Day At The Strand
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Day at the Strand is an educational program provided by The Strand-Capitol Performing Arts Center, which works to enhance the existing school curriculum for area students. It employs professional artists to introduce 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders to the excitement and discipline of the performing arts. Children learn about the history of film, theater, music and dance, poetry and the visual arts. Our mission is to expose our children to these disciplines in the hopes of identifying their passions so that in the future, they may become both fierce advocates and discriminating audiences. Under the direction of President & CEO, Ken Wesler, our renewed commitment is to provide each and every 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade student in York County this special opportunity to spend the day participating on stage at York’s most historic performance venue.
 
Outline of Activities
Three learning sessions take place following the Pennsylvania Standards for Education:
  • Session One
    On the Strand’s main stage, a director/choreographer introduces students to dance.

  • Session Two
    In the Studio, musicians and students explore the relationship of music and the visual arts.

  • Session Three
    In the Capitol Theatre, professional actors and entertainers lead students on a journey through the history of film and physical comedy.
Participants
Day at the Strand focuses on the Pennsylvania Standard for Education in the Arts and Humanities for early elementary students.  Second and third grade students respond particularly well to the educational level of this program.
 
Schedule
Day at the Strand takes place in three hours.  Students arrive between 9:00 and 9:15 a.m., and the program concludes at 12:15 p.m.  These times may be adjusted somewhat to accommodate a school’s schedule.

9:15-9:30:     Introduction and travel to first session
9:30-10:10:   First Session
10:10-10:20: Travel to second session
10:20-11:00: Second session
11:00-11:10: Travel to third and final session
11:10-11:50: Third session
11:50-12:15: Wrap-up and departure
 
Day at the Strand Sessions

  • Theater and Dance
    Dance and theater require concentration, cooperation and control.  The Theater and Dance session is designed to encourage and enhance those sills.  It takes place on the Strand’s main stage.

    A professional choreographer leads the group through learning the discipline and art of interpreting music through movement.  At the end of the session, the group performs a brief dance routine set to recorded music.
  • Art and Music
    Art and music have entertained and illuminated us through the ages.  During this session, students focus on line and color.  A musical line contains notes.  A drawn line might be made with pencil, paint or ink.  There is obviously color in art, but there is also color in music.  In this session we bring it all together.

    A professional musician will perform and instruct.  A visual artist will help the children to interpret the music on paper.
  • Film and History
    Film represents a specific art form developed in the 20th century.  It incorporates all art forms, but it is unique in many ways.  By looking at film we better understand the history of the performing arts.  We also discuss a bit of the background of the beautiful and historical Strand-Capitol.

    Charlie Chaplin was a popular actor even before the Strand was constructed.  His work became a classic in this old theater.  Students will enjoy Mr. Chaplin’s art in the same way that their great, great, great grandparents did.

    A professional writer/director narrates and performs assisted by advanced theater students from The Strand’s Arts Academy.

Day at the Strand is offered free of charge to schools for their 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade students. The only potential cost is transportation to and from The Strand-Capitol, 50 North George Street,  York.  For more information contact Carol Oppelaar, General Manager, 717-825-2231 or coppelaar@strandcapitol.org.