The Cat in the Hat.DMPA

17 Pages·2016·1.43 MB·English

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THE CAT IN THE HAT

Applause Series Curriculum Guide

March 31 & April 1, 2016
GUIDE CONTENTS

Dear Teachers,

About Des Moines
Thank you for joining us for the Applause Series presentation of Performing Arts
Dr. Suess’ The Cat in the Hat. We are thrilled to present Page 3
Childsplay’s production of this popular title. From the moment his
tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears at their door, Sally and her Going to the Theater and
brother know that the Cat in the Hat is the most mischievous cat Theater Etiquette
they will ever meet. Suddenly the rainy afternoon is transformed Page 4
by the Cat and his antics. With some tricks (and a fish) and Thing
Two and Thing One, with the Cat in Civic Center Field Trip
the Hat, the fun's never done! Information for Teachers
Page 5
We thank you for sharing this very
special experience with your Vocabulary
students and hope this study Pages 6
guide helps to connect the
m
performance to your co About the Performance
in-classroom curriculum in ways ess. Pages 7
pr
that you find valuable. In the ord
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performance and related subjects, en Page 8
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as well as a variety of discussion se
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questions and assessment ho About Childsplay and the
activities. Some pages are appropriate to Creative Team
reproduce for your students; others are designed more Page 9
specifically with you, their teacher, in mind. As such, we hope
that you are able to “pick and choose” material and ideas from About the Author and
the study guide to meet your class’s unique needs. Illustrator, Dr. Seuss
Page 10

See you at the theater, Pre-Show Exploration
Pages 11-12
Des Moines Performing Arts Education Team
Post-Show Discussion and
Assessment Activites
Pages 13-14

Reproducibles
Support for Des Moines Performing Arts education programs and the
Pages 15-16
Applause Series is provided by:

Alliant Energy, American Republic Insurance Company, Bradford and Sally Austin, Resources and Sources
Bank of America, EMC Insurance Companies, Greater Des Moines Community
Page 17
Foundation, Hy-Vee, John Deere Des Moines Operations, Iowa Department of
Cultural Affairs, Richard and Deborah McConnell, Pioneer Hi-Bred - a DuPont
business, Polk County, Prairie Meadows, Sargent Family Foundation, Target,
U.S. Bank, Wells Fargo & Co., Willis Auto Campus, Windsor Charitable
Foundation and more than 200 individual donors.
This study guide was compiled, written and edited by Michelle McDonald. Edited by Karoline Myers.
Des Moines Performing Arts
Page 2 of 17
The Cat in the Hat Curriculum Guide
ABOUT DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS

DID YOU KNOW?

Des Moines Performing Arts is a private, nonprofit organization and is an
More than 300,000 people visit
important part of central Iowa’s cultural community. It is recognized
Des Moines Performing Arts
nationally for excellence as a performing arts center and is committed to
venues each year.
engaging the Midwest in world-class entertainment, education, and cultural

activities.
Des Moines Performing Arts

opened in 1979.
Des Moines Performing Arts presents professional touring productions,

including theater direct from Broadway, world-renowned dance companies,
Des Moines Performing Arts
family programming, comedy, and concerts.
has three theater spaces:

