Literary Arts

Outspoken Bean
Assembly Performance
Artist: Emanuelee Bean

In this unique performance, students will discover a new definition of literacy through spoken-word poetry. This engaging performance by Emanuelee Bean, a performance artist, theater technician, and slam poet, addresses learning about social and cultural issues, expanding vocabulary and critical thinking skills, and discovering new strengths. “Out-spoken Bean” has been performing slam poetry for over six years in the Houston & San Antonio areas.

Grades: 1-12
Audience Limit: 300
Connections: Poetry, Literary Arts, Cultural Competency, Social/Emotional Learning

Texas Tales
Assembly Performance

This program includes two Aesop’s Fables “Texas Style”! Students will hear two of Aesop’s Fables with a Texas-style twist, as well as a Texas tall tale, legend, and fractured fairy tale. Through these stories, students will learn about the Texas state flower, tree, and other important things about our great state!

Grades: K-5
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: Literary Arts, History, Storytelling, Theatre

Cinderella Meets the Muppets: Telling Fractured Fairy Tales with Puppets
Classroom Residency

This 5-day workshop is full of enthusiasm, excitement, and energy as students work on STAAR writing concepts while following patterns!
Students will develop writing skills, creativity, and an understanding of compare-and-contrast concepts by fracturing existing fairy tales. This hands-on adventure will have students analyze, write, and enhance their stories through puppet building. The culmination of their work will be displayed through a puppet performance for their peers.

Grades: 2-3
Residency Length: 5 days, 45-60 mins sessions
Participant Limit: 25 per class
Connections: Literary Arts, Theatre, Storytelling

Let’s Read with the Bookworm
Assembly Performance

This program abounds with humor and even a little magic. Children will actively listen to 3 engaging stories, including: “Sylvester and the Magic Pebble,” “Kat Kong,” and “Mean Soup.” In this lively presentation, children will discover that ALL books in their library are magical, and they have the key to unlock that magic by reading! Students will want to seek out other titles by the authors presented, as the Bookworm encourages children to become Bookworms themselves! Webster the Dictionary puppet, with the help of Margaret’s brilliant ventriloquism, will also teach children proper book care.

Grades: PreK-4
Audience Limit: 125
Connections: Literary Arts, Reading, Theatre, Storytelling

Reading and Rhyming with Mother Goose
Assembly Performance

Mother Goose encourages children to read nursery rhymes, write their own, and practice rhyming. Students will learn how to play the “Mother Goose Pretend Game,” which encourages their imagination as they act out various rhymes. Rhymes come to life as Mother Goose’s delightful puppets, Lamby, Mary, Goosey, Itsy Bitsy, and the Stinky Baby help demonstrate the traditional rhyme and teach how the rhyme might become a parody. Audience volunteers will be utilized to help act out several rhymes.

Grades: PreK-3
Audience Limit: 125
Connections: Literary Arts, Reading, Theatre, Storytelling

Wild About Reading with Masai Maggie
Assembly Performance

Clad in safari gear, Margaret performs the popular children’s book, Stand Back, Said the Elephant, I’m Going to Sneeze. Through her brilliant puppetry and ventriloquism, this book will come to life with various animal puppets. Children will learn about endangered species and interesting facts about animals and their habitats all over the world.

Grades: Prek-4
Audience Limit: 125
Connections: Literary Arts, Reading, Science, Theatre, Storytelling

First Day, Nueva Escuela
Assembly Performance

Nueva Escuela is the story of a girl who overcomes her fear of starting class at a new school (and of reading) by writing herself into the stories. Tía Elena wants to make sure Xiomara is ready for her first day at a new school, but no matter what story she suggests they read, Xiomara always finds a reason not to like it. And now there’s just one day left before school starts! The play is easily understood by speakers of English and Spanish, and its interactive storytelling helps audiences develop compassion and empathy for others’ stories. This play features two performers and one stage manager. Tech needs are minimal, and our tech rider is available upon request.

Grades: K-5
Audience Limit: 350
Connections: Literary Arts, Storytelling, Theatre, Social/Emotional Learning, Cultural Competency

Tim Tingle
Indian Ghost Stories
Assembly Performance

Stories for this performance are selected based on teachers’ requests to complement the specific curriculum. A good sampling of Indian ghost stories is always appreciated by the middle school audience. Recent books by Tim include Danny Blackgoat, Navajo Prisoner, and How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story.

