ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER CHILDREN’S THEATRE ON TOUR TOURING SEASON 2019-2020

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© David © Hohn Illustration

ACTIVITY GUIDE

1 ABOUT THIS GUIDE

STUDENTS: We’ve designed this guide with YOU in mind—our audience! The activities included are meant to be a fun challenge for you, as well as an introduction into the world of theatre and how we went about making this play for you!

EDUCATORS & PARENTS: Look for the helpful symbols below to make curriculum connections, which are outlined on the last page!

ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS LIBRARY MEDIA

THEATRE SOCIAL SCIENCE SCIENCE CONTENTS

3. Welcome from Toad 10. It Takes a Team to Create 4. About the Author & Magic on Stage A Note from the Director 11. Recommended Reading 5. Read the Original Novel & 12. Wind in the Willows Movie Party Discuss What you Read 13. Stay in Touch & Get Social! 6. Get Ready for the Show 14. Educator Resources 7. Discuss What You Saw 15. Playbill Cover Page & Write to Toad 16. Crew 8. SCIENCE ACTIVITY: How to Spot a Toad 17. Cast 9. The Reluctant Dragon 18. Thank you To our Sponsors! Theatre & Writing Activity

NOTE: Art is an ongoing process. Scripts are used as a road map but the final destination may change based on a variety of factors. Because the activity guides are based on the scripts, please note that the content of the educational materials may vary from the final version of the play. Content is the intellectual property of the Arkansas Arts Center.

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To all my dear fans, followers, and fun-loving friends: Felicitations! I simply cannot express the thrill I feel looking forward to seeing each of you at our upcoming theatrical rendezvous—and what a rollicking good time it will be! If you like stories with car chases, heroic weasel battles, run-away trains, and daring prison breaks (with lots of laughs tossed in along the way) then this is the play for you! Be assured though, you can expect more than just hijinks and hilarity. When it comes right down to it, The Wind in the Willows is a story about friends taking care of friends. I am ashamed to confess that you will see me in the play at my very naughtiest—breaking rules and thinking only of myself—but, happily, I am rescued from my errant ways and brought back into civil society by the three most loyal and loving friends a Toad could know. But I mustn’t give away the whole story now. So on behalf of Mister Rat, Mister Mole, Mister Badger and myself let me just say that we await our approaching playtime with eager anticipation and extend to each of you our fondest wishes. Your very, very humble friend, The Magnificent Mister Toad!

3 ABOUT THE AUTHOR KENNETH GRAHAME...

I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1859. He was a bright student, but his family couldn't afford for him to attend college. Instead, he went to work for the Bank of England and remained there for the duration of his career. Grahame also liked to write light stories on the side, many of which were published in London periodicals. He wrote multiple stories about the characters Toad, Rat, Mole, & Badger for his son Alastair. Some of these stories later became the book The Wind in the Willows, which was published in 1908. Another very popular tale of his is The Reluctant Dragon, which was published in 1898 in a collection of Grahame's stories entitled Dream Days. He died in 1932 in Pangbourne, England.

NOTE FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT & DIRECTOR, KEITH SMITH:

Through my years as a theatre artist, I’ve worked on three different stage adaptations of the Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows—once as a lighting designer, once as a director, and once as playwright and director. Now I come to the story again, but this time with a slightly different take. One of the most striking features of the novel is a sort of whimsical bi-polar structure that juxtaposes the broad comic rowdiness of Toad’s mad adventures with the more intimate, lyrical moments preferred by his friends. My past inclination as director and playwright has been to strike a balance between these two modes. This time around, however, I have chosen to go all out with Toad. While I have not abandoned the story’s tranquil sensibilities altogether, it is fair to say that this new stage adaptation is definitely Mister Toad’s play. To that end, it is devised as a nested story—a story told within a story. It opens with Toad beginning a 20 year jail sentence handed down for “stealing an expensive motorcar . . . furious driving to the public danger . . . cheekiness to authority . . . and reckless disregard for the English language” (bad poetry). Unwilling to deprive future generations of his “glorious” history, Toad resolves to write a prison memoire. However, this literary endeavor quickly turns theatrical as two incarcerated thespians and one bubbly jailor’s daughter jump into the play, helping Toad act out his hero’s journey right up to the moment of his hilarious prison break. Then things go even more whacky (if possible) as the nested story breaks out of 4 its nest and continues, free of all storytelling convention, all the way to “The End.” READ THE ORIGINAL NOVEL

DISCUSS WHAT YOU READ

WHO are the characters? Did you find them likable? Would you like to meet them? Why or why not?

WHAT is the purpose of the story and is the purpose important or meaningful?

WHEN does the story take place and how can you tell?

WHERE does the story take place and how can you tell?

WHY do you think it was important for the author to write this story?

