Youth motivational speaker David Flood has been speaking with and helping teens and young adults for over 20 years. He teaches teens through the telling of his own very personal stories about his family in the past and present. At David’s student assembly programs he uses simple examples that students can relate to in order to show them how to improve their lives and how to have a profound impact on those around them. David will reinforce any social and emotional learning (SEL) that your school is already providing. He believes in proactive emotional literacy to encourage dignity and respect throughout the building. It is for this reason that he has spoken in over 600 middle schools and high schools as well as leadership conferences, parent workshops, and professional development days for teachers. He’s been a featured speaker at middle school assemblies, high school assemblies, colleges, and teacher/counselor conferences throughout the United States and Canada and established himself as a national youth motivational speaker that students connect with on an emotional level. David is one of the best youth motivational speakers in the country today.

Award-winning author of The Memory of Things will share why she wrote a young adult novel set in NYC during 9/11, the research she did to create authentic characters and story, and how reading and writing historical fiction builds empathy, often far better than non-fiction. Can be paired with writing workshops and other interactive presentations. Author can do similar presentations on any of her seven award-winning novels, both middle grade and young adult.

I offer hands-on creative writing workshops in poetry and prose (3-5 days each---3 workshops per day---across a chosen grade level, where each class gets 3-5 visits each). I meet with teachers to discuss their curriculum needs and thematic requests, suggesting various workshop ideas tailored to their requests. Teachers then choose what works best for them---for example: Assistance with reluctant writers, adding details, word choice, adjective strength, voice---in whatever current learning theme is paramount, such as animals, environment, feelings, character development, social studies, etc. I support teachers throughout the residency where they will be present and interact whenever their insight is needed as I teach. During and after the residency, I check in (over lunch, etc.) to ascertain how teachers are feeling about their students' progress, and also to offer many resources from both my books, stories, poems, and teacher oriented publications (nine books with Scholastic Professional Books for teachers) where they might copy any lessons they wish to use in the future. I also offer follow-up ideas at the end of every residency for those who wish to continue using the writing "tools/ideas" I present to their students. And there are always numerous options! I love to work with the core levels to help develop a stronger writing momentum with students (for example, 2nd grades in fall, same students in 3rd grade with different themes/format the following year, 4th grade added on or begun simultaneously--always building on previous workshop skills, etc. Districts have booked me in various schools for 25 plus years, often having me conduct workshops from year to year in multiple levels, as teachers love the support and boost my energy brings to their classrooms and students from which they springboard after I leave. The sky's the limit! I am here to serve educationally and creatively.

School Shows: Prices for Mop & Bucket Co. Performance only: 45 minutes, two improvisers and accompanist $1000 Additional improvisers, each $200 45 minutes, Theatresports (™) show, five improvisers plus accompanist $1,500 Second show same ½ day (morn or afternoon) $500 Customized for specific character education themes (more lecture-demo elements than average performance) $ +100 Workshops: 45 minutes, one or two trainer-facilitators $350-$450 Multiple after school improv workshops - Let’s talk Combinations: Evening performances (PTA event, etc.): 45 minutes, two or three improvisers and accompanist $800 Additional improvisers, each $200 Motivational Speaker package for public schools - Let’s Talk Travel/ Mileage: No Charge within 30 miles of 10 North Jay Street, Schenectady NY Over 30 Miles: $1.00/mile from 10 N. Jay Sound reinforcement Wireless lavaliere, mixer, PA package (recommended for a cafetorium, auditoriums, etc.) $200 Dates Available Please call or email to discuss your needs. We like to make it work for you. Program Theme: We work with you to create an entertaining, all improvised show that meets your instructional agenda. Showcasing the main tenets of improv (be spontaneous, celebrate positive risk taking, accept and build with what exists, make your partner look good) our shows support your programs on anti-bullying, diversity and inclusion, or enhancing creativity. We also address core subjects using NYS standards as guidelines. Program Description: Improv shows for entertainment and education. Interactive improv workshops, which can be in combination with a show, using selected students as our collaborators. Offsite workshops for faculty and staff, for team building, communication skills development, and more.

Ballet Performances

This is a high energy music filled program consisting of Line Dance Instruction and a Western Trick Roping Demonstration followed by an interactive trick roping lesson. Jeff is one of the best when it comes to teaching fun easy line dances with many years experience. He has also performed his trick roping show for years as well. If you are looking for a unique and fun program, try this out! The program can be modified for all ages and works for any size group. As a retired public school teacher, Jeff has a good handle on working with kids of all grade levels. The program can be a full day or a half day tailored to your school schedule. Check out the link to the YouTube video to see just how much fun the program is. Feel free to contact Jeff Reynolds for more information and pricing options. This program is sure to be engaging and fun every time!!

