Announcing the 2023-24 In-School Performances!

Muse Machine is proud to present the In-School Performances for the 2023-24 season. Find the descriptions and details below. You’ll also see the button to schedule performances in your high school or middle school (form includes pricing information and available dates).

Specific available dates appear on the reservation form:

Kick-Off Performance
THINK LIKE A COMPOSER

Presented by musician Michael Kelsey

Michael Kelsey breaks down the process of turning sounds into compositions and helps students understand the nature of music and the keys to songwriting. With his “on the spot” recording equipment, he can quickly construct sound sculptures using elements in the room. Students offer ideas for lyrics and found objects for instruments to contribute to the performance. The audience comes away knowing more about how they can make music part of everyday life!

• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Sept 5-29, 2023. Please see scheduling form for specific dates.

• Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts: Music

• Technical Requirements:
1. An open, well-lit performance space of no less than 20’ by 20’
2. Cleanly swept floors with no nails or protrusions
3. Access to a nearby power outlet
4. A 10-20 foot, three-prong extension cord
5. A handheld microphone and a mic stand
6. Bottled water
7. The artist will arrive 30-60 minutes prior to the program and will need access to the performance space on arrival.

ATTEND THE TALE: OPERATIC GHOST STORIES

Presented by Dayton Opera

With extreme drama, thrills and emotion, let opera transport you to a world that lies in your imagination and beyond. From Mozart to Andrew Lloyd Webber, operatic and musical theatre is filled with narratives based on myth, mystery and phantoms. Students will join in the storytelling as the Dayton Opera Artists in Residence go on a spooky voyage to explore the elements of drama and how the human voice can inspire awe and shivers.

• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Sept 25-Oct 13, 2023. Please see the scheduling form for specific dates.

• Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts: Music and Theatre

• Technical Requirements:
1. A cleared, well-lit 20’ by 20’ performance space
2. A recently tuned piano and bench or a full-size, 88 key electronic keyboard on a stand with a chair
3. A microphone on a stand
4. Access to a nearby power outlet
5. Room-temperature bottled water for five
6. A microphone for Q & A
7. Private area, such as a dressing room or classroom, for artists to change within close proximity to the stage (restrooms are not adequate for changing)
8. Access to restroom
9. Load-in door close to performance area, accessible to roll cart/equipment
10. The company will arrive 30-40 minutes prior to the program and will need access to the performance space on arrival.

BEYOND ‘THE CAGED BIRD SINGS’

Presented by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

“While one may encounter many defeats, one must not be defeated.” DCDC presents a moving tribute to the legacy of Maya Angelou, the iconic author, poet, civil rights activist and humanitarian. Students will gain insight into the life of this extraordinary woman beyond her writings while also learning about her literary impact on American society.

• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Oct 2023-May 2024. Please see scheduling form for specific dates.

• Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts: Dance & Music; English Language Arts; American History

• Technical Requirements:
1. An open performance area of no less than 20’ wide by 20’ deep.
2. Cleanly swept floors with no nails or protrusions as the performers are in bare feet
3. The entire stage and backstage areas shall be swept and damp-mopped to remove any debris
4. All stage wing areas need to be cleared of any objects/obstacles
5. If presented on a stage, provide general lighting
6. A small desk or table
7. Two chairs
8. Access to a nearby power outlet
9. A 10-20 foot, three-prong extension cord
10. . A sound system with amplifier and full-range speakers capable of playing a compact disc and iPhone/iPad functionality (please inform Muse Machine if this system is unavailable)
11. Hand-held microphone and mic stand
12. Bottled water (non-carbonated) for 8-10 dancers
13. Provisions made for parking spaces close to the performance area
14. Private area, such as a dressing room or classroom, for dancers to change (restrooms are not adequate for changing)
15. The company will arrive 30 to 60 minutes prior to the program and will need access to the performance space on arrival.

FROM OHIO WITH LOVE

Presented by musicians Brother Hill & Benya Stewart

When folk musicians and songwriters Brother Hill and Benya Stewart began collaborating with Ukrainian musicians in 2019, they had no idea of the humanitarian mission that lay ahead. In a whirlwind of original and traditional music featuring guitar, mandolin, drums, and plenty of audience participation, they share enthralling stories of using folk music as a tool to bridge cultures and bring people together.

• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Feb 19-Mar 8, 2024. Please see scheduling form for specific dates.

• Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts: Music; Social Studies

• Technical Requirements: Coming soon.

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

This adaptation of Shakespeare’s most slapstick comedy is bursting at the seams with hilarious mishaps, toe-tapping music and head-over-heels love. When two sets of twins are separated at birth they grow up in Ephesus, completely unaware their identical brothers are growing up just over in Syracuse. But an unexpected visit sets off a series of unfortunate events — brother gets mistaken for brother, servant serves the wrong master and hearts may break if they don’t set the twins straight!

• Scheduling: Available on selected dates March-May 2024. Please see scheduling form for specific dates.

• Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts: Literature, Fine Arts: Theatre and Music

• Technical Requirements:
1. A cleared, well lit 20’ by 20’ performance space
2. Two students to help load in and out
3. The performers will arrive 60 minutes prior to the program and will need access to the performance space on arrival.

In-School Performances 2022-23

Find the descriptions and details for 2022-23 in-school performances below.

Kick-Off Performance
THE MOTIVATIONAL MUSICAL

Presented by Elec Simon

Inspirational. Motivational. Transformational! That’s what audiences say about Elec Simon’s musically interactive production. He takes students through his personal story of bullying and onto an emotional musical ride with his band! Elec is a ten-year veteran of the world-renowned show Stomp and continues to tour the globe as a musical entertainer. His music and stories will inspire you to believe in yourself, cultivate respect, work together, reach your dreams and live your best life!

• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Sept-Oct. Please see scheduling form for specific dates.

• Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts: Music, Social and Emotional Learning

• Technical Requirements:
1. A cleared, well lit performance areas no less than 20′ x 20′ (gymnasium is preferred but stage is OK)
2. Cleanly swept floors with no nails or protrusions
3. Access to a nearby power outlet
4. A 10′-20′, three-pronged extension cord
5. A power strip
6. 8-10 folding chairs
7. Hand-held microphone and a mic stand
8. Bottled water for three
IMPORTANT: The company will arrive 45-60 minutes prior to the program and will need access to the performance space on arrival.

THE ELIXIR OF LOVE

Presented by Dayton Opera

Dayton Opera’s Artists-in-Residence present an English version of the comic opera The Elixir of Love by Gaetano Donizetti. Sassy cowgirl Adina can’t seem to convince shy ranch hand Nemorino to declare his love for her. But when a rival love interest appears on the scene, Nemorino buys an alleged love potion to win Adina’s heart and… things do not go as expected! The Artists-in-Residence narrate the action, explaining the elements of drama and opera along the way.

• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Oct-Nov. Please see scheduling form for specific dates.

• Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts: Music and Theatre, Language Arts

• Technical Requirements:
1. A cleared, well lit 20’ by 20’ performance area
2. A recently tuned piano and bench or a full-size, 88 key electronic keyboard on a stand with a chair
3. A microphone on a stand
4. Access to a nearby power outlet
5. Room temperature bottled water for five
6. A microphone for Q & A
IMPORTANT: The company will arrive 30-40 minutes prior to the program and will need access to the performance space on arrival.

LATIN USA

Presented by the Latin Music Trio

Latin influences add to the richness of American music and indeed American life. This is reflected in popular entertainment like Encanto, West Side Story and Coco; jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Tito Puente; popular artists like Carlos Santana — and many more! Musicians and educators Rich Begel, Brian Cashwell and Michael LaMattina will present an incredible array of music from Mexico, the Caribbean, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina that will light up your auditorium!

• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Oct-May. Please see scheduling form for specific dates.

• Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Literature, Fine Arts: Theatre and Music

• Technical Requirements:
1. A cleared, well lit 20’ by 20’ well-lit performance area
2. One student to help load in and out
3. Sound system with three mics on stands
4. Three music stands
5. Bottled water for three people
6. Two chairs and a small table for props
7. A recently tuned piano and a bench or a full-size, 88 key electronic keyboard on a stand with a chair (keyboardist can bring his own if this is not possible)
IMPORTANT: The company will arrive about 25 minutes prior to the performance time and will need access to the performance space on arrival.

THE SKIN I’M IN…

Presented by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

Using expressive dance accompanied by music, singing, spoken word and student engagement, The Skin I’m In… explores the importance of self-awareness, respect for individualism and the understanding that all voices matter! The acclaimed DCDC dancers present an original program that considers how our individual identities actually affect change throughout culture and society.

• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Oct-May. Please see scheduling form for specific dates.

• Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, History, Fine Arts: Dance & Music

• Technical Requirements:
1. An open performance area of no less than 20’ wide by 20’ deep
2. Cleanly swept floors with no nails or protrusions as the performers are in bare feet
3. The entire stage and backstage areas shall be swept and damp-mopped to
remove any debris
4. If performing on a stage, wings need to be cleared of any obstacles
5. If presented on a stage, provide general lighting
6. A small desk or table
7. Two chairs
8. A sound system with amplifier and full-range speakers capable of playing a compact disc and iPod functionality (please inform Muse Machine if this system is unavailable)
9. Hand-held microphone and mic stand
10. Music stand
11. Bottled water for 8 dancers
12. Private area for dancers to change within close proximity to the stage (a dressing room or classroom is appropriate — restrooms are not adequate for changing)
13. Provisions made for close parking spaces to the performance area
IMPORTANT: The company will arrive 30 to 60 minutes prior to the program and will need access to the performance space on arrival.

MUCH ADO ABOUT YOU

Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The professional actors from Cincinnati Shakespeare Company bring to life one of the Bard’s most beloved comedies, Much Ado About Nothing, in a fresh, new way. Beatrice and Benedick are the perfect match — it’s too bad they can’t stand each other! When their war of wits comes to a head, their friends set in motion a series of plots, pranks, plans and ploys to bring them together! Updated for today’s students, who will recognize themselves in the characters and learn it is all Much Ado About YOU!

• Scheduling: Available on selected dates March-May. Please see scheduling form for specific dates.

• Curriculum Connections: English Language Arts: Literature, Fine Arts: Theatre and Music

• Technical Requirements:
1. A cleared, well-lit 20’ by 20’ performance space
2. Two students to help load in and out
IMPORTANT: The performers will arrive 60 minutes prior to the program and will need access to the performance space on arrival.

Performance Space Survey

Advisors: You may have already been asked to respond to a very brief, multiple choice survey about the space where your in-school performances occur. If you have not already taken that survey, you may do so below. We are adding exciting elements to the in-school performances and this information will be tremendously helpful for our new shows – thank you!

The last question will direct you to a particular worksheet. This will be an interesting task for two reliable students with a sizable tape measure and they can complete it in approximately a class period. Use the links below to open and print the worksheet as suggested by your survey. After your students complete the worksheet, you (or they) may conveniently submit measurements below.