5 HOW does the author make you care about these characters and what happens to them? This production of THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS is a live play! Our troupe of just FOUR actors will pack up everything they need in our tour van, then travel to per- form in your community. Some things to consider before the show…

How do you think 4 actors will play all 12 different characters?

Why do you think directors have actors play multiple characters instead of hir- ing one actor for each?

How might a live play be different for the audience than watching a movie or a television show?

STUDENTS: Watch and listen carefully to under- stand the story. The story is told by the actors and comes to life through your imagination! PARENTS/TEACHERS: Please turn off your cell phones so you can enjoy the play along with your students! Bright screens can distract actors and other audience members.

Save all food, gum, candy, and drinks for after the performance. They are not allowed during the perfor- mance but could be used as a reward for good behavior afterward! Keep your cameras tucked away and turned off.

Photography and videography are NOT allowed. Camera flashes blind the actors and can cause distrac- tions or accidents.

6 Thank you for being a great part of our audience and enjoy the show! DISCUSS WHAT YOU SAW TODAY

WHO are the characters? Are they any different than they were in the novel? Are there any char- acters you can think of that have been added or taken out? Why do you think this was?

WHAT do you think the playwright wants the audience to remember about the story and why?

WHEN does the story take place and how can you tell? Did the costumes, sets, or props help?

WHERE does the story take place and how can you tell? Did the costumes, sets, or props help?

WHY do you think the Children’s Theatre decided to produce this play and introduce this story to thousands of students across the state of Arkansas?

HOW was watching the play different from reading the story?

Dear friends, One of my favorite parts of telling a story on stage is inviting you, the

audience, to help create the play by using your imaginations. In The Wind in the Willows we asked you to imagine the Weasels of the Wild Wood, and you did such a marvelous job of picturing them in your minds that I am dying to know what you saw. What did the Weasels look like? How did they act? Would you want one for a pet? Please, oh please, write me a letter and describe them to me. Or draw a picture. Or both! I do so love receiving letters from friends, and I look forward to yours with giddy eagerness. Your friend forever, Toad of Toad Hall.

Note: Address found on page 13! 7 HOW TO SPOT A TOAD

Have you ever wondered what the differences are between toads and frogs? There are actually many differences! Here are a few that will help you spot a toad (or frog!) in the wild!

TOADS FROGS

• Thick, dry, bumpy skin • Thin, wet, smooth skin • Stout body • Thin body

• Short legs for hopping • Long legs for jumping

• Lives mainly on land • Lives mainly in the water

• Oval, inset eyes • Round, bulging eyes

• Thin, wet, smooth skin • Usually Colorful

• Usually Brown

Can you spot which of these creatures are toads and which are frogs?

1. 2. 3.

4. 5. 6. Note: Answers found on page 14

8 THE RELUCTANT DRAGON

Another popular story of Kenneth Grahame’s is The Reluctant

Dragon. Read this short story and then try your hand at adapting a story to a play!

1. Discuss what you read, including the characters, the story’s conflict and how it’s resolved.

2. Get in groups, assign roles, and act out the story! You’ll have To improvise (or make up) your lines as you go.

3. Now its time to write your script! Here is an example of how a script is usually formatted:

TOAD

A picnic? Ratty, how thoughtful.

RAT

Toad! You clumsy, incompetent, inconsiderate . . . Toad! You nearly wrecked my boat.

TOAD

You should see mine. Wrecked and ruined. [extends hand to MOLE] Oh, hello.

I am the famous

Toad of Toad Hall—you’ve probably heard of me. It is my extreme pleasure to make your

acquaintance, Mister . . . ?

MOLE

Mole. Mister Mole.

RAT

Careful, Moley. He just wants to make the acquaintance of our picnic basket. Toad, that sailboat was much too big for this river. Only a fool would have tried such a stunt. A fool or a bungling

Toad.

MOLE

Dear me.

4. Stand up and act it out for the class!

5. Reflect!

WHAT was the most challenging part of the process and WHY?

WHAT was the most fun and WHY?

9 IT TAKES A TEAM TO CREATE MAGIC ON A STAGE

The DIRECTOR is the person responsible for the overall artistic vision The ACTOR is the one who performs a role or represents a of a production.in a play. character in a play.

The SET DESIGNER is the person responsible for designing and The CHOREOGRAPHER is the person who designs the overseeing the construction of the stage setting. dance steps to be used in a play. The MUSIC DIRECTOR is the person responsible for the The COSTUME DESIGNER is the person in charge designing, musical content of a production. making, and/or purchasing of the clothing worn by the actors in a performance. The PLAYWRIGHT is the person responsible for adapting the story and The TECHNICAL DIRECTOR writing the script. is the person in charge of the technical and writing the script. The SOUND DESIGNER is the person responsible for creating The STAGE MANAGER is the person responsible for over- all of the sound effects. seeing all the sound effects. STAFF

As the costume designer, I began understanding who Mr. Toad and friends are by researching the many illustrated versions of The Wind in the Willows from different eras. I like to tap into the many genera- tions of memories audience members bring to the performance with them and try to find something that sparks both original and familiar ideas with audiences about the beloved characters. My kids are 5 and 11, and I really try to dig into what is exciting to them about characters – asking myself what makes a human transform into an animal?

