12/22/2021
Education and Outreach
Heidi Kanter, a theater enthusiast since childhood, once thought she’d pursue a professional career in theater.
Raised in a theatrical family, Kanter was inspired by watching her father work as an actor, director, theater manager and head of a university drama department.
“I grew up with theater and plays, and it was my passion,” Kanter says.
However, when her father cautioned her about the potential ups and downs of a theater career, Kanter decided to swap it for her next great passion in life: teaching.
Today, Kanter not only thrives as a teacher, she also still gets to experience the joy of theater by sharing it with her fourth-grade students at Cunningham Elementary School through The Smith Center’s student matinee program.
Recently, Kanter had her students participate in The Smith Center’s third virtual student matinee performance for the 2021-2022 school year, “Charlotte’s Web.”
As a nonprofit, The Smith Center presents student matinees at no cost to schools.
“Knowing first-hand how much of a difference theater can make in the lives of students and young children, I try to take advantage of every opportunity The Smith Center gives to allow our students to see and absorb all the wonders of plays, music and dance,” Kanter says.
Teaching the True Meaning of Friendship
Putting a creative a spin on a classic tale, the “Charlotte’s Web” virtual student matinee tells the treasured story of Wilbur, a livestock pig, and his friendship with Charlotte, a barn spider.
Featuring bluegrass music and a clever set design, the reimagined production explores the themes of selfless love, bravery and hopefulness, and how they work together to forge true friendship.
After the play, Kanter talked with her students about the characters and how they helped each other.
“My students really appreciated the friendship aspect of the story,” she says. “They also liked how Charlotte helped encourage Wilbur's confidence and, by doing so, she ensured he would be alright when she had to leave him.”
Kanter also discussed the production aspects of the show with her students, with their favorite elements including the show’s music and energetic dancing.
“They loved how the actors used both the poles on the set to climb and the props for spinning the web,” she says. “They also loved how the set was able to transform easily from the farm to the fair!”
Sparking New Interests Through the Arts
A big reason Kanter encourages her students to watch the matinee performances is to show them that there is more to a show than just the actors on stage.
“There are so many parts to a show, from the people who build the sets to the people who create the props,” Kanter says.
Inspiring a student to think about how they might further engage with the arts, whether as a hobby or a profession, drives Kanter every day.
“You never know when you are going to trigger a student’s interest and spark their creativity,” she says. “That’s why the arts are an incredibly important part of education.”
MORE INFORMATION
The Smith Center’s student matinee performances, presented at no cost to schools, will continue to be offered virtually until students can once again gather in person.
Additional virtual performances scheduled for the 2021-22 school year include “Commanding Space: The Rise of Annie Easley and the Centaur Rocket” and “What Do You Do With An Idea.”
For more information about The Smith Center’s education and outreach programs, click here.