STAGES OF DISCOVERY

POLKA DOTS: The Cool Kids Musical

Walnut Street Theatre Touring Outreach – Philadelphia, PA

Wednesday, October 23

the baby grand / Best for Grades K – 6

Follow Lily Polkadot’s move to the “Squares Only” town of Rockaway! As the first Polkadot in an all Square school, Lily faces the almost impossible task of gaining acceptance from her peers. Inspired by the events of Little Rock 9, this musical serves as a fun history lesson about inclusivity!

Book by Melvin Tunstall III, Music by Greg Borowsky, Music and Lyrics by Douglas Lyons

Learning Connections: Civil Rights, Social Studies, African American History

SEL Connections: Character Building, Kindness, Friendship, Inclusivity

Supports the learning requirements of DE HB 198

RESERVATION FORM

Study Guide will be made available (Sept 2024)

MY FATHER’S DRAGON

Enchantment Theatre Company – Philadelphia, PA

Tuesday, November 19

Copeland Hall at The Grand / Best for Grades KN – 5

When nine-year old Elmer Elevator hears about a baby dragon who is held captive by the ferocious animals of Wild Island, he sets off on an adventure to rescue the dragon and return him home. With the help of his friend the Alley Cat, Elmer packs everything he thinks he’ll need – including chewing gum, two-dozen lollipops, seven hair ribbons, and a box of rubber bands! With pluck and ingenuity Elmer makes his way to the Island, outwits the wild animals and saves Boris, the dragon. But can they find their way back home? As they travel over the ocean they get lost in a storm and discover a magical island of escaped canaries. The resourceful Elmer helps the canaries overcome their “curiosity disease” and uncover a stash of hidden riches. With bags of gold and the canaries’ blessings, the dauntless duo at last returns home.

With talking animals, a daring rescue, a flying dragon, buried treasure, and lots of humor throughout, this fabulous adventure is brought to the stage in Enchantment Theatre’s distinctive style. Using puppets, masks, inventive scenic effects and original music, Enchantment Theatre Company is delighted to bring you the story of a compassionate and courageous young boy and his unlikely friendship with a splendid yellow and blue-striped dragon.

Learning Connections: Literature, Vocabulary, Reading/Comprehension, Visual Arts, Drawing, Theatre, Music, Dance, Reading and Creative Writing as storytelling with a focus on the concepts of imagination, creativity, and problem-solving

RESERVATION FORM

My Father's Dragon Study Guide

Video Trailer

SOCIAL MOVEMENTS: 1968 Wilmington Uprising and Occupation

Pieces of a Dream, Inc. – Wilmington, DE

Wednesday, December 4

Venue: TBD / Best for Grades: 6 – 12

Social Movements: The 1968 Wilmington Uprising and Occupation is a modern dance production looking at the key moments and meaning of Wilmington, Delaware’s historic 1968 riots and the subsequent National Guard Occupation of the city. Set to a background of Freedom Songs from the 1960s, text from official documents, and first-person stories, dancers use their bodies to present the stories of the individuals who lived during this era that has had a profound effect on Wilmington, her citizens, and the greater Delaware community to this day. This production includes the performance of “Riot-Us Behavior” and a scholar-led discussion about the events.

Learning Connections: Wilmington, DE History, Delaware History, Civil Rights Era, African American History, Dance, ELA, Storytelling

Supports the learning requirements of DE HB 198

TEACHING ARTIST (TA) RESIDENCIES by the Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education (DiAE) are available for Social Movements: 1968 Wilmington Uprising and Occupation

RESERVATION FORM

Study Guide Available Oct 2024

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: Lost in the Solar System - SOLD OUT!

TheaterWorksUSA – New York, NY

Tuesday, December 10

The Playhouse on Rodney Square / Best for Grades: K – 5

When the class gets lost on the way to the planetarium, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip! But when rivalries both old and new threaten to tear the students apart, our young heroes must learn to pull together or risk getting forever lost in the solar system. Hop on the Magic School Bus for a ride in this new musical adaptation based on the original book series published by Scholastic.

