How We Play(ed)Fact Sheet for B/blind and Partially Sighted Audiences
Welcome to How We Play(ed)! This fact sheet has key information about the play that you might find useful.
Hi, I’m Giovanna! (she/her)
Hi, I’m Clara! (she/her)
Hi, I’m Lucy! (she/her)
Key Information:
Date: Saturday March 25th and Sunday March 26th, 2023 Time: 1PM Location: Earlscourt Park Theatre: Live Others Collective Length of play: 25min
General things to know:
–How We Play(ed) is told through headphones and pre-recorded audio. We will be moving to 3 different locations in the park: the ground outside the playground, the playground, and the soccer field.
-Please let Lucy know before the show starts if you would like the support of a seeing adult or friend to accompany you throughout the show. They will also be listening to the show through the headphones with you, and can make sure you move from each location safely. They will also be able to play the games with you, because they are all played in pairs!
-Before the audio begins and audiences put their headphones on, Lucy, Clara and Giovanna will gather everyone in a circle on the ground outside the playground. They will describe the rules of participating in the show. Lucy is the Director of the show. Clara and Giovanna are 2 of the young people who made the show with Lucy. Clara and Giovanna will lead the audience through the show. Lucy will be there to offer help and answer questions to anyone who needs it throughout the show.
-At this time, Lucy will also introduce Timothy and Eboni. Timothy and Eboni are ASL Interpreters who will be translating the show. Timothy and Eboni will move with the group to all 3 locations. They will be there the whole time to interpret the audio coming through the headphones.
-The audience will then be told to wave goodbye to the adult they came with (unless they are your support person), and put their headphones on.
-There are 7 voices telling the stories. These are the voices of the 7 young people who created the show with Lucy.
-We will be playing some games together. The instructions of how to play the games are part of the audio. The instructions will be given before we all play the games. While we play the games, music will be streaming through the headphones.
-There is one game that is played while the voices of Lucas and Samuel tell you stories about their hometown in Brazil. This game involves either hopping across the logs in the playground in pairs, or running beside them. If you want to play this game, we will get you to be one of the first people to hop across the logs or run beside them!
-At the end of the show, we will all be dancing the Cha Cha Slide together. The Cha Cha Slide is a fun and silly dance. The music will be streamed through the headphones and the lyrics tell you the dance moves. There are only a few simple moves to follow. There will be lots of space around you so feel free to go wild and dance dance dance!
How We Play(ed)Fact Sheet for D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Audiences
Welcome to How We Play(ed)! This fact sheet has key information about the play that you might find useful.
Hi, I’m Giovanna! (she/her)
Hi, I’m Clara! (she/her)
Hi, I’m Lucy! (she/her)
Key Information:
Date: Saturday March 25th and Sunday March 26th, 2023 Time: 1PM Location: Earlscourt Park Theatre: Live Others Collective Length of play: 25min
General things to know:
–How We Play(ed) is told through headphones and pre-recorded audio. We will be moving to 3 different locations in the park: the ground outside the playground, the playground, and the soccer field.
-Before the audio begins and audiences put their headphones on, Lucy, Clara and Giovanna will gather everyone in a circle on the ground outside the playground. They will describe the rules of participating in the show. Lucy is the Director of the show. Clara and Giovanna are 2 of the young people who made the show with Lucy. Clara and Giovanna will lead the audience through the show. Lucy will be there to offer help and answer questions to anyone who needs it throughout the show.
-At this time, Lucy will also introduce Timothy and Eboni. Timothy and Eboni are ASL Interpreters who will be translating the show. Timothy and Eboni will move with the group to all 3 locations. They will be there the whole time to interpret the audio coming through the headphones.
-The audience will then be told to wave goodbye to the adult they came with, and put their headphones on. There are headphones for everyone so you are welcome to wear headphones if you would like to!
-There are 7 voices telling the stories. These are the voices of the 7 young people who created the show with Lucy.
-We will be playing some games together. The instructions of how to play the games are part of the audio. The instructions will be given before we all play the games. While we play the games, music will be streaming through the headphones. Timothy and Eboni will translate the rules of the games for you so you can play!
