“Who’s excited for ‘Annie?’”
All the Florence Brasser third-graders’ hands shot up in the air. The students were gathered in the school’s cafeteria for a big surprise: They were going to experience the iconic musical about Little Orphan Annie live and in person.
The integration of “Annie” into third-grade instruction throughout the district is part of ARTS Partners, a harmonious collaboration between the Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL) and area schools that proves “It’s a Hard-Knock Life” without the arts!
The award-winning program, now in its seventh year at Gates Chili, infuses arts into the classroom by connecting curriculum to selected touring Broadway productions presented by the RBTL at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre, formerly the Rochester Auditorium Theatre.
Before the curtain went up, students delved into “Annie” and the journey of a character in the classroom. They explored the show’s topics and its themes of optimism, belonging, facing challenges and finding value through activities like analyzing characters and songs, writing personal narratives and reflecting on current events. Third-grade and elementary art and music teachers all worked with the RBTL to implement these specially designed lessons in their classrooms. The whole experience culminated in December, when students traveled to downtown Rochester to see “Annie” on stage.
Middle and high school students will also get the opportunity to participate in ARTS Partners this school year. Students in grades 8 and 11 will explore themes like progress, sacrifice and art as a force for change when they take part in lessons and activities based on “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations” before attending a performance this winter.
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