Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition April 4, 2019

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION APRIL 4, 2019

CURRICULUM GUIDE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Dear Teachers, GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS Welcome to Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition. Jack London’s classic Page 3 tale come to life on stage! This multi-media adventure mixes performance and storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the ABOUT THE APPLAUSE SERIES story of Buck, the magnificent dog at the center of the tale, and his Page 4 brave journey of survival. We hope that the performance is an exciting CIVIC CENTER FIELD TRIP one for your students — one that brings literature to life and connects INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS it to an often little explored chapter of American history on stage. Page 5 THEATER INFORMATION This Curriculum Guide is designed to provide information, discussion AUDIENCE REMINDERS topics, activities, and resources to use both before and after the Page 6 performance. The materials are meant to help you integrate the show ABOUT THE SHOW with learning objectives in many areas of the curriculum. ABOUT THE CALL OF THE WILD Page 7 In the following pages you will find tips about how to be a good member of an audience at the Civic Center, contextual information ABOUT THE COMPANY about the performance and related subjects, as well as a variety of Page 8 discussion questions and activities. Some pages are appropriate to ABOUT JACK LONDON reproduce for your students; others are designed more specifically with Page 9 you, their teacher, in mind. We look forward to seeing you and your students soon! ABOUT THE KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH Page 10 See you at the theater, Des Moines Performing Arts Education Team TEACHER LESSONS Page 11-14

RESOURCES AND SOURCES Page 15

THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS SUPPORT FOR DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS AND THE APPLAUSE SERIES IS PROVIDED BY:

Anderson Erickson Dairy • Arts Midwest • Bradford and Sally Austin • Bravo Greater Des Moines • Clive Community Foundation • DuPont Pioneer • Ernest & Florence Sargent Family Foundation • Gannett Foundation/The Des Moines Register Hy-Vee, Inc. • Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs • John Deere • Judith A. Lindquist Scholarship Fund • Maytag Family Foundation • Richard and Deborah McConnell • McKee • Voorhees and Sease • Meredith Corporation Foundation MidAmerican Energy Foundation • Nationwide • Polk County • Prairie Meadows • Principal • SVPA Architects, Inc. • U.S. Bank • Union Pacific Foundation • Wells Fargo & Co. • West Bancorporation Foundation • Windsor Charitable Foundation and more than 300 individual donors. Guide Adapted from materials from Paramount Theatre, Holden & Arts Associates and Theatre Heroes

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 27 DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS BY THE DMPA is central Iowa’s premier not-for-proﬁt NUMBERS performing arts organization.

Guests experience a wide variety of art forms 300,000 and cultural activities, with presentations ranging More than 300,000 guests attend performances from Broadway, comedy, professional dance, and events in our four venues each year to family programming.

DMPA is more than the Civic Center! 75,000 You can ﬁnd us at the following spaces: DMPA education programs serve more than 75,000 Iowans annually. • Civic Center, 2744 seats • Stoner Theater, 200 seats • Temple Theater, 299 seats 500,000 • Cowles Commons (outdoor plaza) More than half a million students and teachers have attended school-time performances as part of the Applause Series since its launch in 1996.

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 3 Take thousands of Iowa students out of their classrooms, place them in a theater, sprinkle the stage with world-class performers,

AND WHAT DO YOU HAVE?

A recipe for learning that reaches new levels of possibility — for students and teachers. APPLAUSE SERIES

MAKING A DIFFERENCE BEYOND THE STAGE Each year, 50,000 students and teachers attend an Applause For many Applause Series performances, we offer Series performance. The actual cost per person is $8, but the opportunity for schools to go deeper by thanks to the caring contributions of donors, schools pay just exploring an art form or theme that connects with $1 per ticket. By removing the financial barriers to what is seen on stage. Invite a professional participation, donors introduce a whole new generation to the teaching artist into the classroom or visit another power of arts in action. That means stronger schools and cultural destination in Des Moines to help students communities now and in the future. make more meaning of a piece of theater.

