“All the world’s a stage,” wrote William Shakespeare and Evergreen Theatre extends those famous words from As You Like It to today’s classroom.
Evergreen Theatre is working with local students in Fort McMurray to teach them to perform what they learn in the classroom on stage through the Grow A Show artist-in-residency program. With Syncrude funding, the program runs from April 8-12 at Father J.A. Turcotte School and April 15 – 19 at Dr. Clark Public School.
“A Grow-A-Show program places a team of theatre professionals in a school. During that week, these artists work with students to create, rehearse and perform their own science-inspired works of theatre,” says Sean Fraser, executive director of the Calgary-based company. “The Grow-A-Show program is an opportunity for every student to build a connection to their science curriculum by becoming the very things that they are studying.”
The program culminates with a student-led performance and the Father J.A. Turcotte School gym was filled with excitement on April 12 as teachers, parents and community members gathered to watch grades 1 to 6 students perform Endangered Species. Students dressed up as frogs, bees, penguins and even bears to drive home the importance of caring for our environment.
“There are a variety of ways for children to learn, and it doesn’t always have to be the typical pencil, paper and written tests,” says principal Lisa Hilsenteger. “Our school has a multicultural diverse background and this type of learning opportunity wouldn’t be possible here without a partnership like Syncrude has provided. We are thrilled our students were given this exceptional opportunity.”