-There is one game that is played while the voices of Lucas and Samuel tell you stories about their hometown in Brazil. This game involves hopping across the logs in the playground in pairs. If you want to play this game, we will get you to be one of the first people to hop across the logs! Once you’ve finished your turn, you will go back to where you started and Timothy and Eboni will interpret the stories being told over the audio.
-At the end of the show, we will all be dancing the Cha Cha Slide together. The Cha Cha Slide is a fun and silly dance. The music will be streamed through the headphones and the lyrics tell you the dance moves. There are only a few simple moves to follow. Timothy and Eboni will be dancing along with us so just look to them to follow the dance moves.Most of the audience will not have heard this song before, so we will all be laughing as we try to follow along.
BENCHED – Fact Sheet
Who: The Fox Den Collective (thefoxdencollective.weebly.com) When: March 25 and 26 at 2:00pm Run time: 25 mins, with a 10 min Q&A to follow
Where: Earlscourt Park Benched will be staged in the baseball area of Earlscourt Park, including the middle of the baseball diamond, the team benches. One half of the audience will go to the “Home” dugout. The other half will go to the “Away” dugout. They will switch locations three times during the show.
The show is made for kids, but if kids need their adult, they can bring their adult with them to the dugouts. Otherwise adults can observe from the bleachers behind the chainlink fencing.
Kids will have the opportunity to sit on wooden benches for 75% of the show, but will need to move across the baseball diamond three times. This area includes sand, grass, and potentially snow or mud. Our stage management team will be available before the show to check in about potential mobility challenges.
The show is outside. It may be cold, or even raining or snowing! Be sure to dress warmly for the weather, with good boots and winter gear. There are public washrooms up the hill, or south, of the baseball diamond.
The Story: Best friends Charlie and Zoe aren’t talking anymore, and they expect you to choose sides. In this interactive play, kids piece together the story of Charlie and Zoe’s friendship through conversations with the characters and by following physical clues that help uncover the whole story. Can you investigate the events that led these friends apart? And can you help bring them back together again?
About the play’s form: This is not a conventional play! It is often improvised, as actors have conversations with the kids. Audiences are encouraged (but never required) to talk to the performers.
Audiences will be split in two. Kids will be welcome to stay together with a sibling or friend.
To listen to the different sides of the story, the audience will move from one side of the baseball diamond to the other. This change will happen three times, followed by the entire audience gathering at the pitcher’s mound. The audience will hear the whole story no matter who they start with. All the main points about the story will be enjoyed whether or not they choose to start with orange (Charlie) or blue (Zoe).
For most of the play, two different conversations will be happening, one on each side of the baseball diamond.
Kids are welcome to take a break, leave the play, and come back to join when they are ready.
The One-Line Chronological Experience Or: What the Show Will Be Like For Me!
The play happens at Earlscourt Park. I might arrive by car, street car, or bus.
Baseball Diamond. When I get to the park, I will make my way to the baseball diamond. It is between the community centre, the soccer field, the playground, and an alley. There are paved paths through the park, but to get to the baseball diamond, I will have to travel on grass or snow.
I arrive at the Earlscourt Park Baseball Diamond. I gather with other audience members in the center of the field when it’s time for the show to start.
Baseball Diamond. This is what the baseball diamond looks like when I’m standing on the hill by the playground and the washrooms.
There might be snow, or it might be melted, and slippery or muddy. I need to dress to be comfortable outside.
When I get to the middle of the field, I meet Helen and Sarah, the hosts. Helen and Sarah will introduce the play!
Helen!
Sarah!
Helen and Sarah will be watching the play too. If I need any questions, they are always there to help! Helen and Sarah love to help — it’s their job!
I will be given a bracelet – I am asked which colour bracelet I want: blue or orange.
If I choose blue, I will hear Zoe’s story first.
If I choose orange , I will hear Charlie’s story first.
