Theater at Monmouth to perform at schools across Maine

MONMOUTH — The Theater at Monmouth continues its long-standing tradition of providing access to arts education for young people in Maine with its annual _P_age to Stage tour.
From April 23 through May 25, the theater willperform “Aesop’s Guide to Friendship,” in elementary and middle schools across the state from Berwick to Fort Kent, and Rangeley to Machias. Aesop’s fables, full of wit and wisdom, let the animals do the talking — dispensing lessons on perseverance, kindness, and friendship along the way.

“Aesop’s Guide to Friendship” explores age-old stereotypes such as “tortoise are slow,” “hares are quick,” “foxes are clever” to help young and old alike focus on ways to be better friends, neighbors and citizens. Aesop uses the qualities and natural tendencies of animals to help students appreciate their similarities and differences.
The theater’s adaptation playfully examines stereotypes and behavior that are helpful or harmful to friendships.Through activities and discussions before and after the performance, students explore ways to take responsibility for their actions and become both confident and caring.
The theater has provided literature-based education programs in schools and community centers since its founding. Education Tours make adaptations of classic literature accessible to a geographically and economically diverse audience.
“The live performance is something students don’t see often anymore,” said fourth grade teacher Pamela Prescott of Belgrade Central School. “[Attending a] performance of classic literature is a great connector to the classroom.”
Jolene Libby, first grade teacher at Turner Primary School said, “I believe it to be a real and authentic experience that students might not experience otherwise.”
Portland-based actor and director Ian Carlsen returns to Theater at Monmouth to direct the production. Carlson helmed the 2015 Summer Repertory Season Family Show “Fool of the World and the Flying Ship_,” _and_ _has appeared as an actor in TAM Education Tours.
The performance features actors John Dalton Logan, Heather Elizabeth Irish and Eunice Akinola. Set design is by Stacey Koloski, costume design by Elizabeth Rocha, and lighting design by Jim Alexander.
For more information on how to bring “Aesop’s Guide to Friendship” to a school or to bring students to a performance in Cumston Hall, visit www.theateratmonmouth.org/education/educationtours or call the box office at 207-933-9999.