WHAT’s work extends offstage into our schools and community.  Learn more about how we connect our community to the arts throughout the year.

THE MASK PROJECT

Each Fall, WHAT teaching artists work with students at local elementary schools to create masks based on original characters and stories drawn from the students’ imaginations.

After exploring the rich history of masking in performance and in ritual, students were given a blank mask to serve as a canvas along with a variety of media.  Through the creation of the physical mask, students developed their character’s unique traits and personalities, while exploring how narrative can be enhanced through visual art.

SHADOW PLAY

WHAT’s newest education program builds on the lessons learned in the Mask Project.  Students explore the history and practice of shadow puppetry while creating their own puppet shows drawn from Aesop’s fables.  Lessons start by learning to manipulate found objects, giving them personality and character. Then bringing that experience to the shadow screen, students manipulate simple shapes and forms before creating more advanced articulated puppets, props, and backgrounds for their original stories.

SPRING THEATER CAMP

A week-long camp for students aged 9-18 held during April school vacation. Students work with WHAT’s teaching artists to unlock their imaginations through improvisation, character work, and scene analysis to create their very own original plays.  Ideal for students of all levels who show interest in the performing arts, writing, directing, or all of the above.

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

An intergenerational story sharing and archiving project that connects students from Nauset Regional High School and senior citizens on the Outer Cape.  Through guided interviews, the students record and transcribe stories of Cape Cod’s past.  The collected stories are then crafted into a performance piece that utilizes archival images, audio and video to preserve the stories that have shaped our community for future generations.

To learn more about these programs and how to bring them to your school or community group, contact community engagement manager Tia Scalcione at tia@what.org.