Next, I go back to the script and read and re-read to explore the needs of the production. In our version, one actor plays Mr. Toad throughout, and the other actors change from one character to another, often from human to animal. I try to theorize how fast those character changes must happen. I work closely with the director to see how they envision the story. Then I can begin drawing characters in a stage we call “rough sketches”. These are original drawings, sometimes supplemented by collages and other images to help everyone visualize the ideas in development. The scenic designer is also developing models and drawings at the same time so we can ensure that the costumes and their surroundings are coordinated.

Next comes full color renderings of the Rough Sketch of Ratty from The characters. A costume rendering is an illustration Wind in the Willows of the actor in costume that evokes the look, feel and attitude of the character. I illustrated our Mr. Toad in pen and ink and watercolor, with details that are both animal-like, as well as representative of the English gentleman and sportsman Toad represents. In the costume shop, we build all the pieces needed by referring to the Costume Rendering of Mr. Toad by drawings to most accurately execute the vision of the design. Soon, Mr. Costume Designer Erin Larkin Toad and friends will transform from a figment of imagination, to a living character bringing the joy from classic literature to life in schools across the state.

10 RECOMMENDED READING… The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson (Grades Pre K-2nd)

A mouse frightens away the fox, the owl, and the snake who would eat him by inventing a dreadful make- believe “gruffalo,” whose favorite foods happen to be roasted fox, owl ice cream, and scrambled snake. But the confident mouse seems doomed when his fabrication actually appears--till he hits on an inventive plan that involves none other than his three unwitting, predatory "friends."

The Magic School Bus Hops Home: A Book About Animal Habitats by Pat Relf (Grades K-3rd) Oh, no! Wanda's best friend, Bella the bullfrog, is missing. The class wants to help look for her. Ms. Frizzle says, "The best way to find a frog is to be a frog!" So, the kids take a ride on the Magic School Bus. Join them as they shrink to frog size and learn all about animal habitats!

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (Grades 2nd-6th) Spoiled orphan Mary Lennox is sent to live at her uncle's manor, where she finds an abandoned walled garden. When she decides to restore the garden, she discovers the key to unlocking her own true self.

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery (Grades 4th-8th) Follow the adventures of Anne Shirley, an 11-year-old orphan girl, who is mistakenly sent to Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, a middle-aged brother and sister, who had intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm in Prince Edward Island.

The Wind in the Willows: A Graphic Novel by Peters & Cano (Grades 5th-9th) Mole, Rat, and Badger are the best of friends. As for Toad, well... he's not he’s a bad guy. It's just that he really, REALLY loves cars. If he sees a sporty vehicle, he can't help but take it for a spin. This full-color graphic novel features enhanced Common Core State Standards support, including discussion and writing prompts developed by a Common Core expert, an expanded introduction, and bolded glossary words.

Visit your local library for more suggestions!

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MOVIE NIGHT

Have a The Wind in the Willows movie party! Since it’s such a beloved book, The Wind in the Willows has been adapted to film more than a dozen times. Check your local library or preferred movie streaming service to see which versions are available! Maybe you can draw inspiration for snacks from the excerpt from The Wind in the Willows below.

‘What’s inside it?’ asked the Mole, wriggling with curiosity. ‘There’s cold chicken inside it,’ replied the Rat briefly; ‘coldtonguecoldhamcoldbeefpickledgherkinssaladfrenchrollsc resssandwichespottedmeatgingerbeerlemonadesodawater—-‘ ‘O stop, stop,’ cried the Mole in ecstasies: ‘This is too much!’ ‘Do you really think so?’ enquired the Rat seriously. ‘It’s only what I always take on these little excursions; and the other ani- mals are always telling me that I’m a mean beast and cut it VERY fine!’

-The Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame

12 WRITE TO US

ARKANSAS ARTS CHILDREN’S THEATRE P.O. BOX 2137 LITTLE ROCK, AR 72203

Visit our website to enroll in theatre or art classes, learn more about our program- ming, and keep a look out about exciting announcements about our 2020-2021 season!