BRINGING ARTS EDUCATION TO LIFE The Applause Series is a flagship education program of Des Moines Performing Arts. Since its launch in 1996, more than TICKET TO IMAGINATION The Applause Series annually delivers 60 a half million students and teachers have attended school-time age-appropriate performances for pre-school to high performances as part of the series. You are joining us for the school students. The impact stretches far beyond 23rd season of school performances! the Des Moines metro, reaching schools in over 35 Iowa counties. The theater becomes the classroom. One-hour matinees energize students to imagine new ways of creative expression, cultural diversity and even career opportunities.

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 4 FIELD TRIP INFORMATION TEACHER GUIDE

WE WANT YOUR FIELD TRIP TO BE SAFE AND SUCCESSFUL!

Please read below for important tips and details to ensure a great day.

GET ORGANIZED ARRIVAL/SEATING Double-check that all students, teachers, and chaperones An usher will greet you at the door and ask for your school were included in your ticket order. Request an adjustment if name. your numbers have increased. We want to make sure we have enough seats for you! Adults will be asked to show proper identification (such as school IDs or visitor badges as applicable) at the door. Tickets are not issued. Bring a copy of your invoice, which will serve as your group’s “ticket”. Each group will be assigned a specific location in the theater based on various factors. An usher will escort you to your Schedule arrival for 30 minutes prior to the start of the section. performance. This allows time to park, cross streets, find your seats, and go to the restroom. Your school may be seated in multiple rows. Adults should position themselves throughout the group. Let drivers know that Applause performances are approximately 60 minutes, unless otherwise noted. Allow ushers to seat your entire group before rearranging student seats or taking groups to the restroom. This helps Remind chaperones that children under the age of three are us seat efficiently and better start the show on time. not permitted in the theater for Applause Series events.

DIRECTIONS/PARKING ININ THETHE THEATERTHEATER The Des Moines Civic Center is located at Adults are asked to handle any disruptive behavior in their 221 WALNUT STREET, DES MOINES, IOWA group. If the behavior persists, an usher may request your group to exit the theater. DIRECTIONS FROM I-235: take Exit 8A (Downtown Exits) and the ramp toward 3rd St and 2nd Ave. Turn onto 3rd Please wait for your group to be dismissed by DMPA staff Street and head south. prior to exiting the theater.

Police officers stationed at the corner of 3rd & Locust Streets will direct buses to reserved street parking near the Civic Center. QUESTIONS?QUESTIONS? We are happy to help! Buses are not allowed to drop groups off in front of the theater. Contact us in advance if there is a special Please contact us at: circumstance. [email protected] 515.246.2355 Buses remain parked for the duration of the show. Drivers

must be available to move the bus immediately following the performance.

Personal vehicles are responsible for securing their own parking on a nearby street or in a downtown parking ramp.

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 5 AUDIENCE REMINDERS

ATTENDING A LIVE PERFORMANCE IS A UNIQUE AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITY! UNLIKE THE PASSIVE EXPERIENCE OF WATCHING A MOVIE, AUDIENCE MEMBERS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN EVERY LIVE PERFORMANCE.

YOUR ROLE AS AN AUDIENCE MEMBER Artists on stage are very aware of the mood and level of engagement of the audience. As such, each performance calls for a different response from audience members.

As you experience the performance, DIDDID YOUYOU THE THEATER IS DESIGNED TO MAGNIFY consider the following questions: KNOW?KNOW? SOUND. EVEN WHISPERS CAN BE HEARD!

What kind of live What is the mood of performance is this? the performance? • musical Is the subject • dance matter serious THINGS TO REMEMBER • concert or lighthearted?

Do not bring food, drinks or chewing gum into the theater.

Turn off and put away cell phones and other electronics before the performance begins

Do not text or take photos or video during the show.backs Are the artists Respect the theater. Keep your feet off of the seat What is the mood and cushions. encouraging the of the artists? audience to clap to When the house lights dim, the performance is about Are they happy and to begin. Please stop talking at this time. the music, move to smiling or somber the beat, or participate Use the restroom before the performance and reserved? or wait until the end. in some other way?

Remember that this is a special experience. The artists are creating something just for you. Appropriate responses such as laughing and applauding are appreciated.

Pay attention to the artists — they will let you know what is appropriate. Are there natural Open your eyes, ears, mind, and heart to the entire breaks in the experience. performance where Enjoy yourself! applause seems appropriate?

