First Acting Gig

May 25, 2011

Today’s adventure took place back at the South Valleys Library. When we were at the craft program last week, we were told that Act!vated Story Theatre was coming and that they needed actors. If L was interested we just needed to show up a half hour early and she could participate. I figured that since she really liked the KidScape performance that she would like to try this acting gig. We didn’t know what to expect, and when we showed up there was only a handful of kid “actors.” She entered the room cautiously, hid behind me a bit and said she was scared, but as soon as she recognized one little girl that we see at all of the craft programs, she felt much better and jumped right in. Once the real Act!vated Story Theatre actors (Dennis and Kimberly) were set up and ready to go, they kicked the adults out of the room and started rehearsing with the kids. We were called back in along with a lot of other people that showed up to watch the performance, and there was quite an audience of kids and adults.

Kimberly opening the Act!vated Story Theatre Storybook

The theme of the show was “One World. Many Stories.” and they did a performance of Egyptian Cinderella and The Hat Seller and the Monkey. Egyptian Cinderella is the original Cinderella story (which may even be true). The story is about Rhodopis, a slave girl from Greece, who was kidnapped and brought to serve Pharaoh Amasis in Egypt. She worked in the fields until one day when she caught the eye of the Pharaoh. The kids played other slaves that worked in the fields with Rhodopis. You wouldn’t have known L was nervous beforehand; she was right up there acting her little heart out digging and planting the fields. She even got chosen to dance with the prince and try on the slipper, but alas, it was too big.

Dancing with the Prince

The Hat Seller and the Monkey was performed in pantomime just by Dennis, who played the hat seller, and Kimberly, who played the monkey. It was very cute, and they had all of the kids laughing and giggling. 

The Hat Seller (taking a nap) and the Monkey (taking advantage).

Act!vated Story Theatre travels all over the country performing. Check to see if they’re coming to a library or school near you at http://activatedstorytheatre.com/shows.html.

Until our next adventure . . .