Other kids will be there too. Some kids will choose the same colour of bracelet as me, and will see the show from the same side as me. Some kids will choose the other colour of bracelet from me, and will see the show starting from the other side.
I don’t need to worry — it doesn’t matter if I start with blue or orange! I will meet the same people and learn the same information as the other group.
I can wear the bracelet on my wrist, or hold it, or put it in my pocket. I will be allowed to keep the bracelet once the show is over.
Then I meet the characters, Zoe and Charlie. They might chat with me. I can speak with them if I want to. I don’t have to.
This is the actor that will be pretending to be Zoe. In real life, her name is Carmen. When she’s playing Zoe, she will look a bit different, and wear a costume, including a blue hat.
This is the actor that will be pretending to be Charlie. In real life, her name is Fatma. When she’s playing Charlie, she will look a bit different, and wear a costume, including an orange headband.
The Start of the Show:
When all the kids have gathered, and Zoe and Charlie start to get into an argument, that means the show is starting!
At the end of the argument, Zoe will ask all the kids wearing blue bracelets to follow her to a dugout. Keep reading to follow Zoe’s track.
Charlie will ask all the kids wearing orange bracelets to follow her to the other dugout. Scroll down to follow Charlie’s track.
If I chose BLUE, I’m following Zoe. This is what the show will be like!
The baseball field closer up. I can see the chain link fence, and the community centre behind.
When Zoe asks her friends wearing blue bracelets to go with her, I can move to follow her. I will go with one of the hosts and the other kids that chose blue to the dugout close to the community centre. I can take a friend or sibling with me, or with my adult.
Round 1 (about 5 minutes) When I get to the dugout, I can sit on the bench inside. There will be other kids sitting on the bench too. The actor playing Zoe will be sitting in the dugout too. An ASL Interpreter will be there so that kids who listen with their eyes can participate. If I don’t want to sit on the bench, I can do whatever makes me comfortable. I can leave whenever I need to take a break.
The dugout. A dugout is a bench on one side of the baseball diamond. It has a fence around it.
When everyone is inside the dugout, Zoe will talk right to me and the other kids. She will tell me about her friendship trouble with Charlie. Zoe might ask me and the other kids questions. She might ask, “What do you think?” If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up. When Zoe calls on me to speak, I can tell Zoe and the other kids my idea. Every idea is welcome! I don’t have to share. I can enjoy the play whether I share or not. If something personal comes up, I can take a break and leave the dugout to sit with my adult until I’m ready to come back.
End of Round 1: When Zoe gets us to cheer “Team Zoe!” that means we are going to move soon. Zoe might ask me to carry a laminated page with a picture on it over to Charlie. I can say yes (or nod) if I want to, or no (or shake my head/cross my arms) if I don’t want to.
When Zoe tells us to go, I go with the other kids to the other dugout, closer to the hill.
Round 2 (About 5 Minutes) Next I go across the baseball field to the other dugout, close to the soccer field. A host will be there to help us get there. When I get to the dugout, I can sit on the bench inside. There will be other kids sitting on the bench too. The actor playing Charlie will be sitting in the dugout too. An ASL Interpreter will be there so that kids who listen with their eyes can participate. If I don’t want to sit on the bench, I can do whatever makes me comfortable. I can leave whenever I need to take a break.
The next dugout. This dugout is by the soccer field.
When everyone is inside the dugout, Charlie talks right to me and the other kids. She tells me about her friendship trouble with Zoe. She has a different perspective than Zoe did. Charlie will ask me and the other kids questions. She will ask to see the laminated pictures we brought over. She might ask questions like, “Did Zoe tell you that she didn’t come to my games night?” If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up. When Charlie calls on me to speak, I can tell Charlie and the other kids my idea. Every idea is welcome! I don’t have to share. I can enjoy the play whether I share or not. If something personal comes up, I can take a break and leave the dugout to sit with my adult until I’m ready to come back.
Charlie will decide whether or not to give Zoe her Memory Box. Charlie may ask me or the other kids to carry the Memory Box over to Zoe. I don’t have to if I don’t want to. I can say no or I can show that I don’t want to by crossing my arms over my chest. I will not get to keep the Memory Box. If I carry it I will have to give it to Zoe when I get to her dugout.