I offer both Picture Book presentations and Creative Writing workshops. My 5 picture books are centered on themes such as rejection/belonging, kindness/friendship, trying new things, etc. These stories are delightful for young ones, catering to their imagination, and are not preachy! My Picture Book Presentation consists of pre-reading Q&A, picture book reading, digital presentation of writing-illustrating-publishing process, and post-presentation Q&A. This is suitable for one time sessions for grades K-2. My Creative Writing workshops consists of helping young writers to create their individual story outlines which they then use to begin writing their story drafts. I read their drafts and give them personalized feedback for them to use in their new drafts. These workshops are suitable for multiple sessions and for grades 3-5. For references, see my website. My credentials include having a Creative Writing degree from Columbia University and I was also a former ELA/ENL Teaching Fellow.

Emmy Award winning illustrator, author, and television star of PBS’s 1980’s children’s television series “The Secret City With Commander Mark!” And in the 1990’s “The Imagination Station!” – now on Amazon Prime Video! – Mark Kistler, presents Dare To Draw, an outstanding school assembly for grades K-12. Prepare your students to blast-off to the land of imagination with the power of a pencil! This unforgettable, 100% hands-on assembly encourages students of all ages to participate by stretching their imaginations in adding depth and perspective to their drawings. Mark Kistler will inspire your students to “Dream It! Draw It! Do It!” in harnessing the power of their imagination to make their life dreams come true. Students only need a pencil, a piece of paper, and a smiling positive attitude ready to learn how to draw in 3-D!

You Can Do a Graphic Novel, Comic Book, Meme, or Zine Categories: Creative Writing, Visual Arts Curriculum. Costs VIRTUAL PROGRAMS (ZOOM) One-hour interactive classes, unlimited participants: $500.00 LIVE IN-PERSON PROGRAMS One day: $1,200.00 Four days: $3,800.00 Eight days: $6,500.00 For venues more than 40 miles from Hudson, NY travel cost of $0.50 mile will be added. For venues more than 40 miles from Valatie, NY travel cost of $0.50 mile will be added. Available year-round. Program Theme: Students learn how to create a graphic novel beginning with a six page comic. It doesn’t matter if they can draw. Stick figures are an expressive way for the reluctant artist to begin. Participants are encouraged to bring their sketchbooks and characters they may already be working on. They will learn about The Creative Process, how to write a Character Study, focus on the beginning, middle, end and twist of a story, and Create Layouts. If the program is an assembly, Barbara talks though the program with on-screen illustrations of the process. The school is to provide a computer, projector and screen. Program Description: Each program is custom tailored to the grade, number of students in the class, and number of sessions. If there are four or more sessions per class, the program finishes with a Graphic Novel Exhibition (see below). The Creative Process: 20 creative tips. Creating Characters: Participants complete bio sheets with the character’s name, age, best friend/side kick, powers (if any), biggest fear, life goal, etc. Plotting: Learning how to plot challenges the student to complete a story. Too many begin the story and throw it out somewhere in the middle. The student learns to plot by color code, a method used by film/tv/graphic novel writers. Layout: Participants learn about panels, thumbnails, dialogue balloons, sequence, and making a page pop. Rather than drawing “talking heads,” they draw a close-up, pull back for a long shot, followed by interior, exterior, bird’s eye views. Everybody works at their own pace. Some are advanced artists/writers while others are beginners. It doesn’t matter where they begin as long as they get going. I hand out a “character bible” sheet and encourage them to think about the beginning, middle, end and twist of their story. The twist is what makes the story interesting. I bring in samples of character bibles from Marvel comics which they can keep, and scripts written by professionals. Feedback is an important part of the program. It usually begins when I hold up a student’s drawing and ask them to suggest a name, age, or character trait. The student can take the suggestions or discard them, however, it opens up discussions. In the first session, students are sometimes quiet/shy with other students but by the second, they open up about their characters and stories. After the last workshop, the doors open to parents, friends, relatives, the community, and the local press. Students show and talk about their work…where they got their inspiration for characters/story. The “Graphic Novel Exhibition” attracts a lot of attention and often results in newspaper articles. Having artwork in the newspaper is great for a student’s self-esteem and for their portfolio. Copies of Barbara's textbook You Can Do a Graphic Novel can be ordered for the school library, and discounts are available from the publisher for class-size orders. http://youcandoagraphicnovel.com/students1.htm

