Full Roster

Fine Art, Installation Art, Theater, STEM

Airigami

Artists Larry Moss and Kelly Cheatle, also working with John Wolfson, have been creating ‘full-blown’ installations that enchant both young and old for over twenty years. Airigami projects like Elastic Park, Balloon Manor, and Fantastic Flying Octopus have been the subject of much local, national, and international media attention. Their unique fine art and award-winning illustration work has been showcased around the world. Their achievements have been recognized by The Wall Street Journal, the Associated Press, CNN Headline, PBS, Smithsonian Magazine, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, The Martha Stewart Show, NBC’s ‘Today Show’, and they have appeared at the White House.

Performances

How to Catch a Mouse: Simple Machines at Work
STEM to STEAM: This interactive, theatrical performance utilizes balloons to construct a Rube Goldberg style mousetrap, teaching how simple machines work, and the forces in nature, which affect mechanical devices that are designed to complete tasks. (Grades K-6)

Magic, Danger, Suspense, and Silliness
You can expect ear to ear smiles and laughter from the audience! From wacky antics to impossible stunts, this show has something for everyone! Every member of the audience gets to be involved. Whether helping up on stage, contributing from their seat, or learning how to fool their friends, the whole audience leaves having been part of the fun!

Workshops and Residencies

A Pi Day Project: Making a Blueberry Pi
STEM to STEAM: In this hands-on Workshop, students use balloons and math to build a massive blueberry pie in the classroom. Younger students can work on their counting and arithmetic skills while older students get to use their knowledge of more advanced mathematics to calculate all of the elements of the pie, and get to see in a very tactile way, how well their calculations worked. This Workshop can be extended to accommodate a full Residency program as well as professional development programs. Contact for additional information. (3-12)

Bubble Murals
It’s a creative 2-D installation designed to be built by community members using biodegradable latex balloons! Designed by the experts at Airigami, this hands-on exhibit engages visitors in a communal project with maximum impact and minimal mess.

Mission Inflatable
Are you looking for a unique teambuilding experience that will both delight and challenge your people? Are you looking for more than just an enjoyable afternoon? Are you hoping for energy and learning you can take back to work? If you are looking for any or all of this, you might want to consider Mission Inflatable!

Theater

Almeta Whitis

1997: “Artist of the Year” – National Chapter of Young Audiences (selected from over 2000 artists in 32 nationwide chapters)

1996-2000: Common Ground Education Conferences: Workshop Presenter- Saratoga Springs, Albany, Rochester and Syracuse, NY

1996: Helen E. Quinn Service to Education Award-Alpha Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International

“My work evolves from a feeling place into a thinking place and endeavors to touch the heart and the spirit in ways that are common to us all . . . a common ground place that transcends the divisions and separations we create in our minds, which influence our everyday actions, our community and society as a whole. Over my years spent as an educator, teaching artist and storyteller, I have found that today’s students are eager to learn and apply lessons found in history and culture, in addition to developing the necessary skills to become critical and creative thinkers, cultural bridge builders and compassionate doers. As mentors, parents, and teachers, we adults have an obligation to prepare the young people, as well as, ourselves to become more insightful, civic-minded, forgiving and caring members of our communities yet to come.” ~ Almeta Whitis, Artist and Teacher

Almeta Whitis is a storyteller, writer, poet and teaching artist, whose life work involves exploring, presenting, and honoring cultural connections between people. She is a published author and a member of Just Poets. Her poems are featured in their anthology: Le Mot Juste 2012, 2014, 2106 and 2017.

Storytelling Concerts and Workshop Residencies

Our Differences? . . . Celebrate Diversity!
“We are born, not with purpose, but with potential.” ~ Octavia Butler author of: Parable of the Talents
Currently, our country has become a more diverse and inclusive nation. Almeta’s presentation explores historic and contemporary beliefs and the societal changes that have been impacted or created by immigration. This presentation focuses upon the importance of creativity, self-awareness, and inner motivation in order to build appreciation and foster open, honest and respectful communication, which is necessary for living peacefully together in a multi-racial and multi-ethnic society. — Grades Pre K-2, 3-5, MS, HS

Stories from the Black Worlds
“Love makes your soul crawl out from its hiding place.” ~ Zora Neale Hurston
This fascinating program from the historic African Diaspora experience presents an in-depth look at diverse world cultures, by way of stories, songs, riddles, poems, legends and folk tales. Using wonder, magic, mystery and humor, Almeta Whitis captivates her audience, while engaging them in the interactive aspect of the art of the storytelling. – Grades K-2, 3-5, MS, HS

Harriet Tubman Pays A Visit
“Those who would tell a tale must look toward three ideals: to tell it beautifully, to tell it well and to tell the truth. The first is a gift of God, the second is the vision of genius, but, the third is the reward of honesty.” ~ W.E.B. Du Bois, author, philosopher
In a dynamic, costumed, first-person narrative performance, Almeta Whitis brings Harriet Tubman to life! The preeminent conductor of the Underground Railroad is portrayed for student audiences through a series of historical vignettes drawn from actual life experiences in Tubman’s fight for freedom, and equal rights for Black people under the law. —- Grades 4-5, MS, HS

