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Arts as Activism – Workshops

Arts as Activism is an introduction to the art and techniques of activist art. Participants will begin by exploring a social issue or cause they care about, then create and perform artwork inspired by that topic. They may create poems, protest signs or even dance! Writing techniques, literary devices, and historical events will illuminate opportunities […]

Diaspora West African Drum and Dance Traditions

Join Jeannine Osayande & Dunya Performing Arts Company as they explore some of the ways West African Diaspora cultural practices are used to affirm community, communicate values, enhance cultural sensitivity, and inspire meaningful dialogue. Program options include storytelling, dance, drum, and song from Mali, Guinea, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Brazil, Haiti, and the United States. Program […]

Boom Buckets Around the World!

Students discover the art of drumming! Participants have a blast playing everyday objects like buckets and garbage cans while they develop essential aural musical skills and learn how to read basic musical notation. Along their journey students experience music from different world cultures, participate in ensemble playing, and have the opportunity to perform in an […]

Civil Rights Movements

This Hip Hop Fundamentals assembly focuses on student involvement in the American Civil Rights movement through dance, audience participation, and a variety of interactive activities. The dancers tackle racism, segregation, and the struggle for freedom in a safe, family friendly atmosphere. Students hear the words of Dr. King, learn how nonviolent direct action helped end […]

The Boy Who Would Be Captain Hook

David Harrell always wanted to be a part of playground games, but was only included when the other kids recognized that his prosthetic hook made him perfect for the part of Captain Hook in Peter Pan. Through perseverance, he showed he could be more than just the boy with one hand. David demonstrates that by […]

A Little Potato and Hard to Peel

This is a universal story about a not so ordinary life. In this warm, smart, and engaging autobiographical program, David Harrell delivers a hilarious and insightful look at living with a disability. Through his journey we all learn to not let the challenges or circumstances of our lives peel away the core of our humanity. […]

Freedom Stories

Gifted storyteller TAHIRA shares tales of freedom fighters in this dramatic performance. A compelling look at the people who took extraordinary risks for freedom, the program can be tailored to highlight such topics as the Civil Rights Movement, Black women in history, or the Underground Railroad. The program includes freedom songs such as “John the […]

The Town that Fought Hate

When a hate group harasses young Isaac for having a menorah in his window, the townspeople band together to fight the bullies and bigotry threatening their community. Using music and an exceptional array of puppetry techniques, this play teaches students about tolerance and acceptance by re-counting the real-life events of a 1993 Billings, Montana, bias […]

A Seat for Rosa

When a child tells his aunt about a bully on his bus, she gives him advice by recounting the tale of Rosa Parks and the events that led to a revolution in racial justice. This poignant Yearning to Learn production includes many songs of the Civil Rights era and brings this historical time to life. […]