April 11, 2015

The Winter Bear team is currently enjoying a relaxing day off in the Chevak school library.

Naaqtuuq Dommek shares laughs during her Inupiaq Dance class.

Yesterday was our first busy day teaching workshops for students of all ages.  The morning began with Naaq Dommek‘s Inupiaq Dance class. Naaq, originally from Kotzebue, taught three dances: “Getting Ready to Dance,” “Basketball,” and “Ah-ha-ha-ha.”  There was something for everyone to enjoy!

Click here to watch a video of the Basketball Dance!

Director Erick Robertson wraps up a Theatre Games session.

Winter Bear teaching artists also led Theatre Games sessions throughout the day.  Oftentimes we would encounter a reluctant group of teens who were not shy about expressing their skepticism.  By the end of the hour, however, these same “cool kids” were full of giggles and hilarious ideas during improv games like “What Are You Doing?” and “Park Bench.”

It’s always fun to work with students on the day of a performance, because they recognize the actors in the play later that evening. Many students hung around after the show to take pictures with actors.  I may have even given a piggy-back ride or two!

Raven (Sarah Mitchell) selfie!

Lynx (Kadey Ambrose) with some fans.

After a day of rest in Chevak (we may go so far as to walk to the dump if we are feeling adventurous), it’s off to Scammon Bay for our 3rd show. Let’s hope the weather cooperates — we have heard that Scammon can prove a tricky destination on windy days.

-Sarah Mitchell (Raven / Assistant Producer)