El Campanil Theatre
School Field Trips
2011-2012
In addition to offering three annual theatre productions presented by our own Children’s Theatre thespians, we will also present four professional touring companies that will entertain and educate your students.
These activities are offered to students, teachers and chaperones from any school in Contra Costa County. Admission is $5 per person.
Reservations may be made by completing the online form below or by calling the ticket office at (925) 757-9500. You may also email us. If bus transportation is necessary, confirm that next. When we are notified that you have secured your transportation, a tentative reservation confirmation will be sent to you.
A deposit of 25% may be requested to guarantee your reservation. Deposits will be refunded if a cancellation is received more than 60 days from the date of the field trip.
Final payment is expected on or by the day of the event unless otherwise arranged with the ticket office. We accept purchase orders.
Schools that bus students to the theatre are advised that busses will be allowed to OFFLOAD and PICKUP at the corner of Second and “E” Streets. (Not in front of the theatre) Please advise your Bus Transportation Department. Plan to arrive 15 - 20 minutes before show time.
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCES
November 3, 10 2011 (Thursdays) 9:30 & 11:00 am
The Legend of Pocahontas
Performed By El Campanil Children's Theatre
Synopsis
Listen to the tom-tom drums that opens and closes this charming adventure suitable for all age groups.
The name Pocahontas means “She-Who-Likes-To-Be-Mischievous” and it’s a fitting name, because Pocahantus enjoys playing tricks and games, especially with Wolf, Raven and Squirrel, her playmates in the forest. Pocahontas also makes friends with the English settlers in the struggling community of Jamestown. They have no food, and sickness has almost wiped them out. She would like to help them, but Thundercloud, the medicine man, forbids it. When Captain John Smith comes to the Indian village, he is confronted with opposition and condemned to death. In a thrilling scene, Pocahontas saves the life of Captain Smith and finds a way for the Indians and the settlers to live in harmony and friendship.
Filled with Native American lore and true to the original legend, this colorful play is an entertaining and fascinating page from our country’s history that glows with excitement and warmth.

December 1, 8 2011 (Thursdays) 9:30 & 11:00 am
Toy School
by Paul Collette & Robert Wright
Performed By El Campanil Children's Theatre

Synopsis
Toys don’t automatically know how to be the perfect plaything; they have to go to Toy School! Jig & Saw, Ted E. Bear, Glow Toy and others hope to graduate from Toy School and receive their price tags so they can attain the privilege of being sold at toy stores. With the help of Cool Cat, the toys learn about overcoming both their fears and weaknesses, but only after a charming and funny series of trial and error! With gentle lessons about liking yourself, having confidence and not giving up, each toy finally realizes they are good at something Before receiving their price tags, they all discover the value of believing in themselves as well as the importance of education and friendship. This award winning, light- hearted show with music, reinforces that before we can fulfill our life goals we must believe in ourselves, mistakes and all.
January 19 & 20, 2012 (Thursday / Friday) 9:30 & 11:00 am
The Gizmo Guys
"Objects in Motion"

A unique presentation that delights both students and teachers. The performance combines world-class skills and original routines that amuse and amaze. Curriculum links with math, science, music and physical education are made throughout the show. Educational connections are short, fun and directly related to what is happening on stage. Specific focus is given to the study of patterns.
Performing as the Gizmo Guys, Allan Jacobs and Barrett Felker have amazed and amused audiences around the world. What makes their act so appealing is their uniquely winning combination of dazzling technique and infectious humor. The Gizmo Guys' rapid-fire act exhilarates and inspires sidesplitting laughter in audience members of all ages.
February 1 & 2, 2012 (Wednesday / Thursday) 9:30 & 11:00 am
“Let’s Go Science”

