Weekly Schedule
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WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT US | ||||||||||||
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The African Drum: "Behind the screen, busy hands artfully maneuvered thin poles to manipulate the jointed figures formed from rainbow-hued pieces of plastic. Before the screen, more than 100 youngsters watched delightedly yesterday as striped zebras, spotted leopards, magnificently garbed African warriors, elephants and engaging birds flitted in silhouette across the illuminated screen...For those who think of puppets either on strings or on the hand like a glove, shadow puppetry is a delightful new find with the charm of an animated cartoon." - The Washington Post
"This endearing presentation of The African Drum is an ideal way to familiarize children with African folklore. They are transported into a world of colorful tales enhanced by African rhythm and song. And so with this production, the Shadow Box Theatre has found a wonderful way to honor Black History Month." - The Black American "Children's theater is refreshing because it does not require the standard protocol of erect postures and silence. When something wows the children, they exhale great bursts of 'ooohs' and 'aaahs.' We adults have to stifle our natural reactions. The Brooklyn YWCA turned into an arena of screeches and yelps Wednesday morning as bigger-than-life butterfly and bumble bee puppets swarmed over the stage, in The Shadow Box Theatre's presentation of The Earth & Me." - Brooklyn Daily Eagle "The earth evolved over millions of years, but mankind has needed only a few centuries to pollute it. The Shadow Box Theatre evokes both of these histories in its 50-minute musical (The Earth & Me) , in which the battle-scarred earth does some singing of her own and poses environmental solutions a child can embrace." - The New York Times "For centuries, children all over the world have been intrigued by shadows. The Shadow Box Theatre is bringing the ancient art form of shadow puppets to children in No Balloons Today. The group seems to have turned a kaleidoscope in such a way that the colorful pieces have formed winsome people, realistic animals and finely etched scenery...The youngsters are included all the way." - The New York Times "In the Shadow Box Theatre's Once Upon A Story, See-More, a wonderful shadow puppet, invites the children to walk through America with him (presenting) American tall tales...all done with this group's insight into the comprehension of very young theatre-goers." - The New York Times "Once Upon A Story is a colorful mixture of shadow puppet plays, sing-along folk songs and lots of audience involvement and warmth. The Shadow puppets are dazzling. 'The Growing Rock,' adapted from a Southwest Indian tale, features a measuring-worm medicine man, and a crow who can make rocks grow. 'Big Annie' is a Mississippi River tall tale charmingly told. The show I saw was a delight!" - Wisdom's Child (New York Guide) The Firefly Star: "...a charming Puerto Rican folk tale fashioned into a warm Children's Theatre piece using exquisite shadow puppets, funny hand puppets and songs. The show is bi-lingual." - Wisdom's Child (New York Guide) "RADIANT 'RING': 'Ring Around A Rainbow, the acclaimed kids' puppet theater show,...is the story of how characters See-More, Giant Jack and the Bluebird go on a journey to learn about nutrition, safety, crack and alcohol abuse prevention and the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle. The Shadow Box Theatre show is written by Sandra Robbins, who uses the play to build children's self-worth." - New York Daily News "They clapped and squealed with delight and sat on the edge of their seats so as not to miss a minute. And when it was all over, they went home having learned a thing or two about good health habits, too. The occasion was the production of the award-winning, hour-long musical, Ring Around A Rainbow, performed for a packed house of third-grade students from public schools throughout Staten Island yesterday." - Staten Island Advance "Color and animation make the shadow puppet characters come to life. The result is a show as pretty as a picture book...in which children are encouraged to become involved. Many do." - New York Magazine
Books and Tapes: "A range of excellent folktales...These very well produced titles will be enjoyed by both children and adults." - Booklist (American Library Assn.) How The Turtle Got Its Shell: **1992 winner of an American Library Association Notable Children's Recording Award** How The Turtle Got Its Shell: "This African folktale read-along comes alive with the resonant voice of the Sky God and the background sounds of jungle drums and chants. After the elephant and ostrich fail to defeat the leopard, the persistent turtle outwits his adversary in this satisfying, rewarding and exciting recording. The flip side encourages children to empathize with several African animals and to imitate the voices and characters in the story." - School Library Journal How The Turtle Got Its Shell "tells the traditional Swahili tale of
