IDAHO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL'S IDAHO THEATER FOR YOUTH
Arts Organization, Boise
Grant Category Arts Powered Learning $11,550
Contact: Carol Whiteleather, 208-429-9908, carole@idahoshakespeare.org
Program GoalsIdaho Theatre for the Youth toured a production of Dreams of a Bird Woman to all regions of Idaho. The play, exploring the life and journey of Sacagawea, was presented by six professional actors in a 50-minute, in-school production with full sets, costumes, and sound. A performance study guide was offered on-line (printed copies available upon request) to teachers in advance. One of the goals was to teach and engage children in remote locations, or those with limited resources, removed from museums and performing arts centers. Such opportunities are needed to provided children with a broader perspective through the arts. Other goals were to:
provide students with a greater appreciation and understanding of the theater arts; enhance students' academic, social and creative development; and illuminate cultural understanding and human nature.
Program ResultsFrom February through April, 2005 Dreams Of A Bird Woman toured to elementary schools throughout Idaho. The production was seen by 25,588 K-6 students. In following Sacagawea, Lewis and Clark, and Charbonneau through their explorations of the West, students entered the life, dreams, and mythology of Sacagawea and realized her status as a critical figure in our country. Teachers commented on the subject connected well with other curriculum areas, including history, diversity studies, literature, music, and behavioral training.
Overwhelmingly, students enjoyed attending the performances, thought the story was clear and understandable, and believe that theater provides an enriching experience for its audiences.
The post-performance talk backs were valuable. Teachers found the performances, study guides, and materials to be age and grade-appropriate and confirmed that they met state content standards.
Evaluation MethodsIdaho Theater for Youth employed surveys administered to students and teachers, evaluative questions embedded in the study guides, follow-up interviews with teachers and administrators, post-performance interviews with actors, direct observations, and narrative evaluations from a variety of participants.
Telling the StoryIdaho Theater for Youth has reported its results to state legislators, members of Congress, corporate foundation, and government funders, and their boards. Results included written reports and oral presentations.
Quick links to other arts programs::: Boys & Girls Club of the Magic Valley, Buhl Arts Council
:: Boise Art Museum
:: Boise School District, Work and Learn
:: El-Ada Community Action Partnership
:: Festival Dance & Performing Arts
:: Northwest Children's Home
:: Idaho Arts Education Association
:: Idaho Parents Unlimited, VSA Arts for Idaho
:: Idaho Shakespeare Festival's Idaho Theater for Youth
:: Log Cabin Literary Center
:: Smile At Me Foundation, McCall Elementary School
:: Sun Valley Center for the Arts
:: Evidence of Learning main page
back