Join Professor Smart and Dr. Knowitall for a fun look at scientific principles in action! These two fun and funny "scientists" address matter, gravity, air resistance, pressure and propulsion, gyroscopes, levers and fulcrums, static electricity and optical illusions in a
fast-paced, interactive and comedic show.
1) States of Matter
2) Sir Isaac Newton and Gravity
3) Gravity and Air Resistance
4) Air Pressure and Propulsion
5) Wings and Lift and Scientific Method
6) Fun with Gyroscopic Properties
7) Levers, Fulcrums and Math Skills
8) Gyroscopic Properties
9) Van der Graaf Generator & Static Electricity
10) Head Shrinking Optical Illusion
Enjoy a wacky look at “how things work” with Professor Smart and Dr. Knowitall. The Professor juggles, shrinks his head and has people’s hair standing on end, while researcher and comedic sidekick Dr. Knowitall keeps the facts straight. Lots of audience interaction, great scenery and awesome lighting and illusions make this one science lesson students won’t want to miss.
February 7, 2012 (Tuesday) 9:30 & 11:00 am
“Bach To Beatles”

Bach To Beatles is one of the most sought-after Canadian musical presentations that has been heard in 3500 schools across Canada and the United States. The curriculum-based program takes students on an entertaining and educational voyage through musical history. Two of Canada’s leading professional saxophonists perform 300 high energy & fun-filled shows/year demonstrating high-level musicianship in all idioms. Quality and commitment to professional excellence is ensured as the artists are FULL-TIME educational presenters. All pieces are fully enhanced with prerecorded musical accompaniment and sound effects.
Medley choices include:
Vivaldi's Spring, Pachebel Canon in D+, Mourets' Fanfare
Minuet in G by J.S.Bach -piano students will recognize this arranged in 6 different styles! Baroque, bossa nova, tango, polka, rock and swing
Beethoven Medley including recognizable themes from Symphony No. 5, Adagio Cantabile and Ode to Joy
Greatest Sax Themes with In the Mood, Harlem Nocturne, Tequila, Yakkity Sax, Baker Street, Careless Whispers, Pink Panther & the Simpsons
On stage audience participation-volunteers join us to rock to the Beatles’ Medley with Hard Day's night, Get Back, Lucy in the Sky, All my lovin, Hey Jude, Yesterday, Love Me Do, Michelle, I saw her standing there, Eleanor Rigby and Twist & Shout
Kenny G’s Silhouette
New and ‘totally unheard of’ contemporary saxophone sounds in a hilarious version of Diminishing Returns.
March 15, 22 2012 (Thursdays) 9:30 & 11:00 am
Mr. Toad's Wild Adventure
Adapted from The Wind in the Willows
Performed By El Campanil Children's Theatre
Synopsis
Adapted by Michael Hulett, From the classic children’s novel by Kenneth Grahame.
A summers picnic along the riverbank is shattered by the incorrigible Toad and his friends, Mole and Rat, who are both determined to reform him. Toad’s bumpy path takes him to the Wild Wood where he is sent to prison, Although he manages to escape, he falls into the clutches of a ruthless thief. While searching for Toad, Mole and Rat become lost in the Wild Wood. Saved by the stern but forgiving Badger, the three animals rescue Toad from the thief in a rousing conclusion. Fun with audience participation!
April 3 & 4, 2012 (Tuesday / Wednesday) 9:30 & 11:00 am
Golden Bough
"American Folk Music"

Performing such standards as "This Land is Your Land", "The Erie Canal" & "Freight Train", as well as lesser-known American folk songs, Golden Bough takes the students on a musical journey across the United States. With these great American classics, students are easily persuaded to sing along. The emphasis on the program is the modes of transportation used by early settlers, and how the songs, both lyrically and rhythmically, reflected a particular mode of transportation. Ending up with the immigration to California (The Gold Rush, The Dust Bowl), Golden Bough brings the attention of the students to their own great state.
OBJECTIVES
* To show students how folk songs reflect the actual events of the day.
* To expose students to the great wealth of traditional folk music from America.
* To encourage students to further investigate the folk music and traditions of America and what brought their family to California.
* To help students realize that America is their country and that they can take an active role in preserving its beauty for future generations.