Big Day for Red Yarn

Today I (as Red Yarn) submitted an application to join Young Audiences' roster of teaching artists. Young Audiences (www.ya-or.org) is an awesome organization committed to enhancing arts in schools. They organize a catalog of artists who can provide performances, workshops, and residencies in school settings. YA also helps schools raise money to host these teaching artists. While YA teaching artists aren't guaranteed work in schools, YA seems to be the go-to organization when schools are looking to enhance arts programming. On my path to becoming a professional teaching artist, this seems like a clear next step.

Whether or not I am accepted, this was a great opportunity for me to clarify my ideas about the creative and educational work I want to do. I submitted outlines for two programs. First, a performance similar to what I've done with the Red Yarn Puppet Band, weaving together several animal folk songs into a cohesive puppet show. Also, a residency in which I would work with a class to learn a folk song, build puppets of its characters, and adapt it into a show.

Of course, I do hope to be accepted! Cross your fingers for me, I should hear in a month or so if I've made it to the next round.