International Storytelling Center: Kids Institute

(Jonesborough, Tenn)— The International Storytelling Center (ISC) will launch its inaugural Kids Institute beginning on Monday, November 11. The new initiative pairs up state curriculum with an immersive arts experience to create a unique educational opportunity for both teachers and students. This year’s event will honor the stories of the men and women who have served our country in uniform. Over 700 regional 5^th graders will travel to Jonesborough to take part in the event.

Hosted by master storyteller Tim Lowry, students will be treated to his interactive one-man show, “The World War II Radio Hour,” a dramatic story from American history chronicling the Great Depression, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the D-Day invasion, and the ultimate victory by the Allied Forces. All of these historic moments are re-lived through the adventures of a young boy, Jimmy, whose older brother served as a tank driver fighting the Nazi’s during World War II.

In addition to hearing an exciting story that is based on an actual veteran’s experiences, students will participate in a question and answer session with the storyteller. This will be followed by a fun and exciting lab experience in which all students will help to re-create a vintage 1940’s-style radio program, complete with comedy sketches, big band music, commercials, and a dramatic scene from a classic cowboy show.

“We are thrilled to bring students to ISC to introduce them to storytelling and our cultural arts center,” says Susan O’Connor, ISC’s director of programs. “We know it will be great fun for them, and an educational experience, as well.”

The programming is an addition to the renowned Storytelling Live! Teller-in-Residence program at the International Storytelling Center and is generously supported by the Sonia King Estate.

For more information on the International Storytelling Center and its initiatives, please visit www.storytellingcenter.net.