Theater offers learning beyond the classroom
Kindergarten teacher Toby Maykuth said that cuts to education funding have impacted the number of field trips taken throughout the school year.
And that’s why he’s happy to have a resource like the State Theatre Center for the Arts, right in town.
“It’s great to have something that’s so close,” Maykuth said. “Bussing is less expensive, and being able to do something in our geographical area is very, very important.”
The State Theatre is offering two shows this season geared toward elementary-age students as part of its Education Series.
For years, Maykuth, who is also a member of the State Theatre board, has been bringing his students to the venue to enjoy theatrical performances.
“I think we are fortunate to have a theater that considers young people when they choose their shows,” he said.
The first show of the Education Series, “Skippyjon Jones,” will be held at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 12.
Based on the book by Judy Schachner, “Skippyjon Jones” is a musical about unleashing your powerful imagination and following your dreams.
The production features main character, “Skippyjon Jones” — a little kitten with big ears and even bigger dreams. It’s produced by Theatreworks USA.
“These shows are professionally, nationally touring shows,” said Erica Miller, executive director of the State Theatre. “Theatreworks USA is pretty much the premiere company, the best company, for these shows.”
Miller said the State Theatre has been offering shows through the Education Series for nearly 20 years.
Tickets are $3 per person, and have always remained at that same price, she said.
“We’ve never raised our prices,” she said. “We want to make sure the children in our region have the opportunity to come and see the shows here. We want to keep that as inexpensive as we can.”
Theatreworks USA actors and actresses will also take to the stage on April 20, 2015 to perform “Junie B. Jones” — the second show of this season’s Education Series.
The show, which is loaded with funny songs, is based on several books by author Barbara Park, including Junie B,. First Grader (at Last!); Junie B., Boss of Lunch; and Junie B., One-Man Band.
Maykuth plans to take his kindergarten students to see the spring production, as the students need to learn several skills before attending a theatrical production.
“A lot of the students haven’t been to the State Theatre and have never seen a live show,” he said. “We teach them the differences between a play and a movi e and how to respond appropriately as an audience member.”
In addition to learning those skills, he said there is always a classroom connection in regard to the literature.
“The theater provides us with information about the show and sends us a study guide, along with some activities you can do in preparation to come see the show,” Maykuth said. “They give you enough information that your students will understand exactly what’s on stage.”
Maykuth said he has taken previous classes to see the “Junie B. Jones” production and that he, his students and fellow teachers have never been disappointed.
“They’re age appropriate, time-sensitive, fast-paced and humorous,” he said.
“We’ve seen it probably four times but it never gets old. The kids always enjoy it.”
Miller estimates that each show attracts between 800 and 1,200 students.
“This allows the theater to be an extension of the classroom,” Miller said. “It’s great to have students come and enjoy a show, because for most students in our area, this will be their first ever live theater experience. Part of our mission is to not only offer cultural enrichment, but to education those in our community.”
For more information about either show, call 724-439-1360.