Fall 2010 Workshops for Grade K-6

In order to offer the highest quality program, children must be the appropriate age at the start of class. All workshops are 8 sessions and will culminate in a sharing with family and friends during the final session.

“Acorns and Oak Leaves” (Grades K-1)
Harvest songs, dances, and stories for little fall folks
Fridays, 4:00-5:15pm, September 24 - November 19 (no class 10/15)
Cost (8 sessions): $200 » REGISTER NOW

As the harvest comes in, we will celebrate the crisp air and Fall colors with traditional songs, dances, games, crafts, and stories about autumn and the preparation for winter time. Building on the natural ability of children to play and create, we will also invent a few stories of our own!

“As Wise As the Trees” (Grades 2-4)
Nature theatre, music, and crafts
Mondays, 4:30-6:00pm, September 20-November 15 (no class 10/11)
Cost (8 sessions): $240 » REGISTER NOW

As the drama of autumn unfolds, children will be led on a journey of discovery through acting, storytelling, song, movement, and crafts. We will explore traditions that celebrate the harvest, while building performance skills and collaborative ability. A little history, a little whimsy, a lot of fun!

“Swords and Dragons, Magic and Mischief” (Grades 5-6)
Mummers plays and morris dance from town and countryside
Tuesdays, 4:30-6:00pm, September 21 - November 16 (no class 11/2)
Cost (8 sessions): $240 » REGISTER NOW

Saint George and the dragon do battle, a doctor is called, and the seasons magically change. Outrageous characters engage in comic dialogue and slapstick, in keeping with the traditions of Commedia del Arte, Vaudeville and Shakespeare's clowns. We will stage one traditional Mummers Play using Revels favorite characters and scripts (“In comes I...”) and create one of our own with modern references and comedy. And for those bodies that can't sit still, every class will include a Morris Dance lesson, taught by one of our terrific local dancers. The dance they learn will be integrated into the performances of both Mummers Plays. Though the class will be fast-paced, fun, silly, and filled with adventure, tweens will come away with enhanced performance skills, increased ability to work collaboratively with others, and a solid introduction to the traditional forms of Morris Dance and Mumming.

Special Adult-Child Weekend Workshop! “All Take Hands” (Ages 4-6)
Play party songs and games for young children (ages 4-6) and their grown-ups
Saturdays, 10-11:30am, October 2, 9, 16 & 30 (no class 10/23)
Cost (4 sessions): $120 » REGISTER NOW

Together, we’ll play and create very special experiences. Rediscover the traditions that accompany the harvest and the coming of winter. Sing traditional songs of the season, tell stories and act them out, dance, and create a lovely craft to take home. This class is offered in keeping with Revels’ intergenerational tradition, for children ages 4-6 and their grownup of choice, be it parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or a grownup buddy. Take this time to get away from the distractions of busy lives and build precious memories: just the two of you, the music, the stories, and the time to play.

If you have questions about the workshops please call 301-587-3835.

Teaching Artist

ORAN SANDEL
While you may recognize Oran Sandel from many years on the Washington Revels stage, Oran has been a teaching artist in the Washington area for 34 years. 23 of those years were spent with Arena Stage’s Living Stage, working with underserved youth of the DC area. After Living Stage, he spent six years as a lead trainer with the Shakespeare Theatre’s Classics in the Classroom teacher training program. He has been trained in arts integration with the A+ Schools Program (Greensborough) and the Kennedy Center, and is fully versed in aligning lessons to the National Standards, as well as the Standards for many states. By integrating arts with curriculum, he enlivens the process for all students, helping them to retain information by increasing the relevancy of the curriculum to their lives. In the field of Early Childhood Education, Oran co-created, with Living Stage founder Robert Alexander, the Children First preschool teachers’ training. At present, he is a regular visiting play specialist at Amazing Life Games Preschool, a consultant with the Early Childhood division at Centronia, and a teaching artist with Adventure Theater.

EMMA JASTER
Emma is a performer and teaching artist who was raised from childhood in the Revels community. She started backstage, still in her mother’s arms, danced each year at the May Fair, sang in the teen chorus and finally returned to appear as Smeraldina alongside the wonderful Oran Sandel in last year’s Italian Christmas Revels. She has accumulated her training in theater and dance from cultures around the world, traveling as far as India and Taiwan to witness and participate in different ways to share a story. She has taught in Taiwan, New York and locally with the Round House Theater and Creative Adventures. Now she is delighted to share her passion for storytelling at home in the Revels community.

ALAN PEEL
A “Reveler” for years both on and off Revels stages and a known committer of morris for almost as long, Alan Peel is currently “Squire” for the Foggy Bottom Morris Men, a group of morris dancers which has entertained the Washington DC area public for over thirty years. The “Foggs,” as they are affectionately called, help maintain a longstanding English countryside tradition of dancing in the streets and at festivals, especially around seasonal changes. In keeping this tradition vibrant and alive, the Foggs visit local schools and also work with groups such as Washington Revels to demonstrate and teach the art of morris dancing to any age group. The sense of exuberance, energy and wild joy inherent in these dances speaks directly to the child in all of us, yet the form and skills are a beautiful way to develop teamwork and discipline. Whether it’s waving handkerchiefs, clashing sticks or locking swords, morris dancers love to share this folk art with anyone and everyone! Most recently, Alan has taught morris dancing for Washington Revels’ “Festival Day” celebrations and to the 9-12 year-olds for this past “May Revels.” In his spare time, Alan is a Lecturer in Physics and Astronomy at the University of Maryland, College Park.

LEAH DELANO
Leah is a trained Waldorf teacher (grades 1-8) and has worked at the Washington Waldorf School for the past 4 years. She has performed and volunteered with Washington Revels since 1995. Last spring, she worked with Oran teaching children’s acting classes and leading the children’s chorus for the May production. She currently teaches children’s music classes at Musikids in Bethesda and raises three children (13, 11, and 8) who are all Revelers themselves.