 Civic Center, 2744 seats
Education and Community Engagement programs are core to Des Moines
Performing Arts' mission as a nonprofit performing arts center.  Stoner Theater, 200 seats
Temple Theater, 299 seats
Public education programs allow audience members and local artists to (located in the Temple for
make meaningful and personal connections to the art they experience on the Performing Arts)
our stages. Guest lectures and Q&As with company members allow
audiences to explore the inner workings of the performance. In addition, No seat is more than 155 feet
master classes, workshops, and summer camps taught by visiting from center stage in the Civic
performers give local actors, dancers, and musicians the chance to Center.
increase their skills by working directly with those who know what it takes
to succeed on the professional stage. Cowles Commons, situated
just west of the Civic Center, is
Through its K-12 School Programs, Des Moines Performing Arts strives a community gathering space
to ensure that central Iowa students have affordable access to high quality that is also part of Des Moines
arts experiences as part of their education. More than 50,000 students and Performing Arts. The space
educators attend curriculum-connected school matinee performances features the Crusoe Umbrella
through the Applause Series annually. In addition, Des Moines Performing sculpture by artist Claes
Arts sends teaching artists into the schools to provide hands-on workshops Oldenburg.
and residencies in special opportunities that engage students directly in
the creative process. And, through its partnership with the John F. As a nonprofit organization,
Kennedy Center, Des Moines Performing Arts provides teachers with Des Moines Performing Arts
in-depth professional development training on how to use the arts in their depends on donor funding to
classrooms to better impact student learning. The Iowa High School support facilities, programming,
Musical Theater Awards is Des Moines Performing Arts’ newest initiative and education programs.
to support the arts in Iowa schools, providing important learning tools and
public recognition to celebrate the achievements of students involved in The Applause Series started in
their high school theater programs. 1996. You are joining us for
our 20th season of school
performances.
Des Moines Performing Arts
Page 3 of 17
The Cat in the Hat Curriculum Guide
GOING TO THE THEATER . . .
YOUR ROLE AS AN THEATER ETIQUETTE
AUDIENCE MEMBER
Here is a checklist of general guidelines to follow

when you visit the Civic Center:
Attending a live performance is a unique and exciting

opportunity. Unlike the passive experience of
 Leave all food, drinks, and chewing gum at school
watching a movie, audience members play an
or on the bus.
important role in every live performance. As they act,
sing, dance, or play instruments, the performers on  Cameras, recording devices, and personal
stage are very aware of the audience’s mood and listening devices are not permitted in the theater.
level of engagement. Each performance calls for a
different response from audience members. Lively  Turn off and put away all cell phones, pagers, and
bands, musicians, and dancers may desire the other electronic devices before the performance
audience to focus silently on the stage and applaud begins.
only during natural breaks in the performance.
 Do not text during the performance.
Audience members can often take cues from
performers on how to respond to the performance  Respect the theater. Remember to keep your feet
appropriately. For example, performers will often off of the seats and avoid bouncing up and down.
pause or bow for applause at a specific time.
 When the house lights dim, the performance is

about to begin. Please stop talking at this time.
As you experience the performance, consider the
following questions:  Talk before and after the performance
only. Remember, the theater is designed to
 What kind of live performance is this (a play, a amplify sound. Other audience members and the
dance, a concert, etc.)? performers on stage can hear your voice!
 What is the mood of the performance? Is the  Use the restroom before the performance or wait
subject matter serious or lighthearted? until the end. If you must leave the theater during
the show, make sure the first set of doors closes
 What is the mood of the performers? Are they
before you open the second — this will keep
happy and smiling or somber and reserved?
unwanted light from spilling into the theater.
 Are the performers encouraging the audience to
 Appropriate responses such as laughing and
clap to the music or move to the beat?
applauding are appreciated. Pay attention to the
 Are there natural breaks in the performance artists on stage — they will let you know what is
where applause seems appropriate? appropriate.
 Open your eyes, ears, mind, and heart to the
A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
entire experience. Enjoy yourself!
Seeing a live performance is a very special
experience. Although it is not required, many people
enjoy dressing up when they attend the theater.
GOING TO THE THEATER information is adapted from the Ordway Center for the
Performing Arts study guide materials.
Des Moines Performing Arts
Page 4 of 17
The Cat in the Hat Curriculum Guide
CIVIC CENTER FIELD TRIP INFORMATION FOR TEACHERS
Thank you for choosing the Applause Series with Des Moines Performing Arts.
Below are tips for organizing a safe and successful field trip to the Civic Center.
ORGANIZING YOUR FIELD TRIP ARRIVAL TO THE CIVIC CENTER
 Please include all students, teachers, and chaperones  When arriving at the Civic Center, please have an
in your ticket request. adult lead your group for identification and check-in
 After you submit your ticket request, you will receive a purposes. You may enter the building though the East
confirmation e-mail within five business days. Your or West lobbies; a Des Moines Performing Arts staff
invoice will be attached to the confirmation e-mail. member may be stationed outside the building to direct
 Payment policies and options are located at the top of you.
the invoice. Payment (or a purchase order) for your  Des Moines Performing Arts staff will usher groups into
reservation is due four weeks prior to the date of the the building as quickly as possible. Once inside, you
performance. will be directed to the check-in area.
 The Civic Center reserves the right to cancel unpaid  Applause seating is not ticketed. Ushers will escort
reservations after the payment due date. groups to their seats; various seating factors including
 Tickets are not printed for Applause Series shows. group size, grade levels, arrival time, and special
needs seating requests may be used to assign a
Your invoice will serve as the reservation confirmation
group’s specific location in the hall.
for your group order.
 We request that an adult lead the group into the
 Schedule buses to arrive in downtown Des Moines at
theater and other adults position themselves
least 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance.
throughout the group; we request this arrangement
This will allow time to park, walk to the Civic Center,
for supervision purposes, especially in the event that a
and be seated in the theater.
group must be seated in multiple rows.
 Performances are approximately 60 minutes unless
 Please allow ushers to seat your entire group before
otherwise noted on the website and printed materials.
rearranging seat locations and taking groups to the
 All school groups with reservations to the show will
restroom.
receive an e-mail notification when the study guide is
 As a reminder, children under the age of three are not
posted. Please note that study guides are only printed
permitted in the theater for Applause performances.
and mailed upon request.

