This series brings three national tour groups/performers each academic year to perform for over 16,000 students in grades K – 6 in the counties we serve. Study Guides are provided for each tour.
The following touring programs are scheduled for the 2022 – 2023 season. Contact Kathy Reeder at 304-428-3988 or kreeder@suddenlinkmail.com for additional information.
Allan Wolf – “Poetry Palooza!” www.allanwolf.com
Whatever the grade-level or occasion, the main objective of this presentation is to get your audience jazzed about poetry and the power of words. Allan Wolf, an award-winning poet and master presenter, performs poetry from memory, mixing theatre, music, and audience participation. Students will experience contemporary and classic poetry in a wide variety of styles and subjects. With nearly a thousand poems committed to memory, Wolf is able to tailor his content and approach to suit nearly any audience and any occasion. Perfect for kicking off a poetry unit or to celebrate National Poetry Month. Wolf gives students an opportunity to meet a real working author while learning how we transform words into poetry and how poems transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
September 26th-29, 2022, Suggested for 3-4 grades
- For participating schools in Wood, Pleasants, and Ritchie Counties in WV and Washington County in Ohio.
Hobey Ford – Puppeteer & Storyteller “Migration” www.loydartists.com
Hobey Ford turns to the natural world of animals to explore the wonders of migration through the story of a Mexican girl named Beatriz and her own migration to the United States. The story of Beatriz’ journey is juxtaposed with the stories of other animals that migrate. The puppets in Migration are Hobey’s original “Foamies,” carved foam rod puppets. These extremely realistic puppets are performed behind a thin circular theatrical scrim onto which is projected Hobey’s original artwork. The scenes are animated to take the audience along on the journey of these incredible creatures. Hobey performs this production in full view in his role as storyteller, puppeteer and animator, creating a seamless and hypnotic dance between the puppeteer, puppets and original artistic scenery.
November 14-17, 2022, suggested for grades 5 & 6
- For participating schools in Wood, Pleasants, and Ritchie Counties in WV and Washington County in Ohio.
Zak Morgan’s “Welcome to Zakland!” www.loydartists.com
For younger children ages 2-7, join Zak on a magical journey into the musical world called Zakland. There we learn the power of imagination and that anything is possible if you try hard and believe in yourself.
“Zakland is safe, fun, and will teach your kids important lessons about life, the world, and themselves. I recommend it!” – Dr. Henry Cloud
March 6-9, 2023, suggested for grades K-2
- For participating schools in Wood, Pleasants, and Ritchie Counties in WV and Washington County in Ohio.
The Arts Education Program is funded in part by: West Virginia Division of Culture and History, Ohio Arts Council and National Endowment for the Arts, The Ross Foundation, The Bernard McDonough Foundation, Highmark, Peoples Bank, The Fenton Foundation, and by contributors to the Artsbridge Fund.