Arts Education & Arts Integration: Classroom Workshops. Middle & High School. Available Online! MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL All of these workshops can be expanded into a 2-, 3- or 4-day classroom residency in which the students explore the content area in depth through the arts. This allows us to provide a sequentially structured arts learning experience so we can really maximize student learning and create a deeper, more meaningful arts experience. REQUEST MORE INFO Arts Education & Arts Integration: Classroom Workshops We are constantly designing new workshops! In fact, most of the workshops you see here were originally designed because someone asked us, "Hey, InterAct...can you do a workshop on ___________ to address __________ objective?" WE LOVE THIS. It's really our favorite thing to do. The answer is almost always, "Sure. Let's put our heads together and see what we can create!" So, if you would like an arts integration experience for your students that you don't see here, please contact us or request more info so we can design something for you! Drama & Theatre RESPONSIVE PLAYMAKING & PLAYBUILDING Through a variety of creative drama and short-form devising techniques, participants investigate a text, theme or curriculum topic as artists, and then collaborate in devising a short story, drama, or theatre piece in the classroom (or virtual classroom!). This is a great way to foster collaboration, social emotional skills and 21st century skills through theatre while building content knowledge. Responsive Playmaking can also be booked as a residency with multiple sessions with or without a sharing or informal performance. All stories are submitted for InterAct’s annual KidStory Theatre Festival, a celebration of stories written by kids for kids...and the best of the best are performed by professional actors at our festival in May! Maximum 25 students (1 class) for each 45-minute session. THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD & THE CIVIL WAR Through the drama strategy of tableau (living statues) students explore key events and issues of the Civil War. Some of the causes, tragedies and triumphs of the war are revealed. Maximum 25 students (1 class) for each 45- to 60-minute session. EXPLORING SHAKESPEARE'S THEMES Students explore through drama some of the issues and themes in Shakespeare's plays. The workshop can be custom-designed for: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Julius Caesar, Hamlet and Macbeth. Maximum 25 students (1 class) for each 45- to 60-minute session. Grades 5-8 GREEK AND ROMAN MYTHOLOGY Students enact scenes from various Greek and Roman myths using the creative drama strategy of tableaux, delving into the themes, morals, and context of these ancient tales. Maximum 25-30 students (1 class) for each 60-minute session. Multiple programs ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS These workshops and residencies are designed to meet grade level Social Studies objectives and curriculum standards, and are available for a variety of eras and content areas. In these workshops, students explore key events and issues related to the topic you’ve selected through image theatre, tableaux, and related drama and music techniques. Recent Ancient Civilizations topics include: Julius Caesar and The Roman Republic; Dynastic China; Ancient Greece; The Aztecs. More are available, and we’re happy to design a program to fit your Social Studies curriculum! Maximum 25-30 students (1 class) for each 60-minute session. DRAMA GAMES FOR THE SCIENTIFIC BRAIN Students build content knowledge and vocabulary through experimentation and drama gaming. The workshops are designed to meet specific benchmarks and indicators. Please contact us so we can design a workshop for you! Recent workshops have dealt with such topics as Motion and Force; Tectonic Plates and Earthquakes; The Digestive System; Atoms and Elements. Music Grades 5-8 OPERABUILDING Students learn the basic elements of opera and explore how opera uses music and drama to tell a story. InterAct's General Director Ali Oliver leads students through this lyrical adventure. Maximum 25 students (1 class) for each 45- to 60-minute session. NOTE: This innovative and exciting workshop can also be a 3-5 day residency linking creative opera with writing skills called Operatunities for Writing. Grades 5-8 SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF WEST AFRICA Students are introduced to the instruments and sounds of West African music. Students play instruments and learn chants and songs. Maximum 25 students (1 class) for each 45-minute session. Grades 5-8 DRUM CIRCLE Students are given a hands-on multicultural experience by teaching them the basics of African palm drumming. Maximum 25 students (1 class) for each 45-minute session. Dance Grades 5-8 A TASTE OF LATIN AMERICAN CULTURE In this action-packed dance travelogue of movement, chants and dance, students explore cultural traditions and customs of Latin America. Maximum 25 students (1 class) for each 45-minute session. Early Childhood Elementary School Middle & High School Students < Back to InterAct in Schools

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Tom Teasley World Music, Drumming Teaching & Performing Artist Back

