Arts Presenters

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To book a performance in your venue call Eric Williams in Richmond, VA at 1-800-235-8687 or send an email.

 

Our 2012 - 2013 Brochure
Read and Download Online

 

You and Theatre IV
Set the Stage for Learning

Bringing them back into the Theatre

One of the biggest challenges performing arts faces is getting audiences to come back as the economy swings in a positive direction.  One way to do that is with quality programming that is familiar while being fresh.  We choose our shows to meet those challenges.  At Theatre IV, we get that, so we choose seasons that bring the best of familiar and fresh right to your door again and again.

Education at the Heart of the Art

Our plays are entertaining while introducing the audience to the books, people, and events being studied in schools.  This is a natural extension of their educational experience.  We provide on-line study guides that teachers can access themselves saving you time and money.

Building Tomorrows Audiences Today

Theatre IV will help you bring young audiences to your venue.  The young audiences of today are the patrons of tomorrow.  They help build a stable future while bringing in much needed revenue today.  Get the youth of your community accustomed to coming to your venue.  You will instill in them a lifelong habit of participating in the arts.

Create or Enhance Your Series for Young Audiences

Our plays are diverse and will be the cornerstone of you Young Audience Series.  From Sleeping Beauty  to Harriet Tubman, from Huck and Tom and the Mighty Mississippi to A Christmas Carol to I Have a Dream, we can provide just what your audiences need.

Show off your economic engine - Invite your Local, State and National Politicians

Arts and culture are taking a legislative hit these days but you CAN do something about it.  Show off all you do for your community by inviting your elected representatives to our shows.  They are important links to government funding sources.  Let them know that the arts is an economic engine that is vital to the community and the nation and is a key component of educating all our children as well as provide real, taxpaying jobs.

Theatre IV is a nonprofit, professional theatre.

Since 1975, Theatre IV has been dedicated to the creation of professional, exciting and innovative theatrical productions for young audiences.

Holding the Line on Costs

To say that we are in challenging economic times is quite the understatement.  All of our expenses are rising but we want to help you keep your costs down.  Again for 2012 – 2013, we are not increasing our performance fees.  Good for you and we hope, good for us too.

Give Them a Memory for a Lifetime

Trips to your venue are special in the life of a child.  Give your community the gift of live theatre and an experience they will never forget.

All titles and tours and dates are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

 

How to contact us:

Eric Williams
Nationwide Toll Free: 800.235.8687
in Richmond at 804.783.1688 Ext. 1119
Fax:  804.775.2325
e.williams@theatreivrichmond.org

 

 

SPRING 2012

 

Jack and the Beanstalk

Book and Lyrics by Douglas Jones   Music by Ron Barnett

This musical adaptation is a rollicking retelling of the classic fairy tale. Join our modern-day young hero as he uses his imagination to become the famous Jack from the book he is reading.  As he spins the tale of trading the family cow for three magic beans, we watch the giant beanstalk grow and let our imaginations soar as our hero climbs through the clouds to meet an ill-tempered giant, find fabulous treasures and more adventures than you can shake a stalk at.
(K – 5)  Folk Tales, Language Arts, History, Music, Puppets, Reading, Character Development

 

I Have a Dream

By Bruce Craig Miller

The phenomenal impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is chronicled in this compelling dramatization of the life and times of one of the most influential and charismatic leaders of the “American Century.” Inspired by the arrest of Rosa Parks, Dr. King becomes the prime mover behind the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, putting his philosophy of non-violent protest to work. He gains national recognition and becomes the dominant force in the Civil Rights Movement during its decade of greatest achievement. Your students will be inspired by the story of this great leader’s struggle and his dream of lifting “our nation from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.”

(3 – Adult)  Biography, Language Arts, History, Multi-Cultural, Public Speaking, Reading, Self-Esteem, Character Development

 

The Ugly Duckling

Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s story adapted by Richard Giersch

We all know the fable of the swan who grows up ‘ugly” in a family of ducks, later to find his appearance changing as he discovers his true identity. But, did you know, in the folk traditions of other cultures, different animals learn the lesson of the “ugly duckling.” Theatre IV unites the classic ugly duckling with the Burmese mole that hates dirt and the Inuit bald eagle with a full head of hair. These three “misfit” heroes work together to earn their home on the King’s estate and find the self-confidence that only friendship and accomplishment can provide. Please join us for this all singing, all dancing, all delightful new musical.