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 6 ABOUT THE SHOW

There is an ecstasy that marks the summit of life, and beyond which life cannot rise. And such is the paradox of living, this ecstasy comes when one is most alive, and it comes as a complete forgetfulness that one is alive.

- Jack London, The Call of the Wild

THE STORY Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition is based on the classic book by Jack London. It is told from the perspective of Buck, the magnificent offspring of a St. Bernard and Scottish Collie. Buck is a privileged, dignified dog who is taken from his southern California home and shipped to Alaska to work as a sled dog during the 1890s Gold Rush. Along the way, Buck is mistreated by a series of owners while he learns to survive as a member of a dog sled team. With each new experience, Buck regresses to a more primal state in order to survive. After successfully pulling 1,000 pounds on a sled, he becomes the most famous dog in the northland’s history and discovers the endurance and strength of his wild ancestors as their call courses through his blood. The play, like the book, explores the role environment plays in shaping character.

THE PRODUCTION The thrilling tale of adventure, courage, and survival is made even more so with the production’s use of projections. The production uses 180-degree projection that surrounds the performer and provides scenic, artistic, and historical context to the show. The images feature a mix of Philip R. Goodwin’s classical illustrations from the book’s first edition, period photographs, and brand new drawings and animations created by artist Michael Rae.

PREVIEWPREVIEW https://vimeo.com/268707938 THETHE SHOWSHOW Watch this trailer to get a preview of the show.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING "Call of the Wild was a compelling and thought-provoking show that really transported the audience into the Yukon with stunning storytelling and archival photos that created a powerful sense of place. The show features one of the fiercest and most engaging storytellers I’ve ever seen onstage; he filled the space, easily moving between characters and emotions. The use of projections was mindful and clever, and very well-suited to the narrative being told.” -The Flynn Center, Burlington, VT

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 7 ABOUT THE COMPANY

Theatre Heroes is a theatre company based out of Austin, Texas that creates performances for young audiences and those young at heart.

ABOUT THE ACTOR THEATRE HEROES’ COMPANY MISSION Noel Gaulin is a “We are theatre makers, fearless adventurers, and three-time winner of terrified mistake makers. We celebrate the live Best Actor from the theatre experience as a launch pad for promoting Austin Critics' Table. He creativity and innovation. We use theatre to activate has toured over 250 and reawaken classic stories. We believe theatre performances across can encourage youth to pursue their own dreams. the country. Recently, We strive to create a world of infinite possibilities Noel received a Best and limitless imagination where anyone can be their Actor award from the own hero.” Austin Revolution Film

Festival. Theatre Heroes is dedicated to bringing theatre to

underserved populations and works with presenters ABOUT THE VISUALS to bring performances to hospitals, detention centers, and rural communities. The show includes media design by Chris Owen and K. Eliot Haynes, music by Graham Weber, ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT and artwork by Michael Rae. Playwright Jason Tremblay’s award-winning plays have been recognized and presented by the REVIEWS Kennedy Center, New Visions/New Voices, the Bonderman, One Theatre World, New Dramatists, and at theatres across the country. He was the Noel Gaulin is such a gifted storyteller; recipient of the KCACTF Young Audiences award, you simply cannot help but fall in love EVCT emerging playwright award, and a James (and experience a little heart-break) with his Michener fellowship in writing at the University of portrayal of Buck. The projections are truly Texas. stunning, adding to the company’s concept of an “Illustrated Edition” and the music captivates from the beginning.

Jennifer Luck, presenter, Paramount Theatre. Austin, TX

I loved how Language Arts and History were integrated. The kids were blown away by how many different characters the actor played.

Teacher

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 8 ABOUT JACK LONDON

Jack London was one of the most successful writers in America in the early 20th Century. His stories of men and animals struggling against the environment and survival through hardship were drawn mainly from his own experiences. His years in the Klondike searching for gold left their mark in some of his best stories, among them The Call of the Wild and White Fang.