Aesop’s Fables: The Spirit in the Story
Tell me a fact, and I may learn something. Tell me a truth, and I might believe. Tell me a theory and I’ll see if it works. Tell me a story, and it may live in my heart forever. ~ East Indian Proverb
The time-honored and oft-told tales attributed to Aesop have been shared, handed down over many centuries. The famous Ethiopian philosopher and scholar used folktales populated by familiar animal characters imbued with human faults and foibles. His stories can help today’s student learn to look at the world with fresh eyes, emphasizing important core human values of kindness, understanding and fair play. This can also be a workshop series where students compose, rehearse and present their very own, original theater pieces based upon specific Aesop fables. — Grades Pre K-2, 3-5

Anthony Padilla Conga Mania, Tumbao Band

Tony Padilla has performed for over thirty years and has established an impressive resume. Since 1983, Tony has been conducting percussion workshops throughout United States including The Eastman School Of Music, The New York State Teachers Music Association, The Percussive Arts Society, and a variety of Colleges, High School and Elementary facilities. Audiences of all ages have thoroughly enjoyed his workshops. While performing with percussion instruments to a variety of musical styles, Tony gives his audience an opportunity to participate by performing with him. Tony supplies a large variety of unusual & traditional percussion instruments from around the world that captivate and initiate audience participation. You will experience excitement through the rhythms and acquire knowledge about the African & Latin American cultures. “Where there is percussion, there is dance”. All age levels experience success and fun with the world of percussion”.

PERCUSSION INSTRUMENT WORKSHOPS

Display several unusual & traditional percussion instruments from around the world.
Discuss different geographical & cultural origins and their relationship to percussion.
Demonstrate different hand techniques to create sounds.
Encourage audience participation by inviting students to perform.
Conduct exercises for an understanding of time & space in rhythm/music.
Teach participants to play the different Afro-Latin rhythms to multi-musical settings including all types of musical genres.

PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES

This percussion ensemble is an extremely exciting group of some of the best percussionists in the Rochester area. The ensemble explores the details of the many afro-latin rhythms from Cuba, Brazil, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Whether we are playing Salsa, Merengue, Bomba, Plena, Samba, Guaguanco, Mozambique or Comparsa – we establish the traditional interweavings of these rhythms and then add our own variations. The ensemble will discuss the particular rhythm’s origin and instrumentation.

LIVE BAND PERFORMANCES

Tony has collaborated with many musicians allowing him to perform in a great range of musical styles and settings. Duo’s, trio’s, quartets and full band ensemnbles are available for performances. Learn, understand and differentiate the role as a Latin Percussionist in various musical settings through live performances and workshops. Special guest artist will unite with Tony to perform.

Students Attend Live Performances
Observe multi musical settings with various instrumentations

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

To develop an awareness and understanding of Afro Cuban rhythms through literature and demonstration.
To reveal how the history and cultures of particular regions directly relate to music.
To inform students of musical pioneers and their impact on the arts.
To create an understanding of the traditions and cultural diversity which render a truly unique world.
To build self-esteem through the arts.
To encourage responsibility, cooperation and unity within a work group.

Theater, Dance, Visual Art, Music

Daystar Dance

Daystar Dance Drama is:

A Pembina (Little Shell) Chippewa woman who dances, sings and tells stories about Native American people and places !

AVAILABLE AS VIRTUAL OR LIVE PERFORMANCES;

*SONGS AND DANCES OF TURTLE ISLAND
The company presents Native American Intertribal Dances, as experienced in the contemporary ‘powwow’ – annual gatherings of native peoples of all tribes, celebrating life, friendship and Indigeneity. Select from two programs:

PROGRAM 1: As soloist, Daystar/Rosalie Jones will introduce and demonstrate the Woodland Jingle Dress Dance, its story and meanings.  

All Ages                40 minutes

PROGRAM 2: With the ensemble, Daystar will present dances performed in ‘powwow’: The traditional Women’s Dance, The Butterfly Dance (women’s fancy shawl), Legacy of the Dream (Jingle Dress Dance) and The Grass Dance (men’s dance).                                                                                                                                  

All Ages                60 minutes

AVAILABLE AS VIRTUAL OR LIVE ‘LEARNING’ EVENTS:

*SONGS, DANCES AND STORIES OF TURTLE ISLAND

A participatory session to experience the fish, bird and animal stories of Indigenous peoples, selected from: The Welcome Song (Haida) The Fish Dance (Menominee), The Mosquito Song/Dance (Cherokee), the Duck Song/Dance (Creek), Inuit Igloo Dance,  the Snake/River Dance (Ojibway). Includes the Jingle Dress Dance story/demo as time allows.

Grades 3-8 – Emphasis on Songs with two Dances. Students will engage actively in 15 min segments, with a five minute talk or video between two segments and a five min closing. Teacher and Daystar must plan ahead on specific content for specific grades.

Grades 3-8         Live: 15 students        40 minutes

High School – Adults    Live: 25 persons   60 or 90 minutes 

*THE MEDICINE WHEEL – TEACHING THE CYCLES OF LIFE

Among the Anishinaabe of the Great Lakes, the Medicine Wheel is a teaching tool through which to discover the gifts of our world and our relationship to them. With the guidance of Elders, it is left to the individual to understand aspects of each Direction in the Wheel  and to allow that knowledge to assist the self in the development of Mno-Bimadziwiin – “the good life”. Presented with Powerpoint and discussion afterwards.

       High School – Adults                                    60 minutes

LIVE WORKSHOP ONLY;

*NATIVE AMERICAN HOOP DANCE

The Elders tell us that dancing the Hoop dance is a mirror through which one learns to take on the challenges in our lives. The more hoops you can dance with, the more challenges you can face. Up to 15 students will learn to manipulate 3-5 hoops that imitate objects in nature: water, bird’s nest, squirrel, eagle, sun, moon along with their teachings. Gym or open space classroom required. Daystar will provide hoops. 

