Hays Arts Council

“ReCycle”- Richard Renner (residency)
Richard Renner, of Lawrence, Kansas, has been a professional performer and entertainer for over 30 years, performing regularly at state fairs, arts festivals and schools throughout the country. The Hays Arts Council will present Richard as our goofy garbage man in “The ReCyle Show: REduce, REuse and REcycle in a REdiculous way!” He will lead students through the wonderful world of trash and resources with wacky inventions, circus arts, music and interactive games. Through juggling and magic tricks with trash, special attention is made to show how our personal choices affect our environment. A great cross-curriculum – and entertaining! – learning experience. September 16 - 19, 2008 in-school performances

“Golden Dragon Acrobats”
Originally from Cangshou, Heibei province in the People’s Republic of China, the Golden Dragon Acrobats have toured for 30 years to international acclaim. They practice the rigorous art of Chinese Acrobatics, an art form that first became popular in China 2,500 years ago. The 25 acrobats are athletes, actors, and artists who have trained since childhood. They will amaze students with acrobatic feats they perform using their bodies and simply props. This outstanding company is the first major event on this year’s FHSU Encore Series and the Hays Arts Council is very proud to provide this educational outreach experience on the morning of their public performance. Monday, October 6, 2008  for 4^th,5^th, & 6^th grade students
Time to be announced - Beach Schmidt Performing Arts Center (FHSU)

“The Three Little Pigs” by Wichita Children’s Theater
The Wichita Children’s Theater Company is beginning its 61^st year of bringing exciting live theater to children – both at home in Wichita and throughout Kansas and across the U.S. This year, they are touring with “The Three Little Pigs,” a wonderful music theater adaptation by Kevin Reese, in which Mama Pig gives her three little babies some valuable advice as she send them out into the world. She tells them how to stay healthy and happy, and tells them to beware of the Big Bad Wolf! One by one the little pigs encounter the Wolf, and one by one the pigs teach the Wolf a lesson about getting along with others. This 45-minute production will be a great learning tool – and theater introduction – for Kindergarten and 1^st grade students. Friday, October 17, 2008 for Kindergarten & 1^st grade students 12:45pm in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center

“Kansas Day” Celebration with Ann Zimmerman (residency)
This highly regarded professional musical artist from Salina, Kansas will join us for a special “Kansas Day” celebration week. Ann Zimmerman’s songs tell stories of life on the windy plains—its joy, sorrow, grandeur and silliness. Her irresistible stage presence and clear voice have audiences singing along. Ann’s songs paint pictures in brilliant, unexpected colors, accompanied by piano, guitar or voice alone. Ann has performed across the United States and has released three recordings. Her shows cover Kansas topics and cultivate appreciation of local character. January 26-29, 2009 elementary school performances

“Cottonwood Project”
As part of the 8^th Annual Cottonwood Project, a festival of music organized and presented by the Fort Hays State University Department of Music, students are invited to attend a special concert during the week of the “Cottonwood Festival” in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. This year’s student concert will feature guest artists as well as FHSU faculty members performing – and informing – on a variety of instruments . The lecture/demo will conclude with a question and answer session. Great cultural experience!   Week of April 6, 2009 3^rd, 4^th and/or 5^th grades   1:00pm in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center

“Pippi Longstocking” American Family Theater
This “Broadway for Kids” series presentation by the award-winning American Family Theater Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, brings the best of musical theater to our country’s young audiences, introducing them to the world of live performance in the beautiful Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Presenting for nearly 40 years, they are the country’s leading producer for children and family audiences. “Pippi Longstocking” will have audiences of all ages rocking in their seats in this wonderful musical that brings a new definition to adventure. From the best-loved literary stories by Astrid Lindgren, this is a production exclusively available from American Family Theater!
Friday, May 1 , 2009 for 2^nd& 3^rd grade students 12:45pm in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center (FHSU)

These exceptional programs are made possible through the generosity of
The Schmidt Foundation
Kansas Arts Commission
Fort Hays State University Special Events Committee, Theater, History & Music Departments
Hays Kiwanis, Optimists and Rotary Clubs,
Bank of America
USD 489 and participating schools
and Hays Arts Council