London grew up without much money in Oakland, California. He rode trains, pirated oysters, shoveled coal, worked on a sealing ship on the Pacific and in a cannery. In his free time, he hunkered down at libraries, soaking up novels and travel books. His life as a writer began in 1893 when he survived a horrifying voyage in which a typhoon nearly killed him and his crew. The 17-year-old adventurer wrote about his experience. His mother spotted a contest in the local paper and London submitted his story. Although he had only an eighth-grade education, London captured the $25 first prize (equivalent to about $650 today), beating out college students from Berkeley and Stanford. For London, the contest was an eye-opening experience, and he decided to dedicate his life to writing.

London found fame and some fortune at the age of 27 with his novel The Call of the Wild (1903), which told the story of a dog that finds its place in the world as a sled dog in the Yukon. A prolific writer, he published more than 50 books over the last 16 years of his life.

Jack London died at his California ranch on November 22, 1916 at only 40 years old.

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 9 THE STORY Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition is based on the classic book by Jack London. It is told from the perspective of Buck, the magnificent offspring of a St. Bernard and Scottish Collie. Buck is a privileged, dignified dog who is taken from his southern California home and shipped to Alaska to work as a sled dog during the 1890s Gold Rush. Along the way, Buck is mistreated by a series of owners while he learns to survive as a member of a dog sled team. With each new experience, Buck regresses to a more primal state in order to survive. After successfully pulling 1,000 pounds on a sled, he becomes the most famous dog in the northland’s history and discovers the endurance and strength of his wild ancestors as their call courses through his blood. The play, like the book, explores the role environment plays in shaping character.

ABOUT THE KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH

Starting in the 1870s, prospectors trickled into the Yukon in search of gold. By 1896, around 1,500 prospectors panned for gold along the Yukon River basin. Reports of gold were discovered in many rich deposits along the Klondike River in 1896 and created a hysteria that was nationwide. Many people quit their jobs and left for the Klondike to become gold-diggers searching for a wealthier fate. Most had no idea where they were going or what they would face along the way.

WHEREWHERE ININ THETHE WORLD?WORLD?

The Klondike Gold Rush was a stampede of migration by an estimated 100,000 people to the Klondike region of north-western Canada between 1896 and 1899. The people who moved to the area were seeking gold. It’s also called the Yukon Gold Rush, the Last Great Gold Rush and the Alaska Gold Rush.

For many Americans, traveling to the Klondike in search of gold was their key to the American Dream. Gold “fever” quickly reached epidemic proportions. Aspiring prospectors from all over the world set out for the new gold fields with dreams of a quick fortune dancing in their heads. Because of the harsh terrain and even harsher weather, it took gold rushers a year to reach the Klondike from Northern California. The long climb over mountainous terrain, frozen rivers, intense cold, and frequent snowstorms combined with malnutrition and illnesses made for a long and difficult journey. Because of these conditions only about 30,000 actually made it to the Klondike. Only about 4,000 actually found gold. For most, their arduous journeys and rigors of camp life were not rewarded. Even so, the adventurous stampede for gold united people of all walks of life in a common goal.

LEARN MORE www.soundboard.com/sb/Gold_Rush_history_audioClick here to listen to stories about the famous www.pbs.org/video/klondike-gold-rush-klondike-gold-rush/ Gold Rush. www.pbs.org/video/klondike-gold-rush-klondike-gold-rush/Click here to watch a PBS Documentary on the Klondike Gold Rush.

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 10 CONNECTING TO HISTORY

Objectives: Students will research the roles of men and women in this time period and what it would take for them to join the Klondike Gold Rush. Students will then imagine themselves as Stampeders and research their journey. Materials: computer, books, paper, pens, ink, magic markers, magazines, glue, scissors, etc. ACTIVITY 1: Invite students to research the Klondike Gold Rush using the websites below or completing a www.kiddle.co search.

www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/goldrush.htmNational Parks Service: Gold Rush www.timelineindex.com/content/view/3953Klondike Gold Rush Timeline www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/Deeper Dive: Klondike Gold Rush

www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/goldrush.htm www.timelineindex.com/content/view/3953 www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/goldrush.htm www.timelineindex.com/content/view/3953 www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/goldrush.htm www.timelineindex.com/content/view/3953 www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/goldrush.htm www.timelineindex.com/content/view/3953 www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/goldrush.htm www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/goldrush.htm www.timelineindex.com/content/view/3953 www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.timelineindex.com/content/view/3953 www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/goldrush.htm www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/goldrush.htm www.timelineindex.com/content/view/3953 www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.timelineindex.com/content/view/3953 www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/goldrush.htm www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/ www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/

