Regions Map
X

Billy Floyd
Card image
My name is I’m Billy Floyd and I'm the arena host and in-game announcer for the Adirondack Thunder, Union Men’s and Women’s Hockey, and the Glens Falls Dragons. Since 2021, I’ve been blessed enough to entertain and connect with fans all over the Capital Region and North Country -- especially kids! This year, I’m bringing that same energy and positivity right into schools. When I visit, we play trivia and fun games (just like we would do at the arena or ballpark for in-game entertainment) and I give away prizes. But here’s the thing... every trivia question and game comes with a valuable lesson that kids can really take with them. I also share stories from my own life about why failing and losing isn’t the end, how to bounce back, and why it’s so important to support others when it’s their time to shine. We talk about surrounding yourself with people who lift you up, doing what you love, why creativity is key, and why taking action matters more than anything else. Basically, I want to help students build confidence, stay positive, and have fun while learning how to succeed on and off the field. It's critical for my presentations to be extremely interactive because I want all of the kids to be involved in the "show" and this is my favorite way to connect with everyone. I'm beyond thrilled to bring the good vibes to your school!
Ripping the DIS from disABILITY
Card image
A leading motivational speaker and author, I share stories and insights that have enabled me to triumph over cerebral palsy and hearing loss, framing the program around the importance of love, family, and forgiveness in our lives. Though I was in a wheelchair for four years, and can now walk pretty well, the journey has not been easy. Though physically bullied in school and rather than respond in anger, I chose to forgive and help the bullies! A positive attitude can help us celebrate our unique gifts while kindness and respect can help those gifts be revealed. Each program culminates in a powerful documentary video to demonstrate, by example, that we should always focus on our abilities. As a former special needs kid, I describe how optimism and confidence allows us to share an important life philosophy using three simple words: Yes I Can! Which is precisely the title of my published book, helping teen readers and parents overcome self-doubt when faced with tremendous challenges. DETAILS FOR GRADE SCHOOLS: Shorter 35-minute presentation for grades K-2 (focused on disability awareness, character education, kindness and respect, and the qualities of a superhero) followed by a longer 60-minute presentation for grades 3-5 (focused on anti-bullying, leadership, and resilience). Two assemblies maximum per day, preferably before lunch. To help with drive time and share travel expenses from my New Jersey home, I suggest programs at multiple schools on consecutive days. Please email me to establish initial contact, due to my hearing loss, or leave voicemail on my landline. Also open to an introductory Zoom meeting for a "meet-and-greet" and to answer your questions. ONLINE SPEAKER RESUME: www.JustTheWayYouAre.com/resume
Jim "Basketball" Jones
Card image
Engaging and fun school assemblies that can focus on Kindness, PBIS, Growth Mindset, Leadership, Anti-Bullying and Reading. Three "Basketball" Jones presenters with over 15,000 assemblies performed all over the country. This is a highly recommended assembly that is extremely engaging for both the students and staff.
London Ladd
Card image
I love to share the process of book illustration. With PowerPoint, I start by sharing slides of my childhood journey as an illustrator. People need to know that they can succeed even if they experience setbacks. I emphasize hard work, patience, and continuing learning. I show various slides of personal drawings and artwork along with the many steps involved in making a picture book, such as reviewing the manuscript, researching, sketching, and creating artwork. In addition, I may bring sketchbooks, original artwork, and various visual aids for the audience to see firsthand to understand my work better. My presentation lasts 35-45 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of Q&A. Presentations will be adjusted according to grade level. I can do up to three presentations per day of the visit.
Theatre Institute at Sage
Card image
Established in February of 2011, the Theatre Institute at Sage is dedicated to providing quality live theatre and arts-in-education programming to Capital Region youth, educators and residents. The Institute also provides opportunities for Russell Sage students as performers, technicians and teachers. Programs include educational support services (such as in-class preparations, teacher in-services, post-show residences, and study guides), after school drama programs, weekend workshops, and several theatre camps during the summer for children ages 6-18.
Ajna Dance Company
Card image
We teach and perform a wide range of classical, folk, and Bollywood dance styles at school, at work, at the musem and anywhere! Ajna’s programs celebrate diversity and foster cultural inclusion for people of all ages and backgrounds.
