PreK-3rd Grade
We use creative drama techniques to explore social issues with pre-K - 3rd grade in these 3-5 day residencies. This approach allows the children to participate in the process of the drama, as characters who help the teaching artists' characters work through a given conflict. In this way, they both learn and teach new skills, and strengthening their sense of community in their classroom and school. The curriculum are also set in foreign countries and incorporate some elements of that country's culture and language.

• Feria de Sevilla (Spain)- Conflict Resolution and Anger Management
  The children are performers in the Seville Fair, where they meet Sanchita, the jester, and Pepita, the puppeteer. After Pepita shares with the group a puppet show with fighting, they help her change the show by offering the puppets, and Pepita and Sanchita, ways to manage their anger and work through their conflicts.
  (Curriculum originally created by the Creative Arts Team at CUNY)

• The Magic Drum (Nigeria) - Fairness and Sharing
  Oba shares with the zebras, elephants and flamingos the story of the Magic Drum. When played a certain way, food appears! Ijapa, the turtle, tricks them into giving her the drum and then chooses which types of animals get to have food. The animals have to find a way to teach Ijapa why she should be fair and share food with all the animales.
  (Curriculum originally created by the Creative Arts Team at CUNY)

• Mouse & Tiger (India) - Bullying and Communication Skills
  The children, as Mice, meet Mouse and her best friends Tiger. Tiger tends to push Mouse around, bullying her without realizing it when they play. The mice explore this issue with puppets and come up with ways to discuss the problem with Tiger so that they can have a better relationship.

Upper Elementary and Middle School

• Kentucky History Alive!
  (3-5 day residency - Grades 3 or 4)
  In this exciting role-playing residency, students are guided in structured dramatic play to "live" alternately as the various Native American groups that have lived in our home state through the centuries, and as the pioneers who moved West from urban centers in the early 1800's. The participants explore and come to understand different cultures and customs through the acts of finding/building shelter, growing/hunting food, facing obstacles, and making decisions as a community.

• Travel by Night: The Underground Railroad
  (3 to 8 day residency - Grades 5-8)
  In this historical drama, students will learn about a dark chapter in our nation's history by exploring the actions of the brave individuals who worked relentlessly to bring slaves north to freedom. In this inspirational residency, students take on the roles of both slaves and abolitionists, using tableaux, role-play, song, creative movement, and visual art to relive a journey that passes through KY along the Underground Railroad.
• Power and Responsibility: The US Constitution
  (3-5 day residency - Grade 5. Adaptable for Grades 6-8)
  In this residency, students learn team-work, initiative, and public speaking skills, as well as experiencing the structure of both our state and federal governments! In role as the "Congress and Senate of the Commonwealth of the Fifth Grade," the student actors go through the process of drafting, proposing, defending, and ratifying a bill!

Middle/High School - Residencies

• The Crucible of Peer Pressure
  (5-10 day residency - Grades 8-12)
  This residency uses scene and character study from Arthur Miller's The Crucible as a jumping of point for student actors to explore the inter-personal dynamics of peer pressure and mob mentality: from 17th Century Salem, MA; to the political climate of the 1950's, to their present day environment and school community
  

• Creating Original Theatre with Young People
  (5-24 day residency - Grades 6-12)
  The LFL artists lead the group in discussing a social and/or historical theme. Students explore multiple perspectives on the chosen theme, while using research, original writing, movement, and improvisation to create an original performance. Students will gain an in depth understanding of the theme explored. They will develop theatre skills such as character building, movement, and playwriting as well as important life skills including building self-esteem, critical thinking skills, teamwork and healthy group dynamics.

Middle/High School Performances
Residencies with workshops exploring the content and themes of the performances with the students in the classroom are also available.

• Choices: An Interactive Play about Cyberbullying and Suicide
  (Grades 7-12)
  Actors perform a short play, telling the story of a teenage girl who is cyberbullied to the point of considering suicide. After the performance, the students in the audience have the opportunity to actively “discuss” Hannah's other options when dealing with her online bully. Students will be able to take Hannah's place in the play and act out their ideas, practicing how to deal with a cyberbully and how to get help if they or someone they know is considering suicide.

• Women of Will
  (Grades 8-12)
  Adapted and directed by company member Kathi E.B. Ellis, Women of Will is an assemblage of monologues and scenes, that explores some of the most powerful, passionate and intriguing women of Shakespeare's plays. Perfect fit for high school and university students doing a unit on Shakespeare.

• What My Hands Have Touched: The Experiences of American Women during World War II
  (Grades 8-12)
  A dynamic ensemble shares the compelling stories of U.S. women during World War II, exploring their myriad roles: as factory workers, nurses, pilots, USO performers and homemakers.

Custom Designed Residencies (Grades K-12)
We are also available to work with your school staff or community organizers to design a program that best fits the needs of your group.

• Other Curricular Residencies
  Fairytales and/or Folktales
  Solar System
  Colonial History
  World War II
• Social issue residencies
  Suicide Prevention
  Cyberbullying
  Peer Pressure
  Conflict Resolution & Anger Management
  Body Image and Self-Esteem
  Stereotyping

Professional Development

We also offer a variety of Professional Development opportunities. Training options include leading drama activities, integrating drama into curriculum, exploring social themes through drama, Bringing storybooks to life, interactive storytelling, creating and implementing a role drama lesson plan based on a storybook or theme.