ACTIVITY 2: The Call of the Wild occurs during the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush in Yukon, Canada. Invite students to take on the role of a person who has decided to leave their homes and make their fortune, perhaps even a character from Callhttps://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1kfk1q22frnIG6qgwP0_yB8DfOuqiGNbNBGBNbgNCG-g/template/preview?usp=drive_web&ouid=%7BuserId%7D of the Wild! Use the google doc “fakebook” page for Literary Characters orhttps://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1-nCxDCLcEAuge4wac5I5F_83GH9QNZpXpKCGMRl2utk/template/preview?usp=drive_web&ouid=%7BuserId%7 Historical Figures to explore their new identity. The docs include specific categories andD posts for students to consider.

Consider the following for creating your character (historical or literary). Use the information from your research to create your “wall” posts. • What were the typical roles of men, women, and children at this time? • How would they have to travel to the Yukon? How long will it take? • What job might they be eligible for? • What clothes, supplies, and tools will they need? • What is housing and shelter like during the trip and when they arrive? • What diseases are spreading during this time period? • What do the people eat and how do they get it? • How expensive are items in the Yukon compared to what is normal? • What do they know and what is rumor or what is true? How do they get their news about the Gold Rush? • What don’t they know?

Students create individual profiles or divide into small groups to research specific topics and create team profiles.

Extension: Using their research, have each student write a letter to their friends or family about their life away from home or a blog post about their experiences.

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 11 CONNECTING TO SCIENCE

Objective: Students will research wolves, sled dogs and a breed of dog of their choice. Students will note what characteristics all three share and what is unique about their breed. Materials: Research graphic organizer (page i) and computer/internet access for research. ACTIVITY: Students will research wolves, sled dogs and a breed of dog of their choice. Students will note what characteristics all three share and what is unique about their breed. Extension: As a summary to their research students may create a presentation or report about their chosen breed or may develop a visual to explore the shared characteristics for a digital presentation using Padlethttps://padlet.com/.

SOME FACTS TO GET YOU STARTED Wolves: Sled Dogs: • have a sense of smell that is 100 times • can travel at speeds up to 20 miles per hour stronger than humans • are not bred for the coldness of the Arctic and do • are known to be the ancestor of every known not love the extreme cold, which is why they breed of dog wear protective coats and booties • find mates only once and stick with their mates • played a key role in the Klondike Gold Rush for the rest of their lives because the terrains were inaccessible during winter and people found it difficult to travel by foot. • eat up to one-ﬁfth of their total weight due to the irregularities in the availability of food • traversed one of the most important trails during the Klondike Gold Rush, the 1000-plus mile • can live for over 13 years with the average life Iditarod Trail, a trail which is still used today for being six to eight years the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race run in early • can swim up to eight miles March from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.

DOG (BREED OF CHOICE): Thishttps://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/ website from the American Kennel Club provides lots of great information about many breeds of dogs. Pick a breed to research!

VIDEO RESEARCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asoJyZYrNxoHow Smart Are Animals NOVA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asoJyZYrNxo(the first section is on dogs!) Sledwww.youtube.com/watch?v=6nVfFNbxX7s Dogs: More Than Meets the Eye Whyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDG4GSypcIE Don’t Sled Dogs Ever Get Tired?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asoJyZYrNxo www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nVfFNbxX7s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDG4GSypcIE

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 12 CONNECTING TO LANGUAGE ARTS

Objective: Students will consider aspects of The Call of the Wild story and think critically about the meaning. Materials: paper, writing utensils, copy of The Call of the Wild.

ACTIVITY 1: CIVILIZED vs. WILD Ask students to consider the definitions of Wild and Civilized and create a working understanding of each of the terms as a large group. Next, apply those definitions to the question of who is civilized in Call of the Wild and who is wild, or uncivilized? Individuals can respond to the question using specific examples from the play or novel. Students can then get into a small groups and have each group explain what, in their opinion, is the most important difference between being civilized and wild.

