STAGE

MUSICAL PLAYS

How do you engage 300-400 elementary students and instill an appreciation and deep understanding of other cultures along with a passion for all things music?

This was the question I did my best to answer during my many years as an elementary classroom music teacher. Stories, dance, and music combined with a sense of humor and validation of each and every child’s unique gift to the world seemed to work magic for me.

All of the plays were written with a culture bearer, that is someone who served as a translator of the culture featured. Many of them include language other than English in both dialogue and song lyrics. The songs are a fusion of traditional songs and dances and contemporary songs written by my dear friend Linda Sobo and/or my talented husband Scott Miller.

Professional Productions:

Goodbye My Island

Adapted from the book of the same name by Jean Rogers, was produced by The Alaska Theater of Youth and premiered in the Wendy-Williamson Auditorium, and later toured all the way to New Zealand.

The Woman Carried Away By Killer Whales

An adaptation of a Haida legend. It was produced in collaboration with the Sealaska Heritage Institute and Perseverance Theatre for their Summer Theater Arts Rondezvous (STAR).