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Gretchen Sepik as Mary Jemison

   Photo by Pat Meade

Gretchen Murray Sepik

CATEGORIES: Performing Arts, Language Arts, Misc.
CURRICULUM CATEGORIES: Soc. Studies, ELA 
AGES: K-8
PROGRAMS: Available Live

          

Gretchen Murray Sepik was born in Mercer, Pennsylvania. Her father, a storyteller and her mother, a singer, encouraged Gretchen to sing songs, learn nursery rhymes, and to dress up as anyone she wanted to be. 

Gretchen studied dance, acting and writing at Point Park College in Pittsburgh, PA. She has performed with the Paddy Toon Modem Ensemble in Pittsburgh, with the Rochester Philharmonic, and Flash in a Pan. She worked with Garth Fagan as an apprentice with the Bottom of the Bucket (known today as Garth Fagan Dance), and was the co-founder and director of the Flight of Fancy Experimental Theatre. Additionally, Gretchen was on the Roster for Young Audiences of Rochester and Young Audiences of Western New York and was honored for her work with students and her commitment to learning through the arts. In 2009, she was awarded a grant from the Genesee-Orleans Arts Council to adapt her script of ‘Surly Sal’ into a children’s book along with illustrations. The book was completed in 2011. In 2017, Genesee Community College, along with Senator Robert Ortt and Assemblyman Steve Hawley, awarded her the Heritage Hero Award for preserving and promoting local history and for her commitment to history preservation. 

Programs

Mary Jemison
A well-known Western New York Historical figure. Mary was captured by the Shawnee Indians and adpoted by the Seneca as a young girl. When offered her freedom, she chose to remain with her Indian family whom she loved. There is a discussion of research and development of the program. Study guides are included.

(Grades 4-8) 60 minutes


Susan B. Anthony
A 19th century women's rights leader who fought for women's sufferage and freedom for the slaves. Speaks of her life and the obstacles she had to overcome in her quest of equal rights for all people. Study guides are included

(Grades 4-8) 60 minutes


Erie Canal Sal
A fictitious character based, in part, on Old Black Nell who was a cook on the canal in the year 1840. She speaks in an Irish brouge and weaves Irish Folk Tales into facts about the Erie Canal. You will laugh as you learn about one of the engineering wonders of the world. This script has been adapted into a children's book called "Erie Canal Sal." Study guides are included.

(Grades 4-8) 60 minutes


Beatrix Potter
Author and illustator of "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" talks of her life in England where "my grandpa was in the habit of walking in the garden and eating live snails." She narrates "The The of Peter Rabbit" and "The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse." Teachers are encouraged to read the story of Peter Rabbit before the performance so that students may help Ms. Potter tell the story as she is sometimes forgetful. Study guides are included.

(Grades K-3) 30-45 minutes


Naomi Brown
A fictitious character from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the early 1800s. In a southern drawl, she talks about growing up in the foothills and tells the takes of Brer Rabbit, Brer Bear, Brer Fox, and the gang. 

(Grades K-3) 30-45 minutes

 

Photo by Pat Meade
Photo by James Orr