Classes~Performances~Productions at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute


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Bank of America SchoolTime~
Performances at Ruth Eckerd Hall

On-site curriculum-based weekday performances by the nation's finest children's theater companies and entertainers offer a variety of cultural experiences to students grades pre K-12, support materials are available.

Click here for 2007-08 SchoolTime season calendar for Elementary Schools.

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Artists On the Road

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Reservation Information ~ Confirmations/Invoices ~ Cancellations ~ Study Guides ~ Surveys ~ Grants

2007-08 SEASON PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Curriculum Connections, Florida Standards: Language Arts, Music, Theater, Health Education

Dallas Children’s Theater presents
If You Give A Pig a Party
Adapted by Nancy Schaeffer
and award-winning composer/playwright B. Wolf
Book by Laura Numeroff
Illustrations by Felicia Bond
Grades Pre-K–3
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 10:45 am

The Mouse, the Moose and the Pig – together at last! Join all three of Laura Nuneroff’s endearing characters for the biggest party of the year. If you give a pig a party, she’ll ask for balloons, she’ll want to decorate the house, she’ll put on her favorite party dress, and then… Come find out in this world premier musical celebration.

Curriculum Connections, Florida Standards: Language Arts, Theater

Glenis Redmond
Grades 4–12
Friday, Nov. 2, 10:00 & 11:30 am
Murray Studio Theater

This performance poet captivates her audience with her first words and doesn’t let go. Glenis’ poems burst forth in a rush of positive energy, her vivid images singed on our imaginations like a branding iron as she dances across the stage, a physical extension of the rhythms of her verse. The word pictures she paints are sometimes funny, sometimes tender, sometimes sad or poignant, but always on target. Glenis Redmond’s poetry is richly textured, earthy, fierce and passionate. Don’t miss it!

Curriculum Connections, Florida Standards: Science, Theater, Health Education

the Tweaksters!
Fabulous Feats of Physical Fun
Grades K–5
Monday, Nov. 12, 10:45 am

Think physical fitness is a bore? Think again! Mixing gymnastics, juggling, whimsical choreography and precision hand-eye coordination, Regan Patno and Julia Snyder demonstrate the sheer joy and fun of exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Fresh, funny, all without words, this duo's zany feats will motivate students to launch some ping pong balls and plop flower pots on their heads.

Curriculum Connections, Florida Standards: Language Arts, Social Studies, Geography, Theater, Health Education

Eckerd Theater Company presents
Woodland Tales
Originally adapted for the stage by the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble

PERFORMED IN THE ROUND
Grades Pre-K–3
Tuesday–Friday, Nov. 27–30, 10:30 am, followed by a 45-minute post-show workshop
Murray Studio Theater

How did the turkey get his gobble? Why are the rabbit’s ears so long? How did the frog lose his teeth? For hundreds of years, Native American children have delighted in stories of how animals came to be as they are. Like Kipling's Just So Stories, the Native American legends in Woodland Tales combine humor and wisdom to enchant the youngest among us.

Curriculum Connections, Florida Standards: Language Arts, Social Studies, Geography, Civics and Government, Theater, Health Education

Childsplay presents
Tomás and the Library Lady
by José Cruz Gonzáles
Based on the book by Pat Mora

Grades 4–5
Thursday & Friday, Dec. 6 & 7, 10:30 am
Murray Studio Theater

The inspiring story of Tomás Rivera, who grew up in a migrant family, was befriended by a librarian in Iowa, and learned to love books and the places they took him. Tomás went on to a successful career in academia and became the Chancellor of the University of California at Riverside. Adapted from the well-loved book by prolific children’s author Pat Mora, this play can be readily understood by both English- and Spanish-speakers. Tomás and the Library Lady inspires children to look beyond the confines of poverty, language barriers and cultural intolerance to find joy in reading and learning.

