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September 16, 2015

Bringing Theatre Residencies to Chatham Elementary School Students

Distinguished Teaching Artists EbzB and Mike Wiley Bring Theatre Residencies to Chatham County Schools This Year

AFTA_ArtsEdWeek_finImagine if Jackie Robinson, the all-star African-American baseball player, were still alive and able to share his first-hand account of how he pushed the color barrier in America. Would we see the courage in his gait? Hear the lilt of frustration in his voice?

Mike Wiley at Jackie Robinson
Mike Wiley presents Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart

Some Chatham County students will have the opportunity to experience what life might have been like for the record-setting player when acclaimed actor and playwright Mike Wiley springs to life as Jackie Robinson at North Chatham Elementary School in his one-man production of Jackie Robinson: A Game Apart. 

“My work finds its heart in the stories that have shaped American history and cultures,” said Wiley, also a Chatham County resident. “I’m proud to play, live and finally work here where my roots can take hold and make a difference.” 

And what would it be like to watch those brothers from Ohio out on the North Carolina coast, putting together that machine they say is actually going to FLY?  The Wrights of Passage, an EbzB original production now seen by over 100,000 students, introduces the second residency at Virginia Cross Elementary School. This Fall professional performing artists Serena Ebhardt and David zum Brunnen, also Chatham County residents, will lead a program with fifth graders that bolsters core curriculum. Through journalistic interviews, students will create a script they will produce into a school-wide theatrical production complete with music, art and technology.
EbzB's Wrights of Passage
EbzB’s Wrights of Passage introduces their Oral History Residency

 

“As Chatham County citizens for over twenty years, David and I are thrilled to be contributing to Chatham Arts Council’s Pilot Year Artists-in-Schools Initiative,” Ebhardt said. “We hope that the work we do with students reaches beyond the classroom and creates connections between younger and older generations. It is not just about Arts-In-Education. It is about promoting integrity, self-discovery and the positive transformation of communities through our schools.”


This great new collaboration between Chatham Arts Council and Chatham County Schools is funded by two grants from the North Carolina Arts Council. The Chatham County Commissioners and Chatham Park have provided matching funds and made generous contributions for our Arts in Education initiative.

“Chatham County Schools are incredibly fortunate to have such a resource in Chatham Arts Council,” said Lori Carlin, Chatham County Schools Public Information Officer and Arts Coordinator. “Having a community partner organization that lists ‘educating kids through the arts’ as a guiding principle serves to enrich our students and community alike. The artist-in-residence opportunities will support and enhance instruction in a new and exciting way for the teachers and students involved.”

We’re so excited to announce these pilot projects, especially during National Arts in Education Week. Stay tuned for updates. Plan to attend a student performance soon!

Learn More 

Mike Wiley Productions

EbzB Productions

Related

By Gina Harrison | Filed Under: Artists-in-Schools, Arts in Education, ChathamArts News, Slideshow Featured | Tagged With: #ArtsEdWeek, #EncourageCreativity, Arts in Education, theater

Comments

  1. Daryl Walker says

    February 12, 2016 at 9:54 pm

    I am delighted to know that Chatham County schools are once again including artist residencies and arts integration of the core curriculum for their students. I hope this program will reach every student in every school in the county!

    Reply
    • Cheryl Chamblee says

      February 17, 2016 at 2:20 pm

      Daryl, your incredible efforts in the past helped lay the foundation for this effort to happen now! Thank you!

      Reply

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2021-22 Season Artists-in-Schools

  • Phillip Shabazz at JS Waters and Woods Charter
  • Mike Wiley and Howard Craft  at North Chatham and Moncure
  • Black Box Dance Theatre at Siler City Elementary and Silk Hope
  • John Brown Band at Willow Oak and Bonlee
  • Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana at Perry Harrison, Pittsboro Elementary, and Virginia Cross
  • EbzB at Bennett School
  • Diali Cissokho at Chatham Grove and Chatham Charter

2021-22 Season Artists-In-Schools – It’s a Wrap!

https://youtu.be/EWolFvx5reo

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