School Tours 2011-2012 season
We bring theater to your school!
Olympia Family Theater is starting our very first touring program, “OFT On the Move”. Sets and costumes and actors pack into a van and come to your school site. For additional information or to book a show, contact our tour manager by e-mail at tour@olyft.org or call our office 360-570-1638.
The Productions
The Fisherman and His Wife
Runs April and May 2012.
Best appreciated by kids Preschool - Grade 5.
From one kind act, the “lucky” fisherman and his wife are granted every wish their hearts desire. Follow them as they come to realize what brings genuine happiness and what is truly important. Three actors perform this original adaptation of the Grimm Brother’s tale full of humor and audience participation.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Runs February and March 2012.
Best appreciated by kids Grade 2-6.
An entertaining and innovative treatment of the classic C.S. Lewis story. This unique adaptation was created by Le Clanché du Rand and toured by the Lincoln Center Institute. The heroic tale of love, faith, courage, and giving; the life and death struggle for control of Narnia and the grandeur of the triumph of good over evil has enthralled audiences of all ages.
About our touring professionals
Kate Ayers
Ms. Ayers has toured extensively throughout the Midwest performing in educational theatre programs in schools and museums. She has written curriculum for theatre based programming and has 20+ years teaching experience ranging from pre-schoolers to university students. As Artistic Director of the Indianapolis Children’s Theatre, Inc, (90-97), Kate was active in all areas of educational theatre from playwrighting, teaching, and directing. Ms Ayers ran the Theatre program at the Indiana Women’s Prison for 10 years, studied at the Goodman Theatre School, and graduated at Columbia and the Playback School at Vassar. She has her Masters in Applied Sociology and uses theatre for business management training, and team building. Kate appeared locally with Olympia Family Theater in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.
Amaya Eckel
Amaya is a graduate of San Francisco State University, where she majored in English (with an emphasis on Creative Writing). She has 4 years of teaching experience ranging from English, Creative Writing, Math, PE, and Performing Arts in grades K-8. Her passion for theater and performance are well married with her drive to keep the arts in schools. Amaya has been performing on stage and in front of the camera for over 10 years. She was most recently seen as Chester in Olympia Family Theater's production of Bunnicula.
Steven Wells
Steven is a teaching artist working with Olympia Family Theater, Mariah Art School, and Olympia Community School. You can also see him on stage locally. Some of Steven’s more recent productions include his roles for Olympia Family Theater as Alexander in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Toad in A Year With Frog and Toad, and in Capital Playhouse’s productions as Professor Bhaer in Little Women, brother Gad in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Mr. Bucket in Willy Wonka. He studied musical theatre at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. Steven has lived and performed in both LA and Chicago.
School Tours FAQ
What is a school tour?
New this year - “OFT On the Move!” will present productions to tour to schools. These plays can be performed in schools, libraries, community centers and other indoor spaces. It is not necessary to have a stage, lighting instruments, or other theatrical requirements - just an audience, and a little bit of space.
What plays are going to be on tour in the 2011-2012 school year?
The Fisherman and his Wife
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
More information on the plays available for school tour will be available soon.
How much does a tour cost?
Day time shows within an hour’s drive of Olympia are $400. If you book multiple shows at one site, or if you help us book a show within 10 miles of your site on the same day, shows are $350 each. Discounts are also available for Title 1 schools. Evening or Weekend shows are $100 additional.
How do I book a school tour?
If you want to book one of our school tours you can contact our tour manager by e-mail at tour@olyft.org or call our office 360-570-1638 get the information you need. If you want us to give you a call, please leave your name, the phone number where you can be reached, and a convenient time to return the call.
When is the payment due?
Deposit of $50 is required to reserve the date - at least 30 days in advance of the program. Deposit check, or payment in full can be mailed in advance to Olympia Family Theater: 112 State Ave NE Olympia WA 98501. Your balance must be paid in full by the day of the performance.
After I have booked a show, will I be contacted before the scheduled performance?
Our Tour Manager will contact you the week prior to the performance to confirm the date and time and to work out any additional details. A member of the cast will call a day or two prior to the performance as a final check in.
Do you offer grants?
Our company does not offer grants, but there are agencies and organizations offer grants and financial assistance for arts programs. A few we know of are Target, the Community Foundation and the Rotary. In the Olympia School District, contact the Olympia Education Foundation.
Do you offer reduced rates to certain districts?
Title 1 schools will receive a $50 discount.
How can I raise money to get a tour at my school?
Many schools and districts have "social issue" funds and you may be able to access these to pay for Olympia Family Theater performances, as our plays can address a variety of issues (e.g., self-esteem, bullying, creative problem-solving, cooperation). Much of the material is interdisciplinary and cross-curriculum. Tax credit money can often be used since Olympia Family Theater is a nonprofit organization. Consider applying for a grant (if there is time) or ask a local business to adopt your school for a performance.
Can I use a performance as a fundraiser for my school?
Yes, schools can use an OFT On the Move production as a fundraiser for the PTA/PTO. We charge the school our flat fee for the performance, and you may sell tickets to the performance to raise funds. You might consider adding a bake sale, dinner or refreshments.
Will you do performances in the evenings or on weekends?
There is a $100 additional fee for weekday evening performances (after 5 p.m.) or weekend performances.
What age groups are OFT One the Move! productions appropriate for?
Most shows are appropriate for a wide age range from Preschool and Kindergarten through 6th grade and up to middle and high school, in some cases. For specific information about this season's offerings, check back soon.
Are the shows educational?
Yes! Resource guides are available for all performances and will be sent to you about 3 weeks prior to the performance. The guides list ways in which the production can help to fulfill the Washington State EALRS.
How long does a performance last?
Our performances last one hour including a question and answer session. There are additional workshop activities that you can schedule with our tour manager if a classroom or two wish to invite the actors. These can be scheduled for immediately before or after any show.
How many performances can you do in one day?
The touring company can do 3-4 performances a day at one location, or in close proximity.
How large is the cast?
The company will usually consists of two to five actors and sometimes a stage manager or technician.
How many students are allowed to watch a performance?
We ask that no more than 300 students attend any one performance. If we are performing in an auditorium, it is sometimes possible to go up to 400. Some shows may require a smaller audience.
How long does it take to set up and break down the show?
The company needs one hour to set up for the first performance and approximately 30 minutes to break down the set at the end of the day.
How much reset time is needed if the cast is doing more than one performance at a school?
The company needs 20 minutes to reset if they will be doing two performances back-to-back at your school and then they must have a lunch break. After the lunch break a 30-minute reset time is needed for the next performance. If our cast is doing an evening performance an hour reset time is needed.
Is a stage required?
A stage is not required. We can perform in a cafeteria, gymnasium, multipurpose room or auditorium. However, all of our performances must have a performance area no less than 15 feet by 15 feet.
Will you perform outdoors?
No, we only do indoor performances.
What kind of equipment is needed for a show?
We bring our own sets, costumes and sound equipment if needed. Depending on the show, we may require access to electrical power for our equipment. We also request nearby parking for our van and a closed dressing area for the actors to change into costume.
Can we take photographs or videotape the performance?
We don't allow photographs to be taken during performances because it may distract the actors. However, if time permits the actors may allow you to take a picture with them after the performance. Videotaping is strictly prohibited by copyright laws.