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Diane Purdy is a national award-winning playwright, who has been producing children's theatre and writing children's plays since 1970. Diane's original scripts are the foundation on which CTW's colorful, productions are built. Her dynamic energy and exceptional creativity enliven every play; her empathy brings out the best in the casts; her inability to accept mediocrity in herself or those she “touches” has brought the theatre and film worlds hundreds of talented young performers. All of this is brought about because of Diane's intriguing children's plays. Diane's
thoughts
• B.A. Theatre Arts DIANE
PURDY CHILDREN'S THEATRE WORKSHOP, INC
The drama by doing training, created in 1970 by founder Diane Purdy, is structured, beginning with a scripted play and ending in a fully staged production performed before an audience. To accomplish this, cast members develop characterizations: learn lines, stage movement, blocking, diction, projection, picking up of cues, plus touch on the various backstage and front-of-the-house aspects of theatre. Every cast member is guaranteed an integral role in an original script written by Ms. Purdy. The scripts are created to enhance and stretch each child's potential as an actor, and to guarantee an in-depth role without the pressure of auditioning. All children's plays are treated as major productions with appropriate costuming, sets, lighting, props, sound effects and staff. The children rehearse in a repertory type atmosphere as most remain in the same weekly workshop from one semester to the next, thereby establishing a friendly, stable, comfortable, non-competitive environment which enables everyone to blend in, share and express his and her own creativity. Professional theatre training is the one of the organization’s missions. During the past thirty-plus years, many CTW cast members have become members of Equity, Screen Actor's Guild (S.A.G.) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (A.F.T.R.A.). Many CTW graduates now work in professional positions, i.e.: Broadway stage-fencing choreography, voice-overs, print modeling, cabaret entertaining; related backstage fields, i.e.: television assistant producer, stage crew member, box office staff; drama teachers. Diane Purdy's vision is the theatre’s driving force. All staff members are trained by Ms. Purdy, who was educated at the University of Massachusetts and Emerson College. She’s an accredited English, speech and theatre teacher; newspaper theatre reviewer, adjudicator; national award-winning children’s playwright; New England Theatre Conference honored director and actor, Executive Board Member of Emerson College New England Alumni Chapter.
Ms. Purdy acknowledges that while most children may never become professional actors there is much to be gained by having been a member of the CTW theatre family, such as:
CTW provides its drama by doing training for young people, while also bringing cultural opportunities to the underserved by creating more community involvement through corporate sponsorships and private grants.
John Deacon’s Musical Releases: “Alligators Don’t Live Under The Bed” recorded under the Acoustic Cove label. Original songs include; “Vegetables Bring Out The Best In Me”, “Holes In My Pockets Money in My Shoes Blues”, “Blue Tick Dog” and others. This is a great hit with kids and was particularly recorded to be “parent-friendly”. Available in CD ($12.97) and Cassette ($9.00), and includes shipping within the continental US. Accept U.S. Checks or Money Orders made out to “Acoustic Cove Publishing”. Also available at and www.cdbaby.com. Contact
John: 20poundcheeken@live.com
FAMILY THEATRE VIDEO- EDUCATIONALFAMILY VIDEOS
"A child's attitude toward reading is of such importance that, more often than not, it determines his scholastic fate. Moreover, his experiences in learning to read may decide how he will feel about learning...and even about himself as a person. Family life has a good deal to do with the development of a child's ability to understand, to use, and to enjoy language." In his above quote, Bruno Bettelheim, the noted child psychologist, identifies the importance of developing a positive attitude in children toward reading. Learning to read is important; but of equal importance is the psychological environment in which the child experiences reading. Creating a positive atmosphere for and attitude toward the written word is one of the most essential things a parent can do for a child. Perchance to Dream is a unique video in that it is, on one hand, an engrossing and entertaining fantasy, and on the other hand, a video that encourages a child not only to read for pleasure, but also to identify reading blocks, such as, dyslexia or poor vision--physical impediments to the learning process. Age: This family
video may be enjoyed by the whole family, but is especially aimed
at students, grades three through eight. A verbatim script is included
in the $14.95 price. THE
DAY THE CLOWNS CRIED In today's culture, the role of the schools/libraries in the education of our children is undergoing a great deal of change. The question as to whether or not the classroom should be the setting for instruction in areas of moral or social education has brought about intense discussion. While many people feel that moral issues belong at home in the capable hands of parent, there is a widening circle of opinion that calls for society to become more involved. One social issue that has often been ignored at home and in the community is the subject of death. Death carries with it a vast amount of historical repression--embarrassment, denial, anger, hidden grief--that continues even in today's enlightened environment. Using a delightfully original motif, The Day The Clowns Cried confronts the grief and bewilderment of loss and explores the ensuring growth in dealing with death in a manner that is neither morbid nor maudlin. Through this, viewers are then able to express their own experiences with death and loss, thus expanding their self-awareness. AGE:While this family video is of benefit to a variety of students in all grade levels and disciplines (e.g.-high school psychology/curriculum-wide dramatics/etc.) it is specifically aimed at children, grades three through eight to be viewed in its entirety or to be shown in two sections with question and answer sessions following. Lesson plans are included in the price of $14.95. FTVIDEOS...AN INVESTMENT IN A CHILD'S FUTURE! Each Family Theatre Video is:
FTVideos...BECOME PART OF THE FAMILY! |
Diane
Purdy’s Children's Theatre Workshop's drama by doing method
of training was created to give any child, aged 4 to 18 who is interested
in becoming an actor, the opportunity to perform, while also giving
each child the capability to apply the theatre techniques taught
to enrich his and her daily life. 
The
staff members are made up of adults, who have responsible careers
in the outside world yet offer their areas of expertise in directing,
sewing, set design, make-up, sound, lighting, teaching, music collaboration,
business administration, finance, and just plain muscles. 
John
Deacon's quick wit and gentle manner make him an instant hit with
both kids and adults. As a singer/songwriter and recording artist,
John has delighted children throughout New England with his original
music and humor. JD has won several songwriting competitions and
was a finalist at the prestigious Kerrville ‘New Folk’
Songwriting Competition in Kerrville, Texas. John strongly respects
the insights and individuality of children and his music is always
self-affirming, creative and fun. A father of three, he credits
his children for the limitless source of material and inspiration
in his music. John is a staff songwriter for Diane Purdy’s
Children's Theatre Workshop.
PERCHANCE
TO DREAMEmail: Russell Theriault, Business Manager (theriault89@aol.com)