Hey all Kids Creative fans, let us hear you clap your hands. Clap, clap, clap.
Don't let the cold weather distract you, summer camp is almost here.
Experience peace education first hand. Register for Summer Camp 2009 right here.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Pictures from the 10th B-Day Party
Thanks to everyone who supported our 10th Birthday party. Check out these pictures and stay tuned for more updates soon. If you have more pics from the party, please send them to us, happybirthday@kidscreative.org. Pictures are courtesy of Erin Gleeson, www.eringleeson.com. Peace.
Kids from Summer '08 perform "Donut Brain Aliens"
Roger from PS 191 leads the crowd in the "David Hasselhoff" cheer
Artwork from all Kids Creative schools was up around the room. These cakes are from PS 191.
KC Board Member Karen in front of birthday wishes from MSC.
The kids of Rock N Roll Theater at Heschel perform a scene from "The Square Head and I"
They also performed a scene from their newest play, which is still untitled.
The kids of Summer Camp '08 performed 5 songs!!!
Yummy cake from the bake sale. Thanks to all who contributed.
Kids from Summer '08 perform "Donut Brain Aliens"
Roger from PS 191 leads the crowd in the "David Hasselhoff" cheer
Artwork from all Kids Creative schools was up around the room. These cakes are from PS 191.
KC Board Member Karen in front of birthday wishes from MSC.
The kids of Rock N Roll Theater at Heschel perform a scene from "The Square Head and I"
They also performed a scene from their newest play, which is still untitled.
The kids of Summer Camp '08 performed 5 songs!!!
Yummy cake from the bake sale. Thanks to all who contributed.Friday, November 14, 2008
Video by KC alum, now Broadway stars
To see pictures of the 10th Anniversary event, click here.
We're incredibly excited to get birthday wishes from Kids Creative alumni Laurissa Romain and Luka Kain, now stars in Broadway's "South Pacific". Laurissa was in Kids Creative after school at PS 191 and Create-A-Play Summer Camp and Luka was in Create-A-Play after school at PS 87. Thanks so much and congrats on all of your success. Video equipment graciously provided by the Manhattan Neighborhood Network as part of the 2008 Tactical Media Toolkit Grant program. Stay tuned for Kids Creative TV on MNN!!!!
We're incredibly excited to get birthday wishes from Kids Creative alumni Laurissa Romain and Luka Kain, now stars in Broadway's "South Pacific". Laurissa was in Kids Creative after school at PS 191 and Create-A-Play Summer Camp and Luka was in Create-A-Play after school at PS 87. Thanks so much and congrats on all of your success. Video equipment graciously provided by the Manhattan Neighborhood Network as part of the 2008 Tactical Media Toolkit Grant program. Stay tuned for Kids Creative TV on MNN!!!!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
More reminiscing: play summaries from 2005
We continue the celebration: 10 years of Create-A-Play. Here are some play summaries from way back in 2005--yes, they did already happen and they were awesome. If you're looking to see Create-A-Play, come Create-A-Play's 10th Birthday Bash, Sunday, November 16 from 3-5 PM.
THE TAKEOVER OF THE VAMPIRE ROBOTS
Friday, June 10, 2005
WHERE: The A.J. Heschel School
(89th Street, Btwn B’way and West End)
WHEN: 2:30 PM
Cost: FREE
Create-A-Play is a class at The Heschel After School Program
In their Bad Guy lair, King Vampire Robot and Piggy are plotting about taking over all of the towns so that they can rule the world. However, their quest to hypnotize meets resistance from many sources, including Miss Complaint and her son Alex U-Bet. Who will succeed? Stop in to see for yourself.
VILLAIN AND THE SCHOOL
Thursday, June 16, 2005
WHERE: The Auditorium at IS 98 (1401 Emmons Ave, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn)
WHEN: 12:45 PM
Cost: FREE
Create-Your-Future is in residence at IS 98, The Bay Academy of Arts and Sciences.
A baby villain has come to the school to overpower its inhabitants. During this journey Baby Villain entraps two of the school's most unlikely of partnerships - the "Popular Girls" and the so-called, "Unpopular Girls". They must put their adolescent differences aside and ban together to defeat Baby Villain. Trapped, will they all escape? Come find out.
THE CRYSTALS AND THE MISERY
Monday, June 20, 2005
WHERE: The Auditorium at PS 191 (61st Street and Amsterdam)
WHEN: 4:15
Cost: FREE
This year at PS 191 was made possible by NY City Council Member Gale Brewer and The Ben Appelbaum Foundation.
