PHOENIX 7th GRADERS GET IN-DEPTH LOOK AT “SOUTH PACIFIC” AND PEFORMING ARTS THROUGH ASU GAMMAGE

This January, more than 80 seventh grade students from Orangewood Elementary School in Phoenix participated in an intensive eight-week curriculum based program through ASU Gammage called “Kaleidoscope.”

For 18 years, Kaleidoscope has been a nationally recognized and awarded program and is the only one of its kind in Arizona and nationally. The program educates and exposes students to the arts who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience live theater.

The Phoenix students worked closely with ASU Gammage staff and school administrators and teachers to explore the historical and sociological aspects of ASU Gammage’s upcoming show SOUTH PACIFIC.

Lessons revolved around the show’s themes of cultural diversity, prejudice and acceptance, as well as world history and geography, performing arts and behavioral studies.

In culmination of the program, students were afforded a memorable theater experience by attending a performance of SOUTH PACIFIC at ASU Gammage. They were able to meet the cast and crew and have the chance to ask them questions about their educational and professional experiences.

“If we can expose just one student to the world of theater and what that has to offer, I am thrilled. It’s our mission at ASU Gammage to connect communities and Kaleidoscope is one of the many ways we make this happen,” said Colleen Jennings- Roggensack, ASU Gammage executive director.