(K – 5)  Folk Tales, Language Arts, Literary Classic, History, Science, Music, Reading

 

A.A. Milne's House at Pooh Corner

Adapted by Bettye Knapp

Whether we are very young or wise to the ways of the world, every so often each of us has to “get back to the House at Pooh Corner” to spend some tender time with faithful friends.  You know their names by heart:  Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, Kanga and Roo, Rabbit, Christopher Robin, and of course, that lovable bear called Winnie-the-Pooh.  This production is faithfully based on the A. A. Milne classic of the same name.  Featured stories portray the building of Eeyore’s house, Tigger’s arrival in the Hundred Acre Wood, the origin of the game of Pooh Sticks, Rabbit’s plan for reducing Tigger’s bounce, and Christopher Robin’s growing up and leaving for school

(K – 5)  Art, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Music, Reading, Self Esteem

 

Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad

Book and Lyrics by Douglas Jones, Music by Ron Barnett
Co-produced by the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

This stirring drama with music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of her people from the bonds of slavery.  Her courage helped to change the world.  Share her adventurous life, the joys, sorrows, and challenges faced by this brave woman, with your students in this accurate and deeply moving musical history lesson.

(3 – 12)  Family Ties, History, Language, Biography, Multi-Cultural, Music, Self Esteem, Women’s Studies,

 

Save Money – Ask Us About Block Booking

 

 

FALL 2012

 

The Boy Who Cried Wolf

By Scott Wichmann, Music By Julie Fulcher

Join us on this musical retelling of this timeless tale based on the story by Aesop, the great Greek storyteller. Follow along with our "Boy" as he learns a life lesson about the importance of telling the truth and finding out that there are consequences of "Crying Wolf."
(K – 5) Supports the Teaching of:
Folk Tales, Music, Citizenship, Character Development, Reading, and Language Arts

 

 

Sleeping Beauty

Book and Music and Lyrics by Richard Giersch

This musical adaptation from the original story by Charles Perrault follows the plot of the traditional fairy tale, but adds delightful surprises and comic situations. The tale illustrates that « beauty is in the eye of the beholder and true goodness is found only in a loving heart.

(K – 5)  Art, Family Ties, Folk Tale, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Music, Puppets, Reading, Character Development

 

 

“Theatre IV brings us beautifully scripted, designed and performed shows.  This is top of the line quality, and the performers as pleasant to deal with off stage, as they are talented on stage.” National Theatre, Washington, DC

 

 

The True Story of Pocahontas

By Peter Howard      Music by Julie Fulcher

Pocahontas is a name known to every school-age child and yet her true story is shrouded in myth. With an emphasis on historical fact, Pocahontas is revealed as a playful, strong-minded young girl who changes her world before she will change her beliefs or herself. Following Pocahontas as she grows from a girl who helps the Jamestown colonists survive, to the young woman, wife, and mother who carries her message of peace and mutual cooperation across the Atlantic to the mighty King of England. Join Pocahontas on her amazing journey and see how courage and determination can change the world.

(K – 5) Language Arts, Multi-Cultural, History, Biography, Women’s Studies

 

 

The Ugly Duckling

Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson’s story adapted by Richard Giersch

We all know the fable of the swan who grows up ‘ugly” in a family of ducks, later to find his appearance changing as he discovers his true identity. But, did you know, in the folk traditions of other cultures, different animals learn the lesson of the “ugly duckling.” Theatre IV unites the classic ugly duckling with the Burmese mole that hates dirt and the Inuit bald eagle with a full head of hair. These three “misfit” heroes work together to earn their home on the King’s estate and find the self-confidence that only friendship and accomplishment can provide. Please join us for this all singing, all dancing, all delightful new musical.

(K – 5)  Folk Tales, Language Arts, Literary Classic, History, Science, Music, Reading

 

 

 

HOLIDAY CLASSICS

A Christmas Carol

By Steve Perigard, Music and Lyrics by Paul Deiss

Perhaps the best loved holiday story of all time, our adaptation of Dickens’ classic is particularly suited to children, and features a magnificent score by Jule Styne, the composer of Broadway’s immortal Peter Pan, Gypsy and Funny Girl.  All the joy, sentiment and meaning are here, without being too scary for young audiences. 

(K – 5)  Family Ties, Language, Literary Classic, Music, Reading

Late November – December 2012

 

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 

Book, Music and Lyrics by Bruce Craig Miller

Inspired by the timeless poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” and by the real life of its author, Clement Moore, this hilarious musical introduces Santa in a particularly beneficent light.  This classic from Theatre IV has been charming audiences nationwide for many years.

(K – 5)  Family Ties, Folk Tales, Language, Literary Classic, Music, Reading

Late November – December 2012

 

Santa’s Enchanted Workshop

Book, music and lyrics by Richard Giersch
Additional lyrics by Bruce Craig Miller

Stanley and his baby sister, SuSu, don’t know whether or not to believe in Santa Claus, so they set out for the North Pole.  Trapped in a blizzard, they wind up in a dilapidated gas station run by a mysterious old man named Nick.  Could this be Santa’s Enchanted Workshop?  Imagination is the key in this joyous holiday musical, which features a singing robot, a dancing rag doll and one of the silliest villains you’ll ever see!

