Peace Center announces 2016-17 Peace Outreach Program
August 4, 2016
GREENVILLE, SC – The Peace Center announces its 2016-2017 Peace Outreach Program (POP!), which reaches 56,000 parents, students and teachers annually through educational performances, workshops, master classes and more.
YOUTH PERFORMANCE SERIES
These educational performances are designed to coincide with curriculum for targeted grade levels, but tickets are available to anyone who would like to attend. All tickets are $10. The Youth Performance Series is sponsored by Duke Energy.
The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and the Hare
Oct. 10-12, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades Pre-K – 2; Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, STEM, Visual & Performing Arts
Featured on the hit show America’s Got Talent, the amazing Lightwire Theater brings two classic children’s tales to the stage in a unique display of brilliant colors, lights, movements and sounds.
Twelfth Night
Oct. 17-18, at 9:45 a.m. and noon
Grades 6-8; Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Performing Arts
Twelfth Night is a goofy, over-the-top, physical comedy-ridden Shakespearian story filled with love triangles, disguises, long lost siblings, silly pranks and colorful characters. In true Shakespearian comedy fashion, despite all the insanity, everything still manages to work itself out. This performance is produced by The Warehouse Theatre.
Mande Melody: West African Music and History
Oct. 20-21, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades 5-7 (Oct. 20), Grades 7-12 (Oct. 21); Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Performing Arts (Music), World Languages & Cultures
The Cradle of Jazz Project brings together three gifted Malian musicians and their West African instruments to play, celebrate and explore Mande musical traditions and culture – allowing students to discover important similarities to the blues and jazz styles made famous in the Southern United States.
Bill Blagg’s The Science of Magic
Oct. 26-28, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades 3-6; Curriculum Connections: Science, STEM
The Science of Magic takes students behind the curtains, smoke, mirrors and screens to show how science makes the impossible completely possible. Students use the Scientific Method to levitate a teacher, witness mind-blowing science-infused illusions, and learn how they can manipulate light and reflection to make homework disappear. This program is designed to excite, intrigue, educate, and most importantly, encourage students to start thinking outside the box.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Other Treasured Stories
Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 10 a.m. and noon
Grades Pre-K – 2; Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Visual and Performing Arts
With expert puppetry and stunning scenic design, children will be fascinated from start to finish as they learn to identify various colors and objects in Brown Bear, Brown Bear, are introduced to the lunar cycle in Papa, Please get the Moon for Me, and watch a caterpillar change into a beautiful butterfly in Eric Carle’s beloved classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. This hour-long performance is presented by the award-winning Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia.
Ball in the House
Nov. 21-22, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades 4-6 (Nov. 21), Grades 7-12 (Nov. 22); Curriculum Connections: Music
Covering the complete history and styles of a capella music, Ball in the House puts a modern, hip-hop-funk-soul-pop-infused spin on their tunes. Ball in the House couples Boyz II Men, The Temptations and Take 6 sensibilities with a pop/neo-soul influence a la Bruno Mars, Daft Punk or Pharrell. They’ve performed with some of the best artists in the world from The Beach Boys, to Gladys Knight, to Kool and the Gang.
Rock the Presidents
Jan. 9-10, 2017, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades 3-6; Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Performing Arts
This high-energy multi-media extravaganza takes a non-partisan look at what it means to be president. From George Washington to Barack Obama, the 44 men who rose to the highest office in the land are brought to life through rock, pop and folk music. This performance is produced by Childsplay of Tempe, Ariz.
David Gonzalez: Aesop Bops!
Jan. 11-12, 2017, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades Pre-K – 2; Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Performing Arts
Fast-paced and tons of fun, Aesop Bops! brings famous fables to life with live music, compelling drama and multi-media craziness from award-winning artist David Gonzalez. With a wide range of classic stories including The Lion and the Mouse, The Fisherman and his Wife, and The Turtle’s Shell, Gonzalez keeps young audiences on the edges of their seats with funky, physical story-telling and hilarious audience participation.
National Geographic Live Speaker Spencer Wells; The Human Journal – A Genetic Odyssey
Jan. 25, 2017, at 10 a.m.
Grades 7-12; Curriculum Connections: Science, Social Studies, AP & IB Global Themes & World Cultures
Spencer Wells is more than a geneticist, anthropologist, author, filmmaker or National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence… He’s also a detective. And he’s currently in the middle of one of the biggest investigations mankind has ever faced. Wells has decided to solve the mystery of human migration, and by utilizing DNA from indigenous peoples, he’s creating the first-ever map showing how humans populated the planet after leaving Africa some 60,000 years ago.
