Aesop’s Fables

Aesop’s Fables are brought t life through a combination of storytelling, puppetry, pantomime and props.  The Fables are told using live and pre-recorded narration, music and a variety of character voices to create a show that is both fun and educational.

Alfredo Rolando Ortiz, Harpist Extraordinaire

Invited to return again and again by many schools, over 300,000 children have enjoyed his assemblies! The educational content, adapted to the age and educational levels of the students, includes subjects such as history, geography, language, math, science and others. Assemblies available include:

1. WORLD ADVENTURES WITH A HARP: Alfredo's personal life stories bring to the students his adventures of migration, hardship and success, including his birth in Cuba and his travel to Venezuela as a child, where he learned the Venezuelan folk harp from a school friend. He then learned the Paraguayan harp and immigrated to Colombia, where, thanks to his music, he became a medical doctor. The internationally acclaimed harpist, composer and author is also the winner of a GOLD RECORD in South America. He interweaves his true-life adventure stories with spectacular music from several countries, music composed to the birds, the crops - even music improvised in the delivery room during the birth of his second daughter! study guide
2. THE WATER CYCLE ON HARP: Learn about the Water Cycle through music composed to the sea, lakes, rivers, evaporation, clouds, rain and even the world famous IGUAZU waterfalls in the jungle of South America. Explore the creative process of the composer, inspired by nature to imitate on his harp even thunder and "a light in the sea." Each aspect of the cycle is clearly explained and the students participate in the creation of special sound effects to accompany some of the music. study guide
3. WORLD HOLIDAYS ON HARP: Traditional Latin American melodies, international holiday favorites as well as original music celebrate Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, the New Year and more in this fun assembly which also includes audience participation.

Antonio Sacre, Bilingual Storyteller

Antonio is a nationally acclaimed storyteller that tells folktales from Latin America and original stories with humor and style. Antonio connects with students of all ages and his warm personality and engaging style are a winning combination for students of all ages. Antonio is also a published author.

Ashas Baba

Music, Stories & Amazingly More! with Asha’s Baba” is an astonishing amalgam of songs, singing, African harp playing, interactive games, storytelling and much, much more! Lessons on geography, history, music, languages and cultures are ingeniously and surreptitiously interwoven into the vibrant fabric that is Baba’s energetic, entertaining and witty performance.

Show learning objective: Students will learn of continental Africa’s geography, geology, history, languages, and cultures (music, clothing, food, games, etc.) and the important relationship of its’ land and peoples to the Americas. State of California educational standard connections employed during a typical performance include: History/Social Science, English/Language Arts, Music, Foreign Language and Theater.

Beth Sussman - Concert Pianist

Juilliard trained pianist, Beth Sussman, uses classical music, literature and poetry to encourage students to read, use their imaginations and improve their listening skills in her highly interactive programs.

NEW SHOW!! Music Tells a Story – Foster a love of reading through stories, music and imaginative games as students learn that music is a language that can express feelings and tell a story.

Who's Afraid of Classical Music?  Become active listeners and make listening fun through games and other interactions as Beth plays accessible classical music including selections familiar from cartoons and commercials.

Needed: a tuned piano. Artist can provide a digital keyboard for an additional rental fee if requested in advance. study guide

Bully Dudes

Mime Keith Berger and Actor David Prather, team up to deliver a one two punch in this exceptionally informative entertainment. Adding humor and physical comedy to the very serious subject of bullying, Berger and Prather enact a series of thought provoking vignettes such as: "The Robot Bully Dude," "The Annoying Name-Calling Bully Dude," "The Bully Dudette," and..."The Bully Dude Buddies" www.bullydudes.com

"Pitch Perfect! I've now seen several of these anti-bullying programs and this is far and away the Best!" |
--Jim Astman, Headmaster Oakwood School, Studio City, CA

The Chameleons - Physical Theater and Mime

Touching and funny, their highly crafted vignettes reach students of all ages. Four shows available:

