Arts Education
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Pathways To Creativity

Arts Education Programs

Reservations & Information

Contact: Kathi Tennant
(209) 338-5022
» Email

2013-14 Pathways to Creativity Program is Sponsored By:

 Kaiser
 Save Mart Cares

Costa Family Fund

A Note From Jim Johnson, Ph.D.

Jim Johnson

Dear Educator,

Since its inception Pathways to Creativity has presented performing arts experiences to more than 165,000 children from more than 260 schools, including educational offerings by the Center’s resident companies and outside presenters.

That arts experiences and academic achievement go hand in hand is indisputable. At a time when arts education is being cut back in our schools, the Center is only too happy to provide young people with the much needed opportunities described in these pages.

Below you will find the Pathways to Creativity programs the Gallo Center is offering for the 2013-2014 Season. They are for students at all grade levels, K–12, including after school programs and prevention/issue-oriented young adult programs. To participate in any of these events, please download your reservation form from the link above.

We look forward to seeing your students at the Center!

Sincerely,

Jim Johnson, Ph.D.
Arts Education Coordinator
Gallo Center for the Arts

2013/14 Arts Education Events – Tickets $5.00

SWAZZLE’S DREAM CARVER

Wed, Oct 2, 2013
9:30 am
11:00 am
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater; capacity: 1,250

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades K–6

“Dream Carver” is a 55-minute bilingual musical based on the children’s book of the same name. Mateo is a young boy in Oaxaca, Mexico whose father has taught him to carve small wooden toys in the traditional way. One night, Mateo dreams of fantastic, brightly colored animals that dance and sing, led by a charismatic quetzal. When he wakes up, he is impelled to carve his dream animals into life. “Dream Carver” is a production from Swazzle, a Southern California company specializing in puppetry for film, television and the stage.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT IN THE GREAT DEPRESSION:
THIS IS MY STORY

Thur, Oct 10, 2013
10:00 am
Foster Theater; capacity: 440

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades 4–12

Susan Marie Frontczak, who vividly portrayed Marie Curie for students during the Gallo Center’s 2012-2013 Season, returns with another compelling performance. Relentless idealism, political pragmatism, and genuine compassion fueled Eleanor Roosevelt through the 1930s. Both fierce criticism and ardent praise followed this unconventionally outspoken First Lady. The program includes a Q&A with Frontczak in character as Mrs. Roosevelt as well as a Q&A with the scholar/actress herself.

BULLY BUSTER RIDES AGAIN

The Gallo Center will present a free preview of Bully Buster Rides Again for educators in the Foster Family Theater on September 19 at 4pm.

Fri, Oct 11, 2013
9:30 am
11:00 am
Foster Theater; capacity: 440

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades K–5

Meet Timmy a third grader who is the victim of bullying by Alex an older fifth grader who shows no signs of mercy! While Timmy and his friends dream of what their favorite heroes like Harry Potter and Luke Skywalker would do to stop the bullying, Principle MaGilicuddy tries to prevent bullying in the school with the help of Bob the Bully Buster! There are a lot of surprises along the way as everyone learns that bullying affects everyone, not just the victim. A touring version of this Gallo Center-produced show is available to come to your school or organization. Contact Raul Garcia at (209) 338-5020 for more information.

OUTSPOKEN

Tue, Oct 29, 2013
9:30 am
11:00 am
Foster Theater; capacity: 440

» Pre-Show Study Guide
» Post-Show Study Guide
Recommended for Grades 6–12

From New Conservatory Theatre Company in San Francisco, “OutSpoken” is an innovative and engaging drama for teens that looks at the many reasons young people feel ostracized in school, at home, and in their communities: race, religion, sexual orientation, body type, and socioeconomic background. “OutSpoken” helps teens think and talk about stereotypes, labeling and diversity within their communities.

DIARY OF A WORM, A SPIDER, AND A FLY

Wed, Oct 30, 2013
9:30 am
11:00 am
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater; capacity: 1,250

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades K–5

It’s not easy being a bug, especially on the first day of school! But luckily for Worrying Worm, Fearless Fly, and Sassy Spider, every creature finds its special talent in “Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly.” Spider waits anxiously to shed his skin; Worm feels self-conscious and embarrassed for having no legs, and Fly’s 327 brothers and sisters drive her so crazy that she can hardly focus on schoolwork. Based on the best-selling books, this hysterical musical will have students cheering on the quirky crawlers as they face problems and milestones common to us all. This production is from the critically acclaimed Omaha Theater Company on Tour.

