2022-23 Arts Education Season
We are thrilled to offer our 2022-23 season of Arts Education programming (see listing below) and hope that you will take advantage of these high-quality educational and enriching programs! We know that when students enter this historic Theater, for many it is their first exposure to live theater; a powerful human experience that can be life-changing and it is one they all deserve to know. We can’t wait to welcome back our school communities to experience TOGETHER the transformative power of the arts!
Please note that Virginia Standards of Learning & Curriculum Connections as well as links to More Information and Study Guides are listed beneath performance titles. Grade level designations are meant as guidelines.
Performance Running Times: All Arts Education performances are 60 minutes unless otherwise indicated.
Performance Dates & Times: As there are multiple times for most performances, and multiple days in the case of Freedom Flight, please pay careful attention when requesting seats for your group.
Arts Education Program brochures were sent to all schools and home school groups beginning August 8, 2022. CLICK HERE FOR A DIGITAL BROCHURE.
REGISTRATION Information: Registration for the season opened on Monday, August 22, 2022. Orders for all performances may be submitted at any time throughout the season. Because many performances sell out quickly, early registration is strongly recommended.
Tickets are $8.50 for students and teachers/adult chaperones.
Financial Assistance: To apply for Financial Assistance, please fill out and submit a FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FORM (available on August 22).
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Arts Education Program, please contact Cathy von Storch, Education & Outreach Manager at 434-293-1000 or cathyvonstorch@theparamount.net.
2022-23 ARTS EDUCATION SEASON SPONSOR
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE
KOBIE BOYKINS, EXPLORING MARS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16
10:30AM (70 MINUTES)
GRADES 6-12
North American Presenting Sponsor: Office Depot
Presented Locally by: Apex Clean Energy
Event Sponsor: Lisa Draine
Few events in the last decade of space exploration have captured the world’s imagination like NASA’s Mars Exploration Program. The successful deployment of the Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity in 2004 launched a new era of scientific investigation of our nearest planetary neighbor and marked a personal triumph for Kobie Boykins: he helped design and build the solar arrays that enabled the rovers to keep going long after their planned 90-day life.
As supervisor of the mobility and remote sensing teams for the Mars rover Curiosity, Boykins monitored the headline making studies of the rover, including evidence that conditions on Mars could once have supported life. In 2013, Boykins received a NASA Exceptional Service Medal, one of the highest honors given to NASA employees and contractors.
Join Boykins for an engaging morning exploring the red planet—with an update on the latest chapter in Mars exploration. His boundless enthusiasm for unraveling the mysteries of outer space, and Mars in particular, is infectious.
SOL and Curriculum Connections, Grades 6 – 9
The Virginia Science Standards of Learning reflect a vertical progression of content. They contain content strands or topics that progress in complexity as they are studied at various grade levels. One such strand is Earth and Space Systems. SOL Connections to Science: 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, LS.1, PS.1, PS.5, PS.6, PS.7, PS.8, ES.2, ES.3; Curriculum Connections to the concepts of curiosity, exploration, technology, NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, first robot – Sojourner Robot, Mars – the Red Planet, Mars Science Laboratory – landed 2012 and returned data through 2018.
MERMAID THEATRE OF NOVA SCOTIA
IT’S OKAY TO BE DIFFERENT – STORIES BY TODD PARR
MONDAY, OCTOBER 24
10:30AM and 12:30PM
GRADES PRE-K – 3
Three contemporary stories by New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Todd Parr, adapted for the stage by Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia, explore important subjects with a blend of playfulness and sensitivity. It’s Okay to Be Different cleverly delivers the important messages of acceptance, understanding, and self-confidence. Equally whimsical and heartfelt, The Earth Book is a sweet homage to our beautiful planet, inspiring readers of all ages to do their part to keep the Earth happy and healthy. This is My Hair is a funny exploration of how silly hair can be and that no matter how your hair looks, to always feel good about yourself. Featuring a diverse cast, with an innovative approach to puppetry manipulation and construction, combined with playful original music, the company has earned worldwide praise.
Early Learning and Development Standards, Connections to Social and Emotional Development; Communication, Language and Literacy Development; Cognitive Development. SOL Connections to English: K.1, K.2, K.5, K.6, K.8, K.9, K.10, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 2.2, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6; Science: K.6, K.7, K.9, K.11, 1.4, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8; Curriculum Connections to the concepts of acceptance, tolerance of differences, understanding, self-confidence, individuality, environmental protection, cause and effect, natural resources, ecological footprint and puppetry.
STEP AFRIKA!
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16
10:30AM
GRADES 4-12
Sponsored by Ralph and Mary Fischer Bell Foundation
Step Afrika! is the world’s first professional company dedicated to the tradition of stepping — a polyrhythmic, percussive dance form that uses the body as an instrument. Founded in 1994, Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional West and Southern African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances integrate songs, storytelling, history, and audience participation while demonstrating life skills of teamwork, discipline, and commitment. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique. leaving the audience with their hearts pounding. Step Afrika! is featured prominently at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture with the world’s first stepping interactive.