Curriculum Connections, Florida Standards: Science, Social Studies, Geography, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts

Golden Dragon Acrobats
Grades Pre-K–5
Friday, Jan. 18, 11:00 am

Marvel at 25 centuries of rich tradition and expertise. The premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company enthralls with unparalleled award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, and ancient and contemporary music. Performers incorporate breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty into this truly amazing and artistic production.

Curriculum Connections, Florida Standards: Language Arts, Social Studies, Geography, Music, Theater, Health Education

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley

Grades K–5
Monday, Apr. 7, 10:30 am & 12:00 pm

Although Stanley finds his new shape advantageous (he can fit under locked doors and travel the world as a human letter), he longs to be three-dimensional again. The ultimate exchange student, Stanley scours the globe in search of a remedy to his problem and discovers that being different opens him to a host of rich new experiences. Tens of thousands of students have gained new insights into geography and other cultures through the Flat Stanley pen pal program each year.

Curriculum Connections, Florida Standards: Language Arts, Social Studies, Geography, Civics and Government, Music, Theater, Visual Arts, Health Education

Eckerd Theater Company presents
BATTLEDRUM
A new musical about Civil War drummer boys
By Doug Cooney
Music by Lee Ahlin
Commissioned by Eckerd Theater Company

Grades 4–8
Friday, April 4
Tuesday–Friday, Apr. 8–11, 10:00 & 11:30 am
The Murray Studio Theater

BATTLEDRUM tells the story of Rufus, a Confederate orphan adopted by a troop of Union soldiers, who eventually becomes their drummer boy. Based on a wealth of compelling stories of real-life children who fought the Civil War, BATTLEDRUM explores a complex period in American history through the eyes of young people. A sweeping tale, indelibly etched through compelling characters, daring adventure, raucous comedy, stirring music, and, of course, drums.
A visual arts exhibit on drummer boys and the production of BATTLEDRUM may be viewed before or after the show.

Please note: April 3 performance has been cancelled.

Curriculum Connections, Florida Standards: Language Arts, Science, Music, Theater, Visual Arts

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia presents
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
and Other Eric Carle Favourites

Grades Pre-K–3
Monday, Apr. 28, 10:45 am

Enter a world of fantasy and wonder as Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia memorably brings to life three delightful tales by award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Eric Carle: The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Little Cloud and The Mixed-Up Chameleon. In this glow-in-the-dark puppet production, whimsical creatures seem to leap, float and fly to playful original music, their jewel-toned fluorescent colors brought to life against an inky black backdrop.

Curriculum Connections: Florida Standards: Language Arts, Social Studies, Geography, Music, Health Education

Sol y Canto: El Doble de Amigos/Twice as Many Friends

Grades Pre-K–5
Friday, May 16, 10:45 am

“Twice as many friends, twice as much fun: that’s why two languages are better than one.” Using exuberant Afro-Latin rhythms, rich vocal harmonies, sumptuous Spanish guitar and a generous amount of light-hearted merriment, Sol y Canto demonstrates with El Doble de Amigos/Twice as Many Friends just how much fun learning a second language can be. English and Spanish lyrics are interwoven in these playful songs, creating an imaginative multi-cultural experience.

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Reservation Information
Advance reservations are required. Reservations are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. We understand that you may have to estimate admissions needed.
Online. Quickest and preferred method. Please enter all information as requested. Note: you may now pay online with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or Discover).
NEW OPTION! Call the Registrars at (727) 712-2706 and place your order. Payment by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or Discover) or Purchase Order is required to use this reservation method.
Complete order form including payment information. Checks & money orders payable to Ruth Eckerd Hall, Inc. Fax: (727) 791-7449 Education Registrar The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute 1111 McMullen Booth Road Clearwater, Florida 33759
Payment or a Purchase Order is due no later than 30 days in advance with final count. All reservations not paid by the 30-day deadline will be cancelled and seats will be released for purchase by other schools. Purchase Order payments must be received no later than 30 days after the event. Lack of timely payment will result in termination of Purchase Order privileges.
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Confirmations and Invoices
An email confirmation of receipt of a reservation will be sent to the teacher who placed the order and the school bookkeeper within 10 working days of receipt of the reservation. An email invoice will be sent 90 days prior to the performance or artist visit to the teacher who placed the order and to the school bookkeeper. An email confirmation will be sent when payment is received. Hard copy invoices will be sent for all unpaid reservations 60 days in advance of the performance or artist visit. Specific show information and a link to study guides will be emailed 60 days prior to each show for each paid order.