1. Mime Over Matter -(a collection of classic mime plays, including the Life Cycle, The Escalator, etc.). 1 assembly $750; 2 assemblies $900; 3 assemblies $1150.
2. Adventures in Space - (a highly original theatre piece that actually ties into the science framework, performed to a thrilling narrated and musical sound track). 1 assembly $750; 2 assemblies $900; 3 assemblies $1150.
3. The Wonder of Words -(a solo piece by Keith Berger in a highly original theatre piece that ties into the language framework). 1 assembly $700, 2 assemblies $850, 3 assemblies $950.
4. New this Season- Be a Pal with Ed n Al. 1assembly $900; 2 assemblies $1000; 3 assemblies $1250.

Internationally acclaimed physical theatre duo, THE CHAMELEONS, have created a charming new program starring Peter Kors and Sam Robinson. Peter Kors is a teaching artist with the Music Center and The Orange County Performing Arts Center. As an actor, his work includes performances at the Mark Taper Forum and The San Francisco Opera. He has also been seen on national television and in feature films. Sam Robinson has acted in plays across the United States, Canada and England where he studied acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. He is also an active director and teaching artist through the Music Center and Orange County Performing Arts Center.

Ed and Al think so highly of their friendship that they have created a show about what great pals they are. The only problem is that every time they are about to begin the show, something goes completely bonkers. Using a combination of snappy dialogue, physical comedy, mime, and music, Ed and Al take us on the sometimes hilarious, sometimes poignant journey of what it means to be a friend.

www.chameleonsmime.com | study guide | video

A Classical Blast... of Music & Mime featuring, "Peter and The Wolf"

Mime artist and member of the world renowned CHAMELEONS Mime Theatre, Sharon Diskin, has teamed up with the brilliant Juilliard trained classical pianist, Beth Sussman, to create a charming interpretation of Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter & The Wolf”. In addition to this beloved classic, Diskin and Sussman bring other works of classical music to life with their totally unique blend of Music and Mime.

"Fantastic!!! I have never seen our students in grade Kindergarten through five so enraptured by a performance. The integration of pictures, music, words and mime helped every child be fully engaged in the program." -- Susan Lasken, Principal, Sunny Brae Elementary School, L.A., CA

Craig Newton - A Journey Through America's Music

This 45 minute presentation carries the audience from the roots of American music, English-Irish-Scottish folk and religious songs, to the present day scene of rock, pop and whatever. To make the music come alive, Craig uses a variety of instruments, including acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, banjo, flute, harmonica and others. The emphasis is on music rather than lecturing.

Dan Crow

Dan is a wonderful performer known for his zany songs and stories. The biggest secret about Dan is that his school shows are not only fun but quite educational. For the primary grades his focus is on sounds and Dan explores language in a way kids will never forget. For upper grades, Dan does songs about homonyms, prepositions, palindromes, etc., as well as myths and his own original stories. Dan's friendly manner and zany characters are a winning combination your students will long cherish. www.dancrow.com | study guide | video

A Gaelic Gathering - Irish Music & Dance

Led by dancer choreographer Máire Clerkin, A Gaelic Gathering was originally created in 2007 for World City, the Music Center’s acclaimed family series at Walt Disney Concert Hall, where it was a smash hit. The six-artist ensemble was developed into a school performance program by funding from the Barbara & Sheldon Pinchuk Fund, with assistance from Barbara Leonard at the Los Angeles Music Center. For students who have never attended a live performance, this riveting assembly can be a transformative experience. Teacher and student feedback has been tremendous. Appealing to all ages, this popular group of dancers and musicians perform lively Reels, Jigs and Hornpipes to excite and educate in equal measure.The music and dance is interspersed with a spoken cultural background narrative, explaining the instruments' origins; describing the dances; the meaning of the songs; the history of figure and stepdancing which link to many other folk traditions. The program includes interactive rhythm games and participatory singing and dancing. It adheres to California Content Arts Standards. 

H20 Where Do You Go?