SOL Connections to Fine Arts/Dance: DA 4.2, 4.6, 4.12, 4.13, 4.15, 5.2, 5.3, 5.6, 5.12, 5 .13, 5.15, 6.3, 6.4, 6.6, 6.7, 6.16, 7.3, 7.4, 7.6, 7.11, 7.16, 8.3, 8.4, 8.6, 8.16, DI.3, DI.4, DI,5, DI.6, DII.3, DII.4, DII.5, DII.6, DIII.3, DIII.4, DIII.6, DIV.3, DIV.6; SOL Connections to History and Social Science; Curriculum Connections to the concepts of stepping, teamwork, discipline, commitment, achievement, cross-cultural understanding, rhythm and polyrhythm, dance styles and choreography.
FIRST WOMAN, LLC
JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM
FRIDAY, JANUARY 13
10:30AM
Performance includes a post-show Q&A
GRADES 3-8
Sponsored by Mary Jae Abbitt and Peter Sushka
This performance will contain strobe effects and atmospheric haze.
10-year-old Jabari loves to paint. And through these paintings, he escapes the turbulent world around him, and the reality of a friend hurt by police violence. In his dreams, he meets children and young people from the Civil Rights Era, including Ruby Bridges, Claudette Colvin, and others, who teach him how to be fearless. He also meets his hero, Barack Obama, as a 7-year-old boy on the eve of the assassination of MLK, Jr. Will Jabari be able to instill in 7-year-old Barack the lessons he’s learned and therefore ensure that Barack will have the necessary tools to become president? Will Jabari learn to take these lessons back into his own life and heal his community? Using rap, freedom songs, hip-hop dance, history and humor, Jabari Dreams of Freedom provides examples of courage through adversity and empowers viewers to be brave like the freedom fighters before them. Written by award-winning playwright and actress Nambi E. Kelley.
SOL Connections to History & Social Science: 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, VS.7, VS.8, VS.9, USI.4, USI.5, USI.7, USI.8, USI.9, USII.3, USII.4, USII.9, CE.2, CE.3, CE.4, CE.10; SOL Connections to Fine Arts/Music; Curriculum Connections to the concepts of slavery, discrimination, segregation, U.S. Constitution – 14th and 15th amendments, 1964 Civil Rights Act, fear, hope and community.
CAHOOTS NI of Belfast, Northern Ireland
DANNY CARMO’S MATHEMATICAL MYSTERIES
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7
10:30AM
12:30PM
GRADES 2-5
Sponsored by Mary Jae Abbitt and Peter Sushka 
Prepare to be amazed, dazzled, and bewildered by this spectacular show where math, theatre, and digital technology collide to create a fun and interactive performance, proving that understanding math can be fun! Meet Danny Carmo – it’s not so long ago that he thought school, and in particular, math, wasn’t for him. He was more interested in dreaming about a future on the stage and perhaps the big screen – all he ever wanted to be was a famous magician. But when he knuckled down to learn all the tricks of the trade, he realized that math was not only essential… it was the SECRET to a whole load of magic! Cahoots NI’s distinctive style of combining magic and illusion, physical theatre, and original music has brought them worldwide acclaim.
SOL Connections to Mathematics: 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.14, 2.16, 2.17, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.14, 3.16, 3.17, 4.1, 4.4, 4.13, 4.15, 4.16, 5.4, 5.15, 5.18; SOL Connections to English and Fine Arts/Music. Curriculum Connections to the concepts of mathematics magic and illusion, mental calculation, estimate, patterns, number grids, rows and columns, probability, digital root theory, fractions, lowest common denominator (LCD), place value, and elementary algebra.
CLICK HERE FOR STUDY GUIDE
Teacher’s Notes (to accompany Study Guide)
BAY AREA CHILDREN’S THEATRE
LLAMA LLAMA LIVE!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
10:30AM
12:30PM 
GRADES PRE-K – 1
Sponsored by Bank of the James
Bedtime has never been so exciting! It’s the end of the day for the Llama family. After a long day of adventures at the school and the store, Baby Llama can’t wait to put on his red pajamas. He and his friends the toys are ready to sing and dance their way to sleep…except…they need a bedtime story and a kiss goodnight and a drink of water. But, where’s Mama? Based on the bestselling books by Anna Dewdney, this hilarious musical will warm every Llama and Llama Mama’s heart.
Early Learning and Development Standards, Connections to Social and Emotional Development; Communication, Language and Literacy Development; Cognitive Development. SOL Connections to English: K.1, K.4, K.8, K.11, 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 1.9, 1.12; Curriculum Connections to the concepts of prediction, visualization, questions, conclusions, values, personality, rhyme, emotion and safety.
