Bester students visited by InterActors

February 18, 2008|By JANET HEIM

It was a performance that engaged students at Bester Elementary School in many ways.

Not only did the two actors from InterAct Story Theatre in Silver Spring, Md., have the students' undivided attention, but there were peals of laughter as the program unfolded.

The program was presented to pre-kindergarten through second-grade students on the morning of Feb. 11, and to the older students in the afternoon. Younger siblings and family members of students also were invited to attend.

The program, titled "The Shirt of Happiness," featured several short skits in addition to the main play. The play was inspired by Armenian and Italian folk tales and relates the story of a sad prince as he searches for the true meaning of happiness.

"I liked when they dressed up as different people," said second-grader Amanda Kemp, 9. She said her favorite part was when the actors were singing and dancing.

A matching grant from the Maryland Arts Council and the Judy Center at Bester funded the performance.

The goal of the Judy Center is to increase school readiness and family literacy at Bester Elementary School, said Trudy Mackrell-Metz, program manager at the Judy Center.

She said programs such as "The Shirt of Happiness" promote both of those goals.

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