Virtual Programming
These programs help young people understand history as a complicated series of interconnected decisions and events that impact us today. We believe this is the key to empathy and connecting to others in our world.
OFFERINGS
Nine episodes to mix and match! Click title links for descriptions.
Performance Excerpts (3 episodes)
Workshops (3 episodes)
Time Traveler Miniseries (3 episodes)
FAQs
FEEDBACK
Download virtual one sheet
Performance Excerpt Episodes
These episodes include an introduction to the tenements, a performance of one of the stories in Layer the Walls, and Q&A where the artists answer questions typically received on tour.
Jimmy’s Story: Irish Immigrant Jimmy McKenna conquers his fears while building the Brooklyn Bridge. (25 min)
Marco & Lorenzo’s Story: Marco battles the Great Blizzard of 1888 and becomes a Sicilian American. (30 min)
Goldine’s Story: When word of a possible strike takes hold of the garment factory, Goldine Zuckerman, a Jewish immigrant, must decide if she will join the fight. (20 min)
Workshops (3 options)
We highlight the artistry seen in the performance. Young people are guided with step by step instructions to get up on their feet and be creative.
Exploring Tenement Life through Pantomime (20 min)Students learn basic mime techniques and explore a tenement apartment using their new mime skills. Through activities students gain a detailed understanding of daily life in the tenements.
Bringing Mask to Life (30 min) Students make three different theatrical mask styles (similar to what Marco and Lorenzo wear) and then learn how to perform with theatrical masks.
Bunraku Puppetry (25 min) Students learn how to make and operate a Bunraku style puppet (like Jimmy McKenna).
Time Traveler Miniseries (3 Episode series)
Serving as narrators, we invite young people to join us in the drama and step into the world of the 1909 Garment Workers Strike. Through guided activities participants create their own characters, interact with shadow puppetry and performances, observe images, listen to recordings, journal in character, and create dialogue.
Episode 1: Students are brought into the world of a 1909 garment factory, create their own garment worker characters and learn about an upcoming strike.
Episode 2: Students experience the strike, but when the police turn on the strikers, students must decide if their characters will return.
Episode 3: We fast forward a year to the aftermath of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. Students become State Representative characters and work on passing the first fire safety bill in the US.
Virtual Programming FAQs
Q: What kind of teacher involvement is needed?
A: These programs were designed to viewed by students on their own; however teacher involvement is wonderful and always deepens the engagement.
Q: What platform do you use?
A: All of our offerings are pre-recorded. We can share via google drive or upload to vimeo, youtube or another format of your choice. We will create password protected options, hidden links, etc. so you and schools can easily access the programs.
Q: What do you mean by engaging and interactive programs? Isn’t it virtual?
A: While we can’t be there in person with your audiences we have created programs that will hook them in and maintain interest. Traditional theater wasn’t made to be viewed in long segments online. Our workshops are step by step follow along videos so young people can try new tricks and techniques with us in real time. The immersive historical drama option allows young people to respond, act out, and think about their own belief systems in a structured and safe manner.
Feedback
Goldine’s Story and Time Traveler Series: “I really felt for what the garment workers were going through. It made me angry and I hope it never happens again!” 8th grader, Long Island NY
All episodes: “I’ve heard the teachers say that the videos allowed the students to begin having nuanced and deep conversations in class.” Sharlene
Workshops: “I love my mask!” 2nd grader, Hudson NY
Time Traveler Series: “I liked becoming the state senator and making the decision. It gave me new perspectives.” 8th grader, Long Island NY