(K – 5) Family Ties, History, Peer Pressure, Self Esteem

Late November – December 2012

 

One Appalachian Christmas

By Julie Fulcher

The year is 1936. Christmas is coming but Addie Parker and her friend Clyde Runion are afraid that “Santy Claus” won’t be coming to their poor little town in the Appalachian mountains. But, the two are determined to make the holiday the best it can be. With some hard work and the help of family and friends, they learn that the best Christmases don’t come from the pages of a mail order catalog.

 (K - 5)  Biography, Family Ties, History, Peer Pressure, Self Esteem

Late November – December 2012

 

"Theatre IV combines professional craftsmanship with delightful enthusiasm and the result is superb production value."
The Children's Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana

 

 

 

 

Spring 2013

 

Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad

Book and Lyrics by Douglas Jones, Music by Ron Barnett
Co-produced by the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

This stirring drama with music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of her people from the bonds of slavery.  Her courage helped to change the world.  Share her adventurous life, the joys, sorrows, and challenges faced by this brave woman, with your students in this accurate and deeply moving musical history lesson.

(3 – 12)  Family Ties, History, Language, Biography, Multi-Cultural, Music, Self Esteem, Women’s Studies,

 

 

Huck and Tom and the Mighty Mississippi

Book by Peter Howard, Music and Lyrics by Ron Barnett

The greatest young adventurers in American literature spring to life in this foot-stompin’ musical based on the novels of Mark Twain.  Join Huckleberry, Tom, Jim, Becky Thatcher, Aunt Polly and all the residents and rapscallions of Hannibal, MO as they explore the majestic river that defined their lives, tested their souls, and carried their spirit into the heart of America.  The 1998 premiere production of Huck and Tom earned more standing ovations than any of our other shows, and so this feel-good hit is back by popular demand for another jubilant year. 

(2 - 8) Art, Family Ties, History, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Science, Multi-Cultural, Music, Reading, Character Development

 

I Have a Dream

By Bruce Craig Miller

The phenomenal impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is chronicled in this compelling dramatization of the life and times of one of the most influential and charismatic leaders of the “American Century.” Inspired by the arrest of Rosa Parks, Dr. King becomes the prime mover behind the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott, putting his philosophy of non-violent protest to work. He gains national recognition and becomes the dominant force in the Civil Rights Movement during its decade of greatest achievement. Your students will be inspired by the story of this great leader’s struggle and his dream of lifting “our nation from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.”

(3 – Adult)  Biography, Language Arts, History, Multi-Cultural, Public Speaking, Reading, Self-Esteem, Character Development

 

"I am continually impressed by the skill and artistry of their performances."
Smithsonian Institution

 

 

Mysteries of Ancient Egypt

By Cliff Todd

When “Gama” Harriet, a famous Egyptologist, mysteriously disappears, two children search for clues among the ancient Egyptian amulets and scientific journals in the trunks in “Gama’s” attic. Before they know it, they are magically transported to ancient Egypt in 620 BCE. They unravel the mystery and learn, along with your audience, fascinating facts about one of the world’s most amazing cultures. You students will love this fun and creative melding of child-friendly mystery and accurate cultural exploration.

 (2-8) Art, Folk Tales and Mythology, History, Multi-Cultural, Science, Women’s Studies

 

 

Thumbelina

 Book, Music and Lyrics by Bruce Craig Miller

This beloved fairytale of heroism comes happily to life in this charming, funny and joyous musical adaptation based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen. Join Thumbelina and her friends (the toad, fish, field mouse, mole and swallow) on a series of delightful adventures in nature’s tiny, enchanted world.

(K – 5) Folk Tale, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Music, Reading, Character Development

 

 

The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse

By Ford Flannagan

A quiet and simple country life or the fast-paced excitement of the city?  That’s the question confronting the Country Mouse in this square-dance-meets-sock-hop retelling of the classic Aesop’s Fable.  As the Country Mouse ponders the abundant riches of the big city being offered by a fast-talking Town Mouse, he feels the tug of a different kind of riches he left behind in the country.  What will he decide?  Watch this rock and roll hoe down and find out!

(K – 5) Folk Tale, Language Arts, Literary Classic, Music, Reading, Character Development

 

 

Sweet Chariot
By Bruce Craig Miller
Based on oral histories recorded during the Federal Writers’ Project

Unique and upbeat, educational and inspirational, the talented singer/actors of Sweet Chariot tell the true story of slavery by combining dazzling a capella spirituals with oral histories of 70, 80 and 90 year-old former slaves who were interviewed during the Federal Writers Project of the 1930s. Their first-hand accounts of the joys and agonies of everyday life, and their efforts to escape to freedom across the Ohio River, bring new understanding to all students of all backgrounds.