High School – Adults     Live: 12 persons      90 minutes

*DAYSTAR DANCE DRAMA presentations accommodate well to the curriculums in Social Sciences, History, Literature, Music, Environmental and Cultural studies. 

SENIOR & SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS ALSO AVAILABLE

Adapted Song, Dance, Storytelling. Participants will engage for two 10 minute segments with one 5 min break and 5 min closing.

Live: 12 persons/Virtual: unlimited     30 minutes 

Daystar/Rosalie Jones

The ‘storytelling theatre’ of DAYSTAR emphasizes a respect for Native American belief systems and world view while offering a broad interpretive reflection on those traditions. DAYSTAR performs and teaches contemporary Intertribal Dance, historical and modern dance, mask and mask-making, singing and character transformation. DAYSTAR is a multi-ethnic, multi-generational dance company that presents an expression of Indigenous peoples living strong in the 21st century. Daystar/Rosalie Jones was born on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana and acknowledges Pembina (Little Shell) ancestry as passed through her mother’s lineage. 

Daystar/Rosalie Jones                                                                                                                           Daystar: Contemporary Dance Drama of Indian America                                                        

Visual Art

Cartoonist Dave “Bippy” Boyer

Professional and global Cartoonist and Caricaturist Dave “Bippy” Boyer is ready to inspire students with his stories and tech advice about drawing comic strips, live caricatures and how simple illustrations might grow to be a billion dollar business. Prefers school assembly programs with an HDMI input for A/V support. Classroom visits are possible. Special expertise from his sixteen visits to Japan. Guaranteed fun, engaging and even inspiring! GK-12 plus high school and college.

DEEP Arts

FOR ELEMENTARY GRADES

LIKAH! an original Theatre for Young Audiences musical for grades K-5, relates a special story of unconditional love and pure joy. Its central character is an enthusiastic, storytelling puppy who creates a charming world of exploration, wonder, and adventure while discovering life’s lessons and challenges – puddles, snow monsters, an older sister who doesn’t like her! With a bouncy optimistic flair, Likah’s charming world gives way to a deeper storyline that deals with cherishing family and the fundamental issue of loss. Arranged in one whimsical, sad or joyful experience after another, children immediately relate to Likah’s feelings of hurt / self-doubt when being left out, to the joy / self-confidence of realizing she’s special and loved. They’ll be tapping toes and singing their way out the door – the LIKAH! enchantment will remain with young audiences for a very, very long time!

Topics addressed in LIKAH’s! optimistic storyline centers around children’s emotional needs and how the content areas work together providing a strong emphasis on the whole child. Through LIKAH!’s enchanting spirit, life lessons are introduced and thoughtful conversation is stimulated.
• Confidence building
• Sense of self
• Accepting and understanding differences
• Peer pressure
• Decision-making
• Importance of strong family connection
• Coping with loss in a child’s world
Performance Time: 50 minutes
Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYSk5c5OHes&feature=youtu.be

FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

FINDING HOME: SHINE THE LIGHT

A multi-media presentation, following the development of the new musical Moses Man about the true story of a Holocaust survivor and that story’s collision with those of contemporary refugees. Linking them across generations by:
• Discrimination
• Persecution
• Genocide
• Displacement
• Hate
The presentation captures past and present refugee testimonies/crises, and the upsurge of discrimination and anti-Semitism worldwide and within our own communities.

Students will also have an unique opportunity to preview the start of a developing documentary by multi-Emmy award winning filmmaker Dave Marshall whose film Finding Home portrays the musical creators’ engagement with national scholars, service organizations and notable artists whose work relates to refugees. The film is accompanied by an introduction and discussion facilitated by a teaching artist and has the potential to be a “gateway” to understanding, tolerance, and compassion for the next generations and to inspire them to strive for a better world by shining a light on how easily “they” could be “us,” and instigates consideration and change.

Performance Time: 40 – 50 minutes (flexible)
Video link: https://youtu.be/HNYJ2tVjI1s

Theater

Doug Rougeux, BubbleMan

BubbleMania! with Doug Rougeux for K-8, 45-50 minutes indoors only
The Science of why bubbles pop and do not pop. Including Vivid demonstrations with grade appropriete language about Gravity, Surface tension, and Evaporation with small, medium and Big Big Soap Bubbles choreographed to Big Band Music. Sculpture “Pop Art” with bubbles and snow white fog used together to make an Ice cream cone, a Flying Saucer, Disco Ball and others. For K-3 the assembly includes lessons on Shapes and the Story of Bubba Betty and their baby bubble Buffy staring a young bubble.

BubbleCircus! with Doug Rougeux for K-8, 45-50 minutes outdoors or inside
A one person Circus using Circus Arts to illustrate the story of a silly kid who read how to Juggle, learned Magic, studied Mime and Theater in College, toured the nation as a Ringling Bros. Circus Clown and then became the BubbleMan and Bubbled the World from Mumbai to Mexico to Montreal.

Ensemble, Theater

In Jest Entertainers, Speakers and More

Nels Ross’ gravity-defying arts-in-education programs promote character education, wellness, math, science, reading, and fun!

Nels provides several popular performances that blend physical theater, variety arts, humor, music, and a theme. Teachers, students, and others consistently give these programs rave reviews. Study guides provide curriculum connections for the arts, language, physical education, social studies, math, and science. Also, programs can include workshops and be adapted to highlight specific goals or concepts.