With music and comedy, this show answers the following questions:

• What is H2O?
• Where does drinking water come from and how does it get to my faucet at home?
• What is the water cycle?
• What are the three states of water?
• Why is conserving water important?
• How can we conserve water?

"I just wanted to let you know that the assembly here at Laurel Elementary was superb! The teachers and students genuinely enjoyed it, and it was very age-appropriate and of course, curriculum-appropriate. Thank you for an excellent assembly."

—Traci Galloway, SBRT, Laurel Elementary

Jim Cogan, Storyteller

Former Principal, Master-Teacher, PBS-Storytime presenter, and dynamic children’s artist-educator, Storyteller Jim Cogan has created a wide array of animated assemblies that creatively incorporate sound, movement, a myriad of facial expressions, and audience participation to engage students with the love of language and involve theme in several programs that help kids deal with difficult issues of today (Bullying, Red Ribbon, Character themes). Jim Cogan Storyteller’s literacy-based programs weave together folklore, fable, legend, myth, history, and personal stories in an individually designed format that incorporates powerful educational concepts and highlight various Standards in the California Framework. study guide

Selections include:

Participation Tales (K-3): Fully interactive assembly involving all in Jim’s physically animated storytelling style.

Literacy, Language, Lore (K-3, 4-6, MS): Character-rich, visually imaginative, vibrantly told stories to celebrate the many treasures of storytelling arts, love of language and lessons of lifelong iteracy.

Bringing Bullying to Bay (K-3, 4-6): Jim has designed two different programs for different age levels that use humorous and dramatic allegorical and true life stories to help students identify bullying behavior, empathize with the targeted victim and understand how immediate group action can protect all…no bystanders

The Language of Health (K–3, 4–6, and 7–8) is a collection of several, age-appropriate storytelling-based, interactive drug education programs that engage students in decison-making skills, problem-solving and lessons for a healthy life.

Family Evenings As you wish; individually designed to promote family storytelling or celebrate school events.

Many other specialized venues available such as:

Multicultural Magic (K-3, 4-6): The celebration of cultural diversity as a unifying force thru stories.

The Story of Character (K-3, 4-6, MS): Highlighting positive behavior through stories that celebrate universally respected character traits.

History is a Story Told Well (4-6, MS): Stories mixed with dramatic narrative that capture perspectives on California history, the Gold Rush, numerous themes in American history and lore.

Innovation and Invention (4-6, MS): Science Program: The story of the Industrial Revolution as seen through the lives of inventors that made it happen: how art and technology created the world of today.

John and Juan

John and Juan is a lively romp through the history of California, the Golden State Juan, a Mexican immigrant, and John, a native Californian, discover their common heritage as they humorously recreate famous characters and historic moments in California’s rich past. Beginning with Conquistadores, Juan brings to life early figures of the Hispanic exploration of Alta California. John, as one of the original “pobladores” or settlers of El Pueblo de Los Angeles is given a can of spam along with other provisions to start a city—an historical anachronism for sure, but these actors are willing to wink occasionally at reality to bring history to life! In the end, everyone will have a good time and learn along with John and Juan that we all have a part to play in the ongoing story of California.

John Zeretzke

John Zeretske (A World of Music, Goin’South, Salam and Ancient Grooves).

Professional Teacher Training: Exploration and Connections in the Visual and Performing Arts: 1.5 to 2 hours: $450; 2-4 hours: $550

A World of Music
1 assembly $550; 2 assemblies $750; 3 assemblies $900

With a new and revised show for the season, award-winning artist/educator, composer and world musician John Zeretzke will take you away with "A World of Music." From ancient nomadic double reed shawms to the Hungarian, goat-shaped bagpipe, this unique program will explore aspects of music from early civilizations to the present, including the electric-computerized Steinberger 5-string violin. Connections to modern day band, orchestra and popular instruments are high-lighted. Cultural and historical information is woven into this magical, musical journey. Performances are highly engaging as well as interactive.

