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FALL FESTIVITIES
Sears Studio Performing Arts Educational Show Program helps provide Pinellas County Schools an opportunity to experience the arts. Each show is selected with teachers in mind and comes paired with a Teacher Curriculum Guide with pre and post activities for students to engage with the show. You can find our shows a performance hall near you, or request a performance at your school.
Mad Libs Live! is a new, interactive musical based on the most popular word game of all time. The show follows four teenagers, Virtuosa, Gogo, Geyser and Merrily, as they band together to win a singing competition. When they realize their songs have some holes, its up to the audience to help them out!
Our story begins at the finals of Teen Superstars, the live TV show that will determine the most popular singing group at Blankville Central High. Virtuosa, Gogo, Geyser, and Merrily seem to have nothing in common – until just before airtime, when they realize that their songs are missing words! In the spirit of the “World’s Greatest Word Game,” our gang fills in the blanks with words from the audience! This truly interactive musical changes at every performance – thanks to you! Will GoGo get the girl? Will Geyser make new friends? Will Merrily come out of her shell? Will Virtuosa get out of the spotlight? And who will be the next Teen Superstars?? There is only one way to find out: Mad Libs Live!
Curriculum Connection:
English, Grammar, Spelling, Music, Improvisation
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Themes:
Friendship, Perseverance, Bullying, Teamwork
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Run Time:
60 Minutes
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Recommended Ages:
All Ages
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The Phantom of the Auditorium
"Goosebumps the Musical" is a captivating production designed for our children's education theater series, transforming R.L. Stine's iconic "Goosebumps" book series into a thrilling stage experience. This musical adaptation brings a selection of Stine's spine-tingling tales to life, blending suspenseful narratives with catchy songs, vibrant choreography, and dynamic performances.
The production aims to introduce young audiences to the magic of theater, fostering an appreciation for the performing arts while promoting literacy and creativity. Through its engaging storytelling, "Goosebumps the Musical" encourages children to explore the power of imagination and the joys of reading. Each performance is crafted to provide not only entertainment but also educational value, highlighting themes such as bravery, friendship, and problem-solving.
By immersing children in a world of excitement and adventure, "Goosebumps the Musical" serves as a gateway to the broader realm of artistic expression and cultural enrichment. It's a perfect blend of horror, humor, and heart, making it an unforgettable experience for young theatergoers and a valuable addition to our educational programming.
Curriculum Connection:
Literature, Theater, Mystery
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Themes:
School, Collaboration, Creativity, Imagination
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Run Time:
75 Minutes
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Recommended Ages:
4th - 12th Grade
October 30th
at Mahaffey Theater
The COOL KIDS MUSICAL
"Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical" is an enchanting production tailored for our children's education theater series, presenting a heartwarming story inspired by the civil rights movement. This vibrant musical tells the tale of Lily Polkadot, a young girl who moves to Rockaway and faces challenges in fitting in due to her differences. Through upbeat songs, colorful sets, and lively choreography, the musical delivers a powerful message about diversity, acceptance, and friendship.
The production aims to engage young audiences with its relatable characters and inspiring narrative, fostering an appreciation for the performing arts while promoting important social values. "Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical" encourages children to celebrate their unique qualities and embrace the differences in others, teaching valuable lessons about empathy, inclusion, and resilience.
Each performance is designed to be both entertaining and educational, highlighting themes of kindness, courage, and unity. By bringing this uplifting story to the stage, "Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical" provides children with an unforgettable experience that combines fun and learning. It's a perfect blend of music, movement, and meaningful storytelling, making it a significant addition to our educational programming and an inspiring journey for young theatergoers.
Curriculum Connection:
Friendship, Fitting In
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Themes:
Black History Month, Acceptance
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Run Time:
55 Minutes
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Recommended Ages:
ALL AGES
February 3rd & 4th
at Mahaffey Theater
Nancy Sears
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Life Time Achievement Award for Outstanding Contribution to
Theatre in Florida’s Secondary Schools
Pinellas County Teacher of the Year- finalist in two categories
Inspiring Students to Performance at a Higher Level
Commitment to Children and Families
Sears works with and teaches theater students of all ages. She has created several community theater projects with artists as young as four years of age through senior adults working together in a curriculum designed to bridge creative learning opportunities with no age limitations. She presents various workshops for both students and educators throughout the state of Florida.
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Katrina Young
Education and Outreach Coordinator
Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater
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MahaffeyClassActs.org
Young has worked alongside Ms. Sears for over 10 years and loves working with students of all ages. She has participated in community theater in Pinellas County for many years and enjoys performing as well as choreographing and directing Mahaffey Theater's Summer Camps. Young a former math and science teacher understands the importance of creative learning and strives to find thought provoking and stimulating material for Sears Studio's Educational Show Program.