THE UGLY DUCKLING and THE TORTOISE & THE HARE

Tue, Nov 5, 2013
9:30 am
11:00 am
Foster Theater; capacity: 440

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades K–4

Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling” has helped generations of children understand one of humanity’s universal struggles, to find acceptance. "The Tortoise and The Hare" is the classic Aesop's fable which teaches the race is not always won by the swiftest. Created by the much admired CORBIAN/Lightwire Theater, this production uses dazzling, cutting edge technology, moving sculpture and dance to create an unforgettable theatrical experience.

THE FREEDOM RIDERS

Thur Nov 7, 2013
9:30 am
11:00 am
Foster Theater; capacity: 440

Fri Nov 8, 2013
9:30 am
11:00 am
Foster Theater; capacity: 440

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades 6–12

Join two girls from 1961, Jennifer and Tiffany, as they explore the intense history behind the Civil Rights Movement in this co-production from Sankofa Theatre Company and the Gallo Center. As Jennifer persuades Tiffany to join her on the Freedom Ride to Alabama, historical figures appear to share their own stories. From Martin Luther King, Jr. to Malcolm X to the Little Rock Nine, history comes to life onstage.

OPUS HANDBELL ENSEMBLE

Tue, Dec 10, 2013
9:30 am
Foster Theater; capacity: 440

» Study Guide - Will be posted when received
Recommended for Grades 1–6

Modesto’s own Opus Handbell Ensemble, founded in 1992 under the artistic direction of Richard J. Colla, has more 140 combined years of ringing experience. These 13 gifted musicians perform on a very unique instrument requiring precision eye-hand coordination, music reading ability and a willingness to work as a team. Their repertoire ranges from classical Bach to heavy metal Rock ‘n Roll to the holiday favorites they will perform in this show!

ARC ATTACK

Sponsored by Pacific Gas & Electric Company

Mon, Feb 3, 2014
9:30 am
11:00 am
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater; capacity: 1,250

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades 4–8

“ArcAttack” will is an interactive journey of discovery where children learn the science behind the amazing show they see on stage: Nikola Tesla and his contributions to the birth of commercial electricity, Delia Derbyshire and how music and technology are related, understanding machines and robotics, and more. Students also will enjoy a Q&A with the cast. This show, from Geodesic Management, meets National Science Education Standards.

ALADDIN AND OTHER ENCHANTING TALES

Wed, Feb 12, 2014
9:30 am
11:00 am
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater; capacity: 1,250

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades K–Up

A giant genie, princesses, and wizards abound in the marvelous tales of Scheherazade, the storyteller who tells her tales to save the Sultan from his own jealousy and save his kingdom. Sinbad sails to distant lands where he battles giants; Aladdin discovers a genie’s lamp in a hidden cave; Ali Baba and his brave servant girl outwit the robbers. Soon the Sultan makes a journey of self-discovery, experiencing the kindness of strangers. This outstanding production is from the award-winning Enchantment Theatre Company in Philadelphia.

STUART LITTLE

Mon, Feb 24, 2014
9:30 am
11:00 am
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater; capacity: 1,250

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades K–Up

“Stuart Little,” a Dallas Children’s Theatre production, tells the surprising story of a most unusual mouse who happens to be born into an ordinary New York City family. In no time at all, his life is a series of adventures and misadventures with a variety of colorful characters including his best friend, a bird named Margalo, and the not so friendly Snowbell, the malevolent family cat. All the charm, wisdom and joy of E. B. White’s classic novel are brought to life as Stuart discovers the true meaning of life, loyalty and friendship.

FOUR SCORE AND SEVEN YEARS AGO

Tues, Mar 4, 2014
9:30 am
11:00 am
Foster Theater; capacity: 440

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades 3–8

To young Lemuel, who has escaped slavery in Georgia, life in Gettysburg is everything he had dreamed it would be. His ideas about the North and the South, as well as what it means to be a free man, are challenged when he unexpectedly befriends Jacob, a young Confederate soldier. The two men may be of different races and on different sides of the Civil War, but they have much to teach each other about bravery and loyalty in this exciting and suspenseful musical from the renowned ArtsPower.

