Sunday, July 10, 2016

Theater Fun

This week the ESL Conversation Group visited the Fine and Performing Arts building via a private tour from Tommy Hensel the director. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot. We had several new students today from Syria and Egypt. We met in our regular building the walked over to Tommy's place. I made a wrong turn along the way and nearly doubled the trip, but it was a nice day for a walk.


Our first stop was the Art Gallery where we looked at art from members of the local community. The students enjoyed the works and asked lots of questions.


Next, we went into the large theater and learned about all the back stage rigging and lighting. The students took a ton of pictures and were amazed by the network of lighting and curtain mechanisms.


Tommy took us into the small theater, and much to my delight, through the set design workshop. It contains a woodworking workshop so I was finally in my element. The students were very curious about the construction of these sets and Tommy did a good job explaining. Note the wire ceiling, it would become the highlight of the tour :)


I don't think they believed Tommy when he said he would take them up and let them walk on the ceiling, but he did! They were a bit reluctant at first, but had a lot of fun - it was almost like a trampoline surface. They also got a very close look at the lighting systems.


Tommy took us outside to the new Shakespeare garden and then we made our way back to the classroom to talk about the experience and to do some writing. One of the new Syrian girls was enthralled with the working sundial in the garden. It was a fun and rewarding day. I am constantly reminded how much good there is in the world working with this group and the various folks that join in to help us. 

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