Nels Ross is a highly sought after performer and presenter who has won the hearts of American and international audiences through his shows, keynotes, and more. He went to his first performing arts workshops at eight years old. During the next decade, he studied physical comedy, juggling, acting, and other arts, applying his talents everywhere from street festivals to theatrical productions.

Since those early days, Nels has studied theater at the University at Buffalo, completed degrees in mathematics and education, toured with a non-profit circus, trained with instructors from Ringling Brothers and Cirque du Soleil, written for Juggle magazine, taught many performing arts courses and workshops, and provided shows and presentations for countless schools, companies, organizations, and events.

PROGRAMS

Visual Arts

Book Arts Explorations

Visual Arts: Artists’ Books
My favorite teaching experience is watching students’ positive reactions as their hands-on experience with the Artists’ Book form opens the door to a wide range of creative possibilities. Through my classes and workshops, I guide artists of many ages and skill levels through the concepts and techniques that make the Artists’ Book such a rich vehicle for self-expression. I am always prepared to tailor the actual content of a program and its activities to the interests and abilities of a specific group.
ARTISTS’ BOOK PROGRAMS
Timeline Accordion Book
Elementary Level
A simple, folded book with four faces for student-drawn artwork and text; bound with a decorative closure ribbon through eight slits.
This book can be made to be a historical timeline (i.e., dates of the revolutionary war), a personal time line or a family history. Eight events can fit comfortably in this format. The amount of space is small so any explanatory text is necessarily kept simple and brief.
Name Scroll Book
Elementary Level
This simple, linear book features student-drawn art inspired by ancient Egyptian and African scrolls, the oldest form of bookmaking. A long, narrow strip of paper rolls into a cylinder and is secured by a length of yarn.
Students use a hieroglyphic alphabet to represent their names pictorially. The Names Scroll project can be used as a starting point to discuss the meaning of names. Students can ask their parents why they chose their particular name.
Paper Bag Collecting Book
Elementary Level
Students use lunch-size paper bags to create pages and envelopes for enclosures, such as a leaf collection, color swatches, or collectable cards.
Students stack bags, alternating ends, punch holes, bind with ribbon or yarn, and then fold the books in half. Open-edged pages for collecting alternate with closed-end pages for descriptions (text and/or drawings) of the collected items.
Cereal Box Cover Book
Elementary level – Middle School
This popular project utilizes a bookbinding machine that students love to use. Students pick out “covers” from various recycled cardboard types, cereal box covers, etc. and then pick text pages and a comb for the binding. When they are ready, they advance to the binding machine to punch holes for the comb and perform the actual bind step that magically puts the combs in place.
This is a workshop that covers many levels of ability. Elementary thru adult and handicapped populations have great success with this project. The book is a custom piece for each student reflecting his or her unique personalities.
Japanese Stab Bound Book
Middle and High School Level
This easy-to-master, yet sophisticate book style is inspired by a traditional Japanese format used for personal journaling and poetry writing, Students hand-sew the binding for the ten-sheet book and create their own content consisting of haikus, poems, and/or imagery.
Depending on the time available, the content and sophistication level of this workshop can be adjusted to be a three to five session event at a grade-appropriate skills level; e.g. an illustrated haiku book in support of English Language Arts or a themed Visual Arts project using watercolor paper as pages.
Screw Post Album
Middle and High School Level
Students handcraft their individual version of a traditional scrapbook or photo album-style book that can be used to store and present memorabilia.
This book consists of covers, paper pages, and two or three album posts, which are inserted in holes drilled in the assembled book. This type of book can accommodate a variety of content, both sourced and original, text and graphics to explore a chosen theme.
Depending on the time available, the content and sophistication level of this workshop can be adjusted to be a three to five session event at a grade-appropriate skills level.
The Altered Book
High School Level
Students create a unique book using an existing hardcover book as a starting point. By reworking pages and covers and painting, stamping, cutting, collage, over-writing, folding, gluing, etc., a one-of-a-kind book emerges from the creator’s imagination.
Depending on the time available, the content and sophistication level of this workshop can be adjusted to be a three to five session event at a grade-appropriate skills level.
Multiple Edition Book
High School Level/Advanced
In this workshop students produce a pamphlet-stitched book in an edition of three to five books using a photocopier to reproduce the pages. This book is an ideal vehicle for students interested in creating comics, manage and chapbooks.
Students learn the process by first making a dummy book or mock up and designing a story. Once they have completed the layout, they copy the pages, fold, cut, and bind the books using the pamphlet stitch.
Because of the complexity and sophistication level of this project, it is best conducted as a five-session workshop.
INSTRUCTOR PROFILE
Award-winning Rochester Book Artist Martha Schermerhorn works in multiple media, including collage, painting, photography and 3-D art. Her unique Ikon-A-Paks, made from recycled materials, have won Best of Show at the Artists’ Row at the Rochester Public Market multiple times. More information available at www.mostlyartistsbooks.com.
Teaching Experience:
• Fairport High School, Artist in Residence, ongoing since 2008
• Mercy High School, Art Festival Guest Instructor
• Churchville-Chili High School, Guest Instructor
• Arnett, Brighton, Central, and Charlotte Library Branches, Artists’ Book Workshops
• Printing and Book Arts Center at the Genesee Center for the Arts & Education
• Community Darkroom at the Genesee Center for the Arts & Education
• A Different Path Gallery in Brockport
• The Art Store in Henrietta
• City of Rochester, Carter Street Recreation Center, After School Arts Program Instructor

Music

Nancy Bryan, The Songwriter’s Playground

NANCY & JOHN BRYAN 

 “The Songwriter’s Playground” is a series of workshops, in virtual or live formats, that acquaints students and participants of all ages, with the very specific craft of songwriting. Nancy Bryan, Grammy-nominated recording artist and writer/vocalist for Disney Records, familiarizes students with song structure and recording techniques as they, as a group, compose their own lyrics. Her husband John provides, and records, musical accompaniment as the participants involve themselves in the process. Song topics are curriculum based at the teacher’s choosing. Sessions are 45 minutes in length. There are various options for the final product.

