STAGES OF DISCOVERY

TURKEY TROUBLE AT FRIENDLY ACRES FARM

SOLD OUT - both performances

Tuesday, October 24, 2023
9:30 AM & 12:00 PM at the baby grand

Bright Star Touring Company

Best For Grades PK – 3

Everything has been so wonderful down on Friendly Acres Farm, that is, until a bullying turkey starts picking on the other farm animals and making life harder for everyone. Farmer Jim and his faithful dog must stop this bullying bird to save Friendly Acres. Colorful and imaginative costumes bring this empowering production to life while equipping young audiences with the tools they need to stop someone from bullying them.

Learning Connections: Farm Animals, Character Building, Kindness, Friendship, Sharing, Self-Awareness and Self-Management, Establishing and Maintaining Relationships, Decision Making and Responsible Behaviors

Stages_of_Discovery_RESERVATION_FORM_2023-2024.fillable.pdf

TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY

Thursday, November 16, 2023

9:30 AM & 12:00 PM at Copeland Hall

Childsplay – Tempe, Arizona

Best for Grades K – 5

A bilingual musical, based on the beloved book about the true story of the Mexican-American author and educator Tomás Rivera, who became the first minority Chancellor in the University of California system. This inspirational production shows how reading and education -- and self esteem-- can make anything possible.

As the young son of migrant farm workers, he spends the summer with his family following the crops north from Texas to Iowa, passing long days in the fields listening to his grandfather tell stories. Before long, Tomás knows all of Papa Grande’s tales by heart....

When a chance encounter brings him to the local Carnegie Library, he meets the “Library Lady” who recognizes his thirst for knowledge and encourages him to read. His delight in books is equaled by his pride in teaching Spanish to the Library Lady, trading knowledge and respect between generations and cultures. By the end of the summer, Tomás has great pride in becoming his family’s new storyteller, the guidance of a colorful mentor, and a lifelong love of reading.

Adapted from the book “Tomás and the Library Lady” by Pat Mora

Learning Connections: Literacy, Literature, Culturally Responsive, Friendship

Video Trailer

Study Guide

2023-2024 Stages of Discovery Reservation Form

THE LIGHTNING THIEF

Monday, December 11, 2023

9:30 AM & 12:00 PM at Copeland Hall

TheaterWorks USA

Best for Grades 3 – 6

When teenager Percy Jackson discovers he's a demigod, he and his friends embark on an epic journey to find Zeus' missing lightning bolt and prevent a war among the gods. This dynamic musical adaptation of Rick Riordan's bestselling book, The Lightning Thief, features an exciting rock score.

Learning Connections: Communication, Music, Science, Social Studies, Greek Mythology

Video Trailer

Study Guide

2023-2024 Stages of Discovery Reservation Form

A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Tuesday, Dec 19, 2023

11:00 AM only at The Playhouse on Rodney Square

Perseverance Productions, New Hampshire

Best for Grades 3– 12

A powerful story of redemption, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol has enchanted audiences the world over with its simple message of holiday joy. Ebenezer Scrooge, that most unrepentant and miserly of fellows, is made to see the light as he survives a merciless battery of revelation by the ghosts of his own life: Jacob Marley and The Christmas Spirits of Past, Present, and Future. This new adaptation of Dickens’ ever popular classic fills the stage with first class professional actors, lush costumes, stunning sets and puppetry, song and dance, a heavy dose of humor, and a timeless message.

Learning Connections: Characterization, Historical Literature, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Self-Awareness, Economics and Civics, Theatrical Presentation, Puppetry, Music and Dance.

Video Trailer

2023-2024 Stages of Discovery Reservation Form

ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO LIVE

Thursday, January 25, 2024
9:30 AM & 12:00 PM at Copeland Hall

ERTH Visual and Physical, Inc. – Victoria, Australia

Best for Grades K – 5

Erth's Dinosaur Zoo Live guides your students on a breathtaking tour that begins in pre-historic Australia. Brought to life by a team of skilled performers and puppeteers, and designed with the help of professional paleontologists, the puppets are so extraordinarily realistic you may feel the urge to run and hide - but don’t! Expect a roaring good time while observing, meeting, and interacting with over 19 dinosaurs, including the Triceratops, T. Rex, Megneura, Leaellynasaura, Titanosaur, and more!

Learning Connections: Life Science, Natural History and Paleontology, Asking Questions, Making Observations, Predictions, and Connections, Investigating and Exploring the Natural World.

Video Trailer

Study Guide

2023-2024 Stages of Discovery Reservation Form

KEEP MARCHING: THE ROAD TO THE MARCH ON WASHINGTON

Tuesday, February 27, 2024
9:30 AM & 12:00 PM at Copeland Hall

Mad River Theater Works

Best for Grades 4 and up

Bringing collected oral history to life, this new one-act play with music explores the historic 1963 march on Washington. Revered as the day that Martin Luther King Jr. made his famous ’I Have A Dream’ speech in August of 1963, the event drew over a quarter of a million people together in a peaceful gathering, and was a shining moment in the progression of equality in America, as well as a pivotal action in the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's.

