The Wizard of OZ – Invited Performance
Emery Theater
Kicking off the season and the return to The Emery Theater, TCT will present the one-hour “youth edition” of Frank L. Baum’s timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz. A story that has enchanted audiences for generations, audiences will follow Dorothy and friends down the Yellow Brick Road in an unforgettable experience unlike anything you have ever seen before! This wickedly colorful adventure over the rainbow will surely be remembered for generations to come.
Curriculum Tie-Ins
Language Arts & Literature: Hero’s Journey • Belonging • Symbolism • Adaptation
- Follow Dorothy’s journey through the lens of the “Hero’s Journey” and explore themes of home, belonging, and courage.
- Compare Baum’s original novel, the MGM film, and the stage adaptation to discuss how stories change across media.
- Dive into symbolism—Scarecrow as wisdom, Tin Man as compassion, Lion as courage—and what they reveal about character development
Social Studies: History • Leadership • Mapping
- Connect the story’s 1900 origins to turn-of-the-century America, including industry, politics, and women’s roles.
- Discuss leadership styles through the Wizard, Glinda, and the Wicked Witch, and what makes a strong leader.
- Map Dorothy’s journey across Oz to practice geography and creative cartography.
Science & Technology: Weather • Engineering • Animals
- Study tornadoes and severe weather as a real-world tie to Dorothy’s Kansas adventure.
- Use the Tin Man to spark discussion on mechanics, engineering, and how machines can “mimic” human traits.
- Explore animal behavior by comparing Toto’s loyalty and instincts with real-world pets.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Friendship • Identity • Courage
- Highlight the power of friendship and teamwork as Dorothy and her companions overcome challenges together.
- Encourage self-discovery—students can reflect on the strengths they already possess, just like the characters.
- Use the Lion’s story to talk about facing fears and finding courage in everyday life.
Arts & Music: Music • Design • Movement
- Discover how songs in a musical move the story forward and express character emotions.
- Create Oz-inspired art projects—costumes, masks, or Emerald City designs.
- Explore movement and dance through Dorothy’s Yellow Brick Road journey.
Cross-Curricular Projects: STEAM • Writing • Pop Culture
- Combine science and art by building “Emerald City” models or designing simple “wizard machines.”
- Write creative new chapters for Dorothy’s adventure, or retell the story from Toto’s perspective.
- Examine how The Wizard of Oz has shaped pop culture and continues to inspire new works.
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