Announcing the 2024-25 In-School Performances!
Find the descriptions and details below. Schedule form includes pricing information and specific available dates. Performance info for the current 2023-24 season appears further down the page.
Schedule In-School Performances 2024-25
Kick-Off Performance
YES WE’RE READY
Presented by singer/dramatist/activist Ayanna Gregory
Through songs, affirmations and powerful information about the human capacity for greatness, singer and activist Ayanna Gregory motivates students to start the school year off with confidence and high expectations. In this high-energy and interactive event, she encourages students to chart their own destiny by setting intentions, moving through distractions and embracing their education. And perhaps most importantly, Ayanna inspires students to co-create a culture of love and community. Photo courtesy of Ayanna Gregory.
• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Sept 3-Oct 1, 2024. Please see scheduling form for specific dates.
• Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts: Music; Social and Emotional Learning
• Technical Requirements:
Coming soon!
THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF LOUIS ARMSTRONG
Presented by musicians Rich Bagel & Dean Simms
This show includes Rich Begel of the Dayton Philharmonic and Dean Simms, a nationally-touring Louis Armstrong artist. Rich and Dean will share the amazing music made famous by Louis Armstrong with Dean on vocals and trumpet, just like Louis! Between songs, there will be stories about Armstrong’s humble beginnings, his performing career, civil rights activism, racism that he faced and the actions he took against it.
• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Oct 7 – Nov 8, 2024 and Feb 24 – Mar 14, 2025. Please see the scheduling form for specific dates.
• Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts: Theatre and Music; American History
• 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 two mics on stands
4. Two music stands
5. Bottled water for two 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 WRITER’S PEN
Presented by Dayton Contemporary Dance Company
From a writer’s mind to the tip of their pen lies expression from deep within. DCDC expressionists deliver poetry in motion to reflect the modernization of Shakespeare’s sonnets to the poetic verses of rap/hip-hop artists and performance poets’ musical and lyrical spoken word monologues. The writer’s pen gives voice to our history and provides an insightful platform to our commentary on life. Photo courtesy of DCDC.
• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Oct 2024 – May 2025. Please see scheduling form for specific dates.
• Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts: Dance and 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.
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Presented by Dayton Opera
In Gilbert and Sullivan’s beloved comedy, the dashing Frederic is apprenticed to a band of pirates until his 21st birthday, which he just celebrated. But with a leap year birthday
on February 29th, is he duty-bound to remain a pirate for another 63 years? And will his sweetheart Mabel wait for him? Add the “very model of a modern Major General” and you have a performance filled with mayhem, humor and fabulous melodies. The Artists-in- Residence of Dayton Opera will perform all eleven (!) roles in this fast-paced 40-minute version of The Pirates of Penzance!
• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Nov 4-22, 2024. Please see scheduling form for specific dates.
• Curriculum Connections: Fine Arts: Theatre and Music; Social Studies
• 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.
MACBETH
Presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company
In this chilling adaptation of Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy, the power-hungry Macbeth encounters supernatural forces and a prophetic destiny. Macbeth’s quest for the throne becomes a wickedly entertaining escapade filled with ghostly encounters, mischievous schemes and a dash of otherworldly mischief. Whispers of prophecies come to life, plunging the characters into a realm of mayhem where loyalties crumble and the line between reality and the supernatural blurs. Brace yourself for a journey into the heart of darkness!
• Scheduling: Available on selected dates Oct 2024 and March – May 2025. 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.
Schedule In-School Performances 2024-25
In-School Performances 2023-24
Find the descriptions and details below. Schedule form includes pricing information and specific available dates.
Schedule In-School Performances 2023-24
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 & Amedee Royer
When folk musician and songwriter Brother Hill began collaborating with Ukrainian musicians in 2019, he had no idea of the humanitarian mission that lay ahead. In a whirlwind of original and traditional music, Brother Hill and Amedee Royer 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:
1. An open performance area of no less than 20’ wide by 20’ deep
2. A small desk or table
3. Access to a nearby power outlet
4. Music stand
5. Bottled water for 2 performers
6. The artists will arrive 45 to 60 minutes prior to the program and will need access to the performance space on arrival.
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.
Previous In-School Performances Archive
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.