Story Explorers

A musical experience for children with autism and other special needs
Book, Music & Lyrics by Min Kahng
Directed by Hannah Dworkin
Produced by Bay Area Children's Theatre.

This project was funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, The East Bay Community Foundation, Theatre Bay Area, and the generosity of individual donors.

Using the BIG BOOK OF EXPLORATION as our guide, jump into a myriad of fascinating story worlds – from a jungle adventure, to a relaxing day at the beach, and even outer space! The kids will be transported through their imagination, accompanied by live music and a variety of multi-sensory interactive moments.

LICENSING INFORMATION

Cast: 5 actors (Any Gender, at least 1 musician)
Music: Lead Sheets with chords
Duration: 40 minutes, no intermission

For more info, please contact:

Elaine Devlin
elaine@edevlinlit.com
(212) 842-9030

The Story of Story Explorers
While brainstorming with Bay Area Children's Theatre what this new work for autistic children could be, I couldn't shake the feeling that instead of creating a story for the children, we should somehow be giving voice to their stories. Thus came the genesis of Story Explorers. The basic idea behind Story Explorers is to collect stories from children living with autism or special needs, and to adapt those stories into a full musical production.

During September–December 2015, workshops were conducted in special needs classrooms at a partnering Bay Area school. These workshops used art, physical activity, writing and other methods to inspire the children to tell stories. These stories will now serve as the source material for the musical.

Bay Area Children's Theatre and I are hoping to find further funding to continue bringing this special show to kids and their families. For updates about Story Explorers, please sign up for my monthly newsletter.

PRODUCTION HISTORY

Mar 2018-2020: Schools throughout the Bay Area
Feb-Mar 2017, World Premiere: Bay Area Children's Theatre, The Osher Studio, Berkeley, CA

AWARDS & HONORS

2018: Safeway Foundation Grant for the School Tour
2016: East Bay Fund for Artists Grant, East Bay Community Foundation
2016: CA$H Grant, Theatre Bay Area
2015: National Endowment for the Arts Grant