There is a precious crystal of enormous power, and evil guy about town DR. DINO has obtained the most important one! Saviors of the galaxy, the TEDDY TITANS, hatch a plan to get it back, disguising themselves as a television commercial for a new crystal. Throughout this exciting bait and switch our heroes are aided by a mischievous cookie monster and the Wizard, as well as a hug-giving creature that everyone loves, but runs from anyway. Stop by and enjoy the fun.
TEAMWORK!
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
WHERE: The Auditorium at PS 11 (21st Street Between 8th and 9th Aves.)
WHEN: 4:00
Cost: FREE
Create-A-Play at the PS 11 Afterschool Program was sponsored in part by State Senator Thomas Duane.
All the superheroes and Super-villains board a plane to a reunion getaway. A battle between good and evil breaks out onboard, leaving no one actually piloting the plane. After a hair-raising set of turbulence, everyone parachutes off of the doomed passenger jet. They land on an island where Ragjohn Square Pants steals everyone’s powers as a way to get back at them for never throwing him a birthday party. However, he neglects to steal Namow Rednow’s magic wand, which they all band together to give a No Good Reason Party. Will Ragjohn accept this party? Come by to find out.
HOLY CHOCOLATE! THERE'S NO CHOCOLATE
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
WHERE: The Auditorium at PS 40 (20th Street Between 1st and 2nd Aves.)
WHEN: 4:15
Cost: FREE
Rock N Roll Theater is in residence at Club 40, brought to you by Wingspan Arts.
In a world dependent on chocolate for power, disaster is about to strike! A group of bad guys decide that they will steal all the chocolate and the bakers who make it. The people of Chocolateville, losing energy by the minute, must band together to save the day. Will Chocolate survive another delicious challenge?
AMAZING EXPLORATIONS AND TALKATIVE TALK SHOW HOSTS
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
WHERE: The Auditorium at PS 41 (11th Street Between 6th and 7th Aves.)
WHEN: 4:30
Cost: FREE
Rock N Roll Theater is in residence at the PS 41 Afterschool Program.
Chuck O'Lenno, a prolific talk show host, decides to follow a group of explorers as they travel through the universe. Unfortunately, what is supposed to be the journey of a lifetime turns awry when the journeyers are framed for kidnapping. They must play baseball against Ebab Htur, venture to the Magic Galaxy and eventually enlist the help of their enemies Team G in order to stop the kidnappers. Will they succeed? Watch the play and find out.
DON'T GO BROKE!
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
WHERE: The Auditorium at PS 11 (21st Street Between 8th and 9th Aves.)
WHEN: 4:00
Cost: FREE
Rock N Roll Theater at the PS 11 AfterSchool Program is sponsored in part by NY City Council Member Christine Quinn.
In an effort to not be broke, our heroes try to put on a street performance of dance and become incredibly rich. However, no one can dance, so they take a boat to Jamaica to capture the best dancer in the West Indies. Unfortunately they capture the wrong guy and they get booed off the street. They meet an inventor who makes a “make it so you can dance” machine and we, the audience, are treated to an amazing show. Watch the dancers show off their moves!
THE GOLDEN DRAGON ROBOT AND THE BATTLE OF THE BANDS
WHERE: The P.S. 87 Auditorium
(78th Street btwn. Amsterdam and Columbus)
WHEN: Wed. June 22nd at 4pm
Create-A-Play is in residence at the PS 87 Afterschool Program.
During the famous "Battle of the Bands," the Golden Dragon Robot and his team are trying to steal the famous "Golden Guitar in the Shape of a Crown." If he succeeds, it will throw the world into chaos. Come watch as the rock stars and the superheroes try to use their incredible conflict resolution powers to save the day!
THE WEATHER SPRAYERS AND THE THREE FAMILIES OF EARTH
WHERE: The P.S. 87 Auditorium
(78th Street btwn. Amsterdam and Columbus)
WHEN: Thursday, June 23rd at 4pm
Rock N Roll Theater is in residence at the PS 87 Afterschool Program. All is well on Earth. The weather, controlled by the "Weather Sprayers," is functioning perfectly. In fact, things are so perfect that the families of earth decide to have a party. Unfortunately, The Zig Zag family is left out in a very strange moment of miscommunication. Suddenly, the three families start to fight, which, in turn, ruins the weather. Join us and see how the characters try to work through their problems, restore earth to normal and have a party for everyone.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Kids Creative Ruminations: The Rewards and Challenges of Teaching with Kids Creative
Adam here.I was inspired to write this e-mail after exciting visits to each of our after school sites and conversations with teacher, parents and kids. No matter what medium we use to fulfill our mission, the teachers all share the rewards, the challenges and the importance of being a Kids Creative teacher.