The Memory Box looks a bit like this. It holds memories from the friendship.
End of Round 2: When Charlie gives a kid the Memory Box, that means it’s almost time to move to a new place. When Charlie tells us to go, I go with the other kids to the other dugout, closer to the community centre. I am going back to see Zoe.
Round 3 (About 5 minutes) I go across the baseball field to the first dugout, closer to the community centre again. This is where I started out. When I get to the dugout, I can sit on the bench inside. There will be other kids sitting on the bench too. The actor playing Zoe will be sitting in the dugout too. An ASL Interpreter will be there so that kids who listen with their eyes can participate. If I don’t want to sit on the bench, I can do whatever makes me comfortable. I can leave whenever I need to take a break.
Zoe will ask to have the Memory Box and we will give it to her. After talking for a bit about what we heard from Charlie, Zoe will open the Memory Box, and show the objects inside. Zoe will pass the object to the kids to look at and touch. I can receive the object from the kid beside me, and then pass it to the next kid. I don’t have to touch the objects if I don’t want to. I can say no thank you, or I can show that I don’t want to by crossing my arms over my chest. I will not get to keep the object. I can look at it, and feel it, but I will have to pass it on to the next kid.
Zoe decides to write a letter to Charlie. She asks for suggestions to help write the letter. She might ask questions like, “Should I tell her how I feel?” Zoe will have a piece of paper and write down some of the ideas from the audience. If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up. When Zoe calls on me to speak, I can tell Zoe and the other kids my idea. Every idea is welcome! I don’t have to share. I can enjoy the play whether I share or not.
End of Round 3: When Zoe is finished the letter, and signs it “from Zoe” or “love Zoe” that means it’s almost time to move again. When Zoe tells us to go, I travel with Zoe to the middle of the baseball diamond.
Round 4 (About 5 minutes) When Zoe tells us to go, I travel with Zoe to the middle of the baseball diamond. I am with Zoe and the other kids in the middle of the baseball diamond. Charlie, and the kids that were with Charlie are there too. Charlie will use a microphone to read the letter that she wrote to Zoe. Zoe will use the microphone to read the letter that she wrote to Charlie. Zoe and Charlie will lead us in another cheer. Zoe and Charlie will hug.
That’s end of the performance! Scroll down to see what happens next.
If I choose ORANGE, I’m following Charlie.This is what the show will be like!
One side of the baseball field I can see the chain link fence, and the soccer field behind.
When Charlie asks her friends wearing orange bracelets to go with her, I can move to follow her. I will go with one of the hosts and the other kids that chose orange to the dugout close to the community centre. I can take a friend or sibling with me, or with my adult.
Round 1 (about 5 minutes) When I get to the dugout, I can sit on the bench inside. There will be other kids sitting on the bench too. The actor playing Charlie will be sitting in the dugout too. An ASL Interpreter will be there so that kids who listen with their eyes can participate. If I don’t want to sit on the bench, I can do whatever makes me comfortable. I can leave whenever I need to take a break.
The dugout. A dugout is a bench on one side of the baseball diamond. It has a fence around it.
When everyone is inside the dugout, Charlie talks right to me and the other kids. She tells me about her friendship trouble with Zoe. Charlie might ask me and the other kids questions. She might ask, “What do you think?” If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up. When Charlie calls on me to speak, I can tell Charlie and the other kids my idea. Every idea is welcome! I don’t have to share. I can enjoy the play whether I share or not. If something personal comes up, I can take a break and leave the dugout to sit with my adult until I’m ready to come back.
End of Round 1: When Charlie gets us to cheer “Team Charlie!” that means we are going to move soon. Charlie might ask me to carry a laminated page with a picture on it over to Zoe. I can say yes (or nod) if I want to, or no (shake my head/cross my arms) if I don’t want to.
When Charlie tells us to go, I go with the other kids to the other dugout, closer to the community centre.
