Activities to Play: Elephant and Piggie

DCPA Education & Community Engagement presents Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!” from October 18-December 22, 2024 in the Weeks Conservatory Theatre. Prepared specially for PreK through third grade audiences, this Theatre for Young Audiences production is based on Mo Willems’ beloved and award-winning children’s books. Dive into a world of make believe, pachydermal peril and swiney suspense with these pre-show activities.

ACTIVITIES TO PLAY:

Mo Willems has famously said that he wants kids to play his books, to activate reading through theatrical play. Here are some ways to initiate the power of play at home or in the classroom:

It’s Time to Cut a Rug!

Review simple iconic dance moves from the 50s and 60s: The Twist, The Mash Potato, The Swim, The Watusi, The Shake, The Pony, The Pogo, etc. Turn on some favorite music and have a dance party.

I am Invited to a Party!

What celebration is complete without a song? Help Elephant and Piggie craft the perfect song to celebrate! Work as a big group or small groups to re-write lyrics to a popular song. Take on the challenge of writing lyrics about a celebration. Share the song(s) by performing them aloud for all to hear.

Where Are You Going?

Elephant Gerald and Piggie discover they are in a theatre! Where else could they go for adventures? On a blank piece of paper, draw one fun new place where Elephant and Piggie could go. Share all of the exciting new locations!

We Are in a Play!

Performers use their imagination to create characters. Invite everyone to use their imagination to create characters from the musical.

Imagine: Being Elephant Gerald and you were just handed a triple scoop ice cream cone!
Explore: Dramatically eating the ice cream cone. What flavor is it? How cold is it? Dropping your cone on the ground. Your friend gives you a new ice cream cone that has 7 scoops of ice cream. Try balancing that cone!

Imagine: Being Piggie and you are getting ready for a day at the pool.
Explore: Putting on water wings, a mask, a snorkel, and fins. End with jumping into the pool and swimming around in the water. Swim under water and find something amazing!

Imagine:
– Being Elephant Gerald sneezing
– Being Piggie loving her new toy
– Being Penguin scooping ice cream
– Being a Squirrelle dancing energetically
– Being Dog driving the mail truck and delivering mail
– Being Elephant Gerald and say in Elephant Gerald’s voice, “I will eat the ice cream!” (hungry)
– Being Penguin and say in Penguin’s voice, “Ice cream! Getcher icy ice!” (excited)
– Being Piggie and say in Piggie’s voice, “You look sad. Would you like to share some of my ice cream?” (supportive)
– Being a Squirrelle and say in a Squirrelle’s voice, “Thank you for sharing!” (happy)

DETAILS
Elephant and Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!”
Oct 18-Dec 22, 2024 • Weeks Conservatory Theatre
Tickets