The Arts in Education Programs

 Tour Theatrical Performances, Artist in residency Programs and help schools & other Organizations build permanent works of art for their facility and community.

The “Arts in Education Programs” of OCCT are the primary outreach projects of our Organization.  By the end of 2010 we estimate we will have reached over half a million youth and patrons with theatrical performances, artist in residency programs, workshops, and projects which help schools and other organizations build permanent works of art.  The current active touring programs being offered at present are-  “American Folk Tales” premiered at the Newport Performing Arts Center in the fall of 2008 it has been touring around Oregon and showcases 4 forms of puppetry.  Shadow, Rod, Marionette, and Hand Glove puppets help tell the stories of “Pecos Bill” from the old western tall tales, “Jack Tales” from Appalachia and the humorous tales of “Uncle Remus” from the deep south.  This is an all school assembly program that follows the theatrical presentation with an question and answer session for students and instructors.  The show includes multi-media and live actors in mask along with special effects to entertain and educate your students in these important cultural traditions as part of American History.

 “SEA-ART” once called “Spirits of the Sea” has now been touring since 1998. It is the most successful artist in residency program for our organization as it has reached over 80,000 patrons and worked with over 40,000 students.  The program teaches student about marine science using a theatrical pageant.  We travel with over 175 puppets including some giant ones like “Humphrey” our 14 foot long 17 feet wide humpback whale puppet.  We have heard many times Schools and Parents calling this program the best school program they have ever seen.  It’s popularity is also because unlike many residency programs that only involve selected groups of students, this program uses the entire student body.  There are also opportunities for teachers, parents and community members can also be part of the program. Over $25,000.00 was spent to create the production and we worked scientists, naturalists and over 10 artists to create the program.

As part of our 20th Anniversary we are bringing back one old show and creating a new one.  “Children of the Raven” showcases the oral history of the Coastal Native Indians of North America. In it’s old form the show toured to Washington State, Oregon & California and also toured to Scandinavia performing at schools and at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen in 1997.  One of our most popular assembly programs the show is being redesigned with new puppets, costumes, and stories including coastal legends of the ocean realm.  The new program will begin touring in the fall of 2010.

In August of 2010 as part of the 3rd Annual Summer Youth Theatre Presentations in Toledo City Park OCCT will present an original adaptation of the king of all tall tales- “The Fantastic, Wondrous, Magical Adventures of Baron Von Munchausen. The production will become part of our regular repertoire and using puppetry and animated scenery to help tell these humorous and imaginative stories as part of a touring festival and art center showcase production.