Round 2 (About 5 Minutes) Next I go across the baseball field to the other dugout, close to the community centre. A host will be there to help us get there. When I get to the dugout, I can sit on the bench inside. There will be other kids sitting on the bench too. The actor playing Zoe will be sitting in the dugout too. An ASL Interpreter will be there so that kids who listen with their eyes can participate. If I don’t want to sit on the bench, I can do whatever makes me comfortable. I can leave whenever I need to take a break.
The next dugout. This dugout is by the community centre.
When everyone is inside the dugout, Zoe talks right to me and the other kids. She tells me about her friendship trouble with Charlie. She has a different perspective than Charlie did! Zoe will ask me and the other kids questions. She will ask to see the laminated pictures we brought over. She might ask questions like, “Did Charlie tell you she wrote me this mean message?” If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up. When Zoe calls on me to speak, I can tell Zoe and the other kids my idea. Every idea is welcome! I don’t have to share. I can enjoy the play whether I share or not. If something personal comes up, I can take a break and leave the dugout to sit with my adult until I’m ready to come back.
Zoe will decide whether or not to give Charlie her Memory Box. Zoe may ask me or the other kids to carry the Memory Box over to Charlie. I don’t have to if I don’t want to. I can say no or I can show that I don’t want to by crossing my arms over my chest. I will not get to keep the Memory Box. If I carry it I will have to give it to Charlie when I get to her dugout.
The Memory Box looks a bit like this. It holds memories from the friendship.
End of Round 2: When Zoe gives a kid the Memory Box, that means it’s almost time to move to a new place. When Zoe tells us to go, I go with the other kids to the other dugout, closer to the soccer field. I am going back to see Charlie.
Round 3 (About 5 minutes) I go across the baseball field to the first dugout, closer to the soccer field again. This is where I started out. When I get to the dugout, I can sit on the bench inside. There will be other kids sitting on the bench too. The actor playing Charlie will be sitting in the dugout too. The ASL Interpreter will be there so that kids who listen with their eyes can participate. If I don’t want to sit on the bench, I can do whatever makes me comfortable. I can leave whenever I need to take a break.
Charlie will ask for the Memory Box. After talking for a bit, Charlie will open the Memory Box, and show the objects inside. Charlie will pass the object to the kids to look at and touch. I can receive the object from the kid beside me, and then pass it to the next kid. I don’t have to touch the objects if I don’t want to. I can say no, or I can show that I don’t want to by crossing my arms over my chest. I will not get to keep the object. I can look at it, and feel it, but I will have to pass it on to the next kid.
Charlie decides to write a letter to Zoe. She asks for suggestions to help write the letter. She might ask questions like, “Should I tell her how I feel?” Charlie will have a piece of paper and write down some of the ideas from the audience. If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up. When Charlie calls on me to speak, I can tell Charlie and the other kids my idea. Every idea is welcome! I don’t have to share. I can enjoy the play whether I share or not.
End of Round 3: When Charlie is finished the letter, and signs it “from Charlie” or “love Charlie” that means it’s almost time to move again. When Charlie tells us to go, I travel with Charlie to the middle of the baseball diamond.
Round 4 (About 5 minutes) I am with Charlie and the other kids in the middle of the baseball diamond. Zoe, and the kids that were in the blue group are there too. Charlie will use a microphone to read the letter that she wrote to Zoe. Zoe will use the microphone to read the letter that she wrote to Charlie. Zoe and Charlie will lead us in another cheer. Zoe and Charlie will hug.
That’s end of the performance! Keep reading to find out what happens next:
The End of the Show When Zoe and Charlie hug, that is the end of the performance. The actors will bow. The hosts will lead everyone in clapping. I can clap if I liked the show. Other people will clap too, and this may make a loud sound. If it is too loud, I can cover my ears. The hosts will also invite me to bow too, because I helped a lot! I can bend over at my waist with the other kids.
