Virtual Academy
Presented By
Sandler Center Foundation’s
VIRTUAL ACADEMY
Registration Now Open
With gracious funding from PRA Group and others, the Sandler Center Foundation’s VIRTUAL ACADEMY’S Winter matinee offerings (3 shows) are available AT NO COST to Coastal Virginia schools.
Innovation is born of necessity. When pandemic restrictions made gathering at the Sandler Center a risk, we developed new ways to accomplish our mission, including the development of our Virtual Academy for students. Alleviating health, transportation and staffing concerns, our Virtual Academy takes the action directly to children in their schools, either in live performances or online. over the past 1 1/2 years the Sandler Center Foundation has reached more than 32,000 students and teachers. This year we are on track to break our record with 32 performances planned—reaching more children than ever. Because academic test scores plummeted after the pandemic, your support for this critical programming is more important than ever. Can we count on you to give today to support the development of children’s hearts and minds in this post-pandemic world?
Registration is required.
Programs are 30-40 minutes each.
Confirmed Registrants will receive access links and study guides within 5 business days.
Access to the following virtual programs are available by reservation only for March & April
Gus Goes Green: Earth Day Edition
To Celebrate Earth Day
Pre K – 5th Grade
STEM
Just in time for Earth Day, this play follows “Gus” (a giant dog puppet) who leads audiences on a STEM-inspired adventure around the globe. He uses clever resources to find creative solutions for a thirsty man in the desert, a wacky inventor, a toy maker and one very funny big. Gud engineers a device for gathering water, builds a unique toy from recycled materials and more! By the end of the play, Gus and his friends use Science, Technology, Engineering and Math to find smart solutions to real-life issues. This show is designed to encourage young people to help the Earth through recycling, energy conservation and creative thinking.
Produced by Bright Star Touring Theatre
We Can Do It: American Women in History
To Celebrate Women’s History Month
All Ages
History | Social Studies
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the signing oif the 19th Amendment with our show *We Can Do It: American Women in History*. This is the perfrect show to inform and inspire audiences—girls and boys alike! An incredible adventure featuring some of the world’s most remarkable female pioneers, your audience will discover incredible and groundbreaking women like Ameilia Earhart, Sacajawea, Susan B. Anthony and more! Honor the women of America by bringing this show to your students.
Produced by Bright Star Touring Theatre
Access to the following virtual programs are available by reservation only for February
Let it Shine: The American Civil Rights Movement 1955-1968
Black History | History and Social Studies
This powerful production will introduce audiences to poignant events and notable names of the Civil Rights Movement. This acclaimed show focuses on the tumultuous years between 1955 and 1968 and shines a light on important milestone in our history, including: the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the SCLC, Brown v. Board of Education, Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and more come to life in this powerful tale. Through stories and song, Let It Shine shows the high price that was paid by those who fought for equal rights during this turbulent time.
Produced by Bright Star Touring Theatre
February 2023
African Folktales
Recommended for Grades Pre-K-5
Black History
From the desert lands of the Sahara to the plains of the Serengeti to Mount Kilimanjaro and beyond – join a variety of characters from a wide range of cultures in stories that celebrate the various folk tale traditions of the continent of Africa. African music helps to set the stage for these energetic stories. Our stories include Anansi, porquoi tales and many facts and figures about this incredible continent.
Produced by Bright Star Touring Theatre
February 2023
Black History Hall of Fame
Recommended for All Ages
Black History | History and Social Studies
So many amazing Americans and so little time to meet them all! Follow us on this amazing journey through Black History as we meet Maya Angelou, Aretha Franklin, Mae Jemison, the Buffalo Soldiers and more. A fast-paced adventure sure to delight any audience, see why Black History Hall of Fame has come to be one of our audiences’ favorite shows of all time!
Produced by Bright Star Touring Theatre
February 2023
Upcoming Matinees
May
Celebrating Mental Health Awareness, Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day
- The Velveteen Rabbit (PreK-3)
- The Little Mermaid (All Ages)
- Black History Heroes, Soldiers, and Spies (Ages 4+)
June
Celebrating National Fruit & Veggies Month, Juneteenth, Last Day of School
- Captain Friendship (PreK-3)
- Old MacDonald’s Singalong Farm (All ages)
- Heroes of the Underground Railroad (K-5)