The Giver
Feb. 13-16, 2017, at 9:45 a.m. and noon
Grades 6-8; Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Performing Arts
Based on the award-winning novel of the same name, The Giver explores what it means to live a full life, showing how both the good things in life and the bad, are all worth it in the end. This production is produced by the National Players.
Ellis: Island of Dreams
Feb. 21-22, 2017, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades 4-8; Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Performing Arts, World Cultures
Ellis: Island of Dreams follows the story of immigrant families traveling long distances in search of the ever-elusive American Dream. It follows their trials, joys, heartbreaks and triumphs. And most importantly, it reestablishes the understanding that we are truly a nation of immigrants. This production is produced by Virginia Rep on Tour.
The Grapes of Wrath
Feb. 27-28, 2017, at 9:45 a.m. and noon
Grades 9-12; Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Performing Arts
When Tom Joad returns home from prison, he discovers the Dust Bowl has left his family farm in ruins. With nothing more to lose, Joad and his family pack up and head west to California in search of a better life. This powerful show was adapted from and includes text from Steinbeck’s original “Great American Novel,” taking the classic story of hope and perseverance during one of the worst times in American history, and bringing it to life on stage. This production is produced by the National Players.
Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live
March 2-3, 2017, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades K-5; Curriculum Connections: Science, Visual & Performing Arts
Brought to life by a team of skilled performers and puppeteers, and designed with the help of professional paleontologists, Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live’s puppets are so extraordinarily realistic you may feel the urge to run and hide – but don’t! Because you won’t want to miss a minute of this fun, unique, entertaining and educational live show created by Erth Visual & Physical of Sydney, Australia.
Soul Steps
March 6-7, 2017, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades 3-7 (March 6), Grades 7-12 (March 7); Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Performing Arts, World Cultures
Embracing the styles of traditional African-American step teams and incorporating Harlem Renaissance-era spoken word poetry, this non-stop, interactive display of percussion and dance will change the way you think about the human body. It’s more than a tool. It’s more than transportation. The human body is now a musical instrument and Soul Steps is here to teach you how to use it.
Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play
March 8-10, 2017, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades Pre-K – 2; Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Performing Arts
Based on the hilarious and ultra-fun children’s book by Mo Willems, The Kennedy Center’s We Are in a Play follows Elephant and Piggie on a ragtime musical adventure! They’ll use song and dance as they face new adventure, perilous predicaments, and answer important questions like, what does one wear to a fancy pool costume party? Should you share your ice cream? How can two friends play with one toy?
Mike Wiley’s Breach of Peace: Story of the Freedom Riders
March 27-28, 2017, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades 5-8; Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Performing Arts
In a sobering one-man show, Mike Wiley takes audiences back to Montgomery, Ala., in 1961 to follow the stories of Jean Thompson and her fellow Freedom Riders as they board a Trailways bus in an attempt to desegregate public transportation. Students will hear accounts from the surviving participants, some of the 300 people they inspired to do the same, and celebrate the individuals of various races who came together to fight injustice.
Mike Wiley’s Dar He: The Story of Emmett Till
March 29-30, 2017, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades 8-12; Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Performing Arts
When he stepped off the train from Chicago into the Mississippi Delta in 1955, 14-year-old Emmett Till made a mistake that ended up having fatal consequences. He whistled at a white woman. Mike Wiley’s solo show brings Till’s story to the stage using actual conversations with a Look Magazine journalist, Till’s mother, others who witnessed the events, and confessions from the men accused of his murder. This groundbreaking play examines everything from the murder, to the trial, and highlights a young African-American boy’s story that needs to be heard.
Project VOICE: Poetry and Spoken Word
April 6-7, 2017, at 10 a.m. and noon
Grades 3-7 (April 6), 7-12 (April 7); Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts, Performing Arts
Through award-winning spoken word poetry performances and innovative workshops, Project VOICE brings amazing artists like VOICE founder, co-director, TED Talk host and writer Sarah Kay to the stage, inspiring students to create, share and celebrate their own unique voices. Featuring Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye, this program leaves a lasting impression, promoting literacy, encouraging empathy, and helping students learn to work collaboratively with others in their classrooms and around their communities. This performance is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and South Carolina Arts Commission.
PEACE VOICES
With the Peace Center’s Poet-in-Residence, Glenis Redmond, at the helm, Peace Voices offers master classes and professional poetry readings for students and adults. Using poetry as a vehicle, attendees are encouraged to tell unique, personal stories, have important conversations and develop written and verbal skills. Tickets for Peace Voices events are free.
