ACTIVITY GUIDE - ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER CHILDREN'S THEATRE ON TOUR TOURING SEASON 2019-2020 - The Arkansas Arts Center
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ARKANSAS ARTS CENTER CHILDREN’S THEATRE ON TOUR
TOURING SEASON 2019-2020
Presented by
ACTIVITY GUIDE
1
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
STUDENTS: We’ve designed this guide with YOU in mind—our audience!
The activities included are meant to be a fun challenge for you, as well as an intro-
duction into the world of theatre and how we went about making this play for you!
EDUCATORS & PARENTS: Look for the helpful symbols below to make
curriculum connections, which are outlined on the last page!
ENGLISH LANGUAGE LIBRARY MEDIA MUSIC
ARTS
FOREIGN SOCIAL STUDIES
MATH
LANGUAGES
VISUAL ARTS PHYSICAL EDUCATION &
THEATRE
HEALTH
CONTENTS
11. Activity: Coloring Page
3. About the Author &
12. Recommended Reading
A Note from the Director
13. It Takes a Team to Create
4. About the Play & The Ordinal Story
Magic on Stage
5. About Adaptations & Vocabulary
14 Write to Us & Get Social!
6. Get Ready for the Show
15. Playbill Cover Page
7. Discuss What You Saw
16. Crew
8. Activities: Writing Exercise & Christmas Carol
Scramble 17. Cast
9. Activities: Merry Christmas Around the World 18. Thank you To our Sponsors!
10. Activity: Secret Holiday Message
NOTE: Art is an ongoing process. Scripts are used as a road map, but the final destination may change based on a
variety of factors. Because the activity guides are based on the scripts, please note that the content of the educational
materials may vary from the final version of the play. Content is the intellectual property of the Arkansas Arts Center.
2
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CHARLES DICKENS
(1812-1870) created some of the world's best-known fictional charac-
ters. His plots were carefully constructed, and he often wove elements
from topical events into his narratives. Born in Portsmouth, Dickens left
school to work in a factory when his father was incarcerated in a debt-
ors' prison. Despite his lack of formal education, he enjoyed greater
popularity in his lifetime than most previous authors.
This was partially due to the universal appeal of his
subject matter as well as new technological advances
which allowed his works to spread to his audience more quickly.
A Note from the Director: John Isner
A Christmas Carol, what a wonderful and classic story! I don’t know if there is another holiday tale
that has more incarnations. I have seen several different movie versions. There were famous radio
plays. Even Mickey and Mr. Magoo have their own versions. Then, there’s our version! They are all
a little different but one thing they all have in common is that they are all based on Charles Dickens’s
novel. A simple but timeless tale that seems to get ALL of us in the holiday spirit of kindness, charity
and grace.
I sometimes like to fill my given space in our activity guides with something that shows how
innovative people can be when developing a play. Get a group of actors, a team of designers, a direc-
tor, a music composer and a stage manager in one space and we can enjoy each other’s creativity
while building a play together. It’s really quite inspiring and a whole lot of fun. I’m sure you have ex-
perienced that feeling too. Coming together as a group, sharing ideas and building one thing with
many people.
Those feelings led me to realize something. I learned that the strongest message here is inclu-
sion. Charles Dickens published his work under the title A Christmas Carol because he wanted this
story to be told as a Christmas carol is sung, by many. He wanted people to gather and tell his story to
one another. He often told his story in public gatherings during the holidays, going as far as acting it
out himself! This is a story to be embraced and experienced by all ages and demographics.
We have approached our telling this way. Within this play there are moments for
EVERYONE. This is an easy to follow play that works for the inexperienced audience member, but
there are deeper nuances for the more experienced. Also, it looks and feels quite classic and Victori-
an, but there are also modern references that are fun for everyone. This combined with a visit from
Jacob Marley (that part still scares me), the three spirits, a little hope and some holiday magic and we
believe we have a great play to experience together.
