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