Poetic Conversations bring together guest poets to share their work on a common topic and start a poetic dialogue with audiences:
Nov. 16, 7 p.m. – The Gift of Gratitude, featuring Ross Gay and Glenis Redmond
Jan. 19, 2017, 7 p.m. – Speak Out for Equality, featuring Lamar Wilson and Mendy Knott, facilitated by Glenis Redmond
Feb. 9, 2017, 7 p.m. – More than Just a Month: Honoring African American History, featuring Marlanda DeKine and Glenis Redmond
April 6, 2017, 7 p.m. – Project VOICE: Celebrating National Poetry Month, featuring Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye, facilitated by Glenis Redmond; This performance is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and South Carolina Arts Commission.
Teen Workshops are led by Glenis Redmond and guest poets, allowing a space for teens to come together to write and express themselves creatively. Teens participating in the workshops will be invited to share their work in public poetry readings throughout the year.
Workshops 1-3:30 p.m. / Open Mic or Slam 4-5 p.m.
Sept. 24 – Teen Workshop and Poetry Open Mic, with guest poet Vera Gomez
Oct. 8 – Teen Workshop and Poetry Slam
Nov. 12 – Teen Workshop and Poetry Open Mic, with guest poet Terry Creech
Dec. 17 – Teen Workshop and Poetry Slam
Jan. 21, 2017 – Teen Workshop and Poetry Open Mic
Feb. 18, 2017 – Teen Workshop and Poetry Slam, with guest poet Ayodele Heath
March 25, 2017 – Teen Workshop and Poetry Open Mic
April 8, 2017 – Teen Workshop and Poetry Slam, with guest poet Kimberly Simms
May 20, 2017 – Teen Workshop and Poetry Open Mic
June 3, 2017 – Teen Workshop and Upstate Poetry Slam
July 10-11, 2017 – Two-day workshop, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. each day
Adult Workshops span a series of days and ask participants to mine their own personal histories as Glenis Redmond takes them through all stages of the writing process.
Series 1 – Sept. 20 and 27, Oct. 4 and 11 (Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30 p.m.)
Series 2 – May 16, 23 and 30, June 6, 2017 (Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm)
Teacher workshop – July 12, 2017, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
PEACE CHAMBER
From the curious music-lover to the chamber music enthusiast to musicians of all levels hungry to learn more, the Peace Chamber program provides music and music education to the upstate community. Artists from around the country join Artistic Director Miles Hoffman at the Peace Center to perform, teach, inspire, celebrate and ensure that chamber music is accessible to all. Peace Chamber is sponsored by Campbell Young Leaders.
Master Classes invite soloists and ensembles of all instrument types to receive coaching from Miles Hoffman, members of the American Chamber Players and invited guest artists.
Oct. 1 – 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Nov. 5 – 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
May 13, 2017 – 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Lectures, led by Miles Hoffman, are 90-minute talks that focus on themes of musical interest, offering classical insight.
Catching a Fly Ball: What Goes on in the Performer’s Mind During a Performance
Thursday, Sept. 15, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Huguenot Mill
Beethoven’s Ear: Understanding his Deafness and his Greatness
Thursday, Oct. 27, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Huguenot Mill
J.S. Bach was Handsome Once
Thursday, March 30, 2017, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Huguenot Mill
It May Lead to Dancing: Music and Dance, Partners in Passion
Thursday, April 20, 2017, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Huguenot Mill
Summer Workshop adult participants will be divided into small groups and will work closely with professional visiting artists, culminating in a showcase concert for friends and family.
July 20 – 23, 2017
SUMMER TEACHER INSTITUTE
June 12-16; June 19-23, 2017
Over two weeks, teachers from across the state meet at the Peace Center to learn how to bridge the gap between the arts and classroom curriculum.
CAMP BROADWAY
July 31-Aug. 4, 2017
Students spend a week with Broadway professionals singing, dancing and surrounding themselves with all things theater, culminating in a public performance.
PEACE TALKS
The Peace Talk series engages audiences in conversation and offers a behind-the-scenes look at performances at the Peace Center. Offered for all productions in the Broadway series and many other main stage productions, ticket buyers are invited to join and participate in lectures, discussions, cast member conversations and more, exploring the artists and art forms that make each show a success.
Visit www.peacecenter.org/community-engagement for the latest information about the Peace Center’s education and outreach programs.
Tickets for the Youth Performance Series go on sale on Monday, Aug. 15, at 10 a.m. and may be purchased by calling 864.467.3000 or 800.888.7768, in person at the Peace Center Box Office or online atwww.peacecenter.org. Registration for other POP programs will also be available that day.
For more information about the Peace Center and its upcoming events, visit www.peacecenter.org.