Learning Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Music, Science, Science, Space

SEL Connections: School and Family Relationships, Forgiveness, Teamwork

The Magic School Bus Study Guide

Educational Resources

Video Trailer

HERO: THE BOY FROM TROY

First Woman, LLC – New York, NY

Tuesday, February 4

Copeland Hall at The Grand / Best for Grades: 3 – 6

Jayden is stuck in detention with a book about Congressman John Lewis, but he thinks that history has nothing to teach him. Together we go on a musical journey through the decades that shows how the heroes in the Civil Rights movement inspired young John Lewis to protest injustice and get into ‘good trouble.’

As a boy, John dreams of being a preacher who can help others. While he doesn’t have a congregation yet, he does have a loyal group of singing chickens that listen to him as he finds his voice. On a harrowing road trip through the South, John’s eyes and mind are opened to the injustices of segregation and racism, inspiring him to take action. As John meets Rosa Parks and Dr. King and ultimately becomes a leader and American hero himself, Jayden learns how he too can take a stand.

From the same creative team as JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM, including playwright Nambi E. Kelley, director Daniel Carlton, and music and lyrics by Joe Plummer, this new musical production was commissioned by Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera's Gallery of Heroes Program. The national touring production is supported by Development Partner The Center at Governor State University in University Park, IL.

Learning Connections: Fine Arts Performance Technology, and Multi-media Design, Traditional Negro Spiritual Songs and Freedom Songs, American History, Civil Rights, African American Leaders

SEL Learning Connections: Self-and Social Awareness, Self-Management, Relationship Skills Responsible Decision-Making, Discrimination, Honesty, Respect, Challenging Public Perception, Personal Politics, Empowerment, Empathy, Agency

Supports the learning requirements of DE HB 198

TEACHING ARTIST (TA) RESIDENCIES by the Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education (DiAE) are available for Social Movements: 1968 Wilmington Uprising and Occupation

RESERVATION FORM

Hero: the Boy from Troy Study Guide

Video Trailer

GOODNIGHT MOON & THE RUNAWAY BUNNY

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia – Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada

Monday, March 3

The Playhouse on Rodney Square / Best for Grades: PK – 3

Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery never fail to infuse young readers with a reassuring sense of security. Mermaid’s staged adaptation brings a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.

Few writers have been as attuned to the concerns and emotions of childhood as Margaret Wise Brown (1910–1952). Brown, a former teacher, believed that very young children could be fascinated by the simple pleasures of the world around them. Few had previously attempted to write specifically for children aged two to five, and Brown created some of the most enduring and beloved children’s books of all time as well as developed the concept of the first durable board book.

Learning Connections: Puppetry, Visual Art, Literature, Repetition of Text and Illustrations, Rhyming, Rhythmic Patterns, Passage of Time

SEL Connections: Parent/Child Relationships, Emotions

RESERVATION FORM

Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny Study Guide

EMPOWERED, BRILLIANT & BRAVE: Great Women of Black History

BrightStar Touring Theatre – Morrisville, NC

Monday, March 10

the baby grand / Best for Grades: 3 – 8

Meet some of Black History’s most inspiring female figures in this special show that highlights some of the world’s most amazing women. Crunch some hidden figures with Dorothy Vaughan. Follow along the Underground Railroad with Harriet Tubman. Celebrate the Jazz Age with Ella Fitzgerald. Plus meet incredible groundbreakers like Michelle Obama, Sojourner Truth, Serena Williams and many, many more amazing women from Black History!

Learning Connections: Women’s History, African American History, Social Studies, Civil Rights, Discrimination, Equality,

Supports the learning requirements of DE HB 198

TEACHING ARTIST (TA) RESIDENCIES by the Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education (DiAE) are available for Social Movements: 1968 Wilmington Uprising and Occupation

RESERVATION FORM

Empowered, Brilliant, & Brave Study Guide

DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS! THE MUSICAL!

TheaterWorksUSA – New York, NY

Tuesday, April 29

Copeland Hall at The Grand / Best for Grades PK – 2

Whatever you do, don't let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning "Pigeon" picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie's We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!

It's not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone's wings flapping.

Learning Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Music, Literature-Based

SEL Connections: Friendship, Exploration, Teamwork, Creativity, Adventure

RESERVATION FORM

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus Study Guide

Video Trailer

PETE THE CAT

TheaterWorksUSA – New York, NY

Thursday, May 15

The Playhouse on Rodney Square / Best for Grades PK - 3

For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth.

