Missouri State’s theatre and dance department will bring 8th grade students from Westport, Jarrett, Pipkin, Study/AIMS, Pershing and Reed to campus Nov. 20 from 2-5 p.m. for workshops and a performance of the campus production, “Our Town.”

Any Given Child program

The department works with Springfield Public Schools and the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to offer this yearly opportunity as part of the Kennedy Center’s “Ensuring the Arts for Any Given Child” initiative that strives to provide a live fine arts experience for all children in grades K-8. Teachers will be given a study guide with suggested pre- and post-performance questions and activities that can be incorporated into their lesson plans.

About ‘Our Town’

Written by Thornton Wilder and directed by Missouri State’s Melanie Dreyer-Lude, “Our Town” is set between 1901 and 1913 in the fictional village of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire. The play weaves together stories of the seemingly inconsequential routines of small-town life over a 12-year timeframe. Performed with a minimal set, scenery and props, this modern classic engages our imaginations and reinforces the metaphysical reality that underlies our day-to-day experiences. Since its premiere in 1938, this Pulitzer Prize-winning drama has been recognized for its universal theme.

Performance Schedule

Tickets are available to the public for the Nov. 20- 22 performances at 7:30 p.m. and the matinee on Nov. 23 at 2:30 p.m.