IN THE THEATER
DIRECTIONS AND PARKING
 In case of a medical emergency, please notify the
 Directions: From I-235, take Exit 8A (Downtown Exits)
and the ramp toward 3rd Street and 2nd Avenue. Turn nearest usher. A medical assistant is on duty for all
Main Hall performances.
onto 3rd Street and head south.
 We ask that adults handle any disruptive behavior in
 Police officers are stationed at the corner of 3rd and
their groups. If the behavior persists, an usher may
Locust Streets and will direct buses to parking areas
request your group to exit the theater.
with hooded meters near the Civic Center. Groups
 Following the performance groups may exit the theater
traveling in personal vehicles are responsible for
and proceed to the their bus(es).
locating their own parking in ramps or metered (non-
hooded) spots downtown.  If an item is lost at the Civic Center, please see an
 Buses will remain parked for the duration of the show. usher or contact us after the performance at
515.246.2355.
At the conclusion, bus drivers must be available to
move their bus if necessary, even if their students are
staying at the Civic Center to eat lunch or take a tour. QUESTIONS?
 Buses are not generally permitted to drop off or pick up Please contact the Education department at
students near the Civic Center. If a bus must return to [email protected]
school during the performance, prior arrangements or 515.246.2355
must be made with Des Moines Performing Arts Thank you!
Education staff.
Des Moines Performing Arts
Page 5 of 17
The Cat in the Hat Curriculum Guide
VOCABULARY
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ART & THEATER TERMS handshake: pot: a
the act of container
grasping used for
puppetry: an
someone's making
art form in which as-found.net
right hand and
objects, often
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cahrea rbarcotuegrihstt itcos , Tim Tru
kite: a toy made of rake: a tool with
life by
Puppeteer Ricky Araiza a light frame many metal,
puppeteers. manipulates the fish
covered with cloth, wooden, or plastic
puppet in the Childsplay
production of The Cat in paper, or plastic pieces at the end
the Hat and flown in the air of a long handle,
rhyme: one m
of two or more words or phrases e.co at the end of a long Lowes.com often used to
that end in the same sounds. okit string. gather leaves or
o
br break apart soil.