A World of Strings
1 assembly $550; 2 assemblies $750; 3 assemblies $900

An exotic journey into the wonderful world of string instruments! Audiences will learn about innovations, new creations, unique designs and musical
wizardry within the land of string instruments, from the beginnings of the first bowed and plucked string instruments to modern acoustic and electrical variations. As an award-winning performer of arts education programs for over 28 years, master artist John Zerezke weaves a awe-inspiring trail for listeners to experience through this solo concert performance and instrument demostration. His rare collection of string instruments from around the globe will leave audience members thrilled, inspired and motivated to learn to play and hear more about the world of music around us.

Music, Art and Innovation with John Zeretzke
1 assembly $600; 2 assemblies $800; 3 assemblies $1100

From music boxes and hurdy gurdies to Theremins and synthesizers, the birth of mechanical and electric instruments paved the way to every innovation and modern design in music today. This performances combines music, visual art and scientific innovation to present a contemporary look at modern culture. Jimi Hendrix, John Cage, Kandinsky, Jackson Pollock, the loop recorder and more join forces to present a musical, scientific and visual arts performance. Wow!
study guide

Goin' South
1 assembly $925; 2 assemblies $1200; 3 assemblies $1400

Welcome to a home spun performance of foot stompin' Cajun music, back woods Appalachian mountain tunes, New Orleans street jazz, Zydeco music of the Creoles, the roots of blues and bottleneck guitar styles along with a host of other musical treats. Led by John Zeretzke, A Journey South is a one of a kind performance of music from the southeastern United States. The ensemble is composed of some of America's finest professional musicians artist/educators trained in the skills and techniques of the musical arts and sciences. This fascinating exploration and educational program will open student's minds and hearts into the history and roots of American music and our own unique traditional instruments of the south.

Salaamunca
1 assembly $925; 2 assemblies $12000; 3 assemblies $1400

The Salaam Ensemble brings together four famous and inspiring musical talents of the Arab-American music world in this outstanding performance of vocal and instrumental music from the middle and near east, a world of magical sounds that are unfamiliar in our every day lives here in America. Students will see and hear such ancient instruments as the oud (lute), ney (cane flute), kemence’ (bowed spike fiddle) and darabuka or dombek (goblet drum). These styles and forms of music have been heard throughout the middle and near east for thousands of years, delighting listeners of all ages. Story-telling, history, geography, personal and descriptive narrative are woven into this exotically rhythmic educational show. Audience participation is encouraged and guided by the performers during the show, which includes clapping traditional rhythmic patterns of eastern music and some ‘on stage’ music making with the performers.

Ancient Grooves
1 assembly $925; 2 assemblies $1200; 3 assemblies $1400

Ancient Grooves is a uniquely versatile ensemble of master musicians performing on musical instruments from around the world. The magic of the ensemble comes from the dazzling expertise and knowledge of its world acclaimed musicians. Each member brings to the ensemble an amazing array of skills, rare and exotic instruments, historic knowledge, musicianship and their personal stories and love of indigenous music to the concert stage.

Michael Katz

“Michael Katz launched into his first tale, silence reigned. Katz is a versatile performer and wonderful storyteller"

— Los Angeles Times.

1 assembly $545; 2 assemblies $725; 3 assemblies $950

Storyteller Michael Katz, a founding member of the popular BOXTALES storytelling/theater troupe, also presents several engaging assemblies featuring his own highly animated style of storytelling. Michael has been telling for 15 years, has performed throughout California and U.S., and hosts his own storytelling radio program on the South and Central Coast called "Katz Pajamas."