how the turtle tricked the fierce leopard into giving a large and
powerful drum to the sky god. The Growing Rock book and tape: "Crow, jealous of Mamma Bluefeather's beautiful new babies, wants the sleeping baby bluebirds to disappear through the clouds...Rabbit, Mountain Lion, and Buzzard unsuccessfully attempt to rescue the babies, but Measuring Worm finally provides the solution...this tale from the Miwok tribe of California is effectively accompanied by drumbeats, rattles, and voices as the story is told in music, song and word...describes movements that children can incorporate in telling the folktale. Useful for creative dramatics warm-ups and for units on Native Americans." - Booklist (American Library Assn.) The Growing Rock book and tape: " ...the story could be acted out by children easily, and would make an amusing group production." - School Library Journal Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin book and tape: "As in The Ugly Duckling, things do not always turn out as expected...The subtle theme that beauty of character is more important than outside appearance comes across well. Listeners are encouraged to act out, sing, and dance to the story. The language (in book and tape) is rich in rhyme. Useful for both individuals and small groups in school and public libraries." - School Library Journal Big Annie "is about a New Orleans woman who, with the help of her bird and fish friends, pulled a boat of toys to children in time for Christmas. Songs help move the story along, and the story teller's big, powerful voice superbly matches Annie's character." - Booklist (American Library Assn.) Tobias Turkey "is an original tale that teaches how determination enables one to accomplish anything. The well paced narration catches the mood of the text while musical background and sound effects heighten the production. The second side of each tape recaps the main points of the stories and lists delightful activities for listeners." - Booklist (American Library Assn.) "These book/tape read-alongs have a new twist. Side 2 of each tape offers the chance for audience participation -- outlining the story, sometimes adding new songs, and encouraging listeners to dance, sing, act and become involved. This is an interesting idea and offers many opportunities for dramatic application. Each story is accompanied by appropriate background music and sound effects...useful as stepping off points for beginning drama classes in the primary grades... sure to be a crowd pleaser." - School Library Journal The Firefly Star tape: "Songs are clear and lively, and after hearing the story children will likely enjoy dramatizing the tale as directed. This aspect of the presentation would be especially useful in classroom situations." - School Library Journal The Firefly Star book: "This story about the holiday (Three Kings Day) begins with real suspense: 'Once it almost didn't happen.'...the trickery is entertaining, the colorful folk-art pictures add a sense of pageantry, and the colloquial narrative smoothly integrates Spanish expressions into the storytelling." - Booklist (American Library Assn.) The Firefly Star book: "The strength of the book lies in the tale of adventure, friendship, and hope." - School Library Journal The Firefly Star book: "It should be a choice children's gift item in book-stores...Humorous, bright, detailed illustrations emphasize the holiday spirit in this delightful book." - Children's Book Review Service The Firefly Star book: "A colorful retelling of a Hispanic tale about a Three Kings' Day that almost didn't happen." - The Bloomsbury Review
"This fabulous resource...The variety of culturally-rich plays impart valuable lessons to our children in self-worth, safety, health, and many other important aspects we like to teach." - P.S. 145, Brooklyn "I must take a moment to comment on an exceptional program which we at P.S. 30 have experienced...Programs such as SBT's provide an invaluable experience to students who have had very limited exposure to the performing arts. Art as an expression of culture, history, joy, and information, helps children better understand their world." - P.S. 30, Queens "I look forward to SBT productions as perfect additions to social studies, multicultural and literature curricula. The shows always hold children's attention, involve