SHOW TERMS
mat: a small tame:

piece of trained to
fan: a flat
material obey
device held in
used to people;
your hand and
cover the not wild.
waved back and m floor or Amazon.com
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to stay cool. w. been tamed.
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device trick:
used for something done
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alie does lots of tricks.
Des Moines Performing Arts
Page 6 of 17
The Cat in the Hat Curriculum Guide
ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE
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Notice above how the lapels on the fish
Childsplay’s production of The puppeteer’s costume resemble fins on a
Cat in the Hat is adapted from “. Dr. Seuss’ beloved fish.
the beloved book by Dr. Seuss.
storybook character has
COSTUME DESIGN
come to the right place
Run Time: Approx. 60 minutes
when he takes the stage The costumes in Childsplay’s The
Cat in the Hat are based on the
in the adaptation by
illustrations in the Dr. Seuss book.
THE STORY Childsplay.”
D. Daniel Hollingshead designed
It’s a rainy day and Sally and her -The Arizona Republic the costumes and a team of
brother are stuck inside their people helped him to build them.
house, staring out the window
with nothing to do. But everything Here are some fun costume facts!
quickly changes when they hear a
 The Cat and the “Things”
“bump” and in walks a cat wearing
have body suits with a tummy
a red and white striped hat! Sally SHOW THEMES pad attached that they wear
and her brother discover that the
under their costumes.
Cat in the Hat is the most playing
 The costume of the puppeteer
and mischievous cat they will ever  Page to stage
who manipulates the fish was
meet. Suddenly the day is  Rhyming
designed to also suggest a
transformed by the Cat and his  Physical comedy
“fish”.
games. The pet fish, however,  Imagination
 It took approximately ten
does not approve and wants the  Play hours to complete just the
Cat to leave at once. Instead, the  Literacy cross hatching on the arms
Cat shows the children a new
 Cats and legs of each of the three
game and introduces Thing One
 Fish “Cat” costumes.
and Thing Two. Playtime gets
 Home alone
crazy with their antics and the
 Following rules
children realize the Things must
 Play time
be stopped before their mother
 Responsibility
gets home. By the time they catch
the Things, the house is in  Creativity
complete disarray! Can they clean  Rainy days
up before Mom comes home?  Balancing

Partially adapted from Childsplay’s “360°Theatre
Resources for Young People”.
™©2009 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.
Des Moines Performing Arts
Page 7 of 17
The Cat in the Hat Curriculum Guide
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PRODUCTION
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There are many jobs in the DIRECTOR BACKSTAGE CREW
theater. From the people who The director tells the actors where You may not see them, but there
develop the show to the to go on stage and how to are lots of people backstage who
performers on stage, it takes a lot interpret their characters. The build and operate the scenery,
of effort and teamwork to bring a director makes sure everyone is costumes, props, lights, and
story to the stage. doing a good job making the story sound during the performance.
come to life.
Help your students think about THE AUDIENCE
the many jobs in the theater by ACTORS That’s right! There can be no
reviewing the following about the
Actors are all of the people who performance without you, the
people who work to create The
you see on the stage. They work audience. The role of the
Cat in the Hat.
together as a team to rehearse audience is unique because you
the play, memorize their lines, and experience the show with the
THE PRODUCER learn their songs. performers and backstage crew.
The Cat in the Hat is produced by
Childsplay Theatre in Tempe, SET DESIGNER
Arizona. The producers manage The set designer imagines all of
the financial aspect of the show the pieces you see on stage and
and carry the administrative figures out how the stage changes
responsibilities. from scene to scene.