3
ABOUT THE PLAY
Clever, comedic, and kid-friendly, this holiday play breathes new life into Dickens’
heart-warming classic. Schooled by a team of magical Christmas Eve visitors,
Ebenezer Scrooge, the most miserable of all misers, rediscovers the true spirit of the
season—one of love, generosity, and family. With these touchstones of happiness
revived in him, he wakes Christmas morning to find himself “light as a feather, happy
as an angel, and merry as a schoolboy!”
ABOUT THE ORIGINAL STORY
“A Christmas Carol,” published in 1843, was written by Charles Dickens, an English
writer and social critic. ‘’A Christmas Carol” tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an
elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner and the sprits
of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. In 1852, during Christmas in Birmingham
Town Hall, Dickens gave a reading of “A Christmas Carol.” At that time he thought the
best way to reach his audience was through public readings. He called this approach
his “Carol Philosophy.” “A Christmas Carol” has been adapted for Film, Radio, Opera,
Graphic Novels, Television and Theatre. (Please note that the original story includes
violent imagery that may not be suitable for all audiences.) After reading the story,
consider these questions: What types of language were used? How did the style of
writing contribute to the story? How were the characters described? What actions
took place? What was the lesson of the story?
PLAY SYNOPSIS
Ebenezer Scrooge sits in his counting-house on a frigid Christmas Eve. His clerk, Bob
Cratchit, shivers because Scrooge refuses to spend money on heating. Scrooge's
nephew, Fred, invites Scrooge to his annual Christmas party. Scrooge responds "Bah!
Humbug!” Later that evening, Scrooge receives a visit from the ghost of his partner,
Jacob Marley, who tells Scrooge three more spirits will visit. First arrives the Ghost of
Christmas Past, who shows Scrooge previous Christmases. Invisible, Scrooge sheds
tears of regret at the memories. The next night, the Ghost of Christmas Present takes
Scrooge to unveil Christmas as it will happen that year. As Scrooge watches the
Cratchits celebrate Christmas in their meager home, the family’s kindness and humili-
ty warms his heart. The specter then zips Scrooge to his nephew's house to witness
the Christmas party. Scrooge finds the gathering delightful until Fred and his guests
come to the subject of Scrooge himself and his greedy ways. The Ghost of Christmas
Future arrives last to show Scrooge that he is not long for dead, with no one caring
much that he is gone. He implores the spirit to alter his fate, promising to renounce his
ways and honor Christmas. He finds himself tucked in his bed. Overwhelmed with joy
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Library Media—Personal Growth:4Read, Connect, Respond, Reflect; English Language Arts—
Reading, Literature: Key Ideas and Details, Integration of Knowledge and Ideas, Craft and Structure
ABOUT ADAPTATIONS
An adaptation is a change made to something so it can fit a new use or situation. This
performance of A Christmas Carol is an adaptation of a book (which is usually meant
to be read or heard) into a play (which is meant to be performed and viewed). Josh
Rice is the playwright, which means he transformed the original story into a play
which is now performed by the AAC Children’s Theatre on Tour.
Consider these questions for discussion before you attend the play:
• What kinds of things might a playwright have to consider when writing a script?
• How might the script for a live stage performance be different than a written story?
• Describe the characters in the story. What might the characters look like on stage?
Draw a picture of your favorite character!
• What are some objects they might use to help tell the story? Draw a picture of one
of the scenes in the original story and imagine how it might appear on stage.
• If you were to write an adaptation of this story into a play, what choices would you
make? What challenges might you run into?
LEARN THE VOCABULARY
Below is a list of words included in the play. Reviewing this list will help you gain new vocabulary and
also help you better understand the performance. Try saying these words out loud so you will know
them when you hear the actors say them. The emphasis should be placed on the part of the word in
UPPERCASE letters. Once you know how to say the words, read the definition and try using the
words in a sentence or conversation.
Apparition (ap-uh-RISH-uhn) - a ghost or ghostlike image of a person.
Humbug (HUHM-buhg) - deceptive or false talk or behavior.
Melancholy (MEL-uhn-kol-ee) - a feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause.
Misanthrope (MIS-uhn-throhp) - a person who dislikes humankind and avoids human society.
Miser (MAHY-zer) - a person who hoards wealth and spends as little money as possible.
