4th-6th Grades
Performances
- The Stonecutter
- Grandfather Frost's Stories of Russia
- The Chocolate War
- Masks of Life
- Einstein's Amazin' Equation
- The Traveling International Mask and Puppet Museum Residency
Performances vary in length from 30 - 45 minutes, including a lively demonstration of the puppets and an optional question and answer period..
Classroom workshops can be connected to a performance or be self standing.
Artist in residency programs are designed with each specific school to meet their needs and educational goals.
Synopsis, fee, and details of each show:
- click on the Learn More link at the end of each show description
- to find out the shows availability click on Request this Show at the end of each show description
The Stonecutter
A gentle lesson from a beloved folk tale teaches about valuing one’s self.
“The Stonecutter” is an engaging tale with roots in both Japanese and Indian folklore. Tashi, a lowly stonecutter, sees everyone else as having a better life. Wishing to be just like them, he learns many lessons. Visually striking like a beautifully illustrated children’s book, the show features three performers, live music, a wonderful array of puppets and a mountain range.
- Best for K – grade 6
- 30 minute performance
- Intimate audience up to 150
Grandfather Frost's Stories of Russia
Grandfather Frost, a most mischievous cat, and a lost girl are the background for this wonderful winter adventure into the world of Russian folk tales.
The performance features Open Hand Theater"s international artist in residence, Vladimir Vasyagin, with musician Leslie Archer. This duet of music and puppetry brings to life a whole storybook of characters, adventures and culture.
- Best for K -- grade 6
- 45 minute performance
- Audience up to 300
The Chocolate War
Springer and Sprong, two inseparable pals, tumble into a series of haphazard events that lead to a catastrophic quarrel. The puppets become larger and larger as the conflict grows, acting as a visual metaphor that children can readily understand. Only by working together is their friendship restored.
Open Hand Theater tackles the issue of bullying and conflict resolution in this delightful fantasy production. The Chocolate War features original music, puppets from 12 inches to 12 feet tall, a magical dwarf and a wistful stilting moon.
- Best for grades K-6
- 45 minute performance
- Audience capacity to 800
Masks of Life
Throughout this lively performance, masked characters transform before your eyes. A child becomes an old man...
Artistic director Geoffrey Navias follows the events that mark the important moments in life. His performance works its magic through the language of make believe that children intuitively understand. With laughter, clowning and unusual live music, “Masks of Life” introduces children to the art of many cultures.
- Best for grades 2 - 12
- 30 minute performance
- Audience capacity 300
- Talk back puppet demonstration can follow performance
- Study Guide with NY State Learning Standards Provided
- "Masks of Life" is an excellent stand-lone performance
Einstein's Amazin' Equation
An exciting approach to science and character education.
Albert Einstein's life was influenced by many events and the work of many scientists throughout history. Open Hand Theater creates simple delightful scenes where each concept in Einstein's famous equation E=MC2 comes to life and each puppet scientist describes the ideas that led to their discoveries. The performance is fun, lively and thought provoking.
- Best for grades 4-8
- 35 minute performance
- Audience up to 300
The Traveling International Mask and Puppet Museum Residency
World Studies come to life with interactive demonstrations exploring the use of masks, puppets, and stories in traditional celebrations around the world. Beautifully enhanced displays and vibrant artifacts introduce cultures found in Africa, Mexico, Indonesia, Russia and Europe.
The traveling museum program brings an incredible international collection of masks and puppets to your school. Primary students go on a “magic carpet ride” and look at birth masks, animals in masks, character masks and community rituals. Older students find places on the globe, compare distances and sizes, talk about rites of passage and ancestors, and hear a ritual battle story.
Variations of this general overview are available to suit your specific cultural focus.
- Best for grades 2 – 12
- An opening performance for up to 500 students
- Up to 6 classes of 25-30 per day
- Study Guide with NYS Learning Standards provided