Community InterActions is a four-part podcast series exploring the impact of Covid-19 on the Wheaton area. Our Wheaton community is full of stories to tell, and we're telling just a few of them in this series. Click on an arrow below to listen to podcast episodes or you can also listen to podcast episodes on Spotify! Scroll Down Community InterActions Community InterActions Podcast Episodes Welcome to Community InterActions, a four-part podcast series exploring the impact of Covid-19 on the Wheaton area. Our Wheaton community is full of stories to tell, and we're telling just a few of them in this series. Community InterActions collects some of those stories and shares them through the words and voices of the people who are living them. This limited audio series will be taking a look at who we are in Wheaton, and focusing on some specific people in Wheaton who wanted to share their stories about the impact of the pandemic on their lives and livelihoods. Click here to navigate to our Virtual Gallery Explore the Virtual Gallery Click on an arrow below to listen to podcast episodes. Transcripts are available with each podcast episode below. We'd love to hear what you thought of our podcasts. Please fill-out this short survey to let us know! Community InterActions Podcast Episodes Episode 1: Who Is Wheaton? In this first installment, Ali Oliver-Krueger and Emily Townsend from InterAct Story Theatre begin by laying a foundation of the history of Wheaton, Wheaton's changing demographics and culture, Wheaton's economic landscape, and how all of these factors have contributed in the significant impact Covid-19 and its effects are having on this economically and racially diverse community. Click the PLAY arrow to begin Episode 1 Community InterActions Episode 1 InterAct Story Theatre 00:00 / 18:42 Click here for a transcript of Episode 1 in English Haga clic aquí para ver la transcripción del episodio 1 en español We'd love to hear what you thought of our podcast. Please fill-out this short survey to let us know! Community InterActions Podcast Episodes Episode 2: Pandemic and Food and Housing Insecurity Covid-19 and its effects impacted Wheaton residents in disparate and inequitable ways. For the most vulnerable, the shutdown created stark gaps in important services and lifelines, including food insecurity, and housing insecurity. Ali Oliver-Krueger and Emily Townsend look at the national picture and then share perspectives from local community advocates and community members who are taking action. NOTE: This episode was recorded before Governor Hogan announced lifting of the State of Emergency in Maryland on July 1, 2021. Click the PLAY arrow to begin Episode 2 Community InterActions Episode 2 InterAct Story Theatre 00:00 / 22:52 Click here for a transcript of Episode 2 in English Haga clic aquí para ver la transcripción del episodio 2 en español We'd love to hear what you thought of our podcast. Please fill-out this short survey to let us know! Community InterActions Podcast Episodes Episode 3: Pandemic and Small Businesses In this episode, Ali Oliver-Krueger and Emily Townsend discuss the impact of pandemic on small businesses, across the nation and in our local Wheaton-Kensington area. Ali talks with local business owners and community members on how the effects of the global pandemic have affected business at home. Click the PLAY arrow to begin Episode 3 Community InterActions Episode 3 InterAct Story Theatre 00:00 / 21:52 Click here for a transcript of Episode 3 in English We'd love to hear what you thought of our podcast. Please fill-out this short survey to let us know! Haga clic aquí para ver la transcripción del episodio 3 en español Community InterActions Podcast Episodes Episode 4: Pandemic and Making Art One of the sectors hit hardest by pandemic and facing the slowest recovery has been the arts and culture sector. As an Arts and Entertainment District, Wheaton not only is home to several artists and arts organizations, but also draws artists from nearby areas. In this episode, Ali Oliver-Krueger and Emily Townsend talk about the pandemic experience at InterAct Story Theatre, and talk with community artists and members of Wheaton arts organizations to get their unique perspective on pandemic times. Click the PLAY arrow to begin Episode 4 Community InterActions Episode 4 InterAct Story Theatre 00:00 / 39:01 Click here for a transcript of Episode 4 in English Haga clic aquí para ver la transcripción del episodio 4 en español We'd love to hear what you thought of our podcast. Please fill-out this short survey to let us know! This project was made possible by a grant from Maryland Humanities, with funding received from the Maryland Historical Trust in the Maryland Department of Planning. Maryland Humanities’ Grants Program is also supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities and private funders. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of Maryland Humanities, Maryland Historical Trust, Maryland Department of Planning, or National Endowment for the Humanities.

