Stepping Out at Bentonville Farmer's Market

We were at the Bentonville Farmer's Market this past Saturday (July 26) and had a fabulous turn out. I especially want to thank all the families who came out to play with us after reading about it in our newsletter. Christa and I were featured in the Benton County Daily Record this past Friday - and a bunch of folks had read about us there. IT WAS HOT! But the Puppet Play, Sand Play and Drama Workshops were a hit! Many people signed up to get our newsletter and a number of people expressed their willingness to volunteer. This event reminded me why we are starting this theater in Bentonville -

because we have the opportunity to serve a need for the growing number of Bentonville based families who want performing arts experiences for their children. The excitement around our tents was palpable. Downtown Bentonville Inc. has invited us back any time we want.

One story - there was a little boy who was very focused on the Sand play - carefully choosing characters with which to play out the story in his sandbox. His mother was amazed at the level of concentration that he demonstrated since he has Aspergers Syndrome. She is now very interested in participaing in our Project Play classes.

Another story - the drama workshop photo you see is being taught by Megan Mayo - a very talented young woman who is leaving in a few weeks to get her MFA in Theater for Youth from Florida State - a wonderful program. I taught earlier and there are very few photos of me because for most of the workshop I carried Rowan (my 1 1/2 yr old) on my back in a carrier. This is not new for me - since I've "worn" him and taught since he was 6 weeks old. At 9am I started with 1 girl and ended up enticing 6 more girls to join us - including my 3 1/2 yr old daughter - who has never taking a class from me (yet!). I always love when kids who want to watch first - decide to jump in and play - it feels very rewarding to have them trust me enough to try some new activities.

We're going to open registration for the classes Mid August - and I'm excited to see the registration numbers and start getting folks into volunteer.