Sometimes I feel like I've lived out that Johnny Cash song. Johnny claimed to have visited Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota, Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota, Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma, Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma, Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo, Tocapillo, Baranquilla, and Perdilla.
I have visited Waterville, Johnstown, Niagara, Bassano, Mortlach, Kelowna, Black Falls, Red Wing, Prince Rupert, Whistler, Winona, Philadelphia, Fairfield, Columbia, Rolla, Denman Island, Beiseker, Red Deer, Coronation, Caroline, Campbell River, and Ucluelet.
And that's not even close to being a complete list.
You see, I started this whole career in children's theatre with a year-long tour with the Missoula Children's Theatre. It's been called the Peace Corps of Theatre, and it's a pretty apt nickname. I was part of a team of two actor/directors who would roll into a tiny little town, hold auditions on a Monday, rehearse all week, and perform an hour long musical theatre production with up to 70 local kids complete with a set and costumes.
Then we'd pack it all up and head to the next town.
It was a crazy year, but I learned a ton about how to work with kids, how to give them what they need to succeed, and how to survive life in a Ford Ranger pickup truck with someone who (up until 10 days before hitting the road) was a total stranger. A pretty complete education if you ask me.
This summer, the Children's Theatre of Western Springs will be visited by a character who has experienced a bit of what Johnny Cash and I have enjoyed. Flat Stanley has been everywhere and then some. In fact, his list would be much, much longer than Johnny's or mine.
Stanley has inspired many students to learn about geography. He's allowed them to reach out to friends and relatives they might not have known very well and to get closer to the loved ones who were already part of their lives. Even better, Stanley has encouraged a love of letter writing which is an important art. A skill that I think is very valuable--especially when you're on the road and far from home.
We're so pleased to be bringing Stanley's story and a few of his adventures to our stage this summer. I hope that he will inspire our students to get out and explore the world whether it's faraway corner of the globe, trying a new activity, or joining the fun on our stage.
To learn more about how your student can get involved at The Children's Theatre of Western Springs, call 708-246-4043 or visit theatreofwesternsprings.com