audience participation and leave them with an important lesson for life." - P.S. 31, Bronx "We were thrilled with the performance of The Earth & Me. It is so rare to find theater for children that is intelligent, thought-provoking and fun, while at the same time affordable. Thank you for your dedication to the arts." - P.S. 290, Manhattan "My rating on African Drum is excellent, outstanding, superb!! Each and every year, my classes absolutely love the show. I, myself, never get tired of it, even though I have now seen it many, many times. My students retell other African folk tales and we make individual hard cover pop-up books. So we integrate learning across the curriculum with activities that include reading, writing, oral communication, social studies, art, music and computer (on which we publish our stories). Keep up the good work! We will too. It's learning applications like this that truly make learning fun!" - P. S. 225, Queens "My colleagues and I would like to take this opportunity to again thank you for the amazing show we saw; it was incredibly lively and held the interest of the children throughout the show. Our pupils are multipally-handicapped, many of them in wheelchairs. They were escorted to an area where they had a clear view of the stage. All of our pupils participated by clapping and attempting to do the body actions that they were instructed to do. A great time was had by all." - P.S. 396, Brooklyn "My students like The Growing Rock as well as Big Annie. We saw the performance last December and their reaction was very positive. We use the books and tapes in the classroom. I would recommend them to teachers. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you and your entire staff for a wonderful job." - C. E. S. 53, Bronx "I've attended the performance of The African Drum twice and have enjoyed it both times! The kids love it and I really get use out of the materials you give me! I use the book during Black History Month and when I'm doing a unit on folk tales. The children love to listen to the voices and songs on the tape!" - P. S. 181, Queens "My class was a group of mentally retarded youngsters. We had used the tape and book several times before our visit. The children knew the story well and this added greatly to their enjoyment. I have used Play It Safe and the class responded very favorably to it." - C. S. 129, Bronx "The African Drum was fun for all who attended. I particularly like the way the children are encouraged to interact." - P.S. 315, Brooklyn "The children were very excited about the story. They loved the interaction and went home speaking Swahili!" - P.S. 207, Brooklyn "The African Drum was not only beautifully and esthetically executed, but foremost, concretely appealed to the children's sensibilities. The cultural significance of both the storyteller and the use of drums for music as well as a source of communication was clearly conveyed. The combination of live actors and actresses communicating through song with shadow puppets in a simulated African environment suspended our disbelief and transported us to Africa. The total result was enchanting to the children and myself. In addition, the performance conveyed the very genuine similarity in parents' concern for the safety of their children." - P.S. 52, Brooklyn "Once again, I thought this show was a perfect ending to our unit on African Grassland Animals. Because it included song, dance, music, storytelling, puppets and shadows, it appeals to everyone in the audience... Kudos! The African Drum provided us with a rich springboard for follow-up activities in art, music, storytelling, dance and movement." - P.S. 119, Brooklyn "Children thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was a great culmination of our folktale unit. We discussed and wrote about this wonderful enrichment activity. We are continuing to work on our African cultural unit." - P.S. 203, Brooklyn "The children enjoyed this very much. If you could have seen their 'open-mouthed' expressions -- and their eyes glued to the stage, you'd know it was a hit with them." - P.S.222, Brooklyn "Outstanding! This performance fit right into our learning about Folktales, Fairytales, and Fables as a genre. We have been working on this currently, so the timing couldn't have been better!" - P.S. 164, Brooklyn "I arranged for my E.S.L. classes to attend The Earth & Me on (my birthday). It was the best present I could have gotten. We all had such a glorious experience! The presentation is easily understood without a high degree of facility in English. It is perfect for new language learners. If we only have one trip next year, it will certainly be to the Shadow Box Theatre presentation. May you continue your wonderful work." - P.S. 233, Brooklyn "Very special, magical performances...SBT is one of the excursions that is a must at least once a year, if not more." - P.S. 145, Brooklyn Books & Tapes: "Perfect additions to our folk tale library and our social studies, multicultural and literature curriculums." - P. S. 31, Bronx Books & Tapes: "Well-done; easy to follow; music and participation excellent." - P.S. 169, Brooklyn Books & Tapes: "Thank you for these wonderful stories. My kindergartners listen to the tapes often at rest time." - Manhattan School for Children