The rewards:
During my visits, I have seen kids who are incredibly excited to be part of making THEIR ideas come to life through music, theater, art, video, dance, or a combo of them all. That is our reward.
I still remember a few years ago when a 6-year-old left Create-A-Play camp after spending the day working on her play and said to her mother, "Mommy, I feel like I'm exercising my brain every day." Her mom has been involved with Kids Creative ever since. That is our reward
Now, even if you don't have a 6-year-old student who is that articulate, you can see the reward in their smiles, their interactions with you and the other kids, their excitement at having someone who listens to them and you can see the reward when the kids help each other out to reach a common goal.
When we founded Kids Creative, we didn't create our 6 C's (http://www.kidscreative.org/pages/our6cs) and then go out and test it out on kids. The Kids Creative philosophy is something that has grown organically over the last 10 years of working with kids, their imaginations and the group creation process. We find that if we're all challenged to reach a common goal (creating a play, a dance, a book, a song, etc.), there is only one way we can accomplish it. We have to work together, resolve conflicts that arise, cooperate and put in our best effort to perform. We have found that the best way to do that is to think outside the box. Each child will gain confidence in their ability to contribute if they know that everyone is working towards a common goal and that their ideas are valued by every member of the group. Many parents have told us that they are so impressed with how we are able to get their children to use their minds and to get up and sing/dance/act/have fun. That is our reward, and it's theirs too.
The challenge:
Our ultimate goal (and our challenge) is encouraging everyone to use their own creativity to help make a more peaceful world. We may not know the issues that our kids deal with during the school day or at home, but we can be their guide, their role model, their teacher and their friend. When it comes to creativity, we MUST be excited to hear their ideas, to encourage their imaginations and to want to watch them grow. Who knows, they may constantly be encouraged at home and in school to express themselves, to be confident and to think outside the box. But think, what if you are the only person that they see all day or even all week who gets excited to hear what they have to say? Our work is that important. Though we may not see the fruits of our labor every day, believe me, they are there.
In conversations with Kids Creative teachers, many say that the brainstorm is their favorite part (I know it's mine). Teachers Suzu and Alexis were just talking yesterday about how their summer camp group grew following the brainstorm. A group that started off in cliques (the older kids, the 191 kids, the MSC kids) immediately started to break down those barriers when they were challenged to share ideas and work together. And those friendships were not just in the classroom, but on the playground, on field trips and more.
The biggest challenge? How do you get kids to work together to create? This requires a very extensive answer that is in our curricula, but in short, be really excited about all ideas and activities. And do not allow teasing or even fake teasing. One of the reasons that we tease (even as adults) is that we feeling a lack of confidence and the need to "bring others down". It can be fun, sure...for the person who teases or those who watch and sometimes even for the person who is teased. But what happens when it strikes a nerve? We start to question ourselves, our ideas and our abilities or we lash out. We should definitely challenge others and be challenged ourselves to think critically, but if we're doubting our own ideas and abilities, we are less likely to be able to even think critically. Although it is at times a very difficult rule to enforce, the rewards for making sure the kids know they won't be teased at Kids Creative will be great. A group that is able to work together, to value each other's ideas and to challenge each other to grow and think critically is a group that can succeed at just about anything.
In my visits, I have seen an incredible energy and enthusiasm for the children, the groups, their ideas and the art, music, dance, theater, whatever the vehicle for reaching the greater mission of Kids Creative. Thank you to all of the teachers for your hard work and keep it up. We look forward to watching these unique creations grow.
The rewards:
During my visits, I have seen kids who are incredibly excited to be part of making THEIR ideas come to life through music, theater, art, video, dance, or a combo of them all. That is our reward.
I still remember a few years ago when a 6-year-old left Create-A-Play camp after spending the day working on her play and said to her mother, "Mommy, I feel like I'm exercising my brain every day." Her mom has been involved with Kids Creative ever since. That is our reward
Now, even if you don't have a 6-year-old student who is that articulate, you can see the reward in their smiles, their interactions with you and the other kids, their excitement at having someone who listens to them and you can see the reward when the kids help each other out to reach a common goal.
