Stories to Stage 2023

The Stories to Stage Program includes 3 steps.

STEP 1: The ART

All students in the participating school(s) are encouraged to submit their artwork. This can include art they have done in class and art they have done independently. All styles of art are welcome, including sculpture. Unique, creative works are chosen as the winners of the Art Contest. These chosen student artists become the "Artists of Inspiration" for the program year..

STEP 2: The STORIES

All students in the participating school(s) are encouraged to submit creative, original short stories inspired by the "Inspiration Art" - the artwork chosen in the prior step of the program. Students are encouraged to write stories with interesting characters, that share meaning or message, and contain the unexpected. Stories are chosen as the winners of the "Story Contest." These authors become the "Writers of Inspiration" for the program. Part of the purpose of the Art & Story Contest is to include students in the creative process that may not be inclined to perform. Often, children get the incorrect notion that theater is just about performing. This program seeks to educate kids (and their adults) that there are many different facets of theater that they can creatively engage in beyond stage performance.

STEP 3: The PERFORMANCE

Open auditions are held and stories are cast. Auditions are open to all students through online registration. Each story cast  rehearses 1 day weekly (Ex. Monday Cast always rehearses Monday 3-4pm). Kids are welcome to be in more than one story cast. The stories of inspiration are crafted into scripts based on the auditioning students skills and strengths. Scripts and characters continue to evolve throughout the rehearsal process. By allowing the story scripts to develop with the cast, Green Bean is able to engage the actors more fully in the creative process and highlight their strengths. Often, older students may actually write some of their own lines or even try out script writing for others with a Green Bean Director's guidance. Following an 10ish week rehearsal period, the theatrical show is ready to share with the public!

The program culminates with 2 public performances on March 31 & April 1 -  which shares the collaborative creative efforts of well over 100 kids!