Precious Moments

This post is from Ali Bill, pictured here as Emily in Open Dream Ensemble's Big Shoes. 

Hello ODE followers!
These last couple of weeks have been overwhelming in the best sense of the word. We have traveled up and down this beautiful state and I've seen beauty that can only come from the southeast. It's just making it harder and HARDER to have the desire to leave here and go back to the Big Apple...

Our last residency in Charlotte was one that I will never forget. Just so everyone knows, we perform “informances” on the last day of five-day residencies, however we only had a four day residency at this particular school, so we didn't have time for one. However, the imagination and artistic ability that these children had was mind blowing!

On our last day, right before we hand out our book-marks, magnets, and flyers, the students and supportive teacher told us they had something for us, too. They formed in to three groups, thanked us for all that we had taught them, and proceeded to perform their own informances!!! I was blown away that not only did they learn the correct curriculum, they rose to the occasion and in their very own time, put together these skits with dialogue and movement. Our job had surely been done :) This is by far the most rewarding job I have ever had. And I will never forget those precious moments.

XO
Ali

Benton Heights Residency Week 2!!

This post comes from Dr. Disrupto, aka Peter Shanahan. Peter is a third-year Open Dreamer and has performed various roles -- including a rapping sewage worker , tweedle-dee, Octave Chanute, Guard Robot and "Dad!" This season he has also taken on the role of our Residency Manager and Co-Tour Manager.




We've had a great first week at Benton Heights Elementary in Monroe, North Carolina; and we're ready for more! The cast returned to Benton Heights this evening and we're ready for another week. Benton Heights is an amazing school for many reasons. The arts are a core part of the school and all signs suggest they are headed in the right direction! The kids' demeanor really reflect the fact that they have plenty of creative outlets. The school offers a full spread of arts classes in drama, music, dance, and visual arts. There is a wonderful spirit of kindness and respect that seems to stem from their exposure to creativity and care. Bravo to the whole faculty at Benton Heights, an A+ school in every way!

It's also great to have the chance to really get to know the kids over a two-week residency. We're able to cover so many curriculum objectives in great detail, and it's clear the kids are really having fun and remembering what they are learning at the same time. Thanks to the amazing students and faculty at Benton Heights!