Morose (muh-ROHS) - in a bad mood.
Philanthropic (fil-uhn-THROP-ik) - generous.
Vernacular (ver-NAK-yuh-ler) - the language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a
particular country or region.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: English Language Arts—Reading, Foundational Skills: Phonological Awareness, Phonics and Word Recognition; Language:
Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Library Media—Personal Growth: Connect, Respond; Theatre—Creating, Evaluating, Responding
5
PREPARE FOR YOUR ROLE AS THE AUDIENCE!
It wouldn’t be a play without you! Your part is to pretend that the play
is real. Part of this includes accepting certain things:
1. Actors tell the story with words (dialogue), actions (blocking), and songs.
2. Actors may sing songs that tell about the story or their feelings.
3. Actors may speak to the audience.
4. An actor may play several characters by changing their voice, costume,
or posture.
5. Locations may be suggested by painted panels or sculptural scenic ele-
ments on the stage or by props (smaller hand-held items).
Talk about these as a group!
STUDENTS: Watch and listen carefully to under-
stand the story. The story is told by the actors
and comes to life through your imagination!
PARENTS/TEACHERS: Please turn off your cell
phones so you can enjoy the play along with
your students! Bright screens can distract
actors and other audience members.
Save all food, gum, candy, and drinks for after the performance. They are not allowed during the perfor-
mance but could be used as a reward for good behavior afterward! Keep your cameras tucked away and
turned off.
Photography and videography are NOT allowed. Camera flashes blind the actors and can cause distrac-
tions or accidents.
6
Thank you for being a great part of our audience and enjoy the show!
AFTER THE PLAY
LET’S REVIEW!
Do you remember what you learned about adaptations? Now that you have
seen the play, discuss these questions. Share your answers with friends or
family who also saw the play and compare your experiences.
• Did you have a favorite part? What image or line or scene sticks with you
the most, if one does?
• Did anything surprise you about the play?
• Describe the set. Did it match the picture you drew before the play?
What kinds of things might the set designers need to consider when
bringing the story from page to stage?
• Describe the music. In what ways did the music help tell the story on
stage?
CRITICAL THINKING QUESTIONS
Read the following questions and either write your answers or tell someone
in complete sentences. Make sure to use correct grammar and spelling.
• Why do the spirits show Scrooge certain moments from the past,
present, and future? What is significant about those moments
specifically?
• Why do you think Scrooge decided to change by the end of the three
spirits’ visits? What did he see that influenced this change?
• Why do you think this story has endured and became such a part of
English-speaking culture?
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Library Media—Personal Growth: Connect, Respond; Theatre—Responding; Connecting
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: English Language Arts—Writing: Text Type and Purposes; Speaking & Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration, Presenta-
tion of Knowledge and Ideas; Language: Conventions of Standard English
7
WRITING EXERCISE
Write two entries from Ebeneezer Scrooge’s diary— one from right before the story starts and one from right after the
story ends. Imagine what Ebeneezer Scrooge would be thinking or feeling on both of those occasions. How are the
entries different, and why? Make sure to write in complete sentences and use correct grammar, spelling, and organization.
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: English Language Arts—Writing: Assess point of view and perspective, Write narrative.
ACTIVITIES
CHRISTMAS CAROL SCRAMBLE
Unscramble the letters to below to reveal the names of 6 popular Christmas Carols. When you’re done, sing the carols!
LGNIJE LELBS ______ _____
ESLNTI TGHNI ______ _____
OYJ OT HET ODRLW ___ __ ___ _____
YRSTOF EHT MNWSANO ______ ___ _______
EEHR ESMOC TANSA ASLCU ____ _____ _____ _____
TEL TI WOSN ___ __ ____
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: English Language Arts—Decode spelling; Music-Singing
8
MERRY CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD
Many different countries and cultures celebrate Christmas all around the world! Below you’ll find how to say Merry
Christmas in six different languages. Research how to pronounce each phrase so you can wish your fellow students a
Merry Christmas in many languages this year! You can even add your own from other languages. Then, use the
corresponding colored marker or pencil to show where these countries are on the map below.
