Community Collaboration - Austin
One Austin, Many Stories: "Shhh! We Have a Plan" theater performances are the first of many events planned by Austin Public Library to celebrate and encourage diversity, inclusion and equity. The play is based on the picture book of the same title by Chris Haughton, and is performed by the Cahoots theatre troupe of Belfast, Northern Ireland. The play is nonverbal and features music and puppetry. The production is geared toward preK to 4rd grade children and their families, and the presentation connects to the fine arts, habitats and environments, problem solving, teamwork, and empathy.
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Success would be seen in the diversity of the crowd who attends the play. Success would also be measured by positive responses on a survey handed out following the performance.
Library staff noted a high number of ELL students and people from diverse backgrounds attended this program. All of the responses noted on the surveys indicated that the play was well received. A fourth grade teacher commented, "The play was AWESOME! My entire class would agree. The students were engaged and mesmerized the entire performance. I would HIGHLY recommend it!" Student responses were equally positive, with comments like "I liked the music and the ending," and "It was fun because they didn't talk at all!"
Austin Area Arts, Austin Public Library