This is the best community school arts production that has ever been done at this school. Thanks for your outstanding work...
Feb, '10
Daniel Ryan, Principal, Thomas Fleming School Essex Junction
LETTER FROM A PARENT...
This will be my 8th year of being involved with Edmunds drama. I must say that the process of creating and producing a performance is incredible. It brings these teens together (kids that may not necessarily mix themselves together). Then, with some of Don's magic, the teen's willingness to explore themselves, and the fabric of support from their community - amazing things happen! It is this community involvement that is really powerful for me - these teens feel the love and support of everyone involved. It is this interwoven connectedness that lifts them and allows them to move and grow through their own process... Part of the beauty of this community development is that when each of us gives a little (or a lot) every effort is valuable. My point is that not only are we helping to lift up our children, but we also gain from this process. We all feel a sense of
satisfaction and joy at seeing these teens shine.
Marti Churchill, parent at Edmunds Middle and Elementary Schools
LETTER FROM AN AMERICORPS LEADER...
Thanks so much for EVERYTHING that you have done!!! Our school
community has really grown and gotten closer because of the plays the
past 2 years. You all are amazing to work with!!!
Melisa Peterson, Americorps Leader
LETTER FROM A TEACHER...
I am an ardent supporter of working with VMT. Having witnessed/been a small part of about 9 productions, I think these plays are some of the very best activities that happen in our schools in Burlington. Don Wright is a veritable genius, and every child and school with the chance to work with him is really fortunate. I also believe that over time the benefits for a school increase significantly, as younger children observe and learn for several years before they take on the bigger 5th grade parts. Participation, especially for boys, really goes up as the play becomes a part of the tradition and fabric of the school. The play can become a real community builder, as parents get pulled in and apply all kinds of heretofore under-utilized (or at least not-yet-asked-for) talents and skills. Another of Don's great talents is recruiting parents into the production, in ways little and large, and keeping them involved for years (often beyond their own children's acting). The learning opportunities available for our kids are across nearly every academic area, and into subjects not always explored in our classes. Literature, speech, music, singing, different dance forms, acting, history and team work are only a few strands. I also really appreciate how the play gives extra opportunities to excel to two entirely different types of students; those who have had fewer chances to experience much academic success often really shine; and then those high achievers who are sometimes not challenged as much as they could be are really pushed and encouraged to do wondrous things.
Spring, 2009
Keith Brown, 5th Grade Teacher, Flynn Elementary School, Burlington, VT
Very Merry's permanent home is called "333" and is located in Burlington's old north end. We have four seasonal sessions that include productions, workshops, classes and special events and performances. Our first year there has involved hundreds of local children in productions such as Cinderella, Frankenstein, The Velveteen Rabbit, Willy Wonka and Twelfth Night.
Each Very Merry Theatre show features sets designed and created by our crew members, period costumes, and original or traditional music performed live for our audiences. In addition to director/founder/writer/lyricist Don Wright, we are fortunate to have many local and visiting artists, directors, musicians and choreographers who work with our company throughout the year. An important part of our mission is to provide teaching in literacy as well as all the performing arts. Most importantly, we strive to enhance the self-esteem, confidence, and skill of all the children involved in our productions, workshops and classes.
There are many ways to become a part of the VMT experience. To become a contributing member, artist, host, sponsor or camper, contact us at 863-6607 or write to Very Merry Theatre, 119 Spruce St., Burlington, VT 05401.
Mission Statement:
The mission of Very Merry Theatre is to provide young people ages 6-18 the opportunity to collaborate on the performance of classical works of drama and literature in a traveling theater company format or through after-school and residency programs. Dedicated to the concept that performing classics provides an entry point to advancing children’s literacy, Very Merry Theatre is committed to making the classical theater experience available to all interested children through a year-round outreach program that raises awareness about the program and the opportunity to participate, and through a scholarship program that enables children to participate regardless of financial means.
VERY MERRY THEATRE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Bill Harvey, President
Mike Conroy
Wendy Copp
Rebecca Goldberg
Laura Massell
Rosalind Saunders
Martha Seagrave
Jeff Small
Kyle Dodson