Tell me a Story Residency - Michael will be offering a storytelling residency that consists of 2 assemblies and 16 classroom workshops over a 4 week period for $1,9455. His 3 day residency includes 12 workshops and 2 assemblies, $1625. He also offers a two day residency that consists of 6 classroom workshops and two assemblies for $1025. The residencies are designed to offer students and teachers an in-depth experience in the art of storytelling. www.storytellermichael.com

Assembly Programs:

• What’s in a Story? In this show, Michael shares his love of stories and the breadth of what makes up the storytelling tradition by telling a wide variety traditions including multi-cultural folktales, myths, personal and original tales.
• Multicultural Folktales and Myths- Folktales from around the world.
• Ghost Stories- Age appropriate tales.
• Do the Right Thing- Multicultural tales which deal with consequences and morals learned from making good and bad choices.
• Jewish Folktales- Lively telling of folktales and original stories from the rich and hilarious Jewish storytelling tradition.
• Cuentos de Mexico - A new assembly with Michael Katz and Luis Perez to introduce students and staff to the power of storytelling and music as a way to communicate the richness of Mexican culture, cultural values, music and literacy. This bi-lingual show is comprised of three wonderful stories: The self-affirming myth from the Raramuri tribe of Northern Mexico called Tohui, an original magical tale by Luis Perez called The Mystery of the Iguana, and the hilarious folktale of Tia Miseria. The show features the amazing musical talent of Luis Perez along with the captivating storytelling style of Michael Katz. $1025 for one or two assemblies.

Michael McCarty - Storyteller

Known for his high-energy performances, Michael will take your students across the globe through story. Using humor, movement and spirited telling, Michael will captivate your students with his exciting program. video

Moira Smiley and VOCO

Moira Smiley & VOCO (vocals, cello, banjo) brings shimmering four-part vocal harmony, crooked rhythms and inventive instrumentals to original song. With vocal sounds called up from Sarajevo to Dublin, Appalachia to the Avant-garde, Moira Smiley & VOCO is about the voice – explored with unrivaled integrity and playfulness. VOCO pulls the audience in with laughter, participation, improvisation and percussive movement, and their joyous and moving story songs. Singing new spirituals, old ballads and dance-songs, these improvisors leap high across vocal bounds while cello and banjo weave in the funk and grace at the low end. In their school assembly programs, they show their playful use of the voice, and both the quirks and beauty of the banjo, accordion and cello. VOCO touches on the folk traditions that celebrate how people sing together (North American, Balkan, South African especially) – with harmony, improvisation, ornamentation. video

ON Ensemble

With the powerful rhythms of ensemble taiko music as its foundation, the On Ensemble combines musical and dance talents of its four members into unique and provocative performances. On Ensemble School Demo/Lectures provide a unique opportunity for students to be exposed to and learn about taiko drumming and its Japanese roots. The exciting, 50 minute presentation intersperses educational material with engaging and powerful music. Students learn about the various instruments of the ensemble , their names , and how these instruments changed as they made their way from ancient origins to their current use in ensemble taiko. Students learn and participate in the oral tradition of taiko, learning rhythms by vocalizing them. Students hear a range of compositions from heart-pounding, energetic to soothing and melodic. On Ensemble performances are tailored to provide students musical knowledge in an educational, engaging and exciting exposure to taiko drumming. video

The Perfect Gentlemen

The purpose of this educational show is to illustrate not only how music and harmony have changed over the last one hundred years but also how the public experiences music through the medium in which they receive it.  The show is crafted to take the audience on a musical journey through time, beginning with a re-creation of the classic American image by Norman Rockwell from the cover of the Saturday Evening Post called “Barbershop Quartet,” and ending with today's most popular form of commercial music, rap and hip-hop. www.theperfectgentlemen.us | video

Phil Briggs

The World in the Circus - Tracing the history of the circus from ancient Egypt, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas Circus arts come from everywhere. Drawing from his experience in the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus and his degree in Theatre from Duke University, Philip Briggs, as ringmaster, clown, juggler and acrobat will entertain and educate his audiences about the historical and cultural beginnings of this most eclectic art form.

