Eastern Michigan University Theatre receives mini grant to produce play for ages 3-6 with award-winning children's author and playwright Sandra Fenichel Asher

Eastern Michigan University Theatre receives mini grant to produce play for ages 3-6 with award-winning children's author and playwright Sandra Fenichel Asher

YPSILANTI – The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) has awarded Eastern Michigan University Theatre a mini grant of $2,320 to produce a new children’s play, “Chicken Story Time,” based on the book of the same name written by award-winning children’s author and playwright Sandra Fenichel Asher.

Playwright Sandra Fenichel Asher
Playwright Sandra Fenichel Asher

Under the grant, Asher will travel to Michigan in June 2018, and along with EMU Professor Patricia Moore Zimmer, will interact with audiences, and student actors as the play is developed.

Director Patricia Moore Zimmer, professor of Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young at EMU, said, “This is a new play that has not yet been published, and we are thrilled to participate in its development.”

MCACA’s mission is “to encourage, initiate, and facilitate an enriched artistic, cultural, and creative environment in Michigan.” Its mini grant program supports projects that promote traditional or contemporary arts education for local communities.

“Chicken Story Time” play aims to increase early literacy education for underserved populations by creating an interactive story experience set in a library. The play, which includes both live actors and puppets, will travel to preschools and libraries in Washtenaw and Livingston counties without cost to audiences or venues.

EMU’s nationally recognized program in Applied Drama and Theatre for the Young is one of many theaters and universities adopting the recent trend of Theater for the Very Young. These plays intend to provide audiences under the age of six with interactive, educational theater experiences.

The collaboration between Zimmer and Asher originates from their previous works on Asher’s plays, such as the world premiere of “Here Comes Gosling!” held at EMU, and “A Woman Called Truth,” which was also performed at EMU.

“Chicken Story Time” will include designers, staff, student actors, and technical elements provided by EMU, in addition to the director.

Sponberg Theatre will host “Chicken Story Time” on June 2 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and June 3 at 2 p.m., including a book signing by Asher. Seats are limited to 50 per performance and can be reserved by calling the EMU Theatre Production Office at 734-487-122.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 22,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.

January 24, 2018

Written by:
Alyssa Schad

Media Contact:
Geoff Larcom
glarcom@emich.edu
734-487-4400