Our Northwood and Seaforth tenth-graders saw a performance–and they also what happens when storytelling meets history. Because in Mike Wiley’s hands, history doesn’t feel far away at all. It’s standing right there, center stage in front of you.
¡Olé, Chatham! A Flamenco Celebration at Perry Harrison and Silk Hope
If you wandered into Perry Harrison or Silk Hope schools between October 20 and 22, you might have heard it first—a rhythmic tap, a guitar string hum, a voice lifting in song, and then… the magic of Flamenco. Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana brought a swirl of sound, color, and culture to fifth- and seventh-grade students as part of the Chatham Arts Council’s Artists-in-Schools program.
Black Box Dance Theatre Collaborates with the Chatham Middle “Ram-ily”
This February, seventh-graders at Chatham Middle experienced a Chatham Artists-in-Schools dance residency with the artists of Black Box Dance Theatre–and it was linked with math concepts, too! Made possible by the cARTwheels funding through the NC Arts Council and private sponsorship through Carolina Credit Union Foundation, the week-long visit included dance workshops with students–and also… Read More →
Mike Wiley Brings Theatre and Writing to Siler City and Virginia Cross
Siler City Elementary (SCE) and Virginia Cross Elementary (VCE) students and teachers enjoyed actor and playwright Mike Wiley’s solo performance of “One Noble Journey” this past November. In addition to the performance, Mr. Wiley hosted teacher and student workshops at both schools during his week-long artist residency in Chatham. An Audience-Fueled Performance: “One Noble Journey”… Read More →
Flourishing with Flamenco at North Chatham and Pollard Middle
This October, the tenth year of the Artists-in-Schools program initiative in Chatham County Schools, began with a flourish of Flamenco, led by four multi-talented artists from the Durham-based Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana Dance Company! Interactive Performances :: North Chatham Elementary and Margaret B. Pollard Middle School Two schools–North Chatham Elementary and Margaret B. Pollard Middle… Read More →
Black Box Residency Bursts with Creativity and Collaboration at J.S. Waters School
Two groups of students–the fifth and seventh grade at J.S. Waters School–ran into the multi-purpose room to greet the lead teaching artists of Black Box Dance Theatre: Natalie, Alfredo, and Kate. “We want to experience something new together! Go on this journey with us!” Natalie urged as the students gathered in a large circle. Giggles… Read More →
Black Box Dancers Delight Fourth Graders at Pittsboro Elementary
Just before winter break, Raleigh-based modern dance company Black Box Dance Theatre spent three days with fourth-grade students in high energy dance workshops and performances. Students buzzed with excitement about the experience–and about the upcoming break (which allowed for some creative and colorful outfits!). Class Workshops: Moving and Making with History in Mind The company’s… Read More →
Mike Wiley’s Masterful Residency: Teaching through Theatre at Bennett and Bonlee School
“This was absolutely great!” Board of Education members Gary Leonard and David Hamm were enthusiastic after sitting with Bennett School students and teachers to watch actor and playwright Mike Wiley’s solo performance of “One Noble Journey.” The play’s narrative brought to life the remarkable journey of Henry “Box” Brown, a courageous slave who shipped himself… Read More →
Igniting the Flame of Flamenco: Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana at Moncure School
It was the start of an ordinary school week when an extraordinary opportunity knocked on the doors of Moncure School. A dance residency–led by four international artists from the Durham-based Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana Dance Company–had arrived! The Performance: Where Education Meets Entertainment The Moncure gym’s wooden floor echoed the rap-tap-tap of the dancers as… Read More →