Response Form Scroll Down Bring InterAct to Your Community: Interested in bringing InterAct Story Theatre to your school, community, business, or event? InterAct Story Theatre tours plays, performing arts programs, family arts workshops, community dialogue events, arts education programs and lecture/demonstrations to community venues and festivals across the country, both virtually/online and in person! How can we bring the power of arts and learning together in your community? Please fill out this form, and we'll get in touch with you to make it happen! If you require assistance with this form or prefer to call by phone, you may contact 301-879-9305 . First name* Last name* Email* Phone School/Site/Organization Name* School/Site/Organization Address Are you interested in a virtual/online program or in-person program? (Check all that apply)* I am interested in an online/virtual program. I am interested in a live/in-person program at my site. I am interested in a blended program—Some in-person and some virtual/online. What kind of program(s) are you interested in? (Check all that apply)* I am interested in a performance. I am interested in a workshop for students. I am interested in a staff development workshop I am interested in a master class or clinic. I am interested in a parent-child workshop. I am interested in a residency workshop. Other Comments: Yes, please send me information about InterActStory Theatre. Submit

Master Classes, Clinics, and Lecture-Demonstrations for Performing Arts Students and Developing Artists Clinics & Master Classes When they are not teaching, many InterAct Story Theatre artists are creating artistic work and performing professionally with respected companies throughout the region. Several of our artists are directors of their own arts companies, and have won recognition and awards for their craft. A masterclass or clinic with an InterAct Story Theatre master artist can be a great way to help your arts students move forward, provide real-world professional insight and feedback on student work, or to pursue specific skills and topics in your theatre, music, or dance classes. For more information about specific topics, or to inquire into artist availability for master classes and clinics, please contact us or request more info ! REQUEST MORE INFO Sample Master Classes, Clinics, and Lecture-Demonstrations for Performing Arts Students and Developing Artists Master Class leaders and clinicians, and their areas of expertise: Kelly King , dancer, choreographer, and Artistic Director of Contradiction Dance and co-founder of The Movement Movement: choreography, modern dance Ali Oliver-Krueger , Executive/Artistic Director of InterAct Story Theatre: vocal music, theatre, acting/actor coaching, directing, audition preparation for actors and singers, playwriting, theatre management/arts administration. Tom Teasley , award-winning composer, world musician, and percussionist: world music, percussion, combining digital looping with live performance. Emily Townsend , Artistic Administrator, Literary Manager, and Resident Dramaturg of InterAct Story Theatre: dramaturgy, theatre criticism < Back to InterAct in Schools

Read reviews about past events and articles about our work at InterAct Story Theatre. Press Scroll Down Click on any of the items below to read reviews about past events and articles about our work. Read review for The Hero of Everything Read review for Bobtail BONG BONG Read review for Voytto Tech Read reviews of The Legend of Pufferfish Pat Read reviews of One Gold Coin Article: "Take Ten with Ali Oliver-Krueger Article: "Accessible Arts"

Season 1 of Wheaton Family Theatre Series Wheaton Family Theatre Series Season 1: October, 2015 through February, 2016 The Hero of Everything October 2015 Kids and adults become superheroes for a day in this play about the importance of teamwork and the problems of trying to be The Captain of EVERYTHING. Diane Macklin November 2015 Have a hoppin’ good time with Master Storyteller Diane Macklin, sharing legendary tales of America’s folk heroes through this interactive, storytelling program for all ages. Drumming Through Time and Across Cultures December 2015 Join award-winning composer and percussionist Tom Teasley on a unique musical journey around the world, following the Silk Road from Italy to China and the Sugar Trade Route from Africa to the Americas in one unforgettable performance! Story Tapestries January 2016 Get ready to dance, sing, wiggle and giggle with the Giggling Wiggling Bookworm, Arianna Ross. Eat your fill of stories as the bookworm in you finds a new, exciting story to share. One Gold Coin - Una moneda de oro February 2016 An interactive, bilingual play for kids and families inspired by a Latin American story about the power of kindness and giving. One Gold Coin — Una moneda de oro tells the story of a great healer who comes to a village in El Salvador with a magical gold coin. Audience members "get into the act" right from their seats, singing, acting, and becoming the villagers of Regalo who see the coin pass through many hands as it works its magic. Season 6 Season 5 Season 4 Season 3 Season 2 Season 11 To keep up on the latest news about InterAct’s Wheaton Family Theatre Series Season 12 and get reminders about our next program dates, join our mailing list . We also invite you to check out our past seasons 1—11 by clicking on any of the season buttons! < Back to Community Page Season 7 Season 8 Season 1 Season 9 Season 10 Season 12

