Student Programs is bringing Theaterworks USA performances back to the CABOCES region next spring, through CoSer 403 (Arts in Education). Districts are invited to choose the shows, locations, dates, and times that work best for their PreK through fifth-grade students.

There is widespread excitement over two Theaterworks shows based on best-selling books that are making their debut in the region in 2024.

The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System
This Theaterworks show, already sold out on the East Coast, offers a stellar opportunity to build upon the excitement of the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8th . Ms. Frizzle will blend the science of the cosmos with fast-paced, colorful entertainment. Students in first through fifth grades have a unique invitation to attend the show at local theaters, the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts at Saint Bonaventure University, New York, and the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown, New York on February 15th and 16th, 2024.

Dot, Dot, Dot: A New Musical
This brand-new show is coming to the region May 29th through 31st, 2024 for students in first through fifth grades. The inspirational new musical is based on the Creatrilogy trio of books by Peter H. Reynolds, The Dot, Ish, and Sky Color, and artfully celebrates creativity and selfexpression, inspiring young minds to make their mark.

Additional Theaterworks performances include Pete the Cat on May 22nd -23rd, 2024 followed by Ada Twist, Scientist & Friends (originally called Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends) on June 6 th -10th, 2024.

Whether districts intend to incorporate performances into their lesson plans and curriculum or use them as ‘end of the year’ field trips, the shows are invaluable resources for classroom teachers, art and music teachers, and librarians.

Additional opportunities to extend the learning experience beyond the theater and into the classroom are available for all shows. Educators can also contact Learning Resources at 716- 376-8354 to check out supplemental books from the professional library or Interlibrary loan.

The 2024 lineup of shows emphasizes creativity, innovation, and STEM education, and aims to inspire, entertain, and enrich the lives of young learners. For more information about bringing the arts and education together through the magic of theater, contact Student Programs at 716-376-8284. Thanks go to Genesee Valley Central School, Salamanca Central School, and Franklinville Central School for opening their auditoriums up to the Theaterworks cast and the students and teachers in the region.

​By:  Jean Oliverio, CA BOCES Student Programs

Students from 20 area schools experienced a brand new theatrical show last week.  Almost 2500 elementary students from Cattaraugus and Allegany counties attended the TheaterWorks USA performance of "Rosie Revere, Engineer & Friends."  A talented cast presented a lively musical revue of Andrea Beaty’s popular children’s book series.

​The fun new musical is based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer; Iggy Peck, Architect; and Ada Twist, Scientist, which all spotlight the STEM curriculum.  Rosie, Iggy, and Ada, along with inspiration from Rosie’s great aunt, Rosie the Riveter, worked together to save the day and their teacher. 

Information about the show, as well as curriculum connections and enrichment activities are available here:  https://1s1lqm1s1b6x2bjxng3l5tmg-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/TWUSA-ROSIE-Study-Guide.pdf

TheaterWorks USA is a professional acting company based out of New York City.  It is America’s largest and most prolific professional theatre for young audiences.  Cuba-Rushford Elementary and Salamanca High opened their auditoriums to host the performances.  BOCES Arts In Education, CoSer 403, helps schools enrich the lives of their students by providing opportunities to experience the performing arts.  For more information about bringing theatrical shows to your area, contact Student Programs at 716-376-8323. 

By: Jean Oliverio, CA BOCES Student Programs

Young students from nineteen area schools experienced live theatre this month.  Almost 2500 preK through first graders from Cattaraugus and Allegany counties attended the TheatreWorks USA performances of Pete the Cat.  A cool cat named Pete, along with Jimmy and the Biddle family, went on a lively and colorful adventure filled with songs, dance and an insightful message about friendship.

The show at Olean High School on May 10 held added excitement for two local classes, who, thanks to their teachers, learned first-hand about forming new friendships.  First grade teachers, Stacey Clayson of Prospect Elementary and Kristin Yehl of Portville Central, and their students were both traveling to Olean High School to watch the TheatreWorks performance.  Their students had been communicating as pen-pals, but hadn’t actually met in person.  The 35 eager students were able to meet their long-distance friends before the show started. Front row seating was reserved for the special guests. It was exciting to witness the kids’ enthusiasm as they met face-to-face for the first time.  Both teachers were equally as enthusiastic and allowed the pen-pals to sit together to watch the show.