Workshops: "The Workshops...produced lessons that motivated, involved and delighted all the children. Even the shyest children were eager to participate!...Each child felt successful." - Workshop Semester, P.S. 213, Brooklyn Storytelling: "Phenomenal! The staff and children became so active and alive, and everyone participated with the musical instruments and the storytelling. Bravo!" - P.S. 173@191, Queens
"We have the book -- now I need the tape -- Tobias Turkey has become a member of our household." - Ellen P., New York City "The Earth & Me was beautiful and every single person expressed their delight in seeing it. One woman's children had already seen the show in their schools but were eager to see it again. The music and dancing were superb... Thanks again for being such a culturally rich and conveniently located resource for our agency." - Veritas Therapeutic Community, NY "I have been trying to locate the book and tape of Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin. My children, ages 5, 3 1/2, and 2 are constantly checking it out of the library. It is a fight to return it. We usually sneak it back. My children love the songs, and the side (of the tape where) they get to act it out. Is there a place you can direct me (to buy it)? Any help you can offer would be very appreciated." - Mary K., Illinois "Thank you for your recently delivery of 4 book/tape sets; we have thoroughly enjoyed them! I found out about See-More's Workshop through the public library in Virginia Beach which carries a copy of How The Turtle Got Its Shell. My kids and I have been checking this book & tape out for 4 years and finally decided to buy our own copy. Thank you for all of the great work you do!" - Lucy S., Virginia "Thank you for your wonderful books and tapes. My daughter Hannah always asks to listen to them while we are traveling. I don't know what I would do without them." - Melissa M., Massachusetts "We listen to Earth and Me constantly while we travel. My children call it "Hand in Hand." We can all sing all the words. It is a children's tape that we adults enjoy as much as the kids." - Tom M., New York City
"Your acting was very good. I like to act. My sisters and me made up our own play." -Kyle. PS 99Q "We loved the show. It was fantastic. I love it! Yes I do." - Jackeline, PS 99Q "We loved Tobias Turkey. It was a funny show. My favrut part is when Tobias got his crawn from farmer Joe. I also liked when we sang the song. You tell great storyes." -Matthew, PS 99Q "Your show was amazing. Tobias Turkey was the greatest show I have ever seen. It was fantasting!" -Stephanie, PS99Q "My favorit part of the show was when he did not give up and he did not stop eating his food." -Laura, PS 99Q "I liked when Tobias was very thin and he was also very determined and he was courageous and brave." -Alfrayad, PS 99Q "I learned something from it. That I have to believe in myself. You both are good. I wish I can get your autograph." -Anonymous, PS99Q "I liked the play very much. It was very funny and I liked when Sally went Boo!"-Rhianna, PS99Q "I like the part when they were singing "Abi YoYo". -Jamaal, PS 28X "I loved the part when Kiana’s parents found her and were happy." -Fatumata, PS 28X "I like how the book explains how the Earth was so quiet until people came along, fighting with each other for land and it’s making the Earth get hurt. The bears, butterflies,, dolphins, and eagles are all something special to the Earth. I really love the book." -J., PS 151K "We really enjoyed your visit here and your book was very good too. I hope you come back with another book. I would love to see more of your book in the future." -Jaleesa, PS151K "I like the story that you told us. It was the best story EVER!” -Anonymous, PS151K "I really like your books. I love the words and the drawings. The Earth & Me is a little sad a lot of happiness. I liked the rainbow. It is so happy. I love your books." -Cheyanne, PS151K "I want to thank you for coming to my school and reading that beautiful book to us. The book was beautiful. The words were perfect. I loved that book so much. I still remember the title The Earth & Me." -Hazel, PS151K "I liked the book The Earth & Me. (My teacher) put on the song. It was nice. I would like to go to one of your plays. I would like to find more about your book. Bye!" -Johnathan, PS151K "I really like the pictures and how colorful mother earth was." -Anonymous, PS 151K "The book The Earth & Me was a great book. I like how you mentioned the guardians of the Earth like the turtle, bear, butterfly, and eagle. I think your book would be a good influence on the world because it talks about what we do to the Earth and how it feels." -Joel, PS151K "I really loved your book! Thank you so much for it. I felt sad and started crying. Until the end of the book, I stopped crying. It was an excellent book! If I were your teacher, I’d give you a 4+++! All my classmates loved the book. You’re an excellent author! I hope you could make more books!" -Joseph, PS151K "I think your show could inspire children to help the earth because children would not want to live in a nasty world. I should tell more of my friends this so they would help the world. I enjoyed the show I think it inspired me." –Jennifer, PS 290 "I particulary liked what you called “magic” and I think it was a different play in the way that it wasn’t just wonderful but you can enjoy learning at the same time. It would be a very big dissapointment to me if it stopped playing because I think other kids should share this wonderful experience." –Milas, PS 290 "I also think that it was about how children can make a difference also not just Adults." –PS 290 "When the play was unfortunately over, I put everything in the play together, and I got the message of what the play was trying to say, and it touched my feelings so deeply, it brought tears to my eyes." –PS 290 "There was a lot of thought that was put into the play. So when the play was unfortunately over, I put everything in the play together, and I got the message of what the play was trying to say, and it touched my feelings so deeply, it brought tears to my eyes. I loved the play and I hope to see it again soon." - Your happy viewer, Nick J. "Thank you for inviting me to see the Shadow Box Theatre perform a
puppet show.
"Thank you for that Shadow box theater. I liked it very much. My favorit character was Tobias Turkey. I think you make the best theaters. You make the best one's I ever seen." - love, Willy R. "Thank you for returning my hat. P.S. That was my favorite hat." - from Joey |
"There isn't much in Brooklyn that resembles the Serengeti Plains.
Except, perhaps, the stage at the YWCA, where the Shadow Box Theatre is
celebrating Black History Month with The African Drum. Here, children
can see a multimedia presentation of traditional African tales whose
characters include a talking leopard, a wise loon and a turtle who is
just as resourceful as the hero of "The Tortoise and the Hare." All are
shadow puppets, which are so deftly manipulated behind a lighted screen
that the colorful animals appear to be frolicking in the grasslands." -
The New York Times 
"As the images dance across the screen to the beat,
beat, beat of the drum or ngoma, the attentive young watchers clap their
hands in unison and call out 'Kijana,' the name of a young girl who has
disappeared from home. But Kijana does not appear, so the children can
only wait, watch and listen as the rest of (The African Drum) unfolds
before their eyes in a tale incorporating song, dance and costumes
native to the black homeland of Africa. The story, sprinkled throughout
with Swahili words, combines folktales from various regions in Africa.
It is being presented this month in honor of Black History Month to
schoolchildren from all over the city...by the Shadow Box Theatre." -
New York Daily News 
The Swahili words are explained at the beginning of the
story, and the animals' emotions are excellently conveyed in the
telling. African chants and background music give the tale a sense of
place and power." - Booklist (American Library Assn.) 
Workshops/Storytellings: "SBT has provided us with an exciting
array of artistic experiences that have expanded the children's
appreciation of the arts. In particular, (your teaching artist)
enthralled the children with her storytelling abilities. Also, the
clamorous storytelling rendition of (the storyteller) was met with
enthusiastic pleasure that could be heard above the din provided by (the
percussionist) on the drums." - P.S. 170, Brooklyn 
"I think your play The Earth & Me was an educational and
powerful play...I think this play will inspire kids to keep their world
clean and respect it. My favorite part was all the animals together and
the music that went along with it. It would be a very big disappointment
to me if it stopped playing because I think other kids should share this
wonderful experience." - Milos V. 