Vocal Workshop with Broadway Actress Rita Harvey

Friday, September 13, 2024

Recommended for High School Students

September 19, 2024

11am student performance

Recommended for Grades 1-12

¡Viva el mariachi! A new generation takes mariachi to whole new heights. 2x Latin GRAMMY®-nominee Mariachi Herencia de México pushes the boundaries of traditional mariachi music. Simultaneously honoring the past, celebrating the present, and creating the future of mariachi music, Mariachi Herencia de México presents an electrifying performance of Mexican music and culture.

Herederos received a 2023 Latin GRAMMY® nomination for Best Ranchero/Mariachi Album. The young, virtuosic band is composed of 14 musicians, ages 18-32, representing a new bicultural generation in the U.S.

October 16, 2024
October 17, 2024

Student performances plus workshops and classroom visits for students

Nobuntu, the female a cappella quintet from Zimbabwe, has drawn international acclaim for its inventive performances that range from traditional Zimbabwean songs to Afro Jazz to Gospel. The ensemble’s concerts are performed with pure voices, augmented by minimalistic percussion, traditional instruments such as the Mbira (thumb piano) and organic, authentic dance movements.

In this interactive “Africa Up Close” education concert, Nobuntu introduces students and teachers to the unique cultural qualities of Africa- the music, stories, traditions, and dances. Through performance and explanation, students are given an authentic and inside look at how important music and dance is to the African culture, how these art forms are passed from generation to generation, and the deep meaning found in these songs and dances.

Workshop Available: African Dance Workshop

This workshop will be led by 2 members of Nobuntu. This will be an interactive workshop – students and participants will learn the rhythms through drumming, clapping and movement. The workshop leaders will teach various dances from the Ndebele Culture, such as Isitshikitsha, Indlamu and Amabhiza. Singing also accompanies the dances so participants will also be introduced to 1-2 songs in which they will perform during the dance. Participants will also learn the origin and meaning of these rhythms.

October 22 and 23, 2024

Recommended for Grades- 5-12

Student performances and workshops- 9am and 10:30am (each day will include both “I’ll Never Do That” and “I’ll Be There For You”

2^nd Act’s Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Theatre and Prevention workshops are created to prevent substance use, reduce harm from substance use, and support resiliency, and the overall mental health and wellbeing of participants through embodied work.

Performances include a 30-35 minute play, followed by 20 minutes for a talk-back Q & A session. This play is performed by professional actors with close lived experience with Substance Use Disorder, and draws upon real life stories.

I’ll Never Do That: An intimate story of one family’s struggles happening behind closed doors. As one of the parents descends deeper into addiction, the rest of the family struggles to cope. This story sheds light on family dynamics, the harrowing path to recovery, and the overwhelming truth that addiction is a “family disease.”

I’ll Be There For You – How addiction can affect friendships, how to talk to someone you love when you feel concerned about their use of alcohol and other drugs, and ultimately, the different pathways to recovery.

Workshops: 2nd Act Teaching artists will also facilitate six 60-90 minute workshops with the option for participants to perform short drama pieces created during workshops for their peers and/or community. The workshops are taught by professionally trained Teaching Artists and Actors who are persons with lived experience with Substance Use Disorder. Their lived experience offers deep credibility to students which, when paired with creative interventions, is a powerful evidence based technique for engaging with youth and changing behavior. Additionally, our Teaching Artists are trained in trauma-informed classroom management, mental health first aid, and have extensive experience working with youth. They are all supervised by a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and a Drama Therapist.

March 12 – 15, 2025
Performing Artist/Educator/Speaker

Kevin Spencer is an award-winning performing artist who toured the world for more than 25 years with one of the largest and most successful theatrical illusion productions in the U.S. At the pinnacle of his career, he stepped away from the big stage and into classrooms and hospitals. He is the leading international authority on the academic and therapeutic benefits of simple magic tricks in educational and clinical settings.

Kevin’s residency programs will include Sensory-friendly performances, workshops for students and teachers, and interactive classroom experiences.

March 28, 2025
11am student performance

Las Guaracheras is an all-women salsa sextet born in the city of Cali, Colombia in 2017. The ensemble´s cultural and artistic objective is to uplift a female voice within Afro-Latin music and build a more inclusive, diverse and respectful cultural space for all. Their music communicates joy, memory and transformation. With vibraphone, percussion, bass, piano and vocals, Las Guaracheras present an explosive show that provokes dancing, singing as well as reflection.

April 8, 9, and 10, 2025
Student performances and workshops available

Ken Waldman offers a multidisciplinary and interactive program that combines music, writing, and critical thinking (including lessons in math, geography, and more). Students will be writing and will be taking home some of Ken Waldman’s writing.

Ken’s performances include Appalachian-style string-band music (on fiddle, mandolin, banjo), original poetry, and smart storytelling. Students come with paper and something to write with; they’ll leave having started on at least one poem, and with a few of Ken’s poetry cards and bookmarks to take home.

“So You Want to Go Places with Your Art” workshop available.