Story Wizards
Our Latest All Ages Show!
A Wizard Even Crankier than the Story Wizard has stolen the world's tales. Now the Story Wizard must set off to find them. Luckily he discovers a musical being named Laurella living in a giant mushroom who introduces him to . . . the audience! New stories are born from children's suggestions and onstage participation. Kids even get their own Calling Cards to prove they've become the Story Wizards.
With Laurella's songs and children's ideas, the Story Wizard creates new stories in front of our eyes. Beginnings, Middles, Ends, Characters, Conflicts – they're all there and before you know it, the Story Wizard is out of a job. In this tale of audience participation to the Nth degree, children embrace their own storytelling abilities and become Story Wizards.
" . . . a masterful piece of improv. Students were highly engaged, entertained, and learned a few things in the process. The performers gave children permission to engage with them in a very playful way that left everyone laughing and learning. ALL ideas that the students put forth were included in some way, and the result was extremely delightful!"
- Amy Looman, Principal, Colrain Central School
Rave Review in the Winnipeg Free Press
". . . a rollicking 45-minute ride, helmed by the imaginations of a gaggle of elementary school-aged children who take over the stage. Immediate audience participation sees the unfolding of the most outlandish of plots . . . disparate elements cleverly pulled together to make one fantastical, ludicrous, laugh-out loud whole. An excellent exercise in storytelling . . . it will likely inspire younger members of the audience to create even more magical adventures when they get home." — AV Kitching
Story Wizards in One Minute
Presenter and Audience Testimonials
"Working with Piti Theatre was a breeze! Their new show "Story Wizards" incorporated improv techniques learned by students during the "Inclusion Improv" residency. Each student was able to participate and felt heard. We would love to have them back again soon!"
- Kate Webb, Program Director, Bethel Area Arts and Music, Bethel, ME
What Parents Say . . .
"I loved hearing from the story wizards! My kid has never jumped on stage and is usually really timid. Laura and Jon were awesome at making her feel comfortable and brave. The improvisational story was so fun, and all of our friends gathered round to take part and listen. The songs, storyline and props were super fun and imaginative. My kid felt so proud of herself for being a leader in that way and we had a blast."
- Hannah Smith, Amherst, MA
"Our daughter asked if she could go to every Story Wizards show."
- Andrew, Massachusetts
Community Engagement Before the Show
"Story Wizards" is rooted in Piti Theatre's work with children and improvisation. We have developed a popular school and camp residency called "Inclusion Improv" that adds lots more improv and social-emotional skills to the touring show.
". . . masterful at drawing in children; from the most reticent to those who have had some experience on stage. . . . an authentic way of making all children feel safe and comfortable sharing their creative selves with the group."
- Susan Pelis, 2nd Grade Lead Teacher, Sheffield Elementary School
Inclusion Improv
We believe participation in the performing arts enlarges young people's repertoire as learners, team members and leaders.
Funding for the development of Story Wizards and Inclusion Improv has come from local cultural council grants, the Mass Cultural Council STARS program, the Community Foundation of Western MA, and the New England Foundation for the Arts.
What People Say...
"Our students expressed that they learned how to listen and engage deeply with each other, observe body language and appreciate humor and clever storytelling. Our experience with the Piti Theatre Residency was fabulous!"
- Jackie Mendonsa, Principal, Shutesbury Elementary School
"It was a pleasure to work with Jonathan and the Piti Theatre for our second year. Jonathan is masterful at drawing in children; from the most reticent to those who have had some experience on stage. He has an authentic way of making all children feel safe and comfortable sharing their creative selves with the group. Our children can easily transfer the social skills they've learned from participating in "Inclusion Improv" to the school playground, their local parks and neighborhoods. I look forward to organizing another worthwhile project next year!"
- Susan Pelis, 2nd Grade Lead Teacher, Sheffield Elementary
"One participant, a fourth grader . . .when asked to tell us what the most important thing she learned [said] 'how to be friends and not always get what I want. I loved it!' Her learning experience with cooperation and teamwork was exactly what we hoped our students would gain through the program."
- Wendy Somes, New Hingham Elementary School
"Another moment that stands out involved a spectator from our culminating event. A second grader, who was too young to be in the program, told his teacher excitedly "I want to do Improv next year!" This student is one who struggles socially and is not quick to have positive peer relationships. The social skills and confidence embedded in the program would be ideal for this student in future years."
- Wendy Somes, New Hingham Elementary School
Developed during the Pandemic in part to address social-emotional needs, Inclusion Improv is now an acclaimed in-person residency. Students progress from simple to more complicated improvisational theatre games that are so much fun, they often don't notice how much they have learned about themselves, their abilities and their new capacities to "say yes" and "include" their classmates and communities.
Inclusion Improv can be adapted for all grades. Students learn improvisation, public speaking, creativity and teamwork skills.