Oct. 5, 2009 – Continuing its mission to educate through art, the McAninch Arts Center at College of DuPage is expanding its popular SchoolStage series, offering local classrooms the opportunity to host a selection of visiting artists.
The SchoolStage program is one part of the MAC’s extensive community outreach program. Other components include pre- and post-performance lectures and classes with visiting artists.
Offering 11 different shows, the SchoolStage program this year features dance, music and theater presentations designed for various age groups ranging from pre-kindergarten to grade 8.
New this year, local schools may host one of eight visiting artists included in the MAC’s regular season.
“Our community has been very supportive in bringing area students to performances at the MAC. We are aware of the need to further engage with artists and hope by bringing them into the schools, the interaction can deepen arts connections for students,” said Janey Sarther, community and educational outreach coordinator.
Artists available for classroom visits at no charge include Fiddlers 4, Alison Brown, classical guitarist Robert Gruca, The Dixie Bee-Liners, Turtle Island String Quartet, the Arts Center Jazz Ensemble’s Kidjazz! program, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia and composer Doug Lofstrom. Visits are designed to give students better access through the arts through small, intimate encounters.
Following is a list of SchoolStage performances and classroom visits. Tickets to SchoolStage performances are $6 per student and schools receive one free chaperone/ teacher ticket for every 20 purchased.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (630) 942-3008, or visit the
SchoolStage page.SchoolStage
Percussion Around the World – 9:45 and 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, grades K to 6
Take a musical journey into the exiting world of percussion. Students learn how drums and percussion instruments have evolved through cultures and how they are enjoyedtoday. (45 min.)
MatheMagic! Starring Bradley Fields – 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 (K to 3), and Thursday, Oct. 29 (4 to 8)
Fields, a celebrated magician, uses magic, comedy and storytelling to engage children in problem-solving while teaching math skills. (60 min.)
Jigú! Thunder Drums of China – 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, grades pre-K to 8
Experience the vibrant and colorful roar of Jigú! Rooted in the fine art of Chinese drumming, this percussion performance represents the culture of the Shanxi province blended with modern musical elements. (50 min.)
The Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble – 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, Pre-5 to 8
This program combines dance, music and story with humor, drama and audience interaction to highlight the original instruments in Native American culture, its dances and symbolism. (60 min.)
Mad Science: Newton’s Revenge – 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, grades 2 to 7
Professor Pruvitt and his assistant Crash perform wacky experiments to investigate the principles of inertia, acceleration, action and reaction. Student teams use catapults and slingshots to discover the power of Newton’s laws of motion and the role physics plays in our everyday lives. (60 min.)
Kidjazz! – 9:45 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, grades K to 4
This program introduces kids to an American classic sound as the Arts Center Jazz Ensemble performs a variety of jazz styles, featuring images of famous musicians and their time periods. (60 min.)
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia presents “Goodnight Moon” and “The Runaway Rabbit” – 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17, grades pre-K to 2
These staged adaptations by Margaret Wise Brown feature endearing rabbit characters, soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dreamlike imagery. (50 min.)
Kennedy Center presents “Chasing George Washington: A White House Adventure” - 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, grades 3 to 8
A trio of students on a White House tour learn it isn’t just an historic building, but a home. After accidentally knocking George Washington out of his portrait, the three encounter a myriad of historic figures in a quest to returnWashington to his picture frame. (60 min.)
“Strega Nona” – 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 9, grades pre-K to 4
Based on the children’s book by Tomie dePaola, “Stega Nona” tells the tale of a friendly magical witch who strives to cure the ills of her tiny Italian town. (60 min.)
“The Little Engine That Could” – 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 13, grades Pre-K to 2
Omaha Theater Company incorporates life-size toys and train engines, song and dance in the tale of the Little Engine as he overcomes the seemingly impossible task of carrying a train full of toys over an imposing mountain. (60 min.)
“Patchwork: The Little House Life of Laura Ingalls Wilder” – 9:45 and 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 19, grades K to 5
Join the Ingalls family as they venture across the wild and perilous frontier in search of a better life. Theatre IV’s tale brings to life the hardships and triumphs of their adventures. (60 min.)