ON-LINE OR LIVE;

     Virtual Songwriting: In this residency, which is comprised of four highly interactive virtual sessions, the students are given an analysis of song form, and how its structure is designed to lead to an emotional resolution. Their lyrics will be written to music composed by the Bryans. Guitar accompaniment provides them the music they need as their three writing sessions progress. The final product is shown, and taught to the students in Session 4. It will be Nancy’s vocal performance of the original song over John’s musical production of drums, keyboards, and guitar. The school will be given a CD of the vocal performance, as well as the mix of “instrumental tracks only”, which may be used by these and future students’ performances.

 Grades 3-12    (For adults as well)                              Limit 30 per session

      Virtual Songwriting and Recording: This on-line residency of five highly interactive virtual sessions begins with an analysis of song form and takes the students into the creation of their own original song. Music and melody are provided by the Bryans, and as the class nears the completion of their lyrics, each student will receive an mp3 file of Nancy’s rendering of the song over complete musical instrumentation. The students will be asked to rehearse with this recording, giving strict focus to tuning, and more specifically, to Nancy’s phrasing. This is an invaluable exercise in teaching a child how to sing. They may record their voices on their phones, or on a free app called “Audacity”. These vocal takes are sent to the Bryans, who will drop their performances into the instrumental bed of the song. A CD of the completed song will be given to the school or venue, along with a recording of the song’s “instrumental tracks only”. These recordings may be used as the school desires.

Grades 6-12   (For adults as well)                                Limit 30 per session

LIVE ONLY;

       The Songwriters’ Playground: This residency is done live at the school or venue.  There will be three writing sessions per song, as they create their own lyrics to music by the Bryans, with multiple recording sessions to follow. Students will feel like rock stars, as they record their group vocals, solos, and harmonies, over a full instrumental track of drums, guitar, and keyboards! A CD master is burned and given to the school or venue for their duplication, along with a master of “instrumental tracks only”. What a thrill, as they perform their own original song in concert for their school and their community.

Grades 3-12  ( For adults as well)                                Limit 30 per session

                 Pricing available for one or two songs

“Nancy Bryan is an extremely talented singer/songwriter. I’ve continued to use her writing skills through the nine years that I’ve been A&R Director at Walt Disney Records. She has made a significant contribution to our record projects. As a performer and workshop leader, there is no one that is more inspired or inspiring than Nancy Bryan. Not only will students learn a lot, but they will also feel that they have been communicated with in a very personal and special way”.

      Harold Kleiner, Director A&R, Walt Disney Records

Dance, Theater

PUSH Physical Theatre

BIO:

PUSH has a long history of creating arts education programming for K-12 and college students. In 2000, husband and wife team, Darren and Heather Stevenson, founded it to “push” the boundaries of conventional theatre. Performances include selections of their work followed by an audience talk-back. Discussion topics include human relationships, social interaction, stereotypes, etc. Workshops introduce students to the movement arts and support curriculum areas such as physical science, character development and literacy.

Looking for free teaching resources?

Free Video Training Series: https://www.pushtheatre.org/video-training Try starting a class with one of these as inspiration for group exercises.

Free Academic Resources: https://www.pushtheatre.org/academic-resources Did you assign PUSH as a research project for your students? We will help them cheat by providing everything they need in one place. Shh… don’t tell.

ON-LINE ONLY;

PUSH’S TRUNK SHOW

PUSH tackles racism, COVID quarantine living, relationships and personal stories from the artists in this performance: As you know, all the members of award-winning PUSH Physical Theatre live together in a small travel trunk. Their stage manager folds them carefully inside after each performance and sits on the lid until the next show. They’ve been in there for a while now and it’s time for a break-out. Created especially for the small screen, witness original stories, funny, intimate, heart-breaking and universal, caught and released into the world with PUSH’s signature athleticism and no-holds-barred physicality. 

Grades 6-12                                                                  45 minutes                        

Add virtual post-show conversation with 2 of the artists 

                                                                              (up to 45 mins)                                                                       

(Science/Language Arts/Health/Physical Activity/Cultural Awareness/21^st Century Skills/Character Development/Social and Emotional Wellbeing) 

promo video –https://youtu.be/a5cf2IbD680 

LIVE ONLY;

PUSH PERFORMANCE

21^st Century Learning Skills presented by PUSH’s team of talented ‘human sculptures’ using acrobatic strength, stunning physicality and emotional depth. Core subjects such as physical science, literacy and the arts are explored within the context of health, creativity, innovation, communication and collaboration.  Relationships are examined between classroom learning and career & life skills such as social awareness, responsibility, adaptability and flexibility. Performers carefully guide audiences throughout the program. Individual pieces are given context that is grade level appropriate to help students interpret the work on a level that is relevant to them. 

Grades K-12                                                              45 minutes-1 hour

Program can include Q&A.