Clowning with the Classics - A clown's interpretation of the works of Mozart, Bach and Beethoven Classical music remains an enduring part of our cultural landscape. Mr. Briggs (Epoxie the Clown) will transform from bumbling buffoon to triumphant hero through the inspiration of several classical compositions. Clown, juggling, plate spinning and rope walking routines will be performed to the works of Beethoven, Khachaturian, Copeland and others demonstrating the inspirational power of classical music

Pierre Cruzatte -
A Musical Journey on the Lewis and Clark Trail

The main navigator and most esteemed musician of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, Pierre Cruzatte comes to life in this one-man show written and performed by Daniel Slosberg. Playing fiddle, jaw harp, bones, spoons, and other instruments of the expedition, Slosberg takes you on an unforgettable musical voyage-with stops along the way for humorous and moving stories about the journey and Cruzatte's critical contributions to it. Formerly a musician with the nationally known Aman Folk Ensemble, Slosberg has performed and taught in hundreds of schools throughout the country. "Pierre Cruzatte" is suitable for audiences of all ages. A special program of music and song is available for younger children. video

Razzle-Bam-Boom / Beckwith & Thomas

Mark Beckwith and Obediah Thomas combine guitar, trumpet, banjo, vocals, percussion, humor, movement, juggling, and audience participation to create several distinctively different "edu-tational" shows for schools, libraries, and family venues. Four shows to choose from. video

All That Trash (ecology and recycling)
The musical-comedy All That Trash  features three characters: Professor Pile (played by Mark Beckwith), Tuba (played by Michael Heatherton) and a non-speaking puppet named Polly Ethylene (operated by Mr. Beckwith), who is made from recyclable materials.Faced with the problems of wasted natural resources and too much garbage, Professor Pile helps Tuba discover solutions such as reducing, reusing, recycling, and rethinking the future. The performers use song, humor, and audience participation to communicate and demonstrate concepts about conservation and science. An onstage video screen artistically displays photo collages.

History of Rock And Roll
The roots of Rock and Roll music go back much further than the Beatles, Little Richard or Elvis Presley. Through musical performance, humor, and audience participation, Razzle Bam Boom explores the early cultural influences that led to this 20th century phenomenon. This program is a great blend of fun, culture, and education.

200 Years of American Music
From Stephen Foster to George M. Cohan, from Fats Waller to John Philip Sousa, musician-performers, Beckwith & Thomas incorporate their own zany brand of humor as they sing and play their way back through time and across America. Bluegrass, Gospel, Hawaiian, Western, Jazz, Blues, Folk and Rock 'n Roll are performed with guitar, trumpet, banjo, and vocals. Audiences enjoy doing Cajon hambonin', singing contests, and watching surprise guests from the audience dance the Charleston or the Jitterbug. study guide

The Wright Brothers
As we approach 100 years of man in flight, Beckwith & Thomas present, with song and humor, the facts about Orville and Wilbur's quest. Beckwith & Thomas assemble a half-scaled, 20-foot wing span model of the original "Flyer" right on stage during the program. Peer pressure awareness and staying on a course of action are among the many character lessons taught and demonstrated in this lively musical program. The show is filled with plenty of laughs and audience participation. - primary grades study guide | secondary grades study guide

Viver Brasil, Dance and Music Company

This Los Angeles based ensemble was founded in 1997 and is committed to cultivating Afro-Brazilian dance and music traditions. The company has developed a body of work that represents the traditional and contemporary Afro-Brazilian dance and music experience. The company received the prestigious Lester Horton Dance Award in 2000 for outstanding achievement in a company performance/no-western dance. The performance is exciting, educational and entertaining with beautiful costumes, unusual instruments and acrobatics. www.viverbrasil.com | video

We Tell Stories

Folklore and fine literature come to life when We Tell Stories comes to town. With their old trunks full of costumes and props, their extemporaneous style, and their imaginative ways of involving the audience in every production, it is play along theater for young hearts. Since 1981, this multi-ethnic storytelling troupe has inspired thousands of audience members to say, "I could do that!" Titles available: The Soul of the Story, Cuentos de la Familia, Earth Tales, Let Them Eat Books, Asian Tales, Choosing My Way, Season of Giving, and On Our Feet in Open Court (stories from each grade level of the Open Court Reading series), etc. www.wetellstories.org | video