The Seth W. Ahlborn Performing Arts and Lecture Series (PALS)
In it’s 8th year, the Seth W. Ahlborn Performing Arts and Lecture Series (PALS) is hosted by Chesapeake Academy to provide quality art, music, science, theatrical, and social enrichment programs to students in Preschool through Eighth Grade. PALS was originally established as the Early Childhood Enrichment Series as a way to bring professional performers and educators to our Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten students, since most performance venues are located in cities too far away for early childhood field trips. The popularity of the performances inspired the Academy to offer the programs free of charge to public and private preschools and daycare centers in our counties. PALS has grown to include interactive workshops, events, and presentations for lower and middle school aged students, a character education lecture series, and parenting workshops. PALS has hosted exceptional organizations such as The Science Place, Poetry Alive!, Jamestown Foundation, Theatre IV, the Virginia Aquarium, Jim Weiss Storytelling, and Wolf Trap, and has been successful in bringing a bevy of professional story tellers, acting companies, scientists, historians, and dance troupes to our rural area to the benefit of hundreds of local children. PALS is made possible by the generosity of philanthropic organizations like The Wiley Foundation, the Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts, the Target Foundation and CAPPA.
PALS Events 2011-12
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
(PS to 4th Grade, 9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.) October 12
Lovable characters portrayed by an ensemble of live actors and puppets present this musical adaptation of the classic Grimm's fairy tale. Follow along as Snow White meets her small friends, takes the apple from the Evil Queen, receives a kiss from a Prince, and lives happily ever after. This faithful rendition of the fairy tale will inspire young audiences to read the original. We are pleased to welcome Theatre IV back to Chesapeake Academy! (Relates to Virginia SOL's. Visit www.TheatreIV.org for specific information and study guide)
Galapagos George
(PS to 3rd Grade, 9:30 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.) November 9
Based on the true story of “Lonesome George”, this show tells the tale of a truly one-of-a-kind tortoise from the Galapogas Islands. Described by The Smithsonian as “an uplifing eco-fable”, this engaging Barefoot Puppets theatrical piece shares an important lesson about man's impact on the environment.
Arctic Express
(PS to 4th Grade, 9:30 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.) December 7
Treat your students to a program that is a trainload of fun filled with amazing magic, music and a wonderful story. Children will board an imaginary train that magically takes them around the world to learn about winter festivals. This wonderful seasonal program is the perfect opportunity to present a culturally diverse program that inspires students to set their own goals and to read.
Virginia Opera presents “Little Red Riding Hood”
(Age 4 - 5th grade, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.) January 18
This endearing one-act musical comedy will enchant audiences of all ages. Youngsters will be captivated by the antics of Little Red, Grandma, and the Wolf through this zany, fast-paced and high spirited adaptation. (Relates to Virginia SOL's. Visit www.vaopera.org for specific information and study guide)
Mark Nizer
(PS through 8th Grade, 9:30 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.) February 8
Since winning the International Juggling Championships, Mark Nizer has taken his one-man show to thousands of venues around the world. Students will be introduced to the art of juggling while learning about the principles of living your dreams, believing in yourself, keeping an open mind, and never giving up. Original comedy, world class juggling, movement, music, and technology combine to make this an unforgettable and popular performance.
“Native Pride Dancer”
(PS - 8th grade, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.)
February 23
Catch the excitement of Native American culture through storytelling, singing, flute playing and dancing! Join Larry Yazzie, world champion dancer of the Meskwaki Nation/Navajo, as he performs music and dance in traditional costumes.
Discovery Day
(Ages 4-7, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.) January 28
Stay tuned. Great plans are in the works!
Discovery Day
(Ages 4-7, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.) February 25
Watch for an announcement about this program!
Arithmetickles
(K- Grade 4, 9:30 - 10:20 a.m., Grades 5 - 8, 10:45 – 11:45 a.m.) March 6
The 2012 Arithmetickles is a unique, interactive math show that blends audience participation, comedy, mime and theatrical effects, fast-paced math games and skits to capture the attention of children through games, puzzles, scenarios and storytelling, providing the students the chance to explore and creatively resolve math problems. Arithmetickles proves that math is cool! This is a brand new program!
Discovery Day
(Ages 4- 7, 9:30- 11:00 a.m.)
March 24
Watch for an announcement about this program!
Wonders of the Rainforest
(PS to Grade 8, 9:30- 10:15 a.m.) March 28
This award winning, highly entertaining and educational show will allow students to meet some of the world's most exciting and fascinating Rainforest animals. Animals from Rainforests around the world will be showcased. Wildlife Encounters will talk about animal survival, natural history, geography, natural behaviors and conservation education
“The House at Pooh Corner”
(PS - 3rd grade, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.)
April 18
We all need a visit to the House at Pooh Corner every now and then to see our dear friends Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga and Roo, Rabbit, Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh. Theatre IV returns to campus to present some of your favorite stories about everyone in the Hundred Acre Wood. (Relates to Virginia SOL's. Visit www.TheatreIV.org for specific information and study guide)
PALS events are generously sponsored by
The Wiley Foundation, the Rappahannock Foundation for the Arts and Target Stores with support from the Virginia Commission for the Arts.
