These resources will help integrate the performance into the classroom by preparing students for each performance through relevant connections with in-class learning.
The Grand Theatre aims to inspire and spark creative curiosity for all members of the community. Each performance is an educational opportunity that explores a new appreciation of the performing arts for all ages.
Other Educational Opportunities
The City of Kingston's Cultural Services department offers a variety of educational programs for schools. You can download the Spring 2011: School Programs Brochure as a PDF document using the link at right, or request printed copies by contacting the Grand Theatre box office. You can download the Spring 2011 School Programs Brochure and the 2011-2012 Arts Education Brochure as PDF documents using the links at right.
Kingston's two municipal museums — the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum and the Pump House Steam Museum — and City Hall also offer exciting educational opportunities.
2011-2012 Educational Performances
The Grand Theatre is pleased to offer another exciting season of educational performances that will enrich and educate students and teachers.
Tickets are $8 each. For every 20 student tickets purchased, you will receive one complimentary adult ticket. All performances are approximately one hour with no intermission.
Please note that the Grand Theatre offers special seating arrangements for patrons with disabilities and these can be made at the time of booking.
To book tickets, please contact the Grand Theatre Box Office at 613-530-2050.
Below are the educational performances in the 2011-2012 Grand Theatre season:
Chi of Shaolin: The Tale of the Dragon
Grades 5 to 10
Thursday, October 13, 2011, 10:30 a.m.
Enlighten your students with the chance to see breathtaking Chinese acrobats, theatre and music in Chi of Shaolin: The Tale of the Dragon. Students will experience a dazzling journey of acrobatics, modern and traditional dance, and displays of the legendary Gung Fu and Wushu Martial Arts of the Shaolin Monks. Through this theatrical experience, students will gain a stronger understanding of the culture and artistic traditions of China.
Shape of a Girl
Grades 6 to 12
Tuesday, November 22, 2011, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Shape of a Girl is a highly accessible show for teens that looks at the realities of teenage relationships and bullying. The play follows Braidie, a girl in grade 10, who is fascinated by the news coverage of a murder trial involving a group of teenage girls who have attacked one of their peers. As the story unfolds in the news, Braidie begins to realize that there is a parallel between the headlines and the emotional bullying that she and her friends have been participating since grade 2. Having come to this realization, and knowing that the bullying could escalate Braidie must confront her friends and stop the victimization of her classmate.
"The Shape of a Girl is a must-see for teens or anyone living or working with them. It accurately captures the thoughts, struggles and emotions that our youth face on a daily basis and presents these in an entertaining, yet thoughtprovoking manner" — Ann Dusterbeck, Boys and Girls Club Community Services
Goodnight Moon
Kindergarten to Grade 3
Monday, November 28, 2011, 10:30 a.m.
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia beautifully animates the classic tales of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny with their simplistic and charming puppetry. Using rod and table top puppets, Goodnight Moon follows a young rabbit as he goes through a bedtime ritual of saying goodnight to every object in sight and in his imagination. Founded in 1972, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia is among Canada's most respected creators of theatre for children. Their whimsical performance this season is sure to capture the imaginations of your students.
"This is everything family theatre should be" — Winnipeg Free Press
Yamato
Grades 2 to 8
Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 10:30 a.m.
Introduce students to world music with Yamato's wildly energetic Japanese taiko drum show! The ensemble blends theatre and musical arts into a performance of tightly synchronized percussion and expressive solos. Yamato performs with traditional instruments including the bamboo flute, koto and shamisen. Students will experience the Japanese tradition of drumming first hand with this loud and entertaining performance.
The Nutcracker
Kindergarten to Grade 12
Monday, December 12, 2011, 10:30 a.m.
After a sold-out school performance last season, the State Ballet Theatre of Russia is back to perform the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. This traditional interpretation of The Nutcracker is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience first-hand a production of great proportions. With gorgeous sets and costumes, and dancers of the highest caliber, this show is sure to inspire students. After the production audience members will have the opportunity to meet the performers and see their elaborate costumes up-close. Don't wait to book tickets for this year's performance; seats are limited!
Hailed by the New York Times as a production "....full of enchantment'" with "lovely scenery" and "graceful costumes" — New York Times, 2007
Jason & the Argonauts
Grades 4 to 8
Monday, February 13, 2012, 10:30 a.m.
Visible Fictions of Scotland takes the Greek mythology tale of Jason & the Argonauts and updates it in a quirky and fun way. The story follows the hero Jason as he returns to claim his rightful throne from his evil Uncle Pelias. On a voyage to the other side of the world Jason and his crew must overcome a few run-ins with monsters, a sleeping dragon and many more. With only two actors and a cast of action figures, this performance challenges traditional ideas about theatre and completely turns it upside down. The minimalistic style manages to capture audience imaginations and enforce the themes of betrayal, courage, personal growth and independence.
"Just two actors and slightly over an hour, Glasgow's Visible Fictions manages to deliver a fast, funny, and tight re-telling of the story of Greek hero Jason and his search for the Golden Fleece" — CBC Winnipeg
Black Violin
Grades 4 to 12
Wednesday, February 29, 2012, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Black Violin is a cool combination of classical and hip-hop music created by Kev Marcus, Wil B and their DJ TK. When given the opportunity to attend the Dillard Performing Arts School in NYC, Kev and Wil chose strings over the streets and began the path towards amazing careers as classical musicians. But their careers didn't stop at perfecting the classical repertoire; they have been called "Apollo Legends" and have toured with Alicia Keyes, P Diddy, and Akon. The show is perfect for students as it uses funky songs with a great message to expose young people to the arts in a hip and accessible way.
BBoyizm
Grades 7 to 12
Wednesday, April 11, 2012, 10:30 a.m.
Even with their extraordinary street dance moves, Bboyizm stands by their motto, "Dance to express! Not to impress". With performers named Melly Mel, Crazy Smooth, and Chilly, Bboyizm epitomizes this cool form of dancing to a tee. Through street dancing the company promotes the ideals of individualism, respect and creativity both in dance and in everyday life. Students will have the opportunity to experience their amazing moves and heavy beats while embracing their values outside of the dancing realm.
Théâtre Tout à Trac presents Alice in Wonderland
Kindergarten to Grade 4
Monday, April 16, 2012, 10:30 a.m.
A tardy rabbit... An egg on a wall that fears his fall... A grinning cat... A Mad Hatter that sips his tea... And a young girl who refuses to do her homework... Alice in Wonderland revisited by Théâtre Tout à Trac is a marvellous tribute to childhood, the power of dreams and imagination. This charming production is a great interpretation of the classic Lewis Caroll tale.
The Stepcrew
Grades 7 to 12
Friday, April 27, 2012, 10:30 a.m.
Combining three styles of percussive dance — Irish, Tap and Ottawa Valley — The StepCrew is a dynamic dancing powerhouse. The company comprises of six virtuoso dancers, five musicians and one powerful Scottish vocalist, and when onstage the group they create a vibrant show to enthral students. The StepCrew takes traditional forms of music and dance and fuses them with a modern twist; giving students the opportunity to see the value and importance of past artistic practices in today's evolving society.
"The StepCrew does not simply draw their audience in, they take them by the hand and remind us what dance is meant to be about - fun!" - Paddy Moloney of The Chieftains
