Circus/Drama

This month started like a whirlwind. CircOrchard rehearsals and performances swallowed up the whole first week or March. Monday-tech rehearsal, Tuesday-dress rehearsal. Then there were 2 performances outdoors, the first at Pacific Elementary in Davenport on Wednesday, then at Calabasas Elementary in Watsonville on Friday. We luckily skirted the threat of rain at both venues. These were followed with our public show in the Aptos High Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

What a tremendous learning opportunity. Most of the older students have numerous shows like this under their belt, so there is some familiarity to the process of loading/unloading all the props, sets, costumes, sound equipment, performers and then plopping down on another campus with a full Circus show. Each venue is different, presenting various stages, physical elements (sun, wind, sloped stage, etc.), challenges, and audiences. The shows were absolutely awesome. There was tremendous growth for each performer. Confidence, stage awareness, and esteem soared.

Since the Circus, we have focused on string figures and drama games. The string figures develop small motor coordination and sequencing abilities. String games have been an integral part of many world cultures, from Africa to Alaska, Pacific Islanders to the Americas. Many students are learning from, and teaching each other the figures. One of the best ways to learn any subject is to teach it to someone else.