UnBridle That Mule |
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Join the showboat barker for a fast-paced showcase of Canal era story telling, music and chronicle the growth of the Erie Canal in Central New York, featuring a rowdy cast of historical and contemporary puppet characters. |
Grades: K-6 Program Requirements: The performance requires a minimum area 20' deep, 20' wide and 12' high. Electrical needs: Power source only for lights Actors: Open Hand Theater ensemble Performance Time: 45 minutes Setup and strike: 45 minutes each. (20 minutes between performances) Curriculum Guide: OHT provided Fee: $600 for a single performance; $450 for a second; $400 each additional * For venues outside Syracuse area (over 60 mls), additional travel fees may apply. Limit: Up to 300 students |
| Theme: The History of the Erie Canal in Syracuse, NY, performed by Mr Downey's Traveling Magic Show, with a few exaggerated or added characters and scenes. Objectives of the performance: * Present the history of the Erie Canal through a child's eye and in a single familiar location * Invoke the feel of Canal era storytelling, street theater performance, life on the waterway * Use humor, magic and music to reinforce factual events in the building of the Erie Canal * Tell the story of the important contributions of children on the Erie Canal Brief Synopsis: The performance opens with a showboat barker, a washtub bass, and a rousing rendition of "15 miles on the Erie Canal" sung by oversized hand puppets. The boat comes in, and Mr. Downey introduces Teddy, a life-sized rod puppet who works on his showboat and talks of his other experiences as an orphan, a barge worker, and a hoagie. Vignettes follow that introduce the trader Jess Hawley, Governor Dewitt Clinton, and other real or created characters, all presenting events surrounding the building of the Canal. Set in Syracuse, characters tell the story of the Jerry Rescue, immigrant life, and the ultimate collapse of the main canal corridor in downtown Syracuse. A few magic tricks and a few more musical instruments are used to illustrate Canal economics and the lives of Canal workers. Curriculum Correlations: THE ARTS: * Knowing and using materials and resources in a performance ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS: * listening and singing along with well-known songs SOCIAL STUDIES: * Understanding and enjoying US and local history * Understanding the contributions of historic individuals and the contributions of common ordinary people in a major enterprise * Understanding the economy of the early part of the century MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: * Understanding the technology of building the Erie Canal waterway, problems faced in topography and real-life situations |
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In addition to these touring shows, Open Hand Theater offers several other workshops and educational programs.
518 Prospect Avenue,
Syracuse, New York 13208
Tel: 315-476-0466
FAX: 315-472-2578
Email: Info@openhandtheater.org
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