When we founded Kids Creative, we didn't create our 6 C's (http://www.kidscreative.org/pages/our6cs) and then go out and test it out on kids. The Kids Creative philosophy is something that has grown organically over the last 10 years of working with kids, their imaginations and the group creation process. We find that if we're all challenged to reach a common goal (creating a play, a dance, a book, a song, etc.), there is only one way we can accomplish it. We have to work together, resolve conflicts that arise, cooperate and put in our best effort to perform. We have found that the best way to do that is to think outside the box. Each child will gain confidence in their ability to contribute if they know that everyone is working towards a common goal and that their ideas are valued by every member of the group. Many parents have told us that they are so impressed with how we are able to get their children to use their minds and to get up and sing/dance/act/have fun. That is our reward, and it's theirs too.
The challenge:
Our ultimate goal (and our challenge) is encouraging everyone to use their own creativity to help make a more peaceful world. We may not know the issues that our kids deal with during the school day or at home, but we can be their guide, their role model, their teacher and their friend. When it comes to creativity, we MUST be excited to hear their ideas, to encourage their imaginations and to want to watch them grow. Who knows, they may constantly be encouraged at home and in school to express themselves, to be confident and to think outside the box. But think, what if you are the only person that they see all day or even all week who gets excited to hear what they have to say? Our work is that important. Though we may not see the fruits of our labor every day, believe me, they are there.
In conversations with Kids Creative teachers, many say that the brainstorm is their favorite part (I know it's mine). Teachers Suzu and Alexis were just talking yesterday about how their summer camp group grew following the brainstorm. A group that started off in cliques (the older kids, the 191 kids, the MSC kids) immediately started to break down those barriers when they were challenged to share ideas and work together. And those friendships were not just in the classroom, but on the playground, on field trips and more.
The biggest challenge? How do you get kids to work together to create? This requires a very extensive answer that is in our curricula, but in short, be really excited about all ideas and activities. And do not allow teasing or even fake teasing. One of the reasons that we tease (even as adults) is that we feeling a lack of confidence and the need to "bring others down". It can be fun, sure...for the person who teases or those who watch and sometimes even for the person who is teased. But what happens when it strikes a nerve? We start to question ourselves, our ideas and our abilities or we lash out. We should definitely challenge others and be challenged ourselves to think critically, but if we're doubting our own ideas and abilities, we are less likely to be able to even think critically. Although it is at times a very difficult rule to enforce, the rewards for making sure the kids know they won't be teased at Kids Creative will be great. A group that is able to work together, to value each other's ideas and to challenge each other to grow and think critically is a group that can succeed at just about anything.
In my visits, I have seen an incredible energy and enthusiasm for the children, the groups, their ideas and the art, music, dance, theater, whatever the vehicle for reaching the greater mission of Kids Creative. Thank you to all of the teachers for your hard work and keep it up. We look forward to watching these unique creations grow.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Happy 10th Birthday Create-A-Play
In September, Create-A-Play turned 10 years old. We will be celebrating all year long, beginning with a Birthday Party on Sunday, November 16 at Fordham U at Lincoln Center. You are all invited to join.
In the meantime, we went into the archives and laughed when we found these summaries of plays that we created and performed in 2002-2003.
“The Saga of the Magic Cube”
The people of Blah Blah Houston Rollerface Planet are really hot, so they build a magic cube, which cools down most of the planet, except for the Empro Dragons. The Empro Dragons steal the Magic Cube so that they can be comfortable. What will the people do? Come next Thursday and see for yourself.
“The Six Island Deep Sea Adventure”
Wall Town is located at the top of a stack of 6 towns in an underwater desert. All of the power in Wall Town has gone out and the people are very hot because their air conditioning does not work. The Baby Robots of Wall Town venture to Sunnyville to take the sun and use it for power. Come find out if they are successful!
“The Island that Forgot Time”
One thousand years ago on the Island That Forgot Time, Genius and his three sons put their power into a ring so that the island would remember time again. However, as the years pass, everyone forgets about Genius. Now, the Mayor of the Rings guards the ring. One day, the Mayor gets a bad feeling and goes to check on the ring, only to find Genius and his sons stealing it. After a wild conflict, we learn that Genius is not actually stealing the ring, but instead trying to restore its power. You won’t want to miss the resolution to this conflict!
“The Search and Rescue of Genius Backpack”
Genius Backpack and her friends always watch the television show Looby World. Unfortunately, one day, when Genius Backpack is enjoying the show, she is actually sucked into the television and transformed into Evil Backpack who steals towns by stuffing them into her backpack. Come find out what Genius’ friends do to rescue her!
