Traveling Theatre

School Groups

The NEC offers a variety of condensed 60 min productions performed by the Advanced Actors Company either in-school or at the Company's mid-town location. These performances include a post-performance Q&A with cast members and director. Study guides are available for pre-performance preparation. In-school performances require a large open space preferably an auditorium or theatre space. The NEC-Family Heritage Theatre is available to perform during the traditional school day as well as for family and community events on evenings and weekends. NEC offers daytime performances of the producer-in-residence productions. These performances are conducted by professional theatre artists. These performances take place at our mid-town location during the spring of each year. Our main stage productions are available for parents, teachers and students in the evening at our theatre facility.

Programs for Teachers:

The NEC conducts professional development sessions for teachers during an open rehearsal period each fall. Attendance at these sessions is limited and teachers should make reservations for these sessions during August prior to the school year. During these sessions teachers will be attending an open rehearsal of the season's production and receive study guides to facilitate their incorporation of production topics into student curriculum for the upcoming year.

Location: at facility and in-school
Grade level: varies with production topics
Season: Oct -- June
Hours: varies
Maximum students: varies
Lead time: 3 weeks
Contact:
Program Director
212. 582-5860
nectheatr@aol.com
www.necinc.org
Fees: varies
Vendor Code: NEG207000 -01
Contract Code: pending

Developing Theatre Literacy

The NEC represents an important institution in the fabric of NYC's Theatre District. The history and body of literature developed over the thirty year history has contributed to the careers of major theatre artists across the disciplines. The productions will highlight the lives and experiences of African, Caribbean and African-Americans around the world. The programs offered, accompanying study guides, teacher sessions and post-performance discussions will enhance the students understanding of theatre conventions, dramatic literature and language, American History and Events and NYC Theatre History.

The history of the NEC captures the essence of the political theatre of the 1960's and beyond. Attending these productions or coming into contact with the Ensemble in school will inspire the student to talk about, write about and possibly create their own theatre. NEC seeks to stimulate the student's creativity and open their minds to a broader theatrical experience.

PS Eleven

Building the safety of our public schools!

The Traveling Theatre of the NEC presents a moving dramatic performance that tells the story of a group of school safety agents who present tips on what to look for in order to prevent a fatal school attack. The show presents eleven techniques to be used for preventing school violence. Each school safety agent will present a character that exhibits behavior traits which could lead to school entrapment. The production also showcases the highest level of dramatic acting and character development in the performances that are presented by the advanced acting troupe. A candle lighting ceremony for all who lost their lives as a result of school violence will close the assembly program. A question and answer session will also follow the presentation. Also, "PS Eleven" school safety stickers", will be given out while a "PS Eleven school safety zone sign will be placed in the school to remind all students. A multi-racial company of actors will be featured. A PS Eleven study guide will also be developed for the youth to use to stay sharp and alert, on all that was presented.

Grades K-4

Curriculum Goals:

Students will be able to describe costumes, props and settings. They recognize how emotion is communicated through body, facial expressions and voice. Students will experience story-telling through performance.

Grades 4-12

Curriculum Goals:

Students will be able to experience history through the eyes of the common man. As well they can see themselves and those similar to them overcome obstacles that have a historical and present day reference. They will be introduced to many different settings, times and places throughout history with the use of stage properties and conventions. The student will hear a variety of language uses such as dialects, speech patterns, dialogue, and monologue as the actors transform themselves through historic periods and geographical locations.
The post-show discussions will allow the student to differentiate between actor and character and experience first hand the difference between live theatre and other media formats.

Love is Tough -- A new Hip-Opera

A story is told through a preacher/teacher that leads the main character to the realization that success is not measured by material things but through education and life-long learning.
The production incorporates music and dance in an operatic form. The movement and story are engaging and entertaining while educating the student on the importance of studying hard and achieving non-material goals.

Curriculum Goals:

The student will be able to discuss and identify the dramatic language through this timely play. The death of the main character as a result of his actions provides a dramatic climax. The characters, themes and playwright's intention lead students to discuss moral and ethical conflicts.