The Extreme Magic of Eric Wilzig
Card image
Bring a theater-style grand-illusion show to your school in this interactive magic experience! Not your typical "magic show"... A little about the show..."The Extreme Magic of Eric" is one of the largest illusion shows in the country (but based out of New York!)! Combining cutting-edge illusions, escapes, cool music, customized lighting, and humorous audience participation, Eric and his assistant bring an illusion show experience to your school! Eric's performances have been seen on NBC's America's Got Talent, live with Jimmy Fallon, at MSG for the Knicks and Rangers, and in Europe, the Caribbean, Times Square and Las Vegas! We make a student float in the air, make someone disappear while surrounded by students, a Houdini escape, etc. Each show would be appropriately geared to the age of the audience (elementary, middle, or high school). The illusion show is 100% interactive (one of the only in the country!) with every routine involving student participation…volunteers from the audience assisting onstage and by their seats! Our website www.ExtremeMagicOfEric.com has more info and videos too! You can also google search "Eric Wilzig" and reads tons of only 5 star reviews from schools across the country. The #1 Entertainment Choice for your schools: PTA/PTO Family Fun Night School Day Assembly Fundraiser Event Holiday Program End of Year “Field Day”
EarthBeat Music
Card image
EarthBeat Music presents West African Drum-Dance-Sing Presentations, Workshops and Residencies! Our programs enhance mental health and well-being, foster personal development and encourage creative expressiveness through the powerful, transformative practices of drumming, movement, and singing. We share West African traditional music, which includes diving into the rich history, culture and language, to create more resilient and empathetic communities. We strive to connect students to the Master Musicians - our mentors - from West Africa, as well as other regional visual and dance artists to create a WHOLE experience.
My Daughters and Me MDAM, My Sons and Me MSAM
Card image
My Daughters and Me MDAM My Sons and Me MSAM is an innovative program designed to inspire self-expression and mental wellness in youth through various forms of art, mindfulness practices, and social-emotional learning. The MDAM MSAM INC offers a diverse range of Programs and creative activities including Ready-Set-Go, The Princess in Me, Master My Mind, Mingle and Munch, visual art, clothing design, dance/stepping, STEM, pad drumming, health and wellness, creative writing workshops, drama and empowerment workshops, all while fostering a positive and safe environment for self-expression and character building. Elevate Your Students with Master My Mind (Grades 6-12) Our progressive curriculum features flexible 1-hour lessons that integrate breathwork, mindfulness, movement, and expressive creative art activities with high-quality literature to establish a supportive learning environment, empowering mentorship that helps students cultivate resilience, self-regulation, and communication skills, ultimately leading to increased self-esteem, character development, workforce readiness skills, and confidence in students, resulting in happier, more engaged learners. Art Expressions Project (grades PK-12): Our Art Expressions project program allows us to work with students across various grade levels, schools, and districts, fostering self-confidence, social cohesion, and effective communication. This program also enhances classroom, school, and community projects by incorporating creative arts, musical performances, and clothes design with simple stitching and art-filled spaces that showcase students' creativity. We offer a unique opportunity to create beautiful, elegant, and colorful spaces that students can be proud of. The Princess in Me (Grades 3-5) Unleash the Power of Princess Potential! Our program for girls focuses on building self-esteem, character development, anti bullying and vital life skills through expert guidance and engaging activities. We help young girls transform into confident, capable, and respectable individuals. Mingle and Munch Lunch Buddy Program (Grades 4-8) Introducing 'Mingle and Munch', your ultimate Lunch Buddy Program for girls that enhances the ordinary lunch break into an extraordinary experience. We understand that the lunch hour is more than just a break from classes. It's a chance for students to develop crucial life skills. Our program facilitates meaningful discussions, games, and self-expression among students, helping them grow and connect with their peers. Make the most of your midday reset with 'Mingle and Munch'!