“Project Uh Oh Oh Uh”
The Land of Uh Oh Oh Uh is being taken over by Donut Brain Aliens who are eating the houses and stealing the sun. Wizards and superheroes from Wallage the Water College dig underneath ground to help. Come watch how they convince the Donut Brain Aliens to help put the sun back together and to stop eating all of the houses.
“The Adventures of Big Head and Little Head”
Grandpa and Lead Cousin Ted come back from the past and Grandpa, who has a giant head, lands on the ground. His head creates a huge crater that fills with giant bugs. This causes the world to spin backward and everyone is turning into infants again. It is up to Big Head, Little Head and their friends to move the bugs out of the crater and save Stripe World. Join us to see if they succeed.
In the meantime, we went into the archives and laughed when we found these summaries of plays that we created and performed in 2002-2003.
“The Saga of the Magic Cube”
The people of Blah Blah Houston Rollerface Planet are really hot, so they build a magic cube, which cools down most of the planet, except for the Empro Dragons. The Empro Dragons steal the Magic Cube so that they can be comfortable. What will the people do? Come next Thursday and see for yourself.
“The Six Island Deep Sea Adventure”
Wall Town is located at the top of a stack of 6 towns in an underwater desert. All of the power in Wall Town has gone out and the people are very hot because their air conditioning does not work. The Baby Robots of Wall Town venture to Sunnyville to take the sun and use it for power. Come find out if they are successful!
“The Island that Forgot Time”
One thousand years ago on the Island That Forgot Time, Genius and his three sons put their power into a ring so that the island would remember time again. However, as the years pass, everyone forgets about Genius. Now, the Mayor of the Rings guards the ring. One day, the Mayor gets a bad feeling and goes to check on the ring, only to find Genius and his sons stealing it. After a wild conflict, we learn that Genius is not actually stealing the ring, but instead trying to restore its power. You won’t want to miss the resolution to this conflict!
“The Search and Rescue of Genius Backpack”
Genius Backpack and her friends always watch the television show Looby World. Unfortunately, one day, when Genius Backpack is enjoying the show, she is actually sucked into the television and transformed into Evil Backpack who steals towns by stuffing them into her backpack. Come find out what Genius’ friends do to rescue her!
“Project Uh Oh Oh Uh”
The Land of Uh Oh Oh Uh is being taken over by Donut Brain Aliens who are eating the houses and stealing the sun. Wizards and superheroes from Wallage the Water College dig underneath ground to help. Come watch how they convince the Donut Brain Aliens to help put the sun back together and to stop eating all of the houses.
“The Adventures of Big Head and Little Head”
Grandpa and Lead Cousin Ted come back from the past and Grandpa, who has a giant head, lands on the ground. His head creates a huge crater that fills with giant bugs. This causes the world to spin backward and everyone is turning into infants again. It is up to Big Head, Little Head and their friends to move the bugs out of the crater and save Stripe World. Join us to see if they succeed.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Upcoming Summer Camp Final Performances
Create-A-Play Summer Camp Final Performances NEXT WEEK:
Join us for the BIGGEST Kids Creative Performances of the Year
Come see FOUR brand new musicals created and performed by the Create-A-Play campers, Grades K-7
Tuesday, August 5, 5:00-7:30 PM
Wednesday, August 6, 5:00-7:30 PM
Thursday, August 7, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Friday, August 8, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
in the Auditorium at PS 191, 210 West 61st Street at Amsterdam Avenue
Suggested donation of $5
The Four Original Productions
“The Adventures of Simon Petrusky”--Simon is part of a reality TV show where everyone in his world is turned into a Monkey. How will he cope?
(Tuesday and Thursday)
“Yuckyman and the Power of QIOS”--A wild strain of Poison Ivy is making everyone itchy and scratchy and they must all turn to Very Clean Guy, the Undercover Secret Agent Dentist and more to help. Will they succeed?
(Wednesday and Thursday)
“Lettuce World, The Musical aka The World Food Shortage and the Cumulative Effects on Monsters, Ultimate Ball and the People of Earth”--
Our story begins with some world class reportage
about ultimate ball and the world food shortage
word on the street is that people are sad
we need to do something, things are looking quite bad
Will a journey from Monster World to Lettuce World save the day?
(Wednesday and Friday)
“The Story of the Mystical, Organic Milk from Mars”--Good and Bad Mermaids, Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, and more are in a fight over Organic Milk from Mars that has special powers and they need the Wolf Spy to come help solve their major conflict.