(Science/Language Arts/Health/Nutrition/Physical Activity/Cultural Awareness/21^st Century Skills)

promo video – https://youtu.be/HJ6bRx0kbgI 

ON-LINE OR LIVE;

PUSH PHYSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOPS:

PUSH provides physical theatre workshops that support and expand curriculum. The following are examples of workshops created in collaboration with teachers, designed around specific curriculum needs. If you have a great idea for a workshop let us know. 

Video Workshops for younger students: https://youtu.be/dvfZ5puG0i0 

Video Workshops for older students: https://youtu.be/9pa9Q3h2lhU 

Video Workshops for Seniors: https://youtu.be/BnMTna9jglQ 

Workshops are 45min to 1hr. Longer time periods can be negotiated.

Simple Machines

This workshop facilitates a deeper internal understanding of the Physical Sciences as students both analyze and synthesize topics such as simple machines, transfer of weight, magnetism, and energy through physical movement and discussion.

Science exercises focusing on the concept of teamwork, balance, and trust are used to encourage the development of friendship skills and guide students to thought-provoking ‘ah-ha!’ moments.  

Grades K-6                                       (Science/21^st Century Learning)

Weather

Classical music guides eager imaginations during participatory exercises relating to the changing of seasons and the effects they have on our everyday lives (i.e. growing spring flowers, grumbling summer thunderstorms, falling autumn leaves, drifting winter snowflakes). Students become aware of their personal responsibility for maintaining their health throughout the year as they act out dressing up for an afternoon at the beach or an anticipated snow day! It is a scientific fact that no two snowflakes are alike! Each is beautiful in its own unique way. Likewise, each one of us is unique and has something special to share with those around us.  

PreK-2                                                    (Science/Physical Activity)

Healthy Heroes

3-2-1-0 Be a Healthy Hero! This workshop has continuous physical activities that support the Be A Healthy Hero campaign for our community’s kids! Kids run for the healthiest snack choices in our relay race, get tips on learning to love exercise through physical theatre and end the class with a bit of something just as important…rest.  (This workshop includes a coloring book for each child to take home.) 

Grades K-4                                (Health/Nutrition/Physical Activity)

Metamorphosis

From egg to adult, the 4 stages of the life cycle of a butterfly are physically created by students in individual and group exercises. Students get to become the process of metamorphosis through movement. Students physically demonstrate their growing understanding of each stage and make connections to their own physical and social lives.  

Grades 2-4                                           (Science/21^st Century Skills)

Art & the Brain

Students are asked to evaluate the hypothesis of noted neurologist V.S. Ramachandran in his research into the “science of art”. Dr. Ramachandran’s “10 laws of art” are, as yet, unproven which allows children the excitement of investigating, questioning and responding to cutting edge science in process. Students combine visual and movement art as they answer key questions such as “Can we observe the laws in well known paintings?” “Do the laws transfer to movement?” “Can art be created by purposely breaking the laws?” Far from being a purely academic discussion, students will create physical theatre experiments to test the limits of the laws of science used by artists.  

Grades 4-12            (Science/21^st Century Skills/Cultural Awareness)

Human Pop-Up Books

Students have the opportunity to view an art form that uses no words and leaves then with the challenge of transposing movement language into written or spoken language.  By creating their own “Human Pop-Up Book” they will be faced with the challenge of analyzing a literary work and identifying key vocabulary vital to the storyline and then translating and synthesizing those words into a series of movements that reflect the story as it was in its original written/illustrated form.  Students work in teams and collaboratively put their thoughts and ideas together. 

Grades K-12                                (Language Arts/21^st Century Skills)

Leadership

Through the themes of Strength and Power; Cooperation vs. competition; leadership and responsibility; partnership and trust; self discipline vs. external control, students will acquire positive character traits.  Students engage in theatre and movement skills to learn how to overcome fear of failure and channel aggression into success rather than bullying.   They will identify the benefits of self-control and the difference between leading and intimidating to build confidence and make positive choices regarding their actions towards themselves and others. This residency includes a planning meeting with the classroom teacher is conducted with the school psychologist or social-worker. 

Grades 3-12    (Character Development/Social & Emotional Well-Being)

Note: students are divided by gender

College Students, Community Groups, Seniors and Lifetime Learners

PUSH offers performances, lectures, talks, workshops and residencies for assisted living facilities, gyms, community programs, church groups and more. All ages, abilities and training backgrounds are welcome. PUSH works with professionals and college students, children, people with developmental disabilities, learning challenges, disenfranchised students and lifetime learners.

College Residency: https://youtu.be/BnMTna9jglQ

Elders Share The Arts Residency: https://youtu.be/9pa9Q3h2lhU 

Music

Ted Canning Steel Drums

“Steel Drum Paradise”
Follow the creation of the steel drum, or “pan,” from its African roots to its own distinct musical tradition. See how people came up with the idea of making musical instruments on oil barrels. From beginning to end students will participate in the music-making, including the creation of a steel band performing on your stage.

Musical Arts

Topher Holt

The Game Changers -A celebration of Black history. (K-5)
Topher will take the audience on a journey from the slave plantations through the civil rights movement. They will venture on the underground railroad as they sing Follow the Drinking Gourd. The show will culminate with the song “Change begins With me” as the audience remembers men and women in our country of great courage. The audience will help write a verse of their own as they add their own heroes who changed our world. Fredrick Douglas will be highlighted this year.

Giraffes Can’t Dance (PreK-3)
Meets Early Childhood, Music, Theatre & Character Education needs: Enjoy interactive storytelling, dance and drumming while experiencing the story that teaches self-esteem, self-confidence and a celebration of individuality.

