WonderWorks
WonderWorks, a science focused indoor interactive museum/amusement park which combines education and entertainment. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for all ages. Feel the power of 74mph hurricane–force winds in the Hurricane Shack. Make huge, life–sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab. Get the NASA treatment in our Astronaut Training Gyro and experience zero gravity. Nail it by laying on the death–defying Bed of Nails.
Mannie Nogueira BMX Shows
Mannie offers exciting yet educational shows leaving the students with memories that will last a lifetime. Performing for thousands of students across New England, New York, and New Jersey, Mannie's program is perfect for grades K-8. The amazing BMX tricks performed during each show will have the students in awe all while they learn about a great message such as anti-bullying, living out your dreams, achieving goals through dedication, or healthy eating.
School assemblies run approximately 40 minutes and most are held indoors in a gym or cafeteria. Outdoor shows require very specific requirements and can send over those requirements if needed. Set up for shows is quick and easy, usually around 45 minutes. Mannie Nogueira BMX Shows LLC is FULLY INSURED and ready to perform at a school near you!
For all inquires and detailed pricing, please send over an email to MNBMXSHOWS@gmail.com or call Mannie at 978-855-6998
David Mills
I offer two one-person plays (one about Langston Hughes the other about Dr. King) and one poetry reading from my award-winning poetry collection Boneyarn, the only book of poems about slavery in New York City, where the oldest and largest slave cemetery in the United States is located. In conjunction with any of the above presentations, I have thematically related writing workshops so students can have their own creative experience to go along with my presentations. Below are descriptions of the three shows. I also give talks about the Harlem Renaissance, Jazz Trumpeter Louis Armstrong, and Tuskegee Airman Harry Stewart Jr, who was part of the first group of African-American military pilots who fought in World War II. Below are descriptions of the Langston Hughes, Dr. King and Boneyarn presentations.
DAVID MILLS PRESENTATIONS
1) The Dreamweaver: Langston Hughes Performance and Creative Writing Workshop
What better way to celebrate Harlem Renaissance writer Langston Hughes—affectionately known as “Shakespeare in Harlem”—than to have students see a dramatic 45-minute presentation about Langston Hughes. Actor David Mills, (whose Hughes show was voted the #4 young-adult show in the nation by The American Library Association) does just that. He takes students on a theatrical odyssey of Hughes’ life spanning six decades from his humble Missouri childhood to his days living in Harlem as an adult. Mr. Mills also captures Hughes’ world travels and writing of his classic poems, such as “The Negro Speaks of Rivers,” “Mother to Son,” “I, Too,” “Montage of a Dream Deferred” and “Madam Alberta K.” While playing black and white, young, old, and male and female characters, Mr. Mills captures Hughes’ unending love for Harlem—with its foibles and fantasies, bruises and beauty. Mr. Mills show also explores how Hughes wrote nearly 50 plays. A Q&A would follow the presentation. Mr. Mills could also conduct a writing workshop using a Hughes blues poem as a model.
2) Dare to Dream: Dr. King Performance and Creative Writing Workshop
In a 45-minute, dramatic presentation for an auditorium of students and teachers, actor David Mills would take the audience on an engaging, historic journey, where they witness Dr. King go from a young preacher (with uncertainties about Civil Rights during the Montgomery Bus Boycott) into the nationally-recognized figure he became during the 1963 March on Washington. Mr. Mills’ stirring performance looks at Dr. King as both the public figure and private man. Be roused, be inspired, be transported by “Dare to Dream,” Mr. Mills’ theatrical tribute to Dr. King. A Q&A would follow the performance. Mr. Mills has worked as a teaching artist and performer for over 20 years in schools, universities, and senior centers. So, in conjunction with the performance Mr. Mills can also lead a 45-minute creative writing workshop, in a smaller classroom setting, using Dr. King’s iconic “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” as a writing prompt. This workshop will get students to write poems in the forms of letters that relate to their lives.
Talking to the Bones: Poetry reading about slavery in New York City and Creative Writing Workshop.
Award-winning-poet David Mills would read from his collection, Boneyarn, winner of the North American Book Award and the only poetry collection about slavery in New York City, where the oldest and largest slave cemetery in the United States is located. Mr. Mills would conduct a 45-minute reading to an auditorium and use projected visuals to give attendees a sense of 17th-19th century New York. Mr. Mills would discuss the research and writing process that went into creating this groundbreaking book, where he weds little-known colonial history and poetry. What lessons can be learned from coupling these two disciplines. The reading would also be followed by a Q&A. Mr. Mills has worked as a teaching artist and performer for over 20 years in schools. Therefore, in conjunction with the reading, Mr. Mills can lead a 45-minute creative writing workshop that uses a question-and-answer form from his book Boneyarn to get students to write their own poems reflecting on slavery in New York City.
