David Gonzalez – Virtual LIVE offerings – http://davidgonzalez.com/virtual/
Coming to you via Zoom, YouTube Live or Google Meet…
Aesop Bops!
In this Virtual LIVE performance, a zoo full of animals comes alive in this fast paced show which teaches children about sharing and friendship. With such stories as The Lion and the Mouse, The Fisherman and his Wife and Why the Turtle Has a Checkered Shell, this fun-filled show features ample audience participation as it captivates and motivates.
Grades Pre-K to 3
Cuentos: Tales from the Latino World
In this virtual performance of Cuentos, David Gonzalez, PhD paints a vivid picture of the people and rich cultures of the Spanish-speaking world with colorful tales from the Caribbean, South America, and the Bronx! From the silly antics of the Puerto Rican anti-hero “Juan Bobo” to the mysterious dealings and powers of the Orishas in a suite of Afro-Cuban stories, these tales are filled with memorable characters, fantastic plots and positive messages for children. Spanish language words are sprinkled throughout the stories and songs of “Cuentos: Tales from the Latino World” in such a way that young audiences can repeat and retain their sound and meaning. Solid entertainment and a great introduction to the marvelous world of Latino literature and culture.
Grades K-6
JAZZ Orpheus
This is a hip-hoppin’, be-boppin’ musical version of the classic Greek myth, Orpheus and Euridice. I have always loved this story of courage and adventure and now have made its rich meaning come alive for today’s kids.
Grades 5-9
Finding North
Finding North is a one-man play drawn from historical research and oral histories that brings to the stage powerful stories of the yearning, sacrifices and dreams of the African-American Underground Railroad hero John P. Parker, as well as contemporary American immigrants. Finding North is an exploration and celebration of the continuing quest for freedom in America. (Performed as a dramatic reading from the original script)
“Finding North is a brilliant and powerful piece for all ages and races.”
~ National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Grades 5-8
Carnival of the Animals
A classical music masterpiece is reinvented with David Gonzalez’ original, funky poetry featuring a marvelous musical menagerie. Written by French romantic composer Camille Saint-Saens in 1886, Carnival of the Animals is a musical suite introducing residents of the animal kingdom to kids young and old alike.
Grades 3-5
Sleeping Beauty
David Gonzalez’s rhymed verse spin on the classic fairy tale with live music creates a groovy world in which our beautiful (and funky) princess is awakened by true a love kiss…or not. Inspired by Bach’s Goldberg Variations and Dr. Seuss, this Sleeping Beauty is “poetical theater” at its best where the world meets the pulse and the pulse meets music. “She’ll doze and she’ll dream for a 100 years, after that time a prince will appear…”
Grades 2-6
Wounded Splendor
David Gonzalez’ latest production is inspired by the growing environmental crisis and a life-long love of the outdoors including sojourns to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, the rain forests of Costa Rica, Joshua Tree National Park, and many other sites of natural splendor. This suite of poetry and monologues is accompanied by a stunning musical score composed by Daniel Kelly. “My wish”, says David, “is to cause people to reflect on the natural world, to reconsider their place within it, and their responsibility to it”. “Wounded Splendor” celebrates the beauty of the natural world and speaks to the critical role that stewardship plays in preservation and conversation.
Grades 5-8
Touch the Earth: A Residency/Workshop in Performance, Art & Culture
Students will participate in hands-on art activities focused on five of the cornerstone words of the Wounded Splendor project (see separate listing: place, nature, cycle, form and relationship. Cal to discuss.
The process maybe comprised in five steps: Exploration/Inspiration, Earth Art, Photography, Creative Writing, Performance. Drawing inspiration from various sources (including photographs, reading, field trips to places of natural beauty and pollution, specimens and expert guests) participants will create “earth art” sculptures to express their thoughts, feelings and ideas. The groundbreaking work of Scottish sculptor Andy Goldsworthy will guide the creative process. Student pieces will be photographed and used as touchstones for creative writing. The poetry, essays, raps and prose that result from these efforts can be shaped into a culminating community performance, exhibition and/or publication. Four 45 minute sessions.
Grades 5-8
Witches, Trolls and Mischiefmakers
In the wonderfully wicked myths Delgadina (from Chile) and Askelad and the Silver Ducks (from Norway), and others, David introduces school-age audiences to the classic struggle between good and evil. (Psssst…the good guys win!!)
Grades 3-5
Maddog and Me: Bullying and the Power of Kindness
This inspiring mix of world tales and personal stories addresses the culture of cruelty in our society. Through fables, myths, and stories from his own life growing up in a rough neighborhood, award-winning storyteller and educator, Dr. David Gonzalez, offers insights and strategies for cultivating compassionate relationships and communities. Also available: workshops using storytelling, creative writing and theater games to address compassionate action through mindfulness.
Grades 3-6
Double Crossed: The Saga of the St. Louis
A one-man narrative recreation of the tragic and heroic voyage of 937 European Jews seeking safe haven in the fallen world of the Holocaust. (Performed as a dramatic reading from the original script)
“Powerful and beautifully performed.” The US Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Grades 9-12
All programs are 45 minutes except Aesop Bops! which is 30 minutes and all cost $1,350 except for Touch the Earth which is $1,500 for four 45 minute sessions.
Storytelling Workshop:
For educators, students and anyone who loves to tell stories
David teaches how to use Words, Voice, Gesture, Words and Creative imagination to bring your stories to life.
Teacher Development workshops:
Video-Teaching Comes Alive: A masterclass series with communication expert and educator David Gonzalez, PhD.
“I am a teacher, not a performer, and definitely not a TV producer.”
If this sounds like you, you are not alone. The pandemic has forced many of us to learn new skills to do our job – especially how to engage students in the two-dimensional, impersonal box of video-education.
Using his FOUR RIVERS MODEL of communication Dr. David Gonzalez teaches effective ways to engage your students via video platforms. Learn new ways to use voice, gesture, words and creativity to maximize the impact you can have with your students.
A 30-minute experiential introduction to THE FOUR RIVERS MODEL followed by
The Four Rivers in Action, a four-session Professional Development workshop designed to increase video-education skills.
David Gonzalez is widely recognized as one of the foremost storytellers in the country. He earned his doctorate from New York University’s School of Education and received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Sustained Excellence from International Performing Arts for Youth. David has done more than 5000 public appearances and workshops where he teaches young and old alike how to maximize communication, creativity and self-expression.