Custom Created Programing
Crafted to meet Early Childhood, Music, ELA, Math, Theatre & Character Education needs: One of Topher’s unique skills is the ability to custom create or co-create a program specific to the needs or your your school or individual classroom. Not only is this a fantastic way to meet your unique situation, it is also a very rewarding and positive experience for educators as well as students.

Music

Vincent Nunes

Vincent Nunes performs original, multiple award-winning music for children to enhance curriculum topics, stimulate creative thought, encourage shared community values and inspire the development of fundamental physical skills. He has been writing and performing original music for children for more than 30 years, and is a participating member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Smart Songs for Active Children: 

In this concert children will hear Vincent Nunes’ original songs which emphasize curriculum, community and creativity. Every song is accompanied by simplified American Sign Language, gestures and other motions which help children retain the content of the song. The tunes are catchy and children are engaged by Vincent’s enthusiastic performance.

Move, Move, Move:

Vincent Nunes’ original songs introduce age-appropriate fundamental movement skills to early learners. These songs, many from his new release, the multiple award-winning CD of the same name, are fun and keep children hopping, bouncing, running in place, and a variety of other movements essential for children as they develop. Along with physical skills, Vincent’s music introduces foundational curriculum concepts for language and counting, such as prepositions, patterning and order.

Building a Better Community Song by Song: 

The music in this concert introduces shared community values, including mutual respect, the importance of volunteering, environmental awareness and responsibility, and civility. These original songs remind children that the world they live in has other people, other creatures and the outside world itself. The songs invite children to practice both academic and non-academic skills, such as grit and determination, perseverance, and participating in groups. Vincent sings about racial diversity, gender equality, and cooperation, using fun activities and catchy melodies to capture the imaginations of children.

Theater

Ted Baumhauer, Ed.D.

TED BAUMHAUER 

Ted brings a combination of 25 years performing and a doctorate in education degree to his work as a Teaching Artist. He presents vaudeville variety style skills to audiences, large and small, young and old.

Whether as a speaker presenting to teach and inform or as a performer entertaining, these skills create an audience experience that is fun and informative. Students gain a deeper appreciation for live entertainment as it was before movies, radio, or television and learn something along the way.

ON-LINE OR LIVE;

All are available either as pre-recorded and virtual live experiences or live interactive events.

Custom classes/workshops to fit teaching concepts are also available upon request.

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS

BECOMING WORLD CLASS 

30-45 minutes                                                        8th grade & up

This interactive workshop is about becoming world class in whatever you put your mind to. Participants are introduced to the skill of juggling to engage their spirits, their minds and their bodies. Keeping this new skill in mind, they are asked to reflect on what it might take to become one of the best jugglers in the world. This is then the jumping off point to discuss that if they focus in on their own individual gifts, skills, and talents they now know how to become World Class!

HOW TO MAKE JUGGLING BALLS & HOW TO JUGGLE 

30-45 minutes                                                        4th grade & up

The two biggest roadblocks to juggling are 1. not having the props and 2. getting frustrated.  In this fun and interactive workshop Ted will teach step by step how to make your own juggling beanbags with just 9 nine inch round balloons, 3 sandwich baggies, and a little filling like birdseed.  You will also need a measuring cup and a pair of scissors. Next he will walk you through a system of learning how to juggle that is based on building on success instead of failure.  This can easily be turned into a series of 2, 3, 4 or more sessions.

HOW TO MAKE & THROW AN INDOOR BOOMERANG  

30-45 minutes                                                        2nd grade & up

Boomerangs are a fun and easy sport, craft, art, and science that anyone can do. Boomerangs are not just the wooden two wing type we typically think of, they come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They can be for indoor (safe foam) or outdoor use and can travel from a few feet to the length of a football field and more. Boomerangs are also surprisingly easy to make from cardboard and paper. Making and throwing your own boomerang is a great way for children to learn about flight and gain self confidence.

THE SLIGHT EDGE 

30-45 minutes                                                        9th grade & up

This fun presentation combines two of Ted’s favorite things, how to learn and variety skills!  The content makes it informative and the skills make it a performance so that makes it an Informance!  Any skill can be developed with time and effort.  Then by focusing on our strengths while only working on our weaknesses so that they don’t detract from our strengths, we gain an edge.

SHOWS/ASSEMBLIES

All are available either as pre-recorded and virtual live experiences or live interactive events.

Custom shows/assemblies to fit teaching concepts are also available on request.

Dr. Seuss Science Show  

30-45 minutes        K-6         1 show or 2 back-to-back available

Ted’s task is quite simple

It’s to get you to look

To look at Seuss Science

But not from a book

Get ready for a Show

It can be quite a riot

You never ever know

Some of you may get to try it!

An interactive show about balancing, gyroscopes, centripetal force and more with a little Dr. Seuss fun along the way.

I Can’t Yet 

30-45 minutes       K-8         1 show or 2 back-to-back available

I Can’t YET! is about turning failure into success. This show is a slapstick look at learning. Mistakes are not permanent! This is an audience participation show that teaches goal setting, learning step by step, and challenging yourself to do amazing things. Ted uses the skills of manipulation and balancing to bring these concepts to life. I Can’t Yet has been performed at the Strong Children’s Museum, Trinity Montessori in East Rochester, NY and Creative Themes Summer Camp.