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13 EDUCATOR RESOURCES CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS:

4. About the Author…… Social Studies, World Geography G.8.1-Use geographic Library Media representations and skills to become geographically-informed citizens. 5. Read the Original Novel & Discuss What You Read…… 1.l.G.1- Continually seek knowledge, read; English Language Arts RL. 2 Determine central ideas or themes of a text; RL. 3 Ask and answers questions as who, what, when, where, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text. 6. Get Ready for the Show…...Fine Arts, Theatre, R.9-Apply Criteria-Recognize appropriate audience etiquette. 7. Discuss What You Saw…… English Language Arts RL. 7 Analyze similarities and differences between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the same text citing specific details 8. How to Spot a Toad…...Science LS1 A: Structure and Function, LS3.B Variation of Traits Answers: 1. Frog 2. Toad 3. Frog 4. Toad 5. Toad 6. Frog 9. The Reluctant Dragon…...Fine Arts, Theatre CR.2 generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work. CR.2 organize & develop artistic ideas and work.; CR.3 refine and complete artistic work. English Language Arts W4.B Use narrative tech- niques, such as dialog and description, to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situa- tions. 10. It Takes a Team to Create Magic on Stage…...Fine Arts, Theatre, P.5 Identify appropriate vocabulary to describe technical elements 11. Recommended Reading…...Library Media Services, 1.l.G.1- Continually seek knowledge, read.

Don’t forget to check out our

H OP P I N G O F F P OI N T S . . . PINTEREST page for ideas on

What’s next? these and even MORE ways

Natural Selection Script-Writing to tie The Wind in the Willows Wind Habitats into your lessons! Automobiles Drama in the Classroom Life Cycles

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PLAYBILL

15 Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre on Tour Katie Campbell, Interim Artistic Director

The Wind in the Willows By Kenneth Grahame

Directed & Adapted for the Stage by KEITH SMITH Original Music By LORI ISNER Costume Design by ERIN LARKIN Scenic Design by KEITH SMITH Scenic Charge Artist & Properties Design by CATHLEEN BRIGNAC Tour Managed by ANTHONY MCBRIDE Stage Managed by RIVKA KUPERMAN

Arkansas Arts Center programs are supported in part by: Arkansas Arts Center Foundation; City of Little Rock; City of North Little Rock; Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau; and the Arkansas Arts Council, a division of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

16 CAST TOAD…………………………………………………………………………………………….Anthony McBride IRASCIBLE INMATE/BADGER/MOTORCAR DRIVER/COPPER…………………Mark Hansen DAPPER INMATE/RAT/MAGISTRATE/WASHERWOMAN…………………….Stephen Jones BUBBLY LASS/MOLE/CAR THEFT VICTIM………………………………………………….Sarah Ring

Mark Hansen is a company member at the AACCT. You may have seen him with one less leg as Long John Silver in Treasure Island, as Huckle Cat in Busytown or as the Boss of the School in Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business. In addition to acting, Mark helps with set and prop construction. Some of his favorite roles have been Frog in A Year with Frog and Toad, the Emperor in The Emperor’s New Clothes and Slim in Of Mice and Men. Mark graduated high school from Little Rock Central and college from UALR. Mark has also received training at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Stephen Jones is delighted to be back at the Children's Theatre for another season! Stephen started working at the Children's Theatre as an intern back in 2016 and has been with the company ever since, bouncing between the sound booth and the stage. Some past credits at the AAC: Handsome Warren in Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook; Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit; Skinny Piggy in This Little Piggy Went to Market; and Tin Man/Glinda/Flying Monkey in Dorothy in Oz. Stephen occasionally performs with the improv comedy troupe ImprovLittleRock (aka The Joint Venture) at The Joint in North Little Rock. Anthony McBride is excited for his third season with such a wonderful company! Some of his favorite roles on the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre main stage include Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit, Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web, Curly Piggy in This Little Piggy Went to Market and Jacob/Hasbro in Hansel and Gretel’s Gingerbread Games. You may have also seen Anthony in the AACCT Children’s Theatre on Tour productions of Snow White, Humpty Dumpty, and Dorothy in Oz. Anthony is very grateful to be given the opportunity to work with such a talented group of artists, and cannot wait for many more opportunities! Sarah Ring is thrilled to be back at the Arkansas Arts Center! Her last performance at AACCT was as Nod in Wynken, Blynken, and Nod: A Play for the Very Young. Sarah has performed at Murry’s Dinner Theatre in Never Too Late, Harvey, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Too Many Cooks, and The Church Basement Ladies: Last Potluck Supper. Sarah graduated from ASU Jonesboro with a BFA in theatre. On the weekends, you may see Sarah dressing up as a princess for public events or private children’s birthday parties with Fancyful Parties! Sarah loves bringing joy to kids and is thankful for the opportunity to do it here!

17 Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre on Tour 2019-2020 Season Presented by:

Sponsored by: The Shubert Foundation Dr. Loren Bartole, Family Foot Care Centennial Bank Cindy and Greg Feltus Diane Suitt Gilleland Target U.S. Bank Foundation Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund Bank of America

Interested in Children’s Theatre?

Visit www.arkansasartscenter.org for more information on classes and programming available at the Arkansas Arts Center!

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