But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW Bus!

Learning Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Literature-Based, Music

SEL Connections: Relationships and Family, Creativity, Friendship, Getting Along, Overcoming Differences, Cooperation, Personal Growth

RESERVATION FORM

Pete the Cat Study Guide

Other Educational Resources and Activities

Video Trailer

Explorer Concert with the Delaware Symphony Orchestra

“The Composer is Dead,” music by Nathaniel Stookey with text by Lemony Snicket

The Delaware Symphony Orchestra – Wilmington, DE

Tuesday, May 20

Copeland Hall / Best for Grades: K – 5

The Delaware Symphony is tuned to give your students a fantastic opportunity to unite with other schools in a GRAND symphony hall for a LIVE symphony concert specialized for young audiences! Join us to discover how multiple types of rhythm, melody, and harmony are brought to life by instruments of numerous shapes, colors, and sounds and build something beautiful, good, and fun together.

In preparation, Educators will receive a study guide with lesson outlines and supporting materials for use in their classrooms to prepare students for this concert. All materials will be available to educators in early 2025.

Learning Connections: TBD

RESERVATION FORM

Study Guide available Jan 2025

TICKETS are $10 per person. Groups get one ticket free with every 15 reserved. Discounts for Title I schools are subject to availability and must be verifiable by the Department of Education.

No deposit is necessary for school groups; invoices will be provided. The final payment for schools is due two weeks prior to the performance. Full payment is required for general admission or small groups (less than 10) at the time of reservation.

Reservations are required for all performances. You may estimate the number of tickets needed with your initial reservation. Please include all students, teachers, and chaperones. Final counts (and payments) are due two weeks before performance dates (additional seats subject to availability). No adjustments may be made after this deadline.

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations must be received in writing at least 30 days before the performance date, and payments will be refunded. Cancellations made within 15-30 days of the performance will be charged a cancellation fee (50% of the total invoice) and/or receive a partial refund. Cancellations made within 14 days of the performance must pay the full invoice amount; refunds will not be issued.

To get started: 1) download the reservation form, 2) complete and save the form on your computer or network, then 3) e-mail it as an attachment to Discovery@grandopera.org. If you have any questions or special needs, please put them in the body of your e-mail.

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS are available for purchase online or through The Grand’s Box Office. Please call (302) 652-5577 or come to The Grand at 818 N. Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.

SHOW TIMES are 9:30 AM and 12:00 PM. Performances will begin as close to these times as possible, and no later than 10 minutes after the scheduled time. Large groups should make every effort to arrive within the half-hour prior to show times to allow ample time for seating. The running time for all shows is approximately one hour. Please allow extra time for dismissal; street access is limited and groups will be called as their buses are ready for departure.

NO LUNCHES: The Grand will not be able to accommodate requests for indoor lunch spaces during our 2024-2025 season. Groups may utilize Rodney Square, a public park, across the street from The Playhouse (weather permitting).

Please email Discovery@grandopera.org for more details.

CLASSROOM VISITS help prepare your students for their field trip. Programs may be tailored to suit your educational goals. The material covered will include a custom lesson plan related to the content of the show, theatre etiquette, and the history of The Grand or The Playhouse. The first classroom visit is just $25; discounts are offered for each additional class, with a maximum of 30 students per class. A travel fee may apply. Please contact Mari Johnson, Director of Community Engagement, at (302) 658-7897 x3405 or send an email.

STUDY GUIDES specific to each show include lessons and activities for use in the classroom before and after your visit. Please see study guides available for download along the right sidebar of this page.

TEACHING ARTIST (TA) RESIDENCIES: by Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education (DiAE) are available for selected shows, to be announced prior to 2023-2024 school year.

Trained TAs will design a series of workshops that allow students to explore subject matter and have a deeper, more personal connection with the art form. DiAE service fees will apply. Please email DiAE's Artistic Director, Ashley SK Davis.

TRANSPORTATION SUBSIDIES are available for schools that demonstrate financial need. Applications may be downloaded here and are accepted throughout the year. Awards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funds are available.