Through dialogue, music and dance, participants share in the triumph and demise of the First Lady of Jazz, Miss Billie Holiday. As the history of her era unveils, issues of self-esteem, self-control, addiction, and racism emerge.
At Least He Doesn’t Beat Me
A mixture of old school, neo-soul and gospel spoken word, this program presents an engaging opportunity for audience participation and interaction. Meet Rose Hendricks, an empty nester who’s convinced herself that she’s doomed to settle for less than the best. Part drama and part workshop, this program invites your audience into the intimate spaces of Rose’s mind – and we’re praying that somebody can help!
Urban Line Dance: Team-Building for Student Leaders
Music floods the room—the moving tempos and beats of hip hop, Latin, jazz and neo-soul. Students are engaged with practical teachings on team building while their bodies reenact the lessons their minds just learned. Together, minds and bodies are challenged as concrete lessons for teambuilding begin to emerge amidst the music. Student leaders, within the context of dance, will learn: the definition of a team (and how to get them on the dance floor); how to include everyone (no wallflowers here!); the coordinated steps of team development; how to lead—positively; creating new strategies for team success; resolving team conflict; and more.
The Other Half of Harriet
A zesty twist to the Harriet Tubman story! Using conflict resolution as the central focus, issues of personal freedom, commitment, obligation, decision making and women’s rights emerge. Through a talk show format, students begin to establish a relationship with John Tubman, Harriet Tubman’s husband. Once they meet this funny, talented and charming man, there’s a chance your students may want to change history!
Leadership Coaching: Harriet Tubman Style
Leadership Coaching: Harriet Tubman Style infuses drama, music and movement with the spoken word—all working toward the concept of leadership in today’s world. Harriet Tubman’s remarkable life holds many treasures which span the centuries. An interactive participatory workshop, your student leaders will listen, laugh and learn with a historical icon. Attendees of this high-energy workshop see the following demonstrated through Harriet Tubman’s words and actions: the characteristics of a great leader; how to skillfully lead; building an empowered team, honing negotiation skills; managing difficult people and situations and more.
Just Before the Blues!
Using lyrical interpretation, music and movement, this action-packed workshop invites the audience to share in field hollers, street cries, and chain gang songs passed down from the days of slavery. Reinforces ideas associated with the necessity for education/skill development, application of personal creativity, self-sufficiency.
I Wanna Dance with Somebody: Revealing the Curriculum through Jitterbug and Swing
‘May I have this dance’ takes on new meaning in this sensational high energy program! “I Wanna Dance with Somebody captures the essence of jitterbug and swing as students explore the art, music, literature, fashions and social values prevalent during this era. The atmosphere of the Savoy is created with jazz music, big band pictures, kids on stage drinking sodas dressed in articles of period costuming, quips about the cost of candy bars, sodas, movies, and so much more. Social Studies, Math, Language Arts, Science and Character Education are curriculum areas addressed in this program.
Harriet Speaks: Up Close and Personal with Harriet Tubman!
Harriet Tubman stops in for an informal visit to the classroom to discuss details and events around slavery and the Underground Railroad. Students hear about Harriet’s childhood, secret slave codes, favorite pastimes first person stories accompanied by props, artifacts, drama, music, movement and lots of hands on activities. Invite this amazing 19th century figure to be your next motivational speaker, workshop leader or storyteller! This innovative “not just for February” program is one that your participants will remember for years to come, whether she’s taking your participants through a simulated railroad experience, doing hands-on demonstrations or sharing lessons for living! Always a crowd pleaser!
The Boogie Woogie Rumble of a Dream Deferred
This innovative performance piece challenges students to identify and analyze images, concepts, social elements, etc. that might potentially destroy their dreams. Langston Hughes’ poem, “A Dream Deferred” serves as the stimulus for this energetic piece triggering the audience to self-reflection through song, spoken word, movement and visual stimuli.
Hurt So Bad: Exploring Domestic Violence through Interactive Drama
Utilizing gripping drama, music and spoken word, the audience doesn’t merely observe. They participate in the story through audience-inclusive scenes, character appeals and question and answer sessions. Dr. and Mrs. Willard become flesh and bone to participants, as the real life ramifications of domestic violence comes to life. Through this interactive peek into a life which is both unimaginable and all too real, students will learn: the characteristics of emotional, psychological and physical abuse; how to identify the signs of an abusive relationship; why people remain in abusive relationships; the dire consequences of remaining in abusive relationships; ways to avoid and escape abusive relationships; and more.