Learning Connections: Civil Rights, US History, Social Studies, Culturally Responsive

Supports the learning requirements of DE-HB 198

2023-2024 Stages of Discovery Reservation Form

HOW A STAR GETS MADE: THE BESSIE COLEMAN STORY

Wednesday, March 6, 2024
9:30 AM & 12:00 PM at the baby grand

Walnut Street Theatre Touring Outreach Company

Best for Grades 5 – 8

Come enjoy an immersive historical retelling of the life of Bessie Coleman, the first Black and Native American female aviator! Join Bessie’s journey as she faces adversity, overcomes her challenges, and strives to achieve her dreams. Bessie teaches us that you can never shoot too high – believe in yourself and you’ll be a star too!

Click HERE for National Women’s History Museum’s bio of Bessie Coleman (1892-1926)

Learning Connections: Women's History, African-American History, Character Building, Perseverance, Culturally Responsive

Supports the learning requirements of DE-HB 198

2023-2024 Stages of Discovery Reservation Form

FOLKTALE FUN

Thursday, March 21, 2024
9:30 AM & 12:00 PM at the baby grand

TAHIRA Productions, Inc.

Best for Grades P– K

Clever spiders, signifying monkeys, and grinnin’ buzzards are just some of the intriguing characters in the folktales told by TAHIRA. Folktale Fun is an interactive program ideal for preschoolers and lower elementary school-aged children. Delivered in her signature high-energy style, TAHIRA captivates young audiences while imparting universal values such as appreciating differences and being kind with your words.

Learning Connections: Folktales, Storytelling, Cultures, Character Traits, Values, Kindness, Culturally Responsive

2023-2024 Stages of Discovery Reservation Form

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Tuesday, April 9, 2024
9:30 AM & 12:00 PM at The Playhouse on Rodney Square

Theatre Unspeakable – Chicago, IL

Best for Grades 4 – 10

History in 50 minutes—seven actors, two feet off the ground, share 21 square feet of space and recreate the entire American fight for independence from Lexington to Yorktown. Using only the actors’ bodies, voices and (pantomimed) cannons, the show evokes an epic time period in American history. Combining tongue-in-cheek humor with a dash of derring-do, the American Revolution displays the company’s rowdy brand of bare-boned and imaginative physical theater.

Learning Connections: American Revolution (timelines, people, and events), Declaration of Independence, US History, Social Studies, Physical Theatre, Teamwork

Video Trailer

Study Guide

2023-2024 Stages of Discovery Reservation Form

RAINBOW FISH

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
9:30 AM & 12:00 PM at Copeland Hall

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia

LIMITED SEATING AVAILABLE IN 9:30

Best for Grades PK – 2

The first of three tales introduces the most beautiful fish in the sea, whose scales shimmer in all the colours of the rainbow. He is admired – and resented – by the entire underwater world, until a clever octopus advises him to give each fish one of his scales. Further adventures follow as The Rainbow Fish finds the courage to explore the great unknown deep sea, discovering a new world with wonderful sights and friendly creatures of all shapes, sizes and colours who are eager to make his acquaintance. The underworld wonderland is the setting for an introduction to the concept of opposites. As a fitting finale, the story ends with the most satisfying opposite of all—give and take—as Rainbow Fish shares one of his shining scales with a friend.

Learning Connections: Literature, Puppetry, Visual Art, Literature, Opposites, Ocean Life, Friendship, Responsible Decision Making, Relationship Skills

Video Trailer

Study Guide

2023-2024 Stages of Discovery Reservation Form

ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER & FRIENDS

Wednesday, May 8, 2024
9:30 AM & 12:00 PM at The Playhouse on Rodney Square

TheaterWorks USA

Best for Grades K – 4

Ms. Greer's classroom includes three inquisitive out-of-the-box thinkers. Rosie Revere has big dreams. Iggy Peck has a relentless passion for architecture. And Ada Twist's curiosity can lead her to solve any problem.

A fun musical based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist Scientist by Andrea Beaty, which spotlights the STEM curriculum (focusing on science, technology, engineering and math). Based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty with illustrations by David Roberts

Learning Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Music, Science, Social Studies, Teamwork, Creative Problem Solving, Engineering, Architecture

Video Trailer

Study Guide

Other classroom resources and activities

2023-2024 Stages of Discovery Reservation Form

Charlotte’s Web

Wednesday, May 29, 2024
9:30 AM & 12:00 PM at The Playhouse on Rodney Square

TheaterWorks USA

Best for Grades K – 5

Charlotte's Web is based on E.B. White's loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman. She will create a "miracle." Spinning the words "Some Pig" in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever.

This treasured tale, featuring madcap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship.

Learning Connections: Communication and Language Arts, Literature Based, Music, Self-Awareness and Self-Management, Establishing and Maintaining Relationships, Decision Making and Responsible Behaviors

Video Trailer

Study Guide

2023-2024 Stages of Discovery Reservation Form

TICKETS are $9 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 families 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.

FAMILY 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 (unless otherwise noted). Performances will begin as close to these times as possible. 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: As we reopen, The Grand will not be able to accommodate requests for indoor lunch spaces during our 2022-2023 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 Allyson Sands, our Education Manager, at (302) 658-7897 x3201 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.