Home

HISTORY OUR SHOWS SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES FUNDRAISING EVENTS OFF-BROADWAY UPCOMING EVENTS TESTIMONIALS

OUR SHOWS

THE PEOPLE GARDEN - Recommended for Grades K-5 (appropriate for Grades PreK-8)

THE NEW KID - Recommended for Grades 2-8 (appropriate for Grades K-8)

Why Sandcastle shows are so unique...
Our shows teach - Kids learn from other kids. There is something about watching peers dramatize and resolve problems that makes more of an impact on a child than any lecture a "grown-up" could ever make. Sandcastle shows were developed through interviews and acting improvisations with real kids, so the language and the lessons are supprisingly effective.	Our shows entertain - Unforgettable characters, catchy songs, playful choreography and cast of top-notch child actors make Sandcastle shows an entertainment experience unlike any other. Children in the audience will be inspired and amazed by the vocal and acting abilities of our cast while the familiarity of the subject matter will make it all feel very "close to home."	Our shows make a difference - Sandcastle's shows deal with social issues and basic human lessons that strive to assist children in their own personal development and guide them toward healthy interaction with their peers. In this competitive society where "winning is everything," these type of issues are easily overlooked. Our shows are dedicated to these extremely important factors in a child's long-term growth.

THE PEOPLE GARDEN

For seven years, this ensemble-style musical has toured NJ, NY, CT and PA schools as an assembly program, bringing casts of highly trained professional child actors to perform for and meet the children of those schools. This unique exposure to live theatre has prompted many school children to develop a deeper appreciation for the performing arts and even become involved in theatre – a good number of which have auditioned for and joined the troupe. Since Dec. 2001, The People Garden has also been performed at NYC’s York Theatre, with the same seasoned actors that perform at the touring shows.

The People Garden tells the story of a lesson-filled day in an elementary school classroom, where common social issues, personified through colorful characters, are woven into a tapestry of creative problem solving and group awareness. As each social issue is identified and approached, the moral of the piece becomes clear: that these simple “life lessons” learned as children are the same ones needed as one grows up, and indeed, for the rest of one’s life. The remarkable cast of child actors captivates and delights as they demonstrate such important issues as: telling the truth, not hurting each other, living a balanced life, and accepting unchangeable circumstances, to name a few. The catchy songs, lively choreography and colorful characters keep adults and children thoroughly engaged for the entire hour while the moralistic content opens the door to many important discussions afterwards. Recommended for grades K to 5

This show is available for school assemblies, private bookings and play licensing.. Relates to New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 6.2 and Cross Content Workplace Readiness Standards 3 and 4

THE NEW KID

Since its premiere in Jan. 2000, this energetic musical has thrilled school audiences with its dramatic songs, memorable characters and a powerful messages. The youthful dialog and the realistic characterizations by this all-child ensemble create a palpable audience response in a school assembly setting. Post show forums with the cast have encouraged many school children to take an interest in the performing arts, some of whom have auditioned for, and been welcomed into the troupe. The extremely relavant issues of Bullying and Peer Pressure are at the core of this musical which has enabled this show to be used as the centerpiece for many school's anti-bullying program. That, combined with the dramatic story, funky dances, “show-stopper” songs, comic scenes and a powerful conclusion have earned this show rave reviews at every venue it is performed at.

The New Kid tells the story of Zack, a new student at P.S. 32, who is suddenly faced with the exciting possibility of being in the “popular crowd.” He is asked to perform 3 “tests” and do things he feels are not right. He gives in to peer pressure and takes the tests, but becomes increasingly unhappy as he realizes he is not being true to himself, and even hurting people in the process. In the end, he discovers it is best to follow one’s own path and to “just be yourself.” His courage in standing up for his beliefs inspires his entire school to change. This timely piece uses satire to enable kids to see the dangers of bullying, peer pressure, teasing, cliques and hazing. It offers one possible solution to clique-related school social problems by showing a lead character who stands up for what he believes. Recommended for grades 2 to 8

This show is available for school assemblies and private bookings. Relates to New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards 1.1, 1.5, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 6.2 and Cross Content Workplace Readiness Standards 3 and 4

HISTORY OUR SHOWS SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES FUNDRAISING EVENTS OFF-BROADWAY UPCOMING EVENTS TESTEMONIALS