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Treehouse Troupe travels to schools |
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Written by Sentinel Staff
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Tuesday, 25 March 2008 |
The Bowling Green State University Treehouse Troupe has begun its annual spring tour of elementary schools. This year’s tour, which began March 13, is offering Beverly Longo’s adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic, “The Ugly Duckling.”
“The Ugly Duckling” is the story of a young bird ostracized because he does not look like the other ducklings. He leaves the pond to explore the world and eventually returns to find that he has blossomed into a beautiful swan.
The BGSU production is designed for students in kindergarten through fifth grade but is fun for children and adults alike.
Sponsored by the university’s Department of Theater and Film, the Treehouse Troupe is often the first and sometimes only live drama many Northwest Ohio children encounter during elementary school. With the reduction of funds and increase in testing limiting cultural field trips, Treehouse Troupe provides an essential service by bringing theater to schools.
The troupe was founded in 1979 and tours approximately 50 schools in 12 counties, presenting shows and leading workshops for 10,000 to 15,000 students annually. In the past 27 years, the touring company has performed nearly 1,200 shows and presented nearly 3,000 workshops for some 300,000 students, teachers and public audiences.
The company is made up of six to 10 BGSU students selected by audition. Through a semester-long process, they receive training in theater education and workshops, and develop, rehearse and perform the selected plays.
Troupe members this year include junior theater major Lauren Fraley of Lakewood, junior film major D.J. Gierhart of Upper Sandusky, junior secondary education major Rebecca Katona of Parma, junior theater major Jessica Naumann of Waterville, senior theater major Aimee Reid of Whitehouse, junior film major Brent Winzek of North Huntingdon, Pa., and senior theater major Tyler Ward of Bowling Green.
The company is led by instructor Esther Iverson with the assistance of John Paul “JP” Staszel, a graduate student in theater from Scottdale, Pa., who directs the production and serves as road manager.
In addition to performing, each ensemble member has behind-the-scenes responsibilities from set and costume care to stage management.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 12 May 2008 )
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