May 29, 2012
“You make the stories. You make the play.”
“You make the stories. You make the play.” This is the message that transforms groups of third graders into young artists when The Story Wranglers enter their classroom. Part of the Paramount Academy for the Arts, The Story Wranglers are a group of actors and teaching artists who partner with local elementary schools to support enthusiasm for writing, storytelling and self expression, bringing original stories to life on stage.
In addition to the engaging learning process enjoyed by The Story Wranglers young apprentices, “…this program is now offering University of Texas grads and other local artists and teachers a lot of theatre work in town, and it’s only growing!,” said Jenn Hartmann Luck (M.F.A in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities ‘11), Paramount’s Education and Outreach Director. “I want The Paramount to be the place UT grads can come to find experience and real work in Austin!”
Nearing graduation and his own alumni status, Ben Bazan (B.A. in Theatre and Dance candidate) has been working for The Story Wranglers for over three years. While working with a group of young artists Ben noticed a suspiciously deserted desk. Upon learning that the desk’s owner was away recovering from serious illness, Ben began working one-on-one with that student to create their own stories together, including a superhero tale chronicling the young boy’s battle with cancer.
You can see his original story and more performed Stateside at The Paramount Theatre on January 31st at 7:00 p.m. For more information visit austintheatre.org.
Members of The Story Wranglers teaching and performing ensemble include:
Jenn Hartmann Luck; M.F.A in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities ‘11, Paramount Theatre Education and Outreach Director
Pierce Purselley; B.A. in Theatre Studies, Paramount Theatre Literacy to Life Program Manager
Ben Bazan; B.A. in Theatre and Dance candidate
Michelle Dahlenburg; M.F.A in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities ‘11
Joseph Dailey; B.F.A. in Theatre Studies
Uyen-Anh Dang; B.A. in Theatre and Dance candidate
Brian Fahey; M.F.A in Drama and Theatre for Youth and Communities ‘10)
Matrex Kilgore; B.A. in Theatre and Dance candidate
Chrissy Shackelford; B.A. in Theatre and Dance candidate
Stacey Volland; B.F.A. in Theatre Studies ‘09