There is an optional Q&A (Question and Answer time) afterwards:
Q&A (About 15 minutes) Now it is time for questions and answers about the show. The actors, Carmen and Fatma, and the hosts, Helen and Sarah, ask the kids questions. They might ask something like, “Have you ever had a difficult time sorting out a problem with a friend?” If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up. When an actor or host calls on me to speak, I can say my idea. Every idea is welcome!
Next the kids can ask the actors or hosts questions. If I have a question I want to ask, I can put my hand up. When an actor or host calls on me to speak, I ask my question. Every question is welcome When it is almost time to be done, the actor will say, “Last question.” When the last question has been asked and answered, the actors and hosts will say a final statement. I can again clap if I liked the show. Other people will clap too, and this may make a loud sound. If it is too loud, I can cover my ears. It’s now time to leave the baseball diamond.
At The End Of Kaliyuga Fact Sheet
Sanskruti Marathe (She/They) Creator and Performer
Key Information:
Date: Saturday March 25th and Sunday March 26th, 2023 Time: 4 PM Location: Splashpad in Earlscourt Park (1200 Lansdowne Avenue, Toronto) Performer: Sanskruti Marathe Length of play: 25min
General things to know:
At the End of Kaliyuga is a story told by Sanskruti Marathe through the medium of Indian Classical Dance called Bharatnatyam. She will be wearing a traditional dance costume, dancing bells and gold plated jewellery with gems.
This performance is a solo show and Sanskruti will be the only performer. She will play 3 different characters named- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Sanskruti will begin the performance by speaking directly to the audience and will describe the show and introduce herself.
In the performance, there will be a dance of destruction called Tandav. This dance signifies destruction and rebirth of a new world.
At the end of the dance of destruction, the audience will be invited to form a semi- circle with Sanskruti and she will teach a few Indian classical storytelling gestures that use hands and body language. This part also includes audience participation through call and response.
At the end of the audience participation a song will play and the audience is welcome to dance as we close the show.
History the show:
What is Kaliyuga? According to the Hindu Vedas (scriptures) there were four major cycles of life on this planet. We are living in the fourth cycle called the Kaliyuga. Kaliyuga is also known to be the age of darkness and ignorance according to the Vedas. However I think we have much to cherish, love and look forward to. What do you like the most about our planet?
Who is Shiva? According to Hindu Mythology, Shiva is a God of Destruction. He destroys the things that we want to leave behind in order to evolve with time.
Who is Vishnu? According to Hindu Mythology, Vishnu is a God of Sustaining. He preserves and Sustains all that is wonderful about this life on earth.
Who is Brahma? According to Hindu Mythology, Brahma is a God of Creation. He is responsible for giving birth to us humans, plants, animals and all of life.
What is Bharatanatyam? Bharatnatyam is an ancient Indian Classical Dance that originated in the South-Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It has been passed down throughout centuries by dance Gurus (teachers) and today I have the golden opportunity to present this show to you through Bharatanatyam.
A Question for you Which Character do you relate to the most?
Forward March Festival Fact Sheets
How We Play(ed) Fact Sheet for B/blind and Partially Sighted Audiences
Welcome to How We Play(ed)! This fact sheet has key information about the play that you might find useful.
Hi, I’m Giovanna! (she/her)
Hi, I’m Clara! (she/her)
Hi, I’m Lucy! (she/her)
Key Information:
Date: Saturday March 25th and Sunday March 26th, 2023
Time: 1PM
Location: Earlscourt Park
Theatre: Live Others Collective
Length of play: 25min
General things to know:
–How We Play(ed) is told through headphones and pre-recorded audio. We will be moving to 3 different locations in the park: the ground outside the playground, the playground, and the soccer field.
-Please let Lucy know before the show starts if you would like the support of a seeing adult or friend to accompany you throughout the show. They will also be listening to the show through the headphones with you, and can make sure you move from each location safely. They will also be able to play the games with you, because they are all played in pairs!
-Before the audio begins and audiences put their headphones on, Lucy, Clara and Giovanna will gather everyone in a circle on the ground outside the playground. They will describe the rules of participating in the show. Lucy is the Director of the show. Clara and Giovanna are 2 of the young people who made the show with Lucy. Clara and Giovanna will lead the audience through the show. Lucy will be there to offer help and answer questions to anyone who needs it throughout the show.