(Tuesday and Friday)
Also featuring a Public Service Announcement about Women's Rights from Create-A-Dream/Border Crossers and amazing videos by the Rock Stars.
Join us for the BIGGEST Kids Creative Performances of the Year
Come see FOUR brand new musicals created and performed by the Create-A-Play campers, Grades K-7
Tuesday, August 5, 5:00-7:30 PM
Wednesday, August 6, 5:00-7:30 PM
Thursday, August 7, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
Friday, August 8, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
in the Auditorium at PS 191, 210 West 61st Street at Amsterdam Avenue
Suggested donation of $5
The Four Original Productions
“The Adventures of Simon Petrusky”--Simon is part of a reality TV show where everyone in his world is turned into a Monkey. How will he cope?
(Tuesday and Thursday)
“Yuckyman and the Power of QIOS”--A wild strain of Poison Ivy is making everyone itchy and scratchy and they must all turn to Very Clean Guy, the Undercover Secret Agent Dentist and more to help. Will they succeed?
(Wednesday and Thursday)
“Lettuce World, The Musical aka The World Food Shortage and the Cumulative Effects on Monsters, Ultimate Ball and the People of Earth”--
Our story begins with some world class reportage
about ultimate ball and the world food shortage
word on the street is that people are sad
we need to do something, things are looking quite bad
Will a journey from Monster World to Lettuce World save the day?
(Wednesday and Friday)
“The Story of the Mystical, Organic Milk from Mars”--Good and Bad Mermaids, Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, and more are in a fight over Organic Milk from Mars that has special powers and they need the Wolf Spy to come help solve their major conflict.
(Tuesday and Friday)
Also featuring a Public Service Announcement about Women's Rights from Create-A-Dream/Border Crossers and amazing videos by the Rock Stars.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Snippets of What We've Created
The Following are scenes from the After School Plays we're performing this June, written and performed by the kids
"THE SQUARE HEAD AND I", SCENE 2:
On Tishonka and WitCo Airlines
Buddy: I sure hope nobody sits between us.
In walks Norman, a large individual with a strangely square head. He pushes his way into his seat between Buddy and the other passenger.
Over the Loud Speaker: Welcome to today's flight. It is a full flight, so please stop asking for open seats. For our meal service, in First Class, anything you want. In coach, moldy bread.
Cue fashion model, walking in, talking loudly on her cell phone, looking at Norman in disgust.
Fashion Model: To Norman. That outfit is hideous. To the person on the cell phone. Oh, no, not you darling, though that outfit was hideous. Oh, I don't know, some enormously fat bloke with a huge square head.
Norman: Hey, it's just a haircut. Everything on stage freezes and Norman stands up. It's not a hair cut.
SONG: MY HEAD IS SQUARE (by the Dirty Sock Funtime Band)
My head is square (His head is square)
It ain't no fair (It ain't no fair)
It's really rare (It's really rare)
Unless you count mon petit freire
"DONUT-A-LICIOUS", SCENE 4:
Donut Princess Josephina: A mess or a giant garbage can.
Donut Princess Josephine: Boy, where are we?
Donut Princess Josephine: Look at how dirty the ceiling is, it’s all covered in dust, I don’t even think this place has a real roof!
Donut Princess Josephina: Why did the popcorn man send us here?
Donut Princess Josephine: I am really smart but that is a question I have no idea what the answer is.
Suddenly, the place becomes alive. It turns out it's a Secret Laboratory.
SONG: Secret Laboratory (by the Dirty Sock Funtime Band)
THERE IS A PLACE WHERE MONKEY’S LIKE TO TALK
AND MAGIC POTIONS GROW ON TREES NOT A BEAN STALK
HYPNOTIZING MACHINES ON THE SIDEWALK
IT’S A SECRET LABORATORY
"LEGENDS OF THE FAT CASTLE", SCENE 1:
SONG: Phat Castle (By Jon Roberts)THERE IS A PLACE WHERE MONKEY’S LIKE TO TALK
AND MAGIC POTIONS GROW ON TREES NOT A BEAN STALK
HYPNOTIZING MACHINES ON THE SIDEWALK
IT’S A SECRET LABORATORY
"LEGENDS OF THE FAT CASTLE", SCENE 1:
This is a story bout a lilypad and a princess and a dog and some frogs
and a little Phat Castle in Australia
(Dance Break)
and a little Phat Castle in Australia WHOAHHH!
and a little Phat Castle in Australia WHOAHHH!
and a little Phat Castle! Hey!
