Theatre Bristol proudly presents

Charlotte's Web
Study Guide

School Performances: May 3,4,10 & 11, 2007 at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. daily
Public Performance: May 6 2:30 p.m.

Dear Educator,
We are excited that you have chosen Theatre Bristol’s production of Charlotte’s Web as part of your curriculum. Enclosed are numerous materials to facilitate understanding and initiate responses from your students in relation to the play. The information and activities provided can be used to enhance your curriculum standards in many subjects. You know best the needs and abilities of your students. Please feel free to adapt the suggested materials for discussion or activities with your students. You are invited to make copies of the enclosed materials for other teachers as well as your students. We hope you will all enjoy the show!

Sincerely,

Fred Dunagan
Theatre Bristol Education Intern

About the Story/Author
Named the “best children’s book of the past two hundred years” by the Children’s Literature Association, Charlotte’s Web has now been adapted for the stage, bringing to life all of E.B. White’s enchanting characters. You’ll meet Wilbur, the sweet young pig who desperately wants to avoid the butcher. His new friend, Charlotte the spider, who is determined to save him by the “miracle” of writing in her web. E.B. White wrote Charlotte’s Web on his farm in Maine in 1952. He was inspired by the feelings he had for a pig on his farm. At the time, he had been observing a large spider and was impressed by its skill at weaving.

Theatre Bristol is the region’s oldest children’s theatre; and we’ve been educating, inspiring and entertaining children of all ages for 42 years!

Vocabulary
Conspiracy – a secret plan
Humble – modest, not proud
Radiant – bright, shining
Runt – the smallest animal in a litter
Salutations – a greeting by word or gesture
Slop – leftover food fed to farm animals
Spinneret – the part of a spider used to make webs
Sustenance – that which supports life, nourishment, food

TCAP/SOL Standards
TCAP K.1.01, K.1.02, K.1.13, 1.1.02, 1.1.13, 1.2.10, 2.1.02, 2.1.13, 3.1.02, 3.1.13, 4.1.02, 4.1.12, 5.1.02, 5.1.12

SOL
Sci.K.6, 1.5, 2.4, 2.5, 3.4, 3.8, 4.5, 5.5, 6.8, 6.9, LS.4, LS.5, LS.7,
Eng.K.1, K.2, K.8, 1.1, 1.11, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2

Math Fun
Tell your students to imagine they are going to the county fair with Wilbur and that they will be given $5.00 each. Make up a chart of prices of different rides and snacks. Ask the students to explain how they will spend their money. Will they have any left over? What would they buy with the extra money?

Entrance Fee $1.00
Ferris Wheel $ .55
Roller Coaster $ .75
Bumper Cars $ .65
Cotton Candy $ .50
Ice Cream $ .70
Popcorn $ .30
Candy Apple $ .80
Ice Cream Sundae $1.25

How To Be A Good Audience
Do not talk during the play. Let other people hear the actors.
Do not bring food or drinks or gum into the auditorium.
Please go to the bathroom before the show begins.
Cameras, video, or audio recording are not allowed.
Please turn off all cell phones, pagers, and watch alarms.
Please DO laugh, clap and otherwise let the actors know you enjoyed the show!

Teachers: Just a Reminder!
Parent chaperones are not seated until all the school groups are seated. They sit separately to the rear of the theatre so they do not block the kids’ view.
No babes in arms, please. Your cooperation is requested. Performances are for school age children.
Reservation changes may be made by the lead teacher only.
Confirmation cards must be returned by date indicated—or call the office and save postage!
Please make every effort to arrive on time, no later than 9:10 for the 9:30 show or 11:10 for the 11:30 show. With your help, we will start on time!

Tennessee School Teachers: Ticket Subsidy Program! The Tennessee State Legislature and the Tennessee Arts Commission provide a ticket subsidy program. To find out if your school is eligible, call the Johnson City Arts Council at (423) 928-8229, or the Rose Center at (423) 581-4330. Download all forms at www.arts.state.tn.us to request funds for your trips!

Showbiz Saturday - Theater Games
May 19, 2007 from 9 am to 3 pm (all grades)
You think you know some fun games to play? Theater people play awesome games! Spend a day playing, laughing and learning with the staff of Theatre Bristol as we teach you the games that teach us!
Show-Biz Saturdays are $20 each. Reservations must be made in advance by calling the theater—423/968-4977.
Bring a lunch and closed-toe shoes (no flip flops or clogs) for better movement.

Theatre Bristol School of the Arts Summer Theatre Camp
Myths and Monsters
July 16 thru 20, 2007 from 9 am to 3 pm (completed grades K-12)
Come explore the magic and drama of Greek and Roman mythology at Theatre Bristol’s Summer Camp. Myths and Monsters will combine art with acting as students build sets and costumes to add to a set of mythological skits.
Bring a lunch and closed-toe shoes (no flip flops or clogs) for better movement. Cost per student $100.
Reservations must be made in advance by calling the theater—423/968-4977.