The State Theatre’s school-day matinees are a great introduction to the performing arts and an effective, creative way to explore a variety of curriculum areas. They help students meet the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards—not only in the arts, but in the other content areas as well. To help connect the performance to your classroom activities, we provide specially-designed Keynotes, a study guide containing background on the performance and artists; classroom activities that engage students in reading, writing, listening, analyzing, and creating; resources for further study; and information for students about their roles and responsibilities as members of the audience.

The Amish Project
The Man Who Planted Trees
Mayhem Poets
African Children's Choir™
Tom Chapin and Friends

The Amish Project

Friday, March 05, 2010, 10:30am Venue: Crossroads Theatre Program Length: 75 minutes For Students in Grades: 7-12 All Seats:$10 Directed by: Sarah Cameron Sunde Set and Costume Design by: Lauren Halpern Lighting by: Nicole Pearce Sound by: Jill BC DuBoff Photos by: Geoff Green   On October 2, 2006, a lone gunman shot and killed five girls (aged 6-13) in a one-room Amish schoolhouse in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, then turned the gun on himself. The Amish community’s response to the tragedy—forgiveness and reconciliation—received as much media attention as the shootings themselves. In The Amish Project, playwright and performer Jessica Dickey has created a one-woman, fictional exploration of these true events that is imbued with poetry, humor, and wonder. Moving seamlessly back and forth among different characters (including the gunman, his widow, an Amish child, a news reporter, and a 16-year-old Hispanic girl), Dickey deftly weaves a complex and thought-provoking web of differing perspectives.   *This show contains mature themes and language that may not be appropriate for all students.   Click here to listen to Jessica Dickey talk about The Amish Project on WNYC.       Curriculum connections: drama, social studies, language arts

The Man Who Planted Trees

Puppet State Theatre Company Tuesday, March 16, 2010, 10:00am & 12:00pm Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 10:00am & 12:00pm Venue: Crossroads Theatre Program Length: 1 hour For Students in Grades: 2-6 All Seats:$9 A French shepherd sets out to plant a forest and transform a barren wasteland. Based on Jean Giono’s beloved short story, The Man Who Planted Trees shows us the difference one man (and his dog!) can make to the world. This award-winning, internationally acclaimed production from Scotland’s Puppet State Theatre Company is a unique blend of comedy, puppetry and inspired storytelling. Audiences will hear the wind, feel the rain, and smell the lavender in this multisensory theatrical delight. The Man Who Planted Trees is made possible through the generous support of PSE&G.        Curriculum connections: drama, language arts, environmental science, social studies

Mayhem Poets

Monday, April 19, 2010, 10:30am Tuesday, April 20, 2010, 10:30am Venue: State Theatre Program Length: 75 min For Students in Grades: 7-12 All Seats:$10 They were completely sold out last season, so we’re bringing them back! Celebrate National Poetry Month with the extreme hip-hop energy of Mayhem Poets. These beat-boxing bards engage the audience as they boldly riff on the issues that rock our world—from Dr. Seuss to school to fast food. Their clever, eclectic rhymes and rapid-fire rhythms will inspire students with the power of poetic/theatrical expression. “[They] prove that with imagination, we can go anywhere. It's an amazing ride.” —The New York Times       Curriculum connections: language arts, social studies, theater arts

African Children's Choir™

Monday, April 26, 2010, 10:30am Venue: State Theatre Program Length: 90 minutes For Students in Grades: 3-8 All Seats:$9 The African Children’s Choir™ shows the beauty, joy, and unlimited potential that live in young people the world over. Made up of some of Africa’s neediest, most vulnerable children, the choir performs traditional music and high-energy dance from diverse African cultures. The choir has gained international fame, performing at the Live 8 concert in London, on American Idol, The Tonight Show, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. This full-length performance is a colorful, informative celebration of hope and possibility.   Click here to listen to a story about The African Children’s Choir™ on NPR. African Children's Choir™ is made possible through the generous support of PNC Foundation and PSE&G.       Curriculum connections: music, dance, social studies, world languages, physical education

Tom Chapin & Friends

Around the World & Back Again Monday, May 10, 2010, 10:00am & 12:00pm Venue: State Theatre Program Length: 1 hour For Students in Grades: Pre-K-3 All Seats:$10 Around the World & Back Again is a musical celebration of the food, language, dance, and music that unite all the people on our remarkably diverse planet. Inspired by Tom Chapin’s Grammy-nominated album, the concert showcases musical styles from around the world, performed by Tom and his good friends Michael Mark and Jon Cobert. Their funny, catchy songs tell wonderful stories about the real world. There’s lots of audience participation to engage young students in singing, moving, learning, and having a rollicking good time! Tom Chapin & Friends is made possible through the generous support of PNC Foundation and PSE&G.       Curriculum connections: music, social studies, science, world languages, life skills

To order education events or for more information call 732-246-SHOW, ext. 545.