MAD RIVER THEATER WORKS
FREEDOM FLIGHT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1
10:00AM and 12:30PM
THURSDAY, MARCH 2
10:00AM
(65 MINUTES)
Performance includes post-show Q&A
GRADES 3-8
Sponsored by Jan Karon
Freedom Flight tells the true story of Addison White and his escape from slavery in Kentucky, his flight north on the Underground Railroad, and his rescue by the citizens of Mechanicsburg, Ohio. The turbulent period of slavery and abolition in American history is the backdrop for Mad River’s one-act play with original music. Centered around the telling of family history and the role of generational sharing in understanding, growth and self-worth, Freedom Flight explores the unwritten roadmap between past and present, and the relationship between the things that we leave behind and those that carry us forward. Mad River Theater Works creates vibrant and evocative plays based on American history and folklore and that combine the rhythms and folkways of everyday life with tales about extraordinary individuals. The company returns to The Paramount for a 12th season!
SOL Connections to English: 3.4, 3.6, 3.7, 4.1, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 5.1, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 7.1, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6; History & Social Science: 3.10, 3.11, 3.12, VS.1, VS.7, VS.8, USI.1, USI.8, USI.9, USII.1, USII.3, USII.4, CE.1, CE.3, CE.4, CE.6; SOL Connections to Fine Arts/Music and Theater Arts; Curriculum Connections to the concepts of slavery, resistance, literacy, escape and rescue, system of justice, freedom, Underground Railroad and The Fugitive Act.
CLICK HERE FOR TEACHER RESOURCE GUIDE
CDP THEATRE PRODUCERS of Sydney, Australia
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE’S MEETING MOZART
MONDAY, MARCH 20
10:30AM
GRADES Pre-K – 3
Sponsored by Virginia Cenedella
Payment Due Date: Monday, February 27, 2023
Founded in 1993, CDP Theatre Producers is Australia’s largest producer of work for young audiences, creating award-winning theatre of the highest quality. This production features a local string quintet, Four Strings Attached with Brian Wahl, Double Bass, who perform alongside the two touring artists.
MEETING MOZART is a 45-minute theatre work that instills a love and appreciation of classical music in young children aged 2-10 years old and their families. Through live music, stories, and song, the show takes us on an interactive journey to explore and learn about the instruments, scores, and themes that inspired Mozart to compose his greatest works, from variations on ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ through to his great orchestral pieces. The production explores the instruments, scores, and themes behind the music and life of one of the world’s most celebrated musicians, through an atmosphere that is fun, participatory, and inclusive.
Watch with delight as a talented Australian concert pianist assumes the persona of the mischievous musical wunderkind himself, Wolfgang Amadeus, accompanied by his wife, Constanze. Audiences will meet all the instruments in the ensemble along the way and discover some of Mozart’s best-known and beloved classical music.
Early Learning and Development Standards, Connections to Social and Emotional Development; Communication, Language and Literacy Development; Cognitive Development. SOL Connections to Fine Arts/Music: K.3, K.4, K.5, K.6, K.9, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.9, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.9, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6; Curriculum Connections to the concepts of classical music, instruments, composer, scores, themes and variations, conductor, musicianship, opera, minuet, creativity, Mozart 1756 – 1791, 18th century fashion.
TALL STORIES THEATRE COMPANY of London, England
THE GRUFFALO
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3
10:30AM – SOLD OUT
12:30PM – SOLD OUT
GRADES PRE-K – 3
Sponsored by Jan Karon
Payment Due Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Join Mouse on an adventure through the deep dark wood in Tall Stories’ musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl, and the party-mad Snake. Will the story of the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these hungry woodland creatures? After all, there’s no such thing as a Gruffalo – is there? It’s a magical story that highlights values of courage and self-esteem and illustrates the classic idea that the littlest and smartest can triumph over the big and brawny. Showcasing Tall Stories’ distinctive physical, visual performance style, The Gruffalo is full of songs, laughs, and hair-raising fun!
Early Learning and Development Standards, Connections to Social and Emotional Development; Communication, Language and Literacy Development; Cognitive Development. SOL Connections to English: K.1, K.4, K.8, K.11, 1.1, 1.4, 1.7, 1.9, 1.12, 2.1, 2.6, 2.7, 2.10; SOL Connections to Fine Arts/Visual Arts, Theater Arts and Music; Curriculum Connections to the concepts of imagination, rhyme, meter and repetition, predators and prey, fables and morals, patience and understanding.
Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions: Click HERE to find a list of FAQs.
Performance Run Times: All performances are 60 minutes unless otherwise noted.
Show Day Essentials:
Study Guides/SOL Connections: Virginia Standards of Learning + Curriculum Connections and synopses are listed beneath performance descriptions.
Grade level designations are meant as guidelines.
Financial Assistance: To apply for Financial Assistance, please complete the Financial Assistance Form and submit at the time of Registration.
More Information: Please direct all Arts Education related questions to Cathy von Storch, Education & Outreach Manager at 434.293.1000 or cathyvonstorch@theparamount.net.
