Youtheatre: Class Acts

The Youtheatre: Class Acts series was created in1992 to introduce North Country students to the magic of live theater as they watch historical and literary characters come to life, thus establishing a love of reading. A national study conducted by the National Endowment of the Arts states, "The arts not only have an academic impact on youth, but also a positive correlation to all achievement." The report concludes, "Socially and economically disadvantaged children who have high levels of arts engagement show more positive outcomes in a variety of areas than their low-arts engaged peers...These outcomes extend to school grades, test scores, honor society membership, high school graduation, college enrollment & success, volunteering, and participation in school or local politics."

Just since September of the 2017-18 Season 9147 students and their teachers from 65 schools from St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Franklin Counties attended 13 Youtheatre performances.

A LIFELONG LOVE OF THEATRE BEGINS HERE!
 

2018-2019 SEASON…

ANIMAL FARM
October 16 - Ogdensburg - 9:15 & 11                                                                 October 17 - Salmon River - 9:15                                                                         October 18 - Gouverneur - 9:15
Grades 9-12

Study Guide: www.newrep.org
The animals of Mr. Jones' farm believe they could build themselves a utopia if only they could get rid of the humans in charge.  When their dreams become reality, life isn't as easy as they thought when old problems take a new form.  Originally written as a critique of Stalinism, George Orwell's acclaimed 1945 novel finds new life in the contemporary stage adaptation.  Exploring themes of power, politics, and propaganda, this frightening fairytale feels ripped from the headlines.

 

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS & OTHER STORIES
October 22 - Ogdensburg - 9:15 & 11
October 23 - Gouverneur - 9:30                             
October 24 - Salmon River - 9:15                                                                                                  Grades PreK-3

Study Guide: www.twusa.org
A musical revue of beloved children's books:  Ride the range with Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa by Erica Silverman.  Meet Mercy and the exuberant pig who loves to drive in Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo.  Embrace a young girl's self-discovery as she embraces her creative spirit in The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, and dragons may be fun but don't give them tacos or they'll never leave as experienced in Adam Rubin's Dragons Love Tacos.

 

WE THE PEOPLE
November 14 - Ogdensburg - 9:15 & 11
November 16 - Massena - 9:15
Grades 4-8

Study Guide: www.twusa.org
American government textbooks come to life via the original boy band, "The Founding Fathers" in this hip musical revue which sets civic lessons to a rockin' beat.  Students will have a blast learning about democracy, elections, the 3 branches of government, constitutional amendments, and diplomacy.

 

 

 

PATCHWORK:  THE LITTLE HOUSE LIFE OF LAURA INGALLS WILDER
February 5 - Ogdensburg - 9:15 & 11
February 6 - Gouverneur - 9:15                                                                                           February 7 - Salmon River - 9:15                                                                                            Grades 4-8

Study Guide: www.virginiarep.org
Born in 1867, Laura traveled across America's rolling plains in the back of a covered wagon with her beloved family - strong and caring Pa, her heroic sister Mary, warm-hearted Ma.  Join the Ingalls as they face the hardships and the triumphs of the wondrous new land as they crossed the wild and often perilous frontier with only their faith and love of family to sustain them. Their outdoor adventure and pioneer spirit are reflected in the patchwork quilts they created that still exist today.

 

 

FRANKENSTEIN
March 25 - Ogdensburg - 10:00
Grades 9-12

Study Guide: www.baylinartists.com/aquila-theatre-frankenstein
Aquila Theatre's production of Mary Shelley's timeless classic is bold & thrilling while paying homage to the original, frightening writing of 1818.  Years ahead of its time, the first true science fiction novel...a living, breathing gruesome outcome of scientific discovery still poses a myriad of critical ethical questions.

 

 

 

 

STUART LITTLE
April 24 - Ogdensburg - 9:15 & 11
April 25 - Massena - 9:15                                                                                                                        Grades PreK-3

Study Guide: www.va-rep.org
From the loving heart of E.B. White comes a merry musical about a noble mouse who jumps headlong into adventures big enough to match any imagination.  Funny, tender, and exciting, Stuart Little mixes gorgeous child-size puppets with live actors to work theatrical magic.

To participate please contact your child’s school.

CLICK HERE FOR CLASS ACTS ORDER FORM

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2017-18 YOUTHEATRE SPONSORS

Children and educators of the North Country extend their thanks to Superintendents Tim Vernsey (Ogdensburg City School District), Patrick Brady (Massena Central School District), Lauren French (Gouverneur Central School District), and Stanley Harper (Salmon River Central School District) for their generosity and support.

SENSATIONAL FRIENDS $5000+
7 News-Fox 28 TV* • Northern NY Community Foundation • Ogdensburg City School District • Sweetgrass Foundation

FABULOUS FRIENDS $2500 - $4999
Bev & Gus Becker • Dr. Manuel & Sally Palao • Henderson Printing* • The Windjammer Lodge*

GREAT FRIENDS $1000 - $2499
Dr. Ravinder & Barbara Agarwal • America 1 Realty • Donaldson Funeral Home • William Flynn • Diane & Dick Moore • NYS Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association • North Country This Week* • Northern NY Newspaper Corporation* • John C. Parcell, CPA* • David & Mary Pierce • Price Chopper • Rhonda Roethel • Stewart’s Shops Foundation

TRUE FRIENDS $500 - $999
Anonymous • Patricia E. & R. Timothy Bell • Claxton Hepburn Medical Center • Community Bank • Community Broadcasters* • DeFelsko • Erin Meyer Real Estate • Linda Griffin & Tom Patterson • Heritage Homes • Mort Backus & Sons • Claudia Moulton • North Country Public Radio • North Country Savings Bank • Ogdensburg Education Association • Pat Collins Real Estate • Pepsi Cola Ogdensburg Bottlers • Phillips Memorial Home • Jane & John Pinkerton • River Rat Design* • St. John's Church / Conservatory Theatre • St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union • St. Lawrence Health System • The Thousand Island Cruet • United Helpers Management Co. • Cynthia & Richard Wilson

* In-Kind

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPONSOR ($500+ DONATION) THIS IMPORTANT PROGRAM-CALL 315.393.2625