AUTHOR COSTUME DESIGNER
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out, or add to make the story work The Cat in the Hat introduces Thing One
for the stage. and Thing Two during the performance.
Des Moines Performing Arts
Page 8 of 17
The Cat in the Hat Curriculum Guide
ABOUT CHILDSPLAY AND THE CREATIVE TEAM
THE ACTORS
Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat is a
production of Childsplay, a
professional theater company Kaleena
based in Tempe, Arizona. Their Newman (Girl) is
mission is to create theater so in her 6th season
strikingly original in form, content with Childsplay
or both, that it instills in young and this is her
people an enduring awe, love first national tour!
and respect for the theater.
Kate Haas (Fish)
joined Childsplay
COMPANY HISTORY in 2007 as an
Founded in 1977, Childsplay is a actor and
nationally and internationally teaching artist.
respected professional theatre She has a BA in
company for young people. Their Theatre from
respect for children’s intelligence Arizona State
and creativity drives the company University.
CREATIVE TEAM
to produce new and innovative
works by theatre’s finest artists. Take a look at of the creative Nathan
team behind the show to gain a DeLaTorre
Founder David Saar recognized sense of the many jobs that went (Boy) is thrilled
during his MFA studies that into the show’s creation: to continue as
children could reap great benefits an actor and
from experiences with Written by teaching artist
professional theater. After Katie Mitchell with Childsplay.
graduating, Saar gathered (Adapted from the book by Dr. Seuss) He graduated
classmates in a 1964 Chevy in Broadcast Journalism from
Impala, and equipped with basic Directed by ASU.
sets and costumes, began David Barker
performing in local classrooms. Elizabeth
Musical Direction by Polen (Cat) is
Childsplay has educated and Akab Ruch thrilled to be
inspired more than four million on national
young people and families. They Choreography by tour with
now serve an average annual Molly Lajoie Childsplay.
audience of 200,000 students, She is an actor
teachers, and families. Scenic Design by and teaching
John Emery artist and a
resident artist with Rising
PAST CHILDSPLAY
Costume Design by Youth Theatre.
TOURS at DMPA: D. Daniel Hollingshead

Lighting Design by
Rock the Presidents!
Jennifer Setlow
(2012-13)

Sound Design by
Tomás and the
Chris Neumeyer
Library Lady (2013-14)
Claire Flatz (L), Joy Flatz (R)

(twins) are making their
Schoolhouse Rock Live Childsplay debut as Thing 1 &
(2014-15) Thing 2 after graduating from
Grand Canyon University.
Des Moines Performing Arts
Page 9 of 17
The Cat in the Hat Curriculum Guide
ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR, DR. SEUSS
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Dr. Seuss wrote and illustrated 44
Learn more about Dr. Seuss, the THE CAT IN THE HAT children’s books during his lifetime.
infamous author and illustrator The Cat in the Hat was Seuss’s
behind the book The Cat in the 13th children’s book. Seuss wrote Treating children with respect
Hat and so many others. it because he was worried that was key to Seuss’s philosophy of
children were not learning to read. writing for them. As he said, “I
don’t write for children. I write for
WHO IS DR. SEUSS? Published in 1957, The Cat in the people.”
Hat sold nearly a million copies by
Theodor Seuss Geisel was born
the end of 1960. The book’s A few weeks before his death in
in 1904 and was known as “Ted”
runaway success inspired Seuss, 1991, he told an interviewer
to family and friends. If you want
his wife Helen, and Phyllis Cerf to “Whenever things go a bit sour in
to pronounce the name the way
found Beginner Books, a division the job I’m doing, I always tell
his family did, say “Zoice,” not
of Random House that would myself ‘You can do better than
“Soose.” Seuss is a Bavarian
publish books designed to help this.’ The best slogan I can think
name, and was his mother’s
children learn to read. of to leave with the kids of the
maiden name. Seuss was actually
U.S.A. would be ‘We can...and
his middle name.
we’ve got to...do better than this.’”

Dr. Seuss was not a doctor. He
briefly studied English literature at
Oxford after graduating from
Dartmouth, but instead became a
cartoonist. In 1955, Dartmouth
awarded him an honorary
doctorate.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Cat in the Hat
contains 236 words! www.tributes.com
Above: Dr. Seuss’ star on the Hollywood
www.abc7.com Walk of Fame.
Theodor Seuss Geisel, or “Dr. Seuss”.
Des Moines Performing Arts
Page 10 of 17
The Cat in the Hat Curriculum Guide