Red Tie Science Labs 

30-45 minutes         K-8         1 show or 2 back-to-back available

A silly look at science including inertia, aerodynamics, center of mass, centripetal vs. centrifugal force and more. Dr. Ted uses tops, frisbees, boomerangs, an airzooka, juggling and more in this fun and engaging show! 

Reading is Magic 

30-45 minutes         K-6           1 show or 2 back-to-back available

Well actually it isn’t magic, it is a skill very much like juggling. Because reading is a skill you can get better at it. This fun filled show is full of parallels between juggling and reading like: Practice is important, Challenging yourself can be fun, and teachers can help you surprise yourself! Other messages include: Reading can let you learn about anything you’re interested in knowing about or doing and it’s fun to surprise yourself and others!

Comedy Acts of Derring Do 

30-45 minutes        K-12        1 show or 2 back-to-back available

Ill advised Comedy Acts of Derring-Do! This is a fast paced comedy show about being a Juggler and what that means. Through his antics Ted divulges some of the history of juggling, the FAQ’s people ask jugglers and that audiences love getting a glimpse into the “mind of a juggler!” Manipulating balls, multiple other objects, as well as the audience is all part of the fun. 

SENIOR PROGRAMMING

Comedy Acts of Derring Do! 

30-45 minutes 

Ill advised Comedy Acts of Derring-Do! This is a fast paced comedy show about being a Juggler and what that means. Through his antics Ted divulges some of the history of juggling, FAQ’s people ask jugglers and that audiences love getting a glimpse into the “mind of a juggler!” Manipulating balls, multiple other objects, as well as the audience is all part of the fun.

CUSTOMIZED SHOWS 

A fun 12 minute performance to celebrate the Banana Split and to give an example of how Ted can customize a show to fit your theme …

National Banana Split Day Celebration 

National Banana Split Day!  Did you know the banana split was invented in Latrobe, PA on August 25, 1904?  Neither did we until the Chamber of Commerce there called Ted to do a virtual juggling show dedicated to the Banana Split in 2020.  Here’s your chance to see Ted work with ice cream, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries. Along the way he balances a jugglers version of the banana split!  A fun 12 minute performance to celebrate the Banana Split and to give an example of how Ted can customize a show to fit your theme.

https://youtu.be/Z6r5vzZWiZA

Theater, science

Madcap Science

Richard Hughson has portrayed his ‘Professor Hughson’ character for the many years, all the way from Rochester to Vermont. He now brings you Madcap Science. Reaching out to grades 2-6 he delights audiences of all ages with demonstrations of atmospheric pressure, centripetal force, the grip of friction, chemical reactions, safe indoor rocketry, and much more. His wacky humor and audience participation keeps kids enthralled as he teaches the basics of the scientific process; questioning, hypothesis, and experimentation. With decades of theater, prop-building, and clowning experience Richard Hughson presents a madcap romp through the greatest science that can possibly fit through a schoolhouse door.

Music

Kevin McCarthy

Kevin is an experienced, award-winning, and inspirational singer-songwriter.
He’s been living his dream of performing professionally for over 30 years and this is his full-time career for 20 years. He’s played thousands of shows for a large variety of events through the USA, Canada, and most recently in Ireland.

School Assembly Programs
Kevin has fun and exciting school assembly programs enjoyed by both students and staff of all ages. He plays guitar, sings, and plays familiar – upbeat songs. He also uses state-of-the-art technology to enhance his programs. He gets students and staff singing, dancing and having fun, all while all while learning an impactful and powerful message. He has a variety of interactive character education programs which help create enthusiasm for the entire school and generate excitement for learning.

School Feedback
“This is by far the best assembly I’ve seen in 30 years” – Principal at Lorraine Elementary in Western New York
“Our students and staff were absolutely astounded by your show you provided for us. The way you mixed in current music that the kids know and love with your message was excellent” – Principal at Sinclairville in Western New York
“This is the second time you presented one of your amazing programs for our school we once again thrilled… It isn’t an easy task to get more than 500 children to truly understand the powerful message that you so easily articulated!” – Principal at Corry Elementary in Western Pennsylvania

More testimonials here
Book Kevin quickly and easily online in a few minutes

Theater

Shake on the Lake

Shake on the Lake is a professional theatre company that specializes in performances to underserved rural communities. We perform in the Spirit of Shakespeare with fast, fun, physical theatre. Based in Silver Lake, New York, Shake on the Lake hosts a full year of programming including Summer Shakespeare Tour, Winter Performances, and Educational Programming. Shake on the Lake is also a co-presenter of The New York State Puppet Festival and specializes in Puppetry programming for all ages.

Vocal music

Ball In The House

Ball in the House: Totally Vocally
Totally Vocally is a 45-60 minute Arts in Education program by 5-man vocal band Ball in the House geared towards keeping students entertained and engaged while they learn about music and the arts. Covering such topics as songwriting as a positive form of expression, beatboxing, stage technology, and the history of a cappella, the program strives to promote all angles of the vocal performing arts in particular as we share our own age-appropriate expertise with the next generation of artists and musicians. Your students will love it, and your teachers will love it, too! Ball in the House also offers workshops, where they work with choruses and music classes to provide both their own unique insight and also an outside source of input to help reinforce an instructor’s own teaching.

Musical Arts

Susan Rozler

Mama Earth Shows about Nature, Recycling, Susie Rozler Erie Canal Songs and History, Instruments and Songs around the world, Holiday Sing a long Elf Show.
Professional Singer/Songwriter, Entertainer, Voiceover Artist, and Music Teacher for 30 years. SHOWS ARE FUN, INTERACTIVE and EDUCATIONAL!