-At this time, Lucy will also introduce Timothy and Eboni. Timothy and Eboni are ASL Interpreters who will be translating the show. Timothy and Eboni will move with the group to all 3 locations. They will be there the whole time to interpret the audio coming through the headphones.
-The audience will then be told to wave goodbye to the adult they came with (unless they are your support person), and put their headphones on.
-There are 7 voices telling the stories. These are the voices of the 7 young people who created the show with Lucy.
-We will be playing some games together. The instructions of how to play the games are part of the audio. The instructions will be given before we all play the games. While we play the games, music will be streaming through the headphones.
-There is one game that is played while the voices of Lucas and Samuel tell you stories about their hometown in Brazil. This game involves either hopping across the logs in the playground in pairs, or running beside them. If you want to play this game, we will get you to be one of the first people to hop across the logs or run beside them!
-At the end of the show, we will all be dancing the Cha Cha Slide together. The Cha Cha Slide is a fun and silly dance. The music will be streamed through the headphones and the lyrics tell you the dance moves. There are only a few simple moves to follow. There will be lots of space around you so feel free to go wild and dance dance dance!
How We Play(ed) Fact Sheet for D/deaf and Hard of Hearing Audiences
Welcome to How We Play(ed)! This fact sheet has key information about the play that you might find useful.
Hi, I’m Giovanna! (she/her)
Hi, I’m Clara! (she/her)
Hi, I’m Lucy! (she/her)
Key Information:
Date: Saturday March 25th and Sunday March 26th, 2023
Time: 1PM
Location: Earlscourt Park
Theatre: Live Others Collective
Length of play: 25min
General things to know:
–How We Play(ed) is told through headphones and pre-recorded audio. We will be moving to 3 different locations in the park: the ground outside the playground, the playground, and the soccer field.
-Before the audio begins and audiences put their headphones on, Lucy, Clara and Giovanna will gather everyone in a circle on the ground outside the playground. They will describe the rules of participating in the show. Lucy is the Director of the show. Clara and Giovanna are 2 of the young people who made the show with Lucy. Clara and Giovanna will lead the audience through the show. Lucy will be there to offer help and answer questions to anyone who needs it throughout the show.
-At this time, Lucy will also introduce Timothy and Eboni. Timothy and Eboni are ASL Interpreters who will be translating the show. Timothy and Eboni will move with the group to all 3 locations. They will be there the whole time to interpret the audio coming through the headphones.
-The audience will then be told to wave goodbye to the adult they came with, and put their headphones on. There are headphones for everyone so you are welcome to wear headphones if you would like to!
-There are 7 voices telling the stories. These are the voices of the 7 young people who created the show with Lucy.
-We will be playing some games together. The instructions of how to play the games are part of the audio. The instructions will be given before we all play the games. While we play the games, music will be streaming through the headphones. Timothy and Eboni will translate the rules of the games for you so you can play!
-There is one game that is played while the voices of Lucas and Samuel tell you stories about their hometown in Brazil. This game involves hopping across the logs in the playground in pairs. If you want to play this game, we will get you to be one of the first people to hop across the logs! Once you’ve finished your turn, you will go back to where you started and Timothy and Eboni will interpret the stories being told over the audio.
-At the end of the show, we will all be dancing the Cha Cha Slide together. The Cha Cha Slide is a fun and silly dance. The music will be streamed through the headphones and the lyrics tell you the dance moves. There are only a few simple moves to follow. Timothy and Eboni will be dancing along with us so just look to them to follow the dance moves.Most of the audience will not have heard this song before, so we will all be laughing as we try to follow along.
BENCHED – Fact Sheet
Who: The Fox Den Collective (thefoxdencollective.weebly.com)
When: March 25 and 26 at 2:00pm
Run time: 25 mins, with a 10 min Q&A to follow
Where: Earlscourt Park
Benched will be staged in the baseball area of Earlscourt Park, including the middle of the baseball diamond, the team benches. One half of the audience will go to the “Home” dugout. The other half will go to the “Away” dugout. They will switch locations three times during the show.
