Outreach

In the Schools & In Our Community

We believe in developing an appreciation of the arts for the young and the young-at-heart. Recent studies have shown that individuals with some arts background are more creative and bring the necessary skills to adapt in a rapidly changing world market. The creative arts can also offer an alternative outlet for the elderly to communicate with others.

Several of our series performers will conduct master classes, or workshops. There are also opportunities for local students to meet with professional visual artists.

Education

Programming

Grades k-2

Sonia De Los Santos

Sonia De Los Santos was born in Monterrey, Mexico and has been singing in Spanish and English for audiences of all ages since 2007, when she joined the Grammy Award® winning group Dan Zanes and Friends. As a solo artist, she has released three family music albums: Mi Viaje: De Nuevo León to the New York Island, ¡Alegría! and Esperanza. It’s hard not to smile when she’s sharing some of her favorite things - migrating birds, friendship, chocolate, and anecdotes about growing up in Mexico and realizing her childhood dream of moving to New York. Her songs are inspired by various Latin American rhythms like huapango, cumbia, salsa and festejo, as well as the North American folk traditions from the United States.

Education Programming

Grades 3-5

Wind in the Willows

Journey into the Wild Wood on this multi-media adventure based on Kenneth Grahame's beloved children's novel. Wind in the Willows mixes classic storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the trials of Mole and Rat on an all-night race against time as they venture through the hidden wonders of the forest to find the young Otter before it's too late. From the team who brought Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition, the production uses 180-degree projection that surrounds the performer and provides scenic elements throughout the show, while underscoring music and soundscapes set the mood. Experience the magic and mystery as award winning actor Noel Gaulin plays all the fabled characters in this new adaptation of this classic story.

Education

Programming

Grades 6-8

Tired Souls: The Montgomery Bus Boycott

Tired Souls: The Montgomery Bus Boycott begins with December 1, 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama: Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat to a white man on a city bus. This action inspires the black citizens of Montgomery to abandon all travel on city busses until they are no longer forced to stand when a white person boards. There were more who came before, brave visionaries who laid the groundwork for this pivotal moment. Tired Souls introduces audiences to fellow heroes and heroines including Jo Ann Robinson, Claudette Colvin and others instrumental in the Civil Rights Movement who changed the course of U.S. history. Mike Wiley brings historic figures to life in this production for young people, featuring audience participation.

Education

Programming

Grades 9-10

Ailey II

Ailey II—the next generation of dance—is AILEY’s second company. Founded in 1974 as the Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble, Ailey II has advanced renowned American choreographer, Alvin Ailey’s, vision by giving early-career dancers the vital experience of transitioning from training as a student to becoming a professional dancer. Ailey II dancers bring their technical mastery and emotional depth to works by the most daring established and emerging choreographers. Just as Mr. Ailey envisioned, the company continues to expand the audience for dance through global touring and community-based performances. With educational outreach and stellar performances, Ailey II is forging a new path for modern dance - one that's inclusive experimental, and transformative.

Kennedy Center Partnership

Jasper Arts, Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools, and Vincennes University Jasper provide arts-based professional development opportunities for local teachers through the Kennedy Center Partners in Education.