Buon Natale-Italian (Italy)
Joyeux Noël-French (France)
Frohe Weihnachten-German (GermanY)
Sheng Dan Kuai Le-Mandarin (China)
Śubh Krisamas-Hindi (India)
Feliz Navidad-Spanish (Mexico)
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Social Studies—Geographic Representations; Foreign Language Experiences—Cultural Products and Practices
9
Secret Holiday Message
Your task is to decode the secret message by completing the math problems below! Here’s a key to help you:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Math—Solving addition & subtraction problems.
10Coloring Page
11RECOMMENDED READING
A Carol for Christmas by Ann Tompert
Narrated by a young mouse named Jeremy, Tompert's engaging story de-
scribes the legendary origin of Silent Night, first sung on December 24, 1818,
in a church in Austria. Jeremy gives his family credit for the song's creation,
since the gnawing of the hungry mice had destroyed the church organ. The
mouse's animated account of the incident that finally inspires the local pastor
to pen the celebrated carol is a charmer. Ages 4-8.
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
Oliver Twist is the story of a workhouse orphan captured and thrust into a den
of thieves, where some of Dickens's most infernal villains preside: the Artful
Dodger, Bill Sikes, and Fagin. Yet the unsullied goodness of the orphan Oliver
presents allegorically Dickens's belief in the principle of Good surviving in
every adverse circumstance and triumphing at last. Ages 9 & up.
Silent Night: A Christmas Carol is Born by Maureen Brett Hooper
Just before Christmas at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria, organist
Franz Gruber prepared to practice. But, instead of beautiful music, out came a
terrible wheeze. Dampness had damaged the organ bellows! A Christmas Eve
service with no organ music was unimaginable. This tale is a charming account
of how the universally loved carol "Silent Night, Holy Night" was born. Ages 6-9.
The Nutcracker by Michael Hague
In this adaptation of the original 1816 German story, with elements
from the ballet, Godfather Drosselmeier gives young Marie a nut-
cracker for Christmas, and she finds herself in a magical realm where
she saves a boy from an evil curse. Ages 6-9.
O Christmas Tree: It’s History and Holiday Traditions by
Jacqueline Farmer
Recounts the traditions and folklore surrounding the Christmas tree,
including its origin, customs around the world, and the activities that
take place on a Christmas tree farm. Ages 4-8.
Visit your local library
for more suggestions!
CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS: Library Media—Personal Growth: Read
12IT TAKES A TEAM TO CREATE MAGIC ON THE STAGE!
Did you know that the play you saw was the result of many people working together? There are many
roles in the theatre department and each of the people in charge of these tasks must do their very best
as a team member in order to produce a great performance. Below is a list of some of these roles:
The DIRECTOR is the person The STAGE MANAGER is the person
responsible for the responsible for overseeing all the
overall artistic vision of a production. backstage elements of a production
The SET DESIGNER is the person (scheduling, rehearsals, etc.)
responsible for designing and The ACTOR is the one who performs a
overseeing the construction of the stage role or represents a character in a play.
setting.
The CHOREOGRAPHER is the person
The COSTUME DESIGNER is the who designs the dance steps to be
person in charge of the clothing worn by used in a play.
the actors in a performance.
The MUSIC DIRECTOR is the person
The TECHNICAL DIRECTOR is the responsible for the musical content of a
person in charge of the technical production.
requirements of a production as well as
the equipment.
Want to learn how to be
a part of the play?
Ask us about theatre camps, classes,
and audition opportunities!
Visit our website to enroll in children’s camps and classes, learn about upcoming
programs, read about the exhibitions and artworks in our galleries, view the entire
2019-2020 Children’s Theatre season, and more!
WWW.ARKANSASARTSCENTER.ORG
13WRITE TO US
ARKANSAS ARTS CHILDREN’S THEATRE
P.O. BOX 2137
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72203
Visit our website to enroll in theatre or art classes, learn more about our
programming, and keep a look out about exciting announcements
about our 2020-2021 season!
WWW.ARKANSASARTSCENTER.ORG
GET SOCIAL!
Follow us on PINTEREST for more
educational materials!
@Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre on Tour
Follow us on FACEBOOK to stay up to date
on shows, events, & classes!
@Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre
(AACCT)
@Arkansas Arts Center
(AAC)
@ARKARTSCENTER
@ARKARTSSHOP
14Playbill 15
Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre on Tour
KATIE CAMPBELL, Interim Artistic Director
A Christmas Carol
Based on the book A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Written by
JOSH RICE
Directed by
JOHN ISNER
Music By
LORI ISNER
Costume Design by
ERIN LARKIN
Scenic Design by
CATHLEEN BRIGNAC
Properties Design by
CATHLEEN BRIGNAC
Tour Managed by
ANTHONY MCBRIDE
Arkansas Arts Center programs are supported in part by: the City of Little Rock; the Little Rock Conven-
tion and Visitors Bureau; the City of North Little Rock; the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the De-
partment of Arkansas Heritage; and the National Endowment for the Arts.
16CAST
CHARLES DICKENS/SCROOGE…………………………………………Stephen Jones
JACOB MARLEY/ENSEMBLE………………………………………….Anthony McBride
BOZ/ENSEMBLE……………………………………………………….Adriana Napolitano
GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE/ENSEMBLE……………………..Brandon Nichols
Stephen Jones is delighted to be back at the Children's Theatre for another season!
Stephen started working at the Children's Theatre as an intern back in 2016 and has been
with the company ever since, bouncing between the sound booth and the stage. Some
past credits at the AAC: Handsome Warren in Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook; Thorin Oak-
enshield in The Hobbit; Skinny Piggy in This Little Piggy Went to Market; and Tin Man/
Glinda/Flying Money in Dorothy in Oz. Stephen occasionally performs with the improv com-
edy troupe ImprovLittleRock (aka The Joint Venture) at The Joint in North Little Rock.
Anthony McBride is so excited to be starting his third season with such a wonderful com-
pany! Some of his favorite roles on the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre main stage
include Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit), Wilbur (Charlotte’s Web), Curly Piggy (This Little Piggy
Went to Market) and Jacob/Hasbro (Hansel and Gretel’s Gingerbread Games). You may
have also seen Anthony in the AACCT Children’s Theatre on Tour productions of Snow
White, Humpty Dumpty, and Dorothy in Oz. Anthony is very grateful to be given the oppor-
tunity to work with such a talented group of artists, and cannot wait for many more opportu-
nities to come!
Adriana Napolitano is excited to be a part of Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre pro-
duction of A Christmas Carol! Adriana has a double major in both music and theatre from
Oklahoma City University. Some of her favorite past shows includes: Bonnie & Clyde, Evil
Dead, The Rocky Horror Show, The Neverending Story, Urintown, Xanadu, Caroline or
Change and The Drowsy Chaperone. Adriana would like to thank her family and friends for
their love and support and AACCT for this wonderful opportunity!
Brandon Nichols is so thrilled to be returning to the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s The-
atre and Children’s Theatre on Tour! Some of his other AACCT credits include Corey
(Goosebumps the Musical), Man in the Yellow Hat (Curious George), and on tour, Emperor
(The Emperors New Clothes). Other local credits include Snoopy (You’re A Good Man
Charlie Brown), Ted (Bonnie & Clyde) at The Studio Theatre and Paul (A Chorus Line) at
Argenta Community Theatre. He would like to extend his love and thanks to all at the
AACCT and to his family and friends for their continuous love and support! For his new ba-
by niece, Aimsley! @brandon_nichols
17Arkansas Arts Center
Children’s Theatre on Tour
Sponsored by:
The Shubert Foundation
Dr. Loren Bartole, Family Foot Care
Centennial Bank
Cindy and Greg Feltus
Diane Suitt Gilleland
Target
U.S. Bank Foundation
Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund
Bank of America
CT on Tour at Arkansas Children’s Hospital:
The Johnny Heflin Memorial Endowment Fund for Children
Interested in Children’s Theatre?
Visit www.arkansasartscenter.org for more information on classes and
programming available at the Arkansas Arts Center!
Stay up to date!
https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensTheatre/
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