(3-Adult) Art, Family Ties, History, Social Studies, Biography, Oral Tradition, Multi-Cultural, Music

Spring 2013

 

“Theatre IV is a real asset to our arts and education program.  The plays are exciting and excellent quality at an affordable price.”  Warren County Arts Commission, Bowling Green, KY

 

Save Money – Ask Us About Block Booking

 

Also Available on a Limited Basis:

These shows are specially suited for in-school performances and are therefore value priced to only $3,100 for each school day. 

The Wonderful World of Simple Machines

By Bruce Craig Miller

This lively, hands-on introduction to the scientific principles and properties of simple machines will provide your student an unforgettable close encounter with levers, inclined planes, screws, wedges, pulleys, and the wheel and axle. The antics of the actors and audience participation (with help from a special guest) will bring the concepts of simple machines alive for your students in a way no other encounter will. This acclaimed show is sure to educate as well as entertain.

(K - 5)  Language Arts, Science

Fall 2012

 

 

A Note About Hugs:
Theatre IV takes great pride in our outreach programs.  The following show, “Hugs and Kisses” is available for in-school shows only on a very limited basis.  We require that social services be in attendance at every performance.  Our cast takes classes in the subject matter.  We perform nearly 200 performances each year in Virginia and I think it is the most important thing we do.  Your booking of our other shows helps fund this extremely important show.  You can become a regional sponsor of this show and give it to all the schools in your service area.  Call me or check out our website TheatreIV.org for more information about this show.

Hugs and Kisses 

Co-produced by Prevent Child Abuse Virginia and the Virginia Department of Social Services
Book and Lyrics by Bruce Craig Miller and Alice T. Bliss   Music by Richard Giersch

Nationally acclaimed, this award winning child sexual abuse prevention musical is a proven intervention program for children in grades K through 5. The play sensitively and inoffensively relates the story of a little girl who is sexually abused. During the course of the play, she learns valuable lessons that enable her to seek and obtain help from a trusted adult. Since 1983, this landmark musical has been presented before the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse, the U. S. Senate Subcommittee on Sexual Victimization of Children, and every school district in Virginia. It is a time-tested, early intervention teaching tool and a vital enhancement to your abuse prevention curriculum.

(K – 5) Family Ties, Language Arts, Prevention, Self-Esteem, Character Development

Fall 2012 AND Spring 2013

Call Jeanie Rule at 800.235.8687 for more information

“A great success, both in quality and educational value of the performance and the entertainment provided for the students…generating much creative imagination.”  Fine Arts Coordinator, Charlottesville Public Schools, Charlottesville, VA

 

 

 

How to contact us:

Eric Williams
Nationwide Toll Free: 800.235.8687
in Richmond at 804.783.1688 Ext. 1119
Fax:  804.775.2325
e.williams@theatreivrichmond.org

 

Your support keeps Theatre IV on the road! Donate online at www.theatreivrichmond.org or call Emily Cole at (804) 783-1688 x1127

Committed to sponsor service

• We offer discounts for Multiple Bookings and Block Bookers if within 150 miles, which may include waiving the gasoline surcharge.
• We offer outstanding professional productions of entertaining plays and musicals carefully connected to the national core curriculum
• New sound systems in 2009.  The FAA digital TV Conversion necessitated we update all of our sound systems.  As always our sound system are compatible with your house systems or as stand alones.
• On Line Support materials including pictures and study guides at www.TheatreIV.org
• Information support through our toll free number (800) 235-8687 and web site: www.TheatreIV.org
• Question and Answer sessions between our cast and your audience
• Meet and Greet the Cast – At your request
• Our plays have a running time of 40 – 55 minutes
• We work hard to make our productions easy to book and easy on your staff. 
• Load-In just two hours before 1st scheduled performance
• Breakdown in just 1 hour or less
• Minimal Tech Requirements

 

We look forward to bringing our value packed productions to your venue.
Call Eric Williams today at  (800) 235-8687 (email: E.Williams@TheatreivRichmond.org)

Save Money – Ask Us About Block Booking

 

If you are in Richmond, VA, be sure to see our Main Stage shows at the Empire Theatre and at the Barksdale Theatre.  Call 804.344.8040 for tickets

Our Supporters
We are so grateful for the support of our contributors.  Support them because they help keep the arts alive.

Become one of our supporters and keep the arts alive.  To make a donation, call (804) 783-1688 ext 1127.

 

 

A Message From Eric:

To all,

You are the reason we do what we do.  Enlightening children through theatre is a gift that cannot be equaled.  Thank you for continuing to enhance the lives of the youth of your community and for letting us be a part of that.

Eric

Because titles, dates, and times are subject to change,
please contact Theatre IV for Up-To-The-Minute information.
 

 

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