Cancellations / Changes
No refunds or exchanges will be made after the 30-day deadline. There are no refunds for unused admissions on the day of the performance. The teacher making the reservation is the contact person and is responsible for assuring that payment is made by the deadline. He/She is also responsible for accurately reporting the final count of admissions needed by that date. We cannot accept the lowering of numbers after the 30-day deadline. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee seating for additional students if the show is sold out, although we will make every effort to accommodate additional attendees when space permits. It is also important to remember to reserve seating for all teachers and chaperones as well as students. Every attendee must reserve a seat.

Study Guides
Teacher and student study guides are available for each each performance. Student guides are designed to be "self driven." Teacher guides are designed to be used with the guidance and direction of an instructor. All guides are connected to the Sunshine State Standards, with a focus on improving reading and writing through all subject areas. Study guides are posted as soon as they become available. It is our goal to have guides available no less than 60 days prior to the performance date.
Glenis Redmond	Teacher Guide
Glenis Redmond	Student Guide
If You Give a Pig a Party	Teacher Guide
If You Give a Pig a Party	Student Guide
Tweaksters	Teacher Guide
Tweaksters	Student Guide
Woodland Tales	Teacher Guide
Woodland Tales	Student Guide
Tomas and the Library Lady	Teacher Guide
Tomas and the Library Lady	Student Guide
Golden Dragon Acrobats	Teacher Guide
Golden Dragon Acrobats	Student Guide
Battledrum	Teacher Guide
Battledrum	Student Guide
Flat Stanley	Teacher Guide
Flat Stanley	Student Guide
The Very Hungry Caterpillar	Teacher Guide
The Very Hungry Caterpillar	Student Guide
Sol y Canto	Teacher Guide
Sol y Canto	Student Guide
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Surveys (PDF format)
General Programming Survey
Show Specific Survey
Surveys may be printed and faxed to 727.791.7449 or mailed: Att: Registrar The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute 1111 McMullen-Booth Rd. Clearwater, FL 33759


New Audience Development and Transportation Grants
If you would like for your students to attend a performance but are having trouble funding the trip, you may apply for a grant from The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute. An application is available to print from this website. Please allow 15 business days for processing.

Seating and Accessibility Needs
All seating will be assigned by the Institute. Seating assignments are based on several factors: when the reservation was made, age of groups attending and accessibility needs. Ushers will escort the group to their seats. Actual tickets are not issued. Children under the age of 3 years will not be permitted to attend. Teachers: Please be sure chaperones and drivers are aware of this policy. All of Ruth Eckerd Hall's venues are wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening accommodations are also available. Please inform us of any special needs or requests when placing your reservation, so we can make arrangements prior to your arrival.

PLEASE NOTE: All events are subject to change. All performances will begin promptly at the noted start times. We cannot hold for late arrivals. All events last approximately one hour unless otherwise noted. Artist talkbacks, when available, are included in the time noted.
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Teacher's Corner

Classes for Teachers
Educators receive $25.00 off adult classes held at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute.

Teacher Apples
The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute will give an "apple" a month to teachers who go the extra mile to keep the arts a part of their classroom curriculum! Teachers who book Bank of America SchoolTime Series or "Artists On The Road" will be placed in a lottery pool to win a pair of tickets to a Ruth Eckerd Hall performance. Who qualifies? The teacher who registers for the show or books the artist is the person who qualifies. How does one qualify? The group registered for a show must attend and be paid in full or the "Artists On The Road" booking must occur and be paid in full 30 days prior to the performance event. What does one earn? A pair of tickets to a Ruth Eckerd Hall performance.