Grades: 6-8
Audience Limit: 150
Connections: Storytelling, Theatre, Literary Arts

Two Pigs and T.H.E. Wolf
Assembly Performance

A fairy tale that promotes kindness, obedience, responsibility, and self-control is presented on stage in a way that brings the excitement of reading to life! Bullying and stranger awareness are also addressed in this interactive program. This story is not only hilarious but also emphasizes the benefits of making good choices even in the most difficult circumstances.

Grades: PreK-6
Audience Limit: 250
Connections: Literary Arts, Reading, Storytelling, Theatre, Social/Emotional Learning

Cooking Up Fun with Idioms
Assembly Performance

We use idioms every day! They are integrated into our common day language. Our chef is cooking up some fun with idioms. It gets interesting and perhaps even a bit challenging when Letty Lou literally stops by and offers a hand, literally! This interactive program encourages students to delight in the English language. Figurative language can be fun – figuratively speaking that is!

Grades: 2-6
Audience Limit: 250
Connections: Literary Arts, Theatre, Storytelling

The Jungle Walk
Assembly Performance

This segment highlights the concepts of adaptation, acceptance, and teamwork through folktales, poems, music, and animal puppet shows. Elizabeth expands on the ideas in her program to encourage a more tolerant attitude toward cultural differences.

Grades: K-12
Audience Limit: 200
Connections: Literary Arts, Theatre, Storytelling, Cultural Competency, Social/Emotional Learning

Communicating with Cartooning
Classroom Workshop

Students create original one-panel cartoons, similar to those in Gary Larson’s The Far Side, illustrating a selected caption after practicing cartoon-drawing techniques.

Grades: 3-8
Workshop Length: 45-60 minutes
Participant Limit: 25-30 per class
Connections: Visual Arts, Literary Arts, Storytelling

Author Talks
Workshop

Expressive Read-Aloud: Captivating readings that ignite students’ imaginations. TEKS & SEL Integration: Aligns with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, while promoting creativity and social-emotional learning. Storytelling & Writing Process: Simplifies storytelling and offers insights into the publishing journey. Interactive Engagement: Fun, hands-on activities that inspire creativity and active participation.

Grades: PK-6
Audience Limit: 150
Connections: Literary Arts, Storytelling, Social/Emotional Learning

Creative Writing Workshops
Workshop

Interactive Writing Activities: Engaging, creative exercises that help students turn their ideas into unique stories and poems. Collaborative Group Work: Encouraging all students to actively participate in the writing process while making it fun and enjoyable. Empowerment & Encouragement: Cultivating a love for writing and boosting confidence in self-expression.

Grades: 4-6
Audience Limit: 80 with (teacher support)
Connections: Literary Arts, Storytelling, Social/Emotional Learning

Creative Writing Workshops (High School)
Workshop

Angela’s Goals in Guiding Students:

• To teach the PROCESS of writing a college application essay, a genre unlike any other narrative
• To lead students from a Common App essay question to a polished, submission-ready essay 
• To empower students to apply the process they’ve learned to craft compelling essays that highlight their strengths for all additional application and scholarship prompts

Grades: Juniors and Seniors
Audience Limit: 80 with (teacher support)
Connections: Literary Arts

StoryTime with Ramblin’ Rita
Assembly Performance

StoryTime with Ramblin’ Rita is a highly interactive children’s entertainment program great for preschool audiences. StoryTime with Ramblin’ Rita™ is a 30-minute program featuring 2-3 read-aloud books, several songs or fingerplays, puppets, and a flannel story or rhyme. Designed for children from infants with their caregiver to age 6, each StoryTime can be customized to fit your event’s theme.

Grades: PK
Audience Limit: NO Limit
Connections: Literary Arts, Social/Emotional Learning, Theatre/Storytelling

Ramblin’ Rita’s Texas Tales
Assembly Performance

Ramblin’ Rita’s Texas Tales is a 45-minute interactive storytelling show featuring a cowgirl storyteller. Each show features well-known folk and fairy tales with a Texas twist. Volunteers from the audience will help Ramblin’ Rita act out the story using costumes and props.

Grades: K-5
Audience Limit: NO Limit
Connections: Literary Arts, Social/Emotional Learning, Theatre/Storytelling