In partnership with our Premiere Artist Partner, the EMU Music Department, Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Public School middle school students experienced Broadway actor, dancer, and singer, Izaiah Harris in a 3-day residency for 7th and 8th graders. A Chicago native, Harris showcased his tap dancing and singing skills, infusing motivation and inspiration through storytelling during his performance. Students engaged throughout the experience, culminating with students and teachers learning dance moves and choreography. You can read more about the live arts experience in this Daily News Record article. 

Photo credit goes to the fabulous Tall and Small Photography

A few weeks ago, fifth grade students from Stone Spring Elementary School experienced "A Wrinkle in Time" at James Madison University. Presented by the Stratford Players, the play was written by John Glore, adapted from the novel by Madeleine L'Engle, and directed by JMU student Kathryn Wevley. Students saw one of literature's most enduring young heroines, Meg Murry, braces, stubbornness and all, up close in the small Studio Theatre. They followed Meg Murry as she joined forces with Mrs. Whatsit, Charles Wallace, Calvin O'Keefe and more to battle the forces of evil to rescue her father, save humanity and find herself.

Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley is grateful to our Premiere Performance Partner, the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at JMU who made this collaboration possible.

Enjoy the photos below from our partners and friends Tall + Small Photography 

We kicked off our 2024-2025 live arts experience season with a puppet show for 2nd graders at Court Square Theater in late October. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Barefoot Puppet Theater presented their original work "New Squid on the Block" to nearly 1,500 2nd grade students from Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County during their week-long residency.  This experience was partially funded by a grant from The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County.

Beautifully handcrafted puppets of penguins, orcas, and jellyfish coupled with an original score took students on a journey to Antarctica where a curious squid sought friendship in the most unlikely of places. The comedic, wordless performance celebrated our ability to create connections, despite our differences, in this heartwarming tale of friendship. 

Thanks to our partners and friends, Tall and Small Photography, for capturing the fun!