The Amazing Arthur
Discover the enchantment of learning with The Amazing Arthur and “Hocus Pocus, I Can Focus,” a mesmerizing school assembly show blending magic, juggling, yo-yos, and laughter to captivate K-12 audiences. This is a “SHOW not TELL” Shared experience Crafted by a former teacher with over 25 years of full-time presenting, this unique presentation thrives on audience participation and comedy, making every moment unforgettable.
At the heart of the show is a powerful message: the joy of doing what you love and the personal growth that comes from practicing a skill. It’s about putting down the screen and picking up a passion—discovering that progress towards a goal is where true happiness lies.
With numerous opportunities for audience involvement, students are not just spectators but active participants. This dynamic engagement ensures that the message of discovery and self-improvement is not only heard but experienced.
The ultimate goal? To remind students how amazing they are and what they can achieve with time, effort, and a break from digital distractions. It’s an empowering realization that resonates long after the show ends.
Mariah Schrader
Mariah Schrader offers individual and small group vocal lessons in a variety of vocal styles. Excited to work with students of all ages and musical level. Mariah is a vocal educator and performer, Pre-K - 12 Music Education certified. Has experience in NYSSMA solo preparation with solos and sight reading varying through the all-state level. Directed musical productions at the elementary, middle school, and high school level. Directed performances with students in holiday shows and choir concerts as early as Pre-K through 12th grade. “I look forward to working with young musicians to help them grow musically and confidently.”
Didgeridoo Down Under
G’day! We weave Australian cultural arts, core curriculum, character building (kindness, acceptance, ant-bullying and more), motivational speaking and audience participation into super-engaging and interactive shows, workshops and residencies.
Since 2003, we've presented 10,000+ programs at schools and other venues nationwide … including all regions of New York ... with countless rave reviews!
Our K-12 programs include …
1) Didgeridoo Down Under Show: Australian Music, Culture, Character Building & More! (PreK-12th)
2) Protect the Planet Show: World Music, Earth Science and Ecological Entertainment! (K-9th)
3) Aussie Funk Jam: Didgeridoo Workshop! (2nd-12th)
4) Didgeridoo Residency: Multi-Day Immersive Didge Experience! (3rd-12th)
5) Adventures of the Wild Wolf: Unleash Your Inner Reader & Author! (K-5th) – virtual only
We adjust our programs according to grade levels and learning objectives.
Please visit www.didgedownunder.com for more info.
Our promotional videos are available at www.didgedownunder.com/gallery.
We’d love to visit your school during our next New York tour!
Jeff Reynolds
This is a high energy music filled program consisting of Line Dance Instruction and a Western Trick Roping Demonstration followed by an interactive trick roping lesson. Jeff is one of the best when it comes to teaching fun easy line dances with many years experience. He has also performed his trick roping show for years as well. If you are looking for a unique and fun program, try this out! The program can be modified for all ages and works for any size group.
As a retired public school teacher, Jeff has a good handle on working with kids of all grade levels. The program can be a full day or a half day tailored to your school schedule. Check out the link to the YouTube video to see just how much fun the program is. Feel free to contact Jeff Reynolds for more information and pricing options. This program is sure to be engaging and fun every time!!
Tri-Cities Opera
For PreK-6th Grade: Tri-Cities Opera Opera invites you to the farm, where most of the animals like things to be ‘normal and pretty’–not noisy or different! When the new ducklings hatch, there is one ‘ugly duckling’ who doesn’t fit in with the others and spends her days reading by herself. But when a big, bad wolf comes on the scene, it will take someone like the ugly duckling–who has learned about big, bad wolves in her stories–to outwit him and teach the whole farm about the value of being true to yourself.
Named as a nod to Binghamton’s famous carousels, Opera-Go-Round has been delivering the excitement of a fully-staged children’s opera to schools throughout New York State and northern Pennsylvania for nearly 50 years. Students engage with our singers and pianist to explore this unique art form with stories connected to curriculum standards and take away valuable social-emotional learning lessons. The program includes a 35-minute performance and 15-minute question and answer session with the Opera-Go-Round team. Dates are available from late September 2024 through May 2025. Contact ogr@tricitiesopera.org for more information or to schedule your performance! Cost: $1,400 within 50 miles of TCO Opera Center, $1,500 over 50 miles from TCO Opera Center.
For Middle & High School Groups: TCO is excited to offer free tickets for your group to attend any of our mainstage productions. The Magic Flute (Sept 6 & 8, 2024) is an abridged version of a Mozart favorite. All Is Calm (Nov 15, 16, & 17, 2024) tells the story of the WWI Christmas truce. A Grand Night for Singing (Mar 8, 2025) includes favorites from Rogers and Hammerstein. Rigoletto (Apr 27, 2025) will be a grand version of a Verdi masterpiece. Contact operations@tricitiesopera.org to reserve your bloc of seats!
The Adirondack Kids
For more than 20 years we, (the VanRipers), have enjoyed the privilege of presenting at schools, libraries, conferences, and on radio and television with our message: The 3 R’s: Reading, (w)Riting & Relationships. Thousands of students, including many reluctant readers, have been encouraged to remain engaged with reading and been challenged to try their own hand at writing.