The show is made for kids, but if kids need their adult, they can bring their adult with them to the dugouts. Otherwise adults can observe from the bleachers behind the chainlink fencing.
Kids will have the opportunity to sit on wooden benches for 75% of the show, but will need to move across the baseball diamond three times. This area includes sand, grass, and potentially snow or mud. Our stage management team will be available before the show to check in about potential mobility challenges.
The show is outside. It may be cold, or even raining or snowing! Be sure to dress warmly for the weather, with good boots and winter gear. There are public washrooms up the hill, or south, of the baseball diamond.
The Story:
Best friends Charlie and Zoe aren’t talking anymore, and they expect you to choose sides. In this interactive play, kids piece together the story of Charlie and Zoe’s friendship through conversations with the characters and by following physical clues that help uncover the whole story. Can you investigate the events that led these friends apart? And can you help bring them back together again?
About the play’s form:
This is not a conventional play! It is often improvised, as actors have conversations with the kids. Audiences are encouraged (but never required) to talk to the performers.
Audiences will be split in two. Kids will be welcome to stay together with a sibling or friend.
To listen to the different sides of the story, the audience will move from one side of the baseball diamond to the other. This change will happen three times, followed by the entire audience gathering at the pitcher’s mound. The audience will hear the whole story no matter who they start with. All the main points about the story will be enjoyed whether or not they choose to start with orange (Charlie) or blue (Zoe).
For most of the play, two different conversations will be happening, one on each side of the baseball diamond.
Kids are welcome to take a break, leave the play, and come back to join when they are ready.
The One-Line Chronological Experience
Or:
What the Show Will Be Like For Me!
The play happens at Earlscourt Park. I might arrive by car, street car, or bus.
Baseball Diamond.
When I get to the park, I will make my way to the baseball diamond. It is between the community centre, the soccer field, the playground, and an alley. There are paved paths through the park, but to get to the baseball diamond, I will have to travel on grass or snow.
I arrive at the Earlscourt Park Baseball Diamond. I gather with other audience members in the center of the field when it’s time for the show to start.
Baseball Diamond.
This is what the baseball diamond looks like when I’m standing on the hill by the playground and the washrooms.
There might be snow, or it might be melted, and slippery or muddy. I need to dress to be comfortable outside.
When I get to the middle of the field, I meet Helen and Sarah, the hosts. Helen and Sarah will introduce the play!
Helen!
Sarah!
Helen and Sarah will be watching the play too.
If I need any questions, they are always there to help!
Helen and Sarah love to help — it’s their job!
I will be given a bracelet –
I am asked which colour bracelet I want: blue or orange.
If I choose blue, I will hear Zoe’s story first.
If I choose orange , I will hear Charlie’s story first.
Other kids will be there too.
Some kids will choose the same colour of bracelet as me, and will see the show from the same side as me.
Some kids will choose the other colour of bracelet from me, and will see the show starting from the other side.
I don’t need to worry — it doesn’t matter if I start with blue or orange!
I will meet the same people and learn the same information as the other group.
I can wear the bracelet on my wrist, or hold it, or put it in my pocket. I will be allowed to keep the bracelet once the show is over.
Then I meet the characters, Zoe and Charlie. They might chat with me. I can speak with them if I want to. I don’t have to.
This is the actor that will be pretending to be Zoe. In real life, her name is Carmen. When she’s playing Zoe, she will look a bit different, and wear a costume, including a blue hat.
This is the actor that will be pretending to be Charlie. In real life, her name is Fatma. When she’s playing Charlie, she will look a bit different, and wear a costume, including an orange headband.
The Start of the Show:
When all the kids have gathered, and Zoe and Charlie start to get into an argument, that means the show is starting!
At the end of the argument, Zoe will ask all the kids wearing blue bracelets to follow her to a dugout. Keep reading to follow Zoe