whose ground breaking contributions earned her the name “The Moth

er of Negro Drama.”

Read more...* Suggested for Black History Month and Women’s Month


 

MADAM C.J. WALKER by Jo Tanner

An inspiring, solo performance piece, depicting the life and times of the legendary, turn-of-the-century, African American inventor and entrepren

eur who earned a fortune selling "hair goods and preparations" to other African Americans and became America's First Black Female Millionaire. Read more...

One-person shows for young adults and adult audiences:

The Peanut Prince: George Washington Carver written and performed by Terence Archie
directed by Tamilla Woodard

How much stuff can you do with a peanut? George Washington Carver found over 300 ways to use a peanut, including laundry soap and “peanut orange punch.” Carver was a former slave that spent his life doing research on plants. He was world famous and beloved; presidents consulted him, and Thomas Edison offered him the equivalent of a million bucks a year to work for him (and Carver said no!).

Upcoming Dates:

4/11/2007-Brooklyn Public Library- Coney Island Learning Center
4/14/2007-Brooklyn Public Library-Coney Island Library Center


Staged Readings, 2
Rosie by Adriana Rogers, directed by Brigitte Viellieu-Davis, starring Jenna Kalinowski

A dynamic one woman show, Rosie reveals the true story behind the birth of the independent American working woman. During W.W. II, men were drafted leaving numerous important jobs vacant. A cultural icon, “Rosie the Riveter” represents the courageous women who left their kitchens and took over the jobs the

A Latina Prepares written and performed by Desi Moreno-Penson, directed by Jose Zayas

Desi Moreno-Penson’s "A Latina Prepares" follows an actress who gets fed up with all of her stereotypic ethnic roles, from Carmen to Jennifer, and takes revenge upon her auditioners . . . by being a darn good actress! "A Latina Prepares" won for Best Short as part of the 2004 Downtown Urban Theatre Festival, and was presented in 2002 at the Latina Playwrights Festival.

Upcoming Programs:
4/25/2007-Brooklyn Public Library-Coney Island Learning Center
4/28/2007-Brooklyn Public Library-Coney Island Learning Center
5/12/2007-Brooklyn Public Library-Williamsburgh

men left behind.
005/2006 Season

The Snow Queen by Stanton Wood

This acclaimed play was recently produced at Urban Stages to sold-out audiences
. Award-winning playwright and computer game designer, Stanton Wood is the author of plays for both children and adults, including The Zombies Next Door and Down the Drain. Old World meets New World in this family holiday play based on Hans Christian Anderson's tale, The Snow Queen. Gerda's epic journey in search of her best friend takes her from New York City to the South Pole, with stop-offs in Brazil and Patagonia
.

Valiant by Lanna Joffrey, directed by Tamilla Woodard

Valiant tells the true stories of 13 women who have fought in, suffered through and survived war.  Conceived and adapted for the stage by Lanna Joffrey from the book Valiant Women in War and Exile  by Sally Hayton-Keeva, Valiant explores the perspective of

these 13 women and details  how war has shaped their lives and subsequently our own.

Upcoming Programs:
4/17/2007-Brooklyn Public Library- Central Library Learning Center
4/19/2007-Queens Library- Mitchell-Linden