BULLY BUSTER RIDES AGAIN

Thur, Mar 6, 2014
10:00 am
4:00 pm
Foster Theater; capacity: 440

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades K–5

Meet Timmy a third grader who is the victim of bullying by Alex an older fifth grader who shows no signs of mercy! While Timmy and his friends dream of what their favorite heroes like Harry Potter and Luke Skywalker would do to stop the bullying, Principle MaGilicuddy tries to prevent bullying in the school with the help of Bob the Bully Buster! There are a lot of surprises along the way as everyone learns that bullying affects everyone, not just the victim. A touring version of this Gallo Center-produced show is available to come to your school or organization. Contact Raul Garcia at (209) 338-5020 for more information.

THE GREAT MOUNTAIN

Tue, Mar 11, 2014
9:30 am
11:00 am
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater; capacity: 1,250

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades 2–6

“The Great Mountain” is an eco-adventure story in the guise of an action-packed play that entertains and empowers the imaginations of children and families alike. When Nuna starts hearing things she can’t figure out, her Grandmother realizes that she has inherited the ability to hear the spirits of rushing rivers and soaring mountains. This begins a journey across a raging river to a melting glacier where the spirit of the great mountain weeps. “The Great Mountain” was created by Red Sky Performances, the prominent Canadian company that shapes contemporary world Indigenous performance in dance, theatre and music.

WIZARD OF OZ

Wed, Mar 12, 2014
9:30 am
11:00 am
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater; capacity: 1,250

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades Pre-K–5

Based on the beloved children’s story by L. Frank Baum, this charming musical stage production is from the esteemed American Family Theatre. Children will thrill to Dorothy and Toto’s adventures as a cyclone sweeps them out of Kansas and deposits them in Munchkin Country in of the Land of Oz! There they are befriended by the Tin Woodman, Scarecrow and The Cowardly Lion and confront the evil Wicked Witch of the West!

OUR TOWN

Fri, Mar 14, 2014
9:30 am
Foster Family Theater; capacity: 440

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades 6–12

Thornton Wilder’s beloved three-act play is set in fictional Grover's Corners, and tells the story of the average town's citizens as depicted through their everyday lives during the years 1901 to 1913. The play, co-presented by the Gallo Center and the Modesto Junior College Theatre Department, is performed without a set and the actors mime their actions without the use of props.

SID THE SCIENCE KID LIVE

Tue, Mar 18, 2014
9:30 am
11:00 am
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater; capacity: 1,250

» Study Guide - Will be posted when received
Recommended for Grades Pre-K–2

Sid is an "inquisitive youngster" who uses comedy to tackle questions kids have about basic scientific principles and why things work the way they do. Sid and his friends set off on a day of excitement and adventure, asking curious questions and finding cool answers. Teacher Susie is along to keep the music flowing as the kids explore the world around them with audience interactive activities, cooperative problem solving and plenty of laughs. This production, from Mills Entertainment and Gables Grove Productions, is based on the television show “Sid the Science Kid” produced by The Jim Henson Company.

PINOCCHIO

Thur, Apr 10, 2014
9:30 am
4:00 pm
Foster Theater; capacity: 440

Fri, April 11, 2014
9:00 am
11:00 am
Foster Theater; capacity: 440

» Study Guide - Will be posted when received
Recommended for Grades K–6

"Pinocchio" has been one of the most popular of all children’s stories since it was written by Carlo Collodi in 1883. This stage play, co-presented by Modesto Performing Arts and the Gallo Center, adheres closely to the original story. All the famous characters are included, and as any good children’s story should, "Pinocchio" not only entertains, but teaches as well.

ELLIS ISLAND

Wed, May 7, 2014
9:30 am
11:00 am
Mary Stuart Rogers Theater; capacity: 1,250

» Study Guide
Recommended for Grades 3–6

Another vivid production from American Family Theater, this high-spirited musical reflects the historic realities, excitement, and hopes of Ellis Island, capturing the courage and challenges of the immigration experience. With wonder, terrific action and heart, “Ellis Island: Gateway to a Dream” celebrates the multi-cultural foundations of our nation.