Season 4 of Wheaton Family Theatre Series Wheaton Family Theatre Series Season 4: October, 2018 through May, 2019 To keep up on the latest news about InterAct’s Wheaton Family Theatre Series Season 12 and get reminders about our next program dates, join our mailing list . We also invite you to check out our past seasons 1—11 by clicking on any of the season buttons! Season 12 Season 11 Season 10 Season 9 Season 8 Season 7 Season 6 Season 5 Season 4 Season 3 Season 2 Season 1 < Back to Community Page Voytto Tech: a scifi fable October 2018 An interstellar play for kids and families about bullying, conflict, and doing the right thing when the universe goes wrong. Klipp Casey travels from a planet far, far away to study at Voytto Tech, the most famous science magnet school in the galaxy. Right away, Klipp has trouble fitting in at his new school, and becomes a target for bullying. What can Klipp do? Who can he go to for help? Best for ages 5 and up. Jack and the Beanstalk November 2018 Victorian Lyric Opera Company presents a family-friendly adaptation of this classic fairytale set to the toe-tapping music of Gilbert & Sullivan. Little ones will love Jack’s adventures up the magic beanstalk, while parents will enjoy the witty lyrics. Both Jack and the Giant learn an important lesson about how to treat others in this happy ending performance. Best for ages 3 and up. Pinot and Augustine December 2018 Happenstance Theatre is a classic, family-friendly clown duo inspired by the golden age of Circus. Pinot is the authoritarian clown in fancy clothes and white cone hat. Augustine is the appealing red-nosed bumbler who punctures his pomposity. Their show bubbles over with physical comedy, virtuosity and musical surprises from the sublime to the ridiculous: from lyrical melodies on a musical saw to pratfalls and a whoopee cushion. Best for ages 3 and up. A Family Literary Fiesta: Books Alive! January & February 2019 InterAct Story Theatre's Artistic Director Ali Oliver-Krueger leads kids and adults alike in a fun-filled, interactive afternoon bringing stories to life through drama. We'll act, sing, and dance our way through a rollicking story, and maybe even create some stories of our own! Christylez Bacon & Wytold Classical Hip-Hop Remixing the Classics March 2019 A collaborative musical program featuring Grammy nominated Progressive Hip-Hop artist Christylez Bacon (pronounced: chris-styles) and six-string electric cellist, Wytold (William Wytold Lebing). Traditional elements of hip-hop such as human beatbox, rhyming and storytelling are blended with classical compositions of composers like Bach, Vivaldi and Pachelbel. Best for ages 3 and up. Marian Licha: A Magical Journey Through Latin America April 2019 Puerto Rican-born actor and storyteller Marian Licha weaves alluring and interactive folktales in both English and Spanish, including Puerto Rican “Juan Bobo” stories, her own personal anecdotes, and short bilingual songs in an engaging program that lifts the spirit with humor and life-lessons from the oral tradition. Best for ages 3 and up. 3rd Annual KidStory Theatre Festival May 2019 A theatrical celebration of stories written by kids for kids! All year long, InterAct Story Theatre artists create stories with kids, and invite kids to share their epic stories with us. Each May, we choose the best of the best and transform them into short plays, musical numbers, and vignettes performed by our InterActors. We can’t wait to see what kids dream up each year! Best for ages 3 and up.