Before we get started now I got a question bout how
All the frogs keep on jumping on the lilypads
When the lilypad's so small and the frogs are as big as a log
What's the Deal?
What's the Deal?
Why don't they all fall in the water? WHOAHHH!
They must be magic frogs!
They must be magic frogs! Yeah!
They must be magic frogs!
They must be magic frogs! Yeah!
This is a story bout a lilypad and a princess and a dog and some frogs
and a little Phat Castle in Australia
(Dance Break)
and a little Phat Castle in Australia WHOAHHH!
and a little Phat Castle in Australia WHOAHHH!
and a little Phat Castle! Hey!
(In the forest)
Frog: Oh no! The evil Wizard and the cockroach are going to catch us!
Frog Princess: Let’s split up.
(Frog hops off stage. Princess frog continues to hop around. After a count of 10, the Wizard appears.)
Wizard: Ahh! I got you! (Wizard captures the Princess Frog) I’m going to smash you and grind up your bones and turn you into soup! Ha ha ha!
Princess Frog: No! Let me go! Please!
Wizard: Oh, okay.
(Wizard lets Princess Frog go for a count of 3 and captures her again)
Wizard: Ha, ha ha! I tricked you! Now your going to my secret lair!
Princess Frog: No, no! Let me go!
THE TSUNAMI STRIKES: FASHION DESIGNERS AND SUPER HEROS SAVE THE DAY", SCENE 3:
Syreta: Lets take a bus to the tsunmai.
Sabbah: No lets take a limo.
Limo Driver: Watch out, everybody in.
Oprah: Let's go, let's go.
Fashion designer 1: okay!
Fashion designer 2: I think this is going to work. We have to tell the world about the threat of the tsunami.
Fashion designer 3: I can't wait to see the wall that they put up to stop the floods.
Fashion designer 4: I'm scared.
Fashion designer 5: I can't beleive we're going to help save the world!
Narrator: Unfortunately the limo ride took a really really long time....
Syreta: Lets take a bus to the tsunmai.
Sabbah: No lets take a limo.
Limo Driver: Watch out, everybody in.
Oprah: Let's go, let's go.
Fashion designer 1: okay!
Fashion designer 2: I think this is going to work. We have to tell the world about the threat of the tsunami.
Fashion designer 3: I can't wait to see the wall that they put up to stop the floods.
Fashion designer 4: I'm scared.
Fashion designer 5: I can't beleive we're going to help save the world!
Narrator: Unfortunately the limo ride took a really really long time....
SONG: I'M SO SUPER BORED (By Jon Roberts and the kids of PS 191)
I"m so super bored
I wanna take a sword and stick it in the floor
I wanna call my mom on a calculator
And when I find her run down the escalator
I'm so super bored (Super bored! Super bored!)
I'm so super bored (Super bored! Super bored!)
I'm so super bored (Super bored! Super bored! Super Bored!!!)
(Dance Break)
I'm so super bored
I wanna play a chord and then I wanna roar
I wanna find my friends at the super store
and when I find 'em tell 'em I'm super bored!
I'm so super bored (Super bored! Super bored!)
I'm so super bored (Super bored! Super bored!)
I'm so super bored (Super bored! Super bored! Super Bored!!!)
ACT 2
Scene 1:
Saphire: Everything is destroyed, there is water everwhere.
Old Lady: Tsunami, you are evil, you have ruined peoples homes.
Old Man: Next time we shall be prepared.
Saphire: We'll spread the word and come up with a new design.
Scene 2:
Oprah: Today we have the fsahion designers back on the show and special guests the superheroes to help us prepare for the next disaster.
SH1: We have some ideas to help prepare for the next disaster.
SH2: Get fit so you can run!
Old Man: There is a special telephone you humans can use to reach us but old lady is the only one who can use it. Learn where Old Lady lives and also learn to find me as I can teleport in time.
Fashion designer 1 (Sierrah): Recycle!
Fashion designer 2 (Daphne): Save energy by turning off your lights before you leave the house.
Fashion designer 3 (Donice): Stop pollution, walk more and stop using cars...unless you have to go really far.
