A traveling troupe from The Barter Theatre came to school this morning to present their interpretation of Hans Christian Andersen's The Ugly Duckling.
The Barter Theatre located in Abington, VA approximately 260 miles from Richmond, is one of the longest running professional theaters in the United States. In 1933, when the country was in the middle of the Great Depression, most patrons were not able to pay the full ticket price. Robert Porterfield, founder of the theatre, offered admittance by letting the local people pay with food goods, hence the name "Barter".
This troupe made up of 6 enthusiastic young actors from different states in the southeast U.S., will be visiting schools for the next 2 months. Using a minimum of costumes and props, they kept 550 boys and girls in kindergarten through Grade 4 enthralled for an hour. This classic story of being true to yourself was the perfect vehicle for a school production.
You might note in the large picture to the right in which one of the performers is schmoozing with the audience before the play, that today was Pajama Day for Grade 1. All First Graders (even their teachers) wore their pjs to school. That just added to the general festive atmosphere in the room.
Allison, this is a fantastic collage! First of all, I love the story of the Barter Theatre, so thank you for sharing that piece of history! Second, I love the fact that the first graders are all in their pjs :-) Reminds me of when moms and dads read this story to the young ones, before they settle into their beds for the night. Third, I love the idea of these traveling actors relating this story to children in the form of a play. Brings the story right to life!
What a great treat for the kids. I love the collage, it tells your story perfectly. I think teachers in PJ's with the kids is a great way to show the kids, they too can have fun.
haha! PJ day! LOVE it! We are having dress up days at school next week!