Young People’s Theater Series 2010-2011

Welcome to the 35th Season of Young People’s Theater Series

As presenters of imaginative theater for pre-school through high school age students, we aim to educate, as well as entertain and convey thought provoking messages to our audiences.  Your response to our programming and your cooperation through the years have made it possible for us to offer the best in live theater for young people that is available throughout the United States and Canada.  Together we are able to enrich our children’s educational experiences.

YOUNG PEOPLE’S THEATER SERIES – 2010-2011 SEASON
Performances are held in Lars Hockstad Auditorium in Central Grade School, Traverse City, Michigan
Performances last approximately one hour

Wednesday, September 29   10:00 am and 12:30 pm     

THE BERENSTAIN BEARS IN FAMILY MATTERS
The Berenstain Bears have enchanted young readers for generations. You’ll love this fun-filled new musical that weaves together three of Stan and Jan Berenstain's most popular books: The Berenstain Bears Learn about Strangers, The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food and The Berenstain Bears' Trouble at School. There's trouble in the treehouse... It's up to Mama to follow the cookie trail and sort things out!
    Suggested for Pre-K through 3rd Grades

Friday, November 12       10:00 am and 12:30 pm      

OTHERWISE KNOWN AS SHEILA THE GREAT
Being a 10 year-old kid is kind of a pain. Having an older sister is really a pain. Being afraid of everything is ... well, just plain painful! Sheila Tubman, otherwise known as Sheila the Great, comes of age in this lively and poignant musical based on the book by Judy Blume, in it Sheila discovers the person within.
Suggested for Grades 2 through 6

Tuesday, December 7    10:00 am and 12:30 pm    F

IGARO’S CLOSE SHAVE
Wednesday, December 8    10:00 am and 12:30 pm
NEW SHOW!  "Figaro's Close Shave" is The Barber of Seville as styled by genius vaudevillian, Al Simmons! Roll over Rossini! Inventive musical comedian, Al Simmons, has translated and condensed this opera into a 45-minute comical look at love, greed, deceit and close shaves.  All we get are the bald facts (pun intended!).  It appears that Rosina is in love with the Count who is pretending to be someone else; Figaro, the jack-of-all-trades town barber, is having a bad hair day, and....Al Simmons is the entire cast! His one-man, multi-prop, music-filled, off the wall performances have elevated audiences world-wide to collective giggles and all-out guffaws. Childlike in its simplicity and sophisticated in its execution, Al's humor touches a responsive chord in people of every age. An excellent introduction to Opera Theater!
             Suggested for Grades Pre-K through 6

Wednesday, February 2    10:00 am and 12:30 pm   

 PADDLE TO THE SEA

Northern Michigan’s own Song of the Lakes band has created an exciting new show for elementary students. Designed with input from curriculum consultant, Jaye Lynn Trapp, this musical journey is inspired by the heartwarming 1941 children's classic Paddle-to-the-Sea. In the story a young Indian boy carves a little canoe with a figure inside and names him Paddle-to-the-Sea. Paddle's journey through the Great Lakes to the Atlantic Ocean provides an excellent geographic and historical picture of the region. SOL highlights Paddle’s adventures in song and story. This highly interactive show promises to entertain, educate, and fulfill some State of MI curriculum requirements.
Suggested for Grades K through 6

Tuesday, March 1         10:00 am and 12:30 pm

Wednesday, March 2          10:00 am and 12:30 pm       

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, AMERICA’S FIRST CITIZEN

   History comes alive with renowned Broadway theatre, film, and TV actor, Patrick Garner. Ben Franklin is on stage to demonstrate how a life of self-discipline and a genuine love of life led to international fame and the gratitude of a nation.  Mr. Garner engages the students from the first moment to the last with his wit, creativity, and audience participation.
Suggested for Grades K through 6

Tuesday, March 22            10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.   

Wednesday, March 23      10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.    

 IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE AND OTHER STORY BOOKS
This much loved story by Laura Joffe Numeroff teaches a hilarious lesson about cause-and-effect when a boy shares his snack with a hungry, demanding mouse.  Other stories books include Amazing Grace, Borreguita and the Coyote, Imogene’s Antlers, Martha Speaks, Masterman, Math Curse, and Owen.
Suggested for Pre-School through 5th Grade

Tuesday, May 10         10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.   
Wednesday, May 11       10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

THE MYSTERY OF KING TUT

The Mystery of King Tut has everything to keep young people riveted: intrigue, treasure, and a genuine historical mystery. This exciting musical tells the stories of Tutankhamen, the “boy king” who ruled Egypt in the 14th century B.C., and Howard Carter, the archeologist who made him famous by discovering his tomb in 1922. While Howard Carter’s fascinating story unfolds, the “spirit” of a young boy in golden garments appears onstage, and the suspenseful tale of Tut’s own struggles against politics and betrayal begins. These two lives come together as they discover the power of responsibility and knowledge.
    Suggested for Grades 2 through 8

We present these programs at cost and strive to continue this as part of our mission. The admission donation remains at $2.00 per person.  This covers the costs of performers’ fees/travel/hotels, auditorium rental, custodian fees, study guides, mailings, etc.   Remember that the admission donation is per seat. Adult drivers, chaperones, and teachers, as well as students, are to be included in your count and payment.

Reservations may be made by mail, or e-mail; a request form is enclosed.  Please read the form carefully and be precise in completing it.  The more choices you can give us the better chance we have of honoring all your requests.  Shows will be offered at 10:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at Lars Hockstad Auditorium in Central Grade School.  If you have questions regarding the series or performances, please call us, not Central Grade School for information.

We recommend early reservations if you are interested in bringing your class to any of the productions.  Traditionally, many shows are sold out.  A full house at each performance helps us to have this incredibly low-ticket price. (Tickets for the same shows if seen elsewhere range from $4.00 to $15.00).  “Full House” also means that we have to use the Balcony seats – though most students love the balcony, many teachers do not.  We will make every effort not to assign you the balcony more than once, but please don’t make this a reason to cancel your group.

For the reservation form, please contact either of the co-counfounders, emails listed at the end of the article.

The following are ways you can help ensure the longevity of Y.P.T.S.:

1.    Check your calendars carefully before making reservation requests.
2.    If you must cancel, please give us a month notice so that we can attempt to fill the space with another group.  Better yet, find your own replacements, and send us their contact information.
3.    Please reserve only the number of seats you need and will be paying for.  Remember to count yourself and any drivers in this number.  If class size changes during the year, please let us know.  It is important that we can depend on payment for the reservation number made.
4.    Remember the form you send in is a request form.  Do not send any money at this time.  You will receive a confirmation listing the performances and times for your group.
5.    When you receive your confirmation, note whether you are confirmed or wait-listed for a specific show.  Please note the performance date and time on your calendars and plan ahead for transportation and permission slips. (We’ve had several classes arrive at a performance for which they were not scheduled.  Sometimes we were able to squeeze them in; other times they had to return to school.)

We are excited about this season’s line-up, and look forward to another year in partnership with all of you.

Sincerely,
Karen Smith and Sharon Rutkowski

Karen Smith – 14 Peninsula Hills Drive – Traverse City, MI 49686 – 231-590-5615 -  ksmith5770[at]aol.com 
Sharon Rutkowski – 10248 E. White Birch Drive – Traverse City, MI 49684 – 231-941-0984 – yptstc[at]chartermi.net