Extension: Assign half the class to be on Team Wild and create an argument that Wild is superior to Civilized. The other half of the class is on Team Civilized citing examples from the story or from their own experience and research.

ACTIVITY 2: EPIGRAPH ANALYSIS Before Call of the Wild begins there is an epigraph taken from a poem called Atavism by John Myers O’Hara.

EPIGRAPH “Old longings nomadic leap, An epigraph is a brief poem or Chaﬁng at custom’s chain; quotation from another work of Again from its brumal sleep literature placed at the beginning of a book in order to introduce a theme. Wakens the ferine strain.”

First, as a class, read the epigraph together, defining the new vocabulary and then take apart the lines to understand their meaning. Use an online dictionaryhttps://kids.britannica.com/kids/browse/dictionary - like this one from britannica kids - to look up unfamiliar words.

It may be a good exercise to rewrite the opening stanza using everyday language after defining.

Ask students to consider how the epigraph represents the themes of the story as a whole.

Why would Jack London, the author, chose to put the poem before Call of the Wild?

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 13 AFTERQUESTIONS TO ENGAGE THE & CONNECT PERFORMANCE

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS AND DISCUSS AS A CLASS OR IN SMALL GROUPS: 1. Why does the author have Buck narrate the story? 2. How would the story change if it were told by the dog-trainer instead of Buck? 3. What is the “call of the wild?” How does it affect Buck’s behavior? 4. What role does survival play in the story? How is it different for dogs and humans? 5. To what extent does the author anthropomorphize Buck (give him human characteristics) and how much does he stay an animal? 6. What do the color red, the fang and the club symbolize? 7. What emotions did you experience during the show and what stirred them? For example: How did you feel when Manuel sold Buck to the man in the red sweater? 8. Do you think Buck’s story is happy or sad overall? Explain your answer? 9. How was the experience of watching the performance different than the experience of reading the book? 10. How do you think the visual projections changed the performance for the viewer? 11. Was there anything that you would do differently if you were the director of the performance?

TALKTALK BACK! BACK! DATE We’d love to hear about your experience at the performance. Write a letter to Des Dear Moines Performing Arts or to Theatre Heroes Company. Write a sentence or two about you – your name, age or grade to introduce yourself! Follow our template to the right to get started. (If you get stuck, here are some sentence Once completed, mail the letters to starters to get you thinking: ) us and we’ll make sure they get to the right people. What stuck with you after seeing the performance? Des Moines Performing Arts What questions do you still have? Attn: Education Department What was the part you liked best? 221 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309 Sincerely, If you’d prefer to email us a batch of letters, (your name) that’d be great too! Our email address is: [email protected]

We’ll do our best to send your class a reply!

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 14 RESOURCES AND SOURCES

WEBSITES Theatre Heroes: https://www.theatreheroes.org Holden & Arts Associates https://www.holdenarts.org/call-of-the-wild The Paramount Theater: www.theparamount.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Call-of-the-Wild-Study-Guide-Paramount.pdf

Call of the Wild Trailer: https://vimeo.com/268707938

Gold Rush History: https://www.soundboard.com/sb/Gold_Rush_history_audio

The Klondike Gold Rush: https://www.pbs.org/video/klondike-gold-rush-klondike-gold-rush/

National Parks Service: https://www.nps.gov/klgo/learn/goldrush.htm Grayline Alaska https://www.graylinealaska.com/blog/8-things-didnt-know-klondike-gold-rush/

Goldrush Timeline http://www.timelineindex.com/content/view/3953

Dog Breeds https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/ l

How Smart Are Animals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asoJyZYrNxo

Sled Dogs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nVfFNbxX7s

Why Don’t Sled Dogs Ever Get Tired https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDG4GSypcIE

Padlet https://padlet.com/

BOOKS

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION PAGE 15 RESEARCH SHEET CONNECTING TO SCIENCE (PAGE 12)

WHAT I WANT TO KNOW WHAT I LEARNED WHAT I STILL WONDER

CALL OF THE WILD: ILLUSTRATED EDITION i