Sabbah: Donate clothes.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
A visit from James of Peace Links, Sierra Leone
We want to share with you a special experience that happened recently at one of our schools, PS 191. We were lucky enough to have James Hallowell, a representative of the incredible group Peacelinks from Freetown, Sierra Leone, speak with our Create-A-Dream after school class. James told us about his work with local youth in Freetown, especially with former child combatants. Peacelinks was created by a former child soldier after the civil war in Sierra Leone as a way to give youth an alternative to returning to a life of violence. James was brought to New York City as a visiting scholar at the International Center for Tolerance Education (which is also where our office is located) to share his experiences and further the work of Peacelinks.
James spoke with 3rd and 4th Grade students at PS 191 who are creating a play about the causes and ills of war. They had the opportunity to ask James questions about Sierra Leone, the civil war there and the work that he and others are doing to prevent any further violence. In Create-A-Dream, the students are challenged to explore their current world--the things they like and the things they don't--and then to create a musical based on the issues they've identified to show how they can make change. The students began by exploring a wide variety of issues that they feel need to change in this world. After a lot of different music and theater games, they narrowed their focus to the issues of lacking water and the issue of guns in relation to war. They're in the process of creating two plays right now to express their views on these issues.
You can see the preview of these plays on Wednesday, March 12 at 5 PM at PS 191, 61st Street and Amsterdam.
Thank you very much to James and also to Veronique from ICTE for helping arrange the visit.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Off to the Mountain, Idea Mountain
Hi everyone. Adam here, Executive Director of Kids Creative (and Mr. Clown of the Dirty Sock Funtime Band). I'm not sure how to start this blog, seeing as I've never really written one, but since three of our schools recently finished their final Create-A-Play after school performances, I figure I'd start off talking about those.
We recently had final performances for our at PS 11, PS 87 and the Heschel School. All of the kids did a great job presenting the stories that they created to the audience and the audiences were bigger and more enthusiatic than ever.
I should explain that Create-A-Play is a process-based program, where the main rule is "All ideas are good." This is our key to teaching the kids skills in peace-building. Everyone has a part in creating the characters, the plot, the story outline and more. The structure that we create helps build a community where nobody is right or wrong, and is confident enough in their own ideas to be able to listen to the ideas of others in a positive environment. This creates a fun, challenging process and often a very surreal, esoteric story. Our challenge is to translate this story to the audience.
To get an idea of how the plays shape up, click here to read the synopsis of one of the plays, "Finding Nico: The Journey to Idea Mountain."
Here's a video of the kids singing the opening song from the play, "We Are All the Mountain, Y'all," which they wrote with the help of teachers Mike and Laurel because they decided that sharing all of their ideas was a bit like building a mountain. (The video starts off sideways, but eventually straightens).
That's all for now, but stay tuned. On this blog we'll be posting interesting things from teachers and kids in our programs. At times Brian, our Director of Education, or I will use this platform to start waxing philosophical on one educational topic or another, and at other times, we'll bring in guests to write us some posts.
We recently had final performances for our at PS 11, PS 87 and the Heschel School. All of the kids did a great job presenting the stories that they created to the audience and the audiences were bigger and more enthusiatic than ever.
I should explain that Create-A-Play is a process-based program, where the main rule is "All ideas are good." This is our key to teaching the kids skills in peace-building. Everyone has a part in creating the characters, the plot, the story outline and more. The structure that we create helps build a community where nobody is right or wrong, and is confident enough in their own ideas to be able to listen to the ideas of others in a positive environment. This creates a fun, challenging process and often a very surreal, esoteric story. Our challenge is to translate this story to the audience.
To get an idea of how the plays shape up, click here to read the synopsis of one of the plays, "Finding Nico: The Journey to Idea Mountain."
Here's a video of the kids singing the opening song from the play, "We Are All the Mountain, Y'all," which they wrote with the help of teachers Mike and Laurel because they decided that sharing all of their ideas was a bit like building a mountain. (The video starts off sideways, but eventually straightens).
That's all for now, but stay tuned. On this blog we'll be posting interesting things from teachers and kids in our programs. At times Brian, our Director of Education, or I will use this platform to start waxing philosophical on one educational topic or another, and at other times, we'll bring in guests to write us some posts.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Welcome to the Kids Creative Blog
Hey there, thanks for checking out our brand new blog. Kids Creative is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in New York City that offers arts based, peace education programs for Pre-K to High School age students through after school programs, workshops and summer camps. During our main program, Create-A-Play, kids write original musicals completely from their imagination. This blog will serve as a voice for our kids and staff, where we will talk about the stories that the kids create, their unique characters, interesting literary conflicts, triumphs and difficulties during the group creation process and we will update you on all upcoming programs. We look forward to bringing you on this journey.
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