Daniel Carlton is a multiple award-winning actor, storyteller, playwright, poet, lyricist, director, and teaching artist. His performances and workshops, for practically every age level, address a vast variety of topics including poetry, storytelling, history through drama, life skills through dramatic role plays, and so much more. He is also a published author. Recent performances include productions of “Finding North”(with David Gonzalez) and “The Meeting”, in addition to seventeen Off-Broadway productions, multiple solo shows, and performances with the Children of War Theater Project. Directing credits include “Jabari Dreams of Freedom” (New Victory Theater NYC, National tour), “Hero: Boy From Troy" (First Woman Productions.National Tour), “48 Hours in Harlem" (Harlem 9 Theater Co.), “Freedom Riders” (Mad River Theater Works), and “What If” (Negro Ensemble Company). An enthusiastic creator of new works, Daniel wrote and directed the national tour of “Keep Marching” (Mad River Theater Works), “March On” (Apollo Theater), “Pigfoot Mary Says Goodbye To The Harlem Renaissance” (Schomburg Center For Research and Black Culture), “Night Train 57” (Kennedy Center workshop), and “Freedom Flight” (national tour), as well as penning “A Whistle in Mississippi”, (with Micheal Green )“Check Yo Invite Parts 1 and 2”( Live Theater and Radio Play HarlemStage) and “Timeless Journeys (various tours)”. With Nambi E. Kelley, he also co-wrote “Hidden Inside”, “This Ability”, and “So Journey To The Truth”. Daniel’s work as a Storyteller has been presented in places as varied as Summerstage Kids and Family Series( Parks throughout the 5 boroughs), The Museum For The City Of NY, The Brooklyn Museum, The BrooklynChildren’s Museum, hundred of libraries, schools, temporary housing facilities, and even war zones. Solo Storytelling For Family audiences shows Include:The Eagle in Harlem and Other Tales.” Urban “Folktales Remixed” Memories of Self Journey To Weeksville, and many more. Daniel teaches acting to all ages, poetry for both the page and performance , life skills, public speaking, playwriting ,and devised theater for organizations that include : Apollo Theater Education , Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, Community Works, Blackberry Productions, MadRiver Theater Works, YAFFA Performing Arts, JazzMobile, CityParks Foundation , First Woman Productions , NYU, University Of Iowa, and many more. Daniel can perform solo or, depending on budget, in duo or trio format. There are other videos on YouTube. Here's video of an interview explaining the Finding North project he performs with David Gonzalez. Daniel can perform this solo. https://youtu.be/uj7KZ4SF4nQ?si=qSk4SjB7cLr9hqFv Daniel has several other shows which we can send you information about upon request.

Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens provides visitors with an immersive connection to the calming and restorative power of plants. Through our living collections and imaginative programming, we create memorable experiences that inspire curiosity about our natural world. The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens welcomes everyone to engage with our gardens, historic conservatory, and each other. The Botanical Gardens' Education Team offers a number of fun and engaging hands-on field trips for students in grades Pre-K-12.

Unleash your inner scientist in these large, interactive science shows! Nutty Scientists Hudson Valley brings affordable and fun science shows to your school – designed to ignite children’s curiosity and foster an environment where the entire audience feels encouraged to participate. Each show has an imaginative storyline coupled with 6-8 hands-on exciting experiments. With Nutty Scientists, kids get to touch, jump, yell, vibrate, form and test hypotheses. We aim to boost children’s curiosity about science and confidence in themselves! Age: 4-12 Length: 45 minutes Size: Suitable for up to 200 kids, but we do back-to-back performances for more. Prices: $375 for one show or $300/show for 2 or more shows + travel fee (call for info). Funding can be used from BOCES Arts and Education category OR the Exploratory Enrichment category. Shows: Ice Age Show: The kids will help our scientist overcome incredible challenges within the secret forest of Merlin the Wizard by performing exciting experiments. Students will be immersed in a sensory experience surrounding the amazing properties of CO2 and dry ice while exploring states of matter, sublimation, chemical reactions, pressure, forces, and more. Cast Away Show: Help our Nutty Scientist who is lost on a desert island! Kids will help the lost scientist get food, water and signal for rescue. Along the way they'll fire rockets, make slime, shoot smoke rings, and see amazing electrical demonstrations with a Van De Graaff generator! Fun Mission to Space Show: The Nutty Scientists has been entrusted with a maximum-security space mission. What will it take to survive in space? Where in the solar system should we land? To answer these questions students will assist with crazy experiments. They will learn about the planets, gravity, orbits, properties of sound, near-vacuum conditions, atmospheric pressure, and volcanic reactions! Kids will also help make a comet using the same elements that are found in real comets. Ignite Curiosity! Think Nutty!