During a typical presentation, students are exposed to the fundamentals of the craft as the mystique of the publishing process is also removed. Our primary goal is to inspire children to read and write. We also encourage them to set aside their electronic devices to get out and explore the great outdoors!
Daniel Kelly
Dedicated to creating art for young people, Daniel has performed over 2000 student performances throughout the country for the past 24 years with storyteller and poet, David Gonzalez and his own projects.
An artist who has been called “stunningly original” with “a visionary imagination,” composer and pianist Daniel Kelly explores the meeting place of music with literature, visual art and journalism, captivating audiences across the country. Kelly’s music has been declared “powerfully moving” by Time Out New York. He has performed with GRAMMY-award winning jazz legends Michael Brecker and Joe Lovano, hip-hop star Lauryn Hill, cutting-edge modern classical The Bang on a Can All-Stars and a long list of jazz musicians such as NEA Jazz Masters Dave Liebman & Sheila Jordan, Don Byron, Donny McCaslin, Oliver Lake, Bobby Sanabria and many others.
Kelly toured throughout Southeast Asia and India as a part of the Kennedy Center/US State Department-sponsored Jazz Ambassador program, has performed for the president of Costa Rica and at the Shangilia orphanage in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Dedicated to creating art for young people, he has performed over 2000 student performances throughout the country for the past 24 years with storyteller and poet, David Gonzalez and his own projects. He has also composed for chamber orchestra, string quartet, film and multimedia theater works. He has released five CDs of original compositions.
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@danielkelly
Daniel has three shows along with study guides to offer schools, all of which are listed below:
First:
Half Note: Learning, Laughter, Music & The Mitten! Half Note: Learning, Laughter, Music & The Mitten! which is geared to Grades K-3
Webpage with promo video: https://www.danielkellymusic.com/school-family-shows
Full show video - Half Note: Learning, Laughter, Music & The Mitten! https://vimeo.com/1024064858/15bdab6166?share=copy
Google drive with full show video, endorsements, flyers:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15L3dSgyTKCse-Zyrzu0TwiQPpS8eVcgI?usp=sharing
Description:
What happens when a master musician meets a hapless fool – in ONE person? The answer is Half Note, the alter-ego of award-winning pianist/composer Daniel Kelly.
In this 40-minute solo performance, Daniel brings the audience on an entertaining romp into his musical world - blending jazz, classical and pop music with physical comedy, musical storytelling and outrageous keyboard sounds.
In the first part of the program, Daniel presents a musical-storytelling of the Ukrainian folktale, The Mitten, in which a boy loses a mitten in the woods and a series of animals squeeze into it, each one larger than the last. In Daniel's musical version, each animal has a musical theme that layers on top of one another - building up into a symphonic bang!
A classically trained pianist-turned jazz musician, Daniel also presents an enlightening and joyful ride through the history of jazz music - from Scott Joplin to Duke Ellington and Miles Davis to hip-hop. Finally, Daniel uses technology (looping pedals and effects) to build a modern piece of music layer by layer, illustrating the elements of rhythm, harmony and melody. Members of the audience will have the opportunity to create loops and grooves at the microphone. A fan of Charlie Chaplin and Victor Borge, Daniel ties the program together with hilarious physical comedy gags that will delight audiences of all ages.
Contact Sandra for study guide and to discuss options for your school.
Second:
Shakespeare in Jazz: All the World's a Song ~ Grades 3-8 - Can feature duo or trio performers
Webpage with video, study guides, etc: https://www.danielkellymusic.com/all-the-worlds-a-song-shakespeare-in-jazz
You’ve never experienced Shakespeare like this! A sensation in performing arts centers nationwide, this engaging & joyful jazz concert invites people of all ages to experience the magic of Shakespeare's timeless words set to memorable, original jazz songs by award-winning pianist Daniel Kelly & his stellar band - featuring an extraordinary jazz vocalist. Audiences are invited to sing along and are delighted that they have memorized some of Shakespeare's most famous lines in the process! Great for those discovering his plays for the first time and Shakespeare aficionados alike!
Promo video:
https://youtu.be/8yxfL0ufYQw?si=j6w3UpU6C6TIeFJA
Full show:
https://vimeo.com/586450010/a801c9eee5?share=copy
Google drive with Shakespeare in Jazz endorsements, flyers, study guides:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hgGZHBBL_9HngU6YxC8Zt-mahAtJJAL0?usp=sharing
Third:
Interactive Concert for People with Special Needs - Grades 3-8
This is a solo show.
Description:
Daniel Kelly is an interactive music specialist and person-centered educator with extensive experience working one-on-one and in small group settings. His joyful, sensory-friendly concerts encourage spontaneous creativity and positive musical experiences for individuals with special needs, fostering community and celebrating each person's unique qualities.
Contact Sandra for study guide and to discuss options for your school.