Explore & More, The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum
Card image
Built on the historic footprint of the terminus of the Erie Canal, Explore & More – The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children’s Museum sits at the crossroads between canals and bridges that have become year-round community destinations on the city’s waterfront at Canalside. This totally unique location makes it the perfect place to learn about the region’s roots as an innovative port at the turn of the century, while using hands-on play to spark the imagination of the next generation of great minds. Now serving children birth-12 years of age, we have expanded our footprint as we also expand our reach. Our seven educational play zones offer hands-on exhibits that tell the unique story of Buffalo and what makes us proud to be from Western New York. The zones reveal stories of our region’s history, geography, culture, agriculture, architecture, athletics, commerce and innovation through exhibits that celebrate the power and benefits of play. Explore & More is the perfect place to learn about the region’s past roots with child-led and family friendly play that helps develop the whole child. These exhibits are located on the second, third and fourth floors. Explore & More Children’s Museum is very excited to welcome everyone to our new home at Canalside. To help make your visit as enjoyable and engaging as possible, we have developed customized visual, social, communicative, sensory, and behavioral supports. You will find these supports throughout the museum – from our sensory backpacks and call-ahead accommodations, to our sensory-friendly rooms. We would love to have you visit!
Howe Caverns
Card image
At Howe Caverns, our experienced guides will teach your students about: Your students’ amazing learning experience begins when they descend 156 feet below the Earth’s surface on a 90-Minute guided cave tour and step out of the elevator into a six million year old cavern, carved by a subterranean river that continues to sculpt the cave today. During the field trip, they will see countless layers of sedimentary limestone, the floor of an ancient sea, and navigate the 500 foot serpentine passage known as the Winding Way, one of the world’s best examples of underground water erosion. Simply put . . . a field trip to Howe Caverns exposes students to aspects of the natural world they simply can’t experience anywhere else. So whether you’re teaching a classroom of students or homeschooling your own, Howe Caverns is the fun field trip you don’t want your students to miss! Sedimentation Calcification Erosion Geologic evolution Stalagmites and Stalactites Prehistoric seas Continental upheaval The power of time and water
Robert Channing - Magic of the Mind
Card image
In "The Art of SPLIT-SECOND SUCCESS: How to ACT FAST and Create Positive Results NOW!", Robert Channing presents an amazing performance that combines his renowned mentalism abilities, “E.S.P. Magic of the Mind,” with “Imagination Into Art” speed painting. With over 30 years and thousands of shows for students of all ages, this unique program masterfully blends art, education, mentalism, innovation, and imagination, delivering an unforgettable experience that your students will cherish. With national recognition from shows like America’s Got Talent, The Today Show, and The Steve Harvey Show, Robert's performance is a must-see live experience. Students will leave motivated to ACHIEVE MORE, holding onto the memories of his performance for years to come. Robert's uplifting presentation inspires students to DREAM BIG and harness their intuitive powers. As a supernatural entertainer and speed painter, he transforms the atmosphere with a dynamic program filled with laughter, participation, and inspiration through mental magic, rapid artistic creations, and speed painting of iconic figures. His mind-reading skills reveal thoughts known only to the individuals he reads, along with fun and entertaining predictions, as well as demonstrations of extrasensory perception and telepathy, with total audience participation. His speed painting skills allow him to create stunning portraits and masterpieces of iconic figures on a 4-foot by 5-foot canvas, all set to heart-pounding music. He crafts these portraits in minutes, often revealing them using clear glue and glitter to create a magical effect. He also paints upside down for an added twist of excitement. His extensive repertoire of over 100 icons includes famous figures like Albert Einstein, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Taylor Swift, along with custom portraits of your choosing, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as each identity is revealed. Once a portrait is completed, Robert shares amazing and inspirational stories about the individuals he painted, highlighting their journeys through adversity. He tailors the show to different age groups, ensuring that younger students enjoy relatable characters and themes. Relevant topics such as Dreaming Big, Diversity, Inclusion, and Overcoming Bullying are also addressed. In addition to performances for students, Robert offers appreciation programs for staff, encouraging educators to stay motivated and overcome challenges in their field. "The Art of SPLIT-SECOND SUCCESS" is more than just a performance; it’s an inspiring, mind-blowing experience that motivates both students and staff to live passionately and reach new levels of success. Robert promises three surprises: something you've never seen, something you'll never see again, and something you must see to believe. Are you ready to elevate your next NYS Arts-in-Education program at your school with this extraordinary mentalist and speed painter?