Young Audiences of Abilene
Available Programs
Fantasy Opera in
Alice in Operaland
Where is everyone going? Alice (played by one of your own students or teachers) encounters four friendly characters who help her find her way to Operaland. The Baritone, Tenor, Mezzo and Soprano introduce Alice and the audience to melodies from some of the world’s most famous operas and to some very interesting characters. Vocal ranges and opera terms are explained and demonstrated by the performers. Colorful props and costume pieces help bring the musical world to life. Best suited for grades 2-5. Follow-up classroom workshops are available. $450 per performance; $25 for each classroom workshop.
Mixed Nuts in
Tales from the Story Trunk
Wherever you go, you carry with you an invisible trunk. You put everything in this trunk: feelings, impressions, ideas, songs, people, dreams and even your fears. Everything you come in contact with goes into it. All of your life you add to it. When you use your trunk properly, it becomes your source of creative energy and imagination. With help from the audience, this improvisational theatre troupe entertains, enlightens, and educates as they weave numerous stories around the items in their trunk.
Appropriate for all grades. $200 per performance.
Strike 2! in
Worldbeats
Travel around the world with these two talented percussionists to eight different countries exploring music and instruments from our global neighbors. The jig, dance music from Ireland, is demonstrated on pennywhistle and bodhran. While studying music from India, the audience will “keep tala” and will be invited to play the kinjiras (frame drums). From Cuba comes the Rumba-Guaguanco, and the Brazilian samba uses many instruments played by audience members in a carnaval parade. The musical tour will end with the exciting sounds of steel drum music from Jamaica. Best suited for grades 3-5. $200 per performance. Because of extensive set-up, 2 performances are preferred.
The Paramount Players in
Zap to the Past!
A time-traveling, brain boosting, musical INVENture written by local director, actor, and playwright Barry Smoot. Join the eccentric Dr. Tinker and his assistant, Ms. Beaker, as they blast through time with Dr. Tinker’s latest invention: the MEGAREMOTE CONTROL. Through the use of this time bending device, students visit Hypatia, the Egyptian mathematician and inventor, the great Thomas Edison, and curious Orville and Wilbur Wright. Students will delight in the humor and music while their knowledge of science, history, and math multiplies! Hold on to your seats…..POWER ON!!! Best suited for grades 3-5. $400 per performance.
Strike 2! in
We’ve Got Style
What do Coke cans, plastic eggs, oatmeal boxes, and flip-flops have in common? Discover the answer to this question in We’ve Got Style. In this performance students travel with this percussion duo as they explore styles of music from the Baroque period to the Modern Era. Musical selections feature Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and George Hamilton Green. Original compositions by the artists are also performed. Best suited for grades 3-5. . $200 per performance. Because of extensive set-up, 2 performances are preferred.
George Pendergrass in
The African-American Troubadour
A nationally known motivational speaker and singer George Pendergrass will take your students on a journey of sight and sound. They will participate in experiential activities as they learn about West African customs, clothing, and music. Children will develop an awareness and appreciation for culture and diversity as they are engaged in 45 enjoyable minutes of mystery, music and messages. Appropriate for all grades. $200 per performance.
After School Drama Residency:
The after school drama residency program includes 4th and 5th graders. The program continues to be accepted with enthusiasm by the principal, the teachers, and most importantly, the students. Children meet with the artist once a week after school for one hour. Residencies are 10 weeks in the fall and 10 weeks in the spring. Campuses served this past year: College Heights and Bowie.
Fine Arts Residency: For the past eight years, Young Audiences of Abilene has provided fine arts residency programs to our AISD elementary schools, with each residency lasting nine weeks. K, 1st, and 2nd grade children are served by this music program. The Fine Arts Coordinator at AISD helps identify campuses with the greatest need for this program. Campuses served this year: Lee and Bonham(both Title I campuses).
Fine Arts Resident: Eva Jo Kasinger
Dance Residency: This literacy/dance residency at Bassetti continues to be successful and well-received. The Bassetti PTO contributes $700 to assist with this 9 week, classroom residency. This year, the 4th grade teachers requested that the resident create a dance/history lesson on the cultures, music, and dance of Texas.
Bassetti Residens: Whitney Dayberry and Sarah Slaughter-Hughes
African Dance Residency: New residency program at Lee, with a focus on the IRC children. The name of the residency is Bantaba, and the age groups targeted are 3rd, 4th, 5th grades. Very successful this year. This will be a fall and spring residency, meeting twice a week, after school.
Lee Resident: Haley Carter
All Residencies are funded by the Abilene ISD, the Dodge Jones Foundation, the TCA, and the ACAC.
