Spotlights are so beneficial to our performing arts school. We currently have to rent them if we want to have one for any of our productions. Our dance, theater and vocal departments are so very grateful for this generous gift to our performance spaces. Our design-focused students will get to learn different light techniques and design possibilities with the instrument. Our performers will get their "moment in the spotlight." Our audiences will truly get to see our students shine. Thank you for all of these opportunities”
What can I say? You have made some children's dreams come true. We were able to use the puppets for a few skits before school let out and we have some big plans for next year. One of our parents is building a puppet theater and the children have written some plays. The students are so excited and I want you to know that this donation will be used for many puppet performances and to teach many concepts a fun way. We plan to take our puppets to local hospitals as well.
The older children have already seen their original plays performed and I can already see a difference in self-esteem and cooperation. The impact of this donation is far reaching and will continue to impact our students.
The puppets are beautiful and well-made. They are the perfect size and are so colorful. Your kindness and generosity are forever implanted in the lives of children who might not otherwise be respected and listened to. Who knows you may hear of our puppet troupe in the news someday. They can do it and you made it happen. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart! ”
How can I thank you enough for your generosity? Not only am I thankful, but my students are also thankful. Enclosed you will find pictures of my students as well as thank you notes from my students. Your donation has helped me offer them more options to work with in class.
Each child pictured worked with the textbooks purchased to design an aspect of technical theater for a specific play. The students had the opportunity to explore costume, makeup, lights, sound, and scene design as well as stage management. These books are perfect for the middle school student. The information regarding each area of design is simple enough for each student to comprehend, but at the same time complex enough that when they eventually go to high school the students will be knowledgeable. These books allow the students to have a choice of what he or she wants to learn in regard to technical theater. Giving the students choice allows them to feel more in control over his or her project. When the students feel he or she has more control, the product is stronger. The designs are more creative. The students feel more empowered.
Currently, we are working on our school musical which will be performed in May. My students who are working on the various aspects of design frequently refer to the books to ensure they are doing what is required. The diagrams are incredibly helpful to build our set correctly as well as set up our brand new lights correctly for the production. Overall, it has encouraged a greater sense of pride and empowerment with my students. These books will definitely be used again and again throughout the years.
Thank you so much for your donation of theater resources to our school! At ACLA, we are determined to keep our arts programs strong despite the current budget crisis, so this donation is very much needed and appreciated. Our theater program is in its third year and has never been stronger. As we develop it further, we are hoping to turn it into a full curriculum, including having the students write their own shows. I am so excited to show the students these new and helpful resources!
Thank you again, and happy holidays!
Sarah ”
With gratitude,
Ms. Vilensky
This classroom project was brought to life by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and 4 other donors.
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