InterAct Story Theatre's Parent-Child workshops and Family Literacy events offers parents and caregivers ideas they can use at home to build literacy and language skills through the arts. Available Online! Parent-Child Workshops and Family Literacy Events InterAct Story Theatre's Parent-Child workshops and Family Literacy events offers parents and caregivers ideas they can use at home to build literacy and language skills through the arts. Parents observe teaching artists work with their children, and then learn how they can play, sing, and act with their children at home. A fun and educational experience for all! NOTE: We are currently developing and piloting several new family programs rooted in drama, music, dance, and puppetry, so please check back! All of our programs are available during the school day or for evening and weekend events for family audiences. InterAct Story Theatre performances can be adapted for a wide variety of venues, including libraries, museums, community centers, arts centers and festivals. Available Online! Many of our programs are also available for virtual/online formats! Just look for the box saying “Available Online!” next to program listings. If you don’t see the exact thing you’re looking for, or if you see something and are curious if it can be adapted for virtual/online, ask us! We are constantly designing new programs for our partners...it’s one of our favorite things to do. Please contact us or request more info for more information! PARENT-CHILD WORKSHOP FOR GRADES PREK-1 Available Online Story Can Theater Parents and children participate in a delightful workshop in which a story is told through miniatures and toys (see Story Can Theatre Workshop description above). The children dramatize part of the story and the parents make several effective storytelling activities that they can use at home to promote literacy and thinking skills. This popular program is being used in schools nationwide. AN INTER-GENERATIONAL STORY SHARING EXPERIENCE FOR CHILDREN GRADES 3 AND UP AND ADULTS Building Dialogue and Community One Story At a Time Telling stories is a meaningful way to transmit history, values and cultures in families, schools and communities. In this workshop, participants tell, listen, and retell stories in a process designed to celebrate our stories and build community across the generational divide. This workshop enhances oral language, listening skills, prewriting skills, and builds bridges between storytellers from ages 8 to 108. PARENT-CHILD WORKSHOP FOR GRADES PREK-K Songbuilding Parents and children share in a rich music experience as they sing songs and learn about various musical instruments (See Songbuilding Workshop description above). The parents then create their own personal lullaby for their children. The lullaby focuses on their wishes, dreams and hopes for their family. A CD of both the songs sung in the workshop and the melody of the lullaby is given to each family. A warm, rich and meaningful family event. A LITERACY WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN Available Online Literacy Fiesta! Bringing Read-Alouds to Life Research shows that reading aloud with our children is one of the most important things we can do to help build strong readers. But how can we make read-alouds fun and engaging for you and your children? And what if we’re not so comfortable reading for ourselves? In this workshop, parents participate with children in fun arts-based activities with a book, then learn tips and techniques for engaging children in lively and fun read-alouds at home—even if you don’t love reading for yourself! Different workshops are available for early childhood, primary, and elementary school-age children and their families. Featured Plays Stories on Stage World Music Family Programs < Back to InterAct in Schools

Performances & Assembly Programs. Online programs. InterAct Story Theatre has brought a wide variety of educational, interactive performances, plays, and assembly programs to schools, libraries, and community venues, all throughout the area, delighting children, families, and educators alike. Performances & Assembly Programs Since 1981, InterAct Story Theatre has brought a wide variety of educational, interactive performances, plays, and assembly programs to schools, libraries, and community venues, all throughout the area, delighting children, families, and educators alike. Most programs are also available virtual/online! Click on ‘Request More Info’ below: REQUEST MORE INFO Featured Plays for School Audiences InterAct Story Theatre is proud to offer a variety of performances tailored to children and young adults of all ages. Please scroll down and click through to check out our featured plays, storytelling and story theatre programs, and coming soon exciting new performance programs featuring music, dance, and "hybrid" multidisciplinary programs! Storytelling Performances Storytelling and story drama programs celebrating cultures from around the world. "Stories on Stage" programs combine storytelling, drama, and song to explore world cultures. Our gifted performers become a variety of characters while bringing a story to life. Students "get into the act" too by participating in this riveting experience. World Music & Dance InterAct has enchanted audiences for years with our story theatre productions, plays and storytelling performances. As we begin our fourth decade of arts for young audiences, we're celebrating the talents of our wonderful teaching artists and adding programs in Music, Dance and Multidisciplinary/Hybrid performances. We'll be adding more programs soon! Family & Community Programs All of our programs are available for evening or weekend events and family audiences. InterAct Story Theatre performances can be adapted for a wide variety of venues, including libraries, museums, community centers, arts centers and festivals. Please contact us for more information! Also, if you are interested in family programming, please feel free to check out our family literacy programs and community building programs! < Back to InterAct in Schools

World Music and Dance World Music & Dance Drumming Through Time and Across Cultures with Tom Teasley (programs for grades PreK-12) Join award-winning composer and world percussionist Tom Teasley on a unique journey through the history of percussion from around the world! Available as an in-person or online program, audiences travel the Silk Road from Italy to China and follow the Sugar Trade Route from Africa to the Americas. This program for all ages combines ancient instruments with the most recent advances in music technology, including digital looping. Audiences are captivated as Tom creates and records performances in real time, layering elements to create virtual percussion ensembles of up to five “performers”. Described in the Washington Post as “a percussionist in the widest and most exuberant sense of the word”, Tom is a two-time recipient of the Helen Hayes Theatre Award for Outstanding Sound Design and a three-time recipient of a Fulbright-Hayes grant for performances in the Middle East. For more information Contact us or request more info . Featured Plays Stories on Stage World Music Family Programs < Back to InterAct in Schools