Over one-thousand intermediate school students from Dew, Fairfield, Teague and Wortham were entertained last week by ArtsPower National Touring Theatre.
The musical production, Chicken Dance, was presented at the Teague High School Theater and sponsored by Trinity Star Arts Council.
Chicken Dance was written by well-known children’s author, Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Caldecott Award winner, Dan Santat.
The colorful story of Marge and Lola portray two barnyard chickens on a mission to win the talent contest prize of two tickets to see the great Elvis Poultry.
They face challenges of bullying and must also present a performance that will score higher than a flock of very talented ducks.
Prior to the production, TSAC presented copies of Chicken Dance to all libraries in Freestone County and sent a curriculum guide ‘study buddy’ to teachers.
In addition, Fairfield’s AIM teacher, Rachel Bossier, provided a fun project for all FISD students in the classroom with Chicken Dance interactive role playing.
Since 1985, ArtsPower has grown into one of America’s largest and most active producers of professional theatre for young and family audiences.
Its professional touring productions have been seen by 12 million people in theaters across the United States including The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and Lincoln Center in New York.
“At ArtsPower, we are committed to enriching children’s lives through the performing arts,” said executive producer Gary Blackman. “By introducing our audiences to enthusiastic characters, children can see new possibilities in life and in themselves.”
“It is exciting to bring a national touring company to Freestone County that benefits so many students,” states TSAC director, Janie Richards.
Data shows arts education has a profound impact on elevating student success across the board, boosts graduation rates and results in higher pass rates on standardized tests.