Kristin Yehl, from Portville, explained, “It was such a special treat meeting our pen-pals at the play. My kids were over-the-moon excited to meet up, and extremely happy to have seats reserved up front. We really enjoyed the play. They always do a great job keeping the audience entertained and engaged. We’re busy now writing back to our pen-pals because they delivered letters to us at the play.”

TheatreWorks USA is a professional acting company based out of New York City.  It is America’s largest and most prolific professional theatre for young audiences.

BOCES Arts In Education, CoSer 403, helps schools enrich the lives of their students by providing opportunities to experience the performing arts.  Fillmore Central, Olean High and Arcade Elementary opened their auditoriums to host these performances.  For more information about bringing TheatreWorks shows to your area, contact Student Programs at 716-376-8284. 

By:  Jean Oliverio, CABOCES Student Programming

According to several teachers and students, Freedom Train was one of the best performances ever in this area!  Eighteen area schools provided an inspirational experience for their students last week.  Over 1800 fourth and fifth graders from Cattaraugus and Allegany counties attended the TheatreWorks USA performances of Freedom Train.  Freedom Train told the motivational story of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.  The audience enjoyed dramatic story telling, dance and powerfully performed songs from the time period.

TheatreWorks USA is a professional acting company based out of New York City.  It is America’s largest and most prolific professional theatre for young audiences.
BOCES Art-In-Education helps schools enrich the lives of their students by providing opportunities to experience the performing arts.  Genesee Valley, Franklinville and Arcade Elementary opened their auditoriums to host these performances.  For more information about bringing TheatreWorks shows to your area, contact Student Programs at 716-376-8284. 

​By:  Jean Oliverio, CA BOCES Student Programming

TheatreWorksUSA’s talented cast performed, Miss Nelson Is Missing, based on the book series by Harry Allard this week.   More than 1700 second and third graders from schools across Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties learned valuable lessons for school and life.  The rowdy students and the witchy substitute teacher, Miss Viola Swamp, sang and danced their way through the school day.  The engaging cast even asked the student audience for help in trying to figure out how to get Miss Nelson back to school.

Bolivar-Richburg, Franklinville and Arcade Elementary opened their auditoriums to host these performances.  Teachers prepared their students well by utilizing the classroom activities provided by TheatreWorks USA.  The pre and post show teaching tools supplement the teachers’ curriculum goals.

Miss Nelson Is Missing marked the fourth performance of the school year contracted by BOCES.  BOCES Arts-In-Education helps schools enrich the lives of their students by providing opportunities to experience the performing arts.  TheatreWorks USA is a professional acting company based out of New York City.  It is America’s largest and most prolific professional theatre for young audiences. 

For more information about bringing TheatreWorks shows to your area, contact Student Programs at 716-376-8284. 

By: Jean OIiverio, CA BOCES Student Programs

“You have to give a little to get a little.”  Farmer Brown learned the value of negotiation and compromise from the most talented and funny barnyard animals around.  Three smart, typing cows, three chickens and Farmer Brown’s granddaughter, Jenny, sang and danced for almost 2500 Kindergarteners and First graders from schools across Cattaraugus and Allegany Counties.  TheatreWorksUSA’s talented cast performed Click Clack Moo, based on the Caldecott Honor book by Doreen Cronin this week. 
 
Genesee Valley, Cattaraugus-Little Valley and Arcade Elementary opened their auditoriums to host these performances.  For some of the audience, it was the first time viewing a live theatrical production.  Teachers prepared their students well by utilizing the classroom activities provided by TheatreWorks USA.  The pre and post show teaching tools supplement the teachers’ curriculum goals.
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Click Clack Moo marked the third performance of the school year contracted by BOCES.  BOCES Arts-In-Education helps schools enrich the lives of their students by providing opportunities to experience the performing arts.  TheatreWorks USA is a professional acting company based out of New York City.  It is America’s largest and most prolific professional theatre for young audiences. 
For more information about bringing TheatreWorks shows to your area, contact Student Programs at 716-376-8284. 

By: Jean Oliverio, CA BOCES Student Programs