Effective self-assessment is crucial for learning in the performing arts, and a high-quality recording of a stage production provides an invaluable reference once the performance is complete. Merelis Productions specializes in filling this need. For over 25 years, our videographers have partnered with independent, charter, and public schools, as well as professional performing arts and regional theater organizations throughout the NYC tri-state area. We offer 2-camera videography and video editing for a variety of on-stage events, including musicals, plays, concerts, dances, graduations, and other presentations. For each performance, we provide two expert videographers with cameras on tripods and strategically placed microphones. When available, we can also integrate a direct feed from your house sound reinforcement system to ensure the best possible audio mix for the final video. We deliver a 1080p digital video file that participants can use for self-assessment, and as demo footage for future auditions, artistic portfolios, and college applications. With 25 years of experience recording events in school settings and over 275 productions annually, we are dedicated to providing recordings that reflect the effort invested in your productions. We would be delighted to collaborate with you to enhance your performers' self-assessment opportunities.

Love Yourself More is a high-energy program filled with strategies K-5 kids can use to show themselves care and compassion, such as speaking up for themselves, honoring their own moods, and giving themselves grace for mistakes. It’s all disguised as a very silly show that engages students with opportunities to make sounds, move around, answer questions, get on stage, and even join a sing along!

The author/illustrator of over 30 children’s books, Eric Velasquez is also the recipient of the NAACP Image Award for outstanding literature of children. His pre-K - 12 programs are admired by students and teachers alike-- Eric is as good a storyteller in person as he is on the page. During his 45-60 minute presentations, Eric generally relates his personal dual-heritage experience growing up in Spanish Harlem, accompanied by the autobiographical illustrations and music featured in his books. He also explains his writing and artistic process from brainstorming through revision, culminating in a live portrait session (projected on screen so every student can see), which is accompanied by a Q&A.

Create A Space NOW is an interactive social justice platform, creating art to combat bias, racism, and systemic oppression. We believe that art is a powerful tool, and we're committed to creating space for art to inspire change, educate, and activate. At Create A Space NOW, we deliver dynamic, art-centered educational programming that goes beyond performance, and we spark dialogue, critical thinking, and courageous imagination. Our curriculum includes dance, theater, film, and poetry and media productions, workshops, presentations, syllabi, and engagements rooted in social justice, equity, and healing practices, giving students the tools to process complex realities and build skills for positive change. Create A Space NOW is committed to equipping schools, teachers, and young people with creative tools that challenge oppression and nurture liberation. Through the transformative power of art, we believe every student can learn to build a more just, joyful, and connected world.

Just Buffalo Literary Center has led the way for literary arts education in Western New York. One of Just Buffalo’s greatest strengths is our ability to reach students of all ages and abilities—gifted and talented, at-risk, or special needs—and we’re proud to work with public, private, Catholic, and charter schools, as well as community centers throughout Western New York.

School Shows: Prices for Mop & Bucket Co. Performance only: 45 minutes, two improvisers and accompanist $1000 Additional improvisers, each $200 45 minutes, Theatresports (™) show, five improvisers plus accompanist $1,500 Second show same ½ day (morn or afternoon) $500 Customized for specific character education themes (more lecture-demo elements than average performance) $ +100 Workshops: 45 minutes, one or two trainer-facilitators $350-$450 Multiple after school improv workshops - Let’s talk Combinations: Evening performances (PTA event, etc.): 45 minutes, two or three improvisers and accompanist $800 Additional improvisers, each $200 Motivational Speaker package for public schools - Let’s Talk Travel/ Mileage: No Charge within 30 miles of 10 North Jay Street, Schenectady NY Over 30 Miles: $1.00/mile from 10 N. Jay Sound reinforcement Wireless lavaliere, mixer, PA package (recommended for a cafetorium, auditoriums, etc.) $200 Dates Available Please call or email to discuss your needs. We like to make it work for you. Program Theme: We work with you to create an entertaining, all improvised show that meets your instructional agenda. Showcasing the main tenets of improv (be spontaneous, celebrate positive risk taking, accept and build with what exists, make your partner look good) our shows support your programs on anti-bullying, diversity and inclusion, or enhancing creativity. We also address core subjects using NYS standards as guidelines. Program Description: Improv shows for entertainment and education. Interactive improv workshops, which can be in combination with a show, using selected students as our collaborators. Offsite workshops for faculty and staff, for team building, communication skills development, and more.

BubbleMania: Science, Art & Comedy! An extremely "pop"ular assembly that combines bubbling skills, clean humor and toe-tapping tunes with an exploration of the natural sciences to amaze, amuse and inspire. This show connects the dots between creativity and scientific know-how. Students K-5 learn how bubbles form, how to use simple tools to create jaw-dropping bubble sculpture at home (spaceship, bubble cube, bubble disco ball), the science of bubble bursting, secret formulas and more. Includes eye-popping, artistic routines choreographed to jazzy music and a finale that finds a student trapped inside a giant bubble. Developed by Casey Carle, international award-winning bubble manipulator with credits that include Cirque du Soleil, Sesame Street and The Smithsonian Institute. Thousands of shows presented at schools across New York & New England for two decades. Brains will whirl, eyes will go wide and jaws will drop for students and staff alike. Amaze, amuse and inspire with BubbleMania!

For schools, community organizations, and other large groups, Stone Quarry offers artist-led experiences of the grounds that include making activities for students and adults. Stone Quarry’s teaching artists design experiences that are responsive and specific to your group’s interests. For an artist-led experience, we suggest a $15 per person donation or a pay-what-you-can sliding scale.

As an author of over 100 comprehensible readers for students learning languages, I very much enjoy connecting with students of all levels about the stories that I write and hopefully, those that they are reading in their language classes. I have stories in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish and will be delighted to travel to your district to interact with students (even in the target language!) about what they are reading, either independently or as whole classes. My visits are lively, fun and interactive - a great way for students to showcase their language abilities while their teachers stand by and bask in their students' success!

The mission of The Vanaver Caravan is to inspire, through dance and music, the harmonious co-existence of world cultures and traditions, to promote peace and celebrate our humanity. Artistic directors, Bill and Livia Vanaver, have dedicated over 50 years to learning and sharing dance traditions from every corner of the earth. They have traveled across the globe, creating lasting life-long friendships along the way. Our international collective of professional Teaching Artists are trained with an extensive knowledge in our world dance and music repertoire. All of our faculty learn The Vanaver Caravan's holistic, gentle teaching philosophy: keeping students focused and disciplined in a positive and respectful way. Students are given space to learn and grow in an environment that fosters curiosity, creative thinking skills, and self-esteem through kinesthetic learning.

Our dynamic programming includes three unforgettable, interactive assemblies as well as a lifesaving skills workshop series M.A.C.H.O. Assembly – My Actions Can Help Others A high-energy kindness and empathy assembly that inspires students to be everyday superheroes by showing compassion and helping others. Strength of Body, Strength of Mind A motivational fitness and wellness assembly that promotes strength of body and mind through real-life story of former Mr. America, Dan Lurie told by his grandson. Water Safety Education Assembly An engaging and informative program that teaches kids how to stay safe in oceans, pools, and lakes, featuring the popular “Dress Like a Lifeguard” relay. Additionally, we offer our hands on Life-Saving Skills Workshop Series for grades 3 and up, where students learn: Hands-Only CPR (Adult, Child, and Infant) Heimlich Maneuver (Adult, Child, and Infant) Water Safety or Allergy Awareness

Sandra K. Athans is an award-winning children’s author and a published literacy specialist with vast classroom experience. Her children’s books represent a mix of playfulness, adventure, discovery, and fun! Her goal is to “glue” kids to her book’s pages with high-interest content that is full of page-turning wonder! In Tales from the Top of the World – Sandra shares nonfiction vignettes of her brother’s seven summits of Mt. Everest. In Secrets of the Sky Caves – she invites readers on scientific expeditions to remote cliff caves in Nepal. These are but two of her many works, which she shares with students in lively and engaging multi-media presentations. Sandra has written at every level, from early childhood fiction, through to award-winning middle grade nonfiction and above. She is currently working on Chasing Curious Creatures, a playful nonfiction series about unusual animals and the scientists who study them (Astra Books for Children – 2025). Sandra also continues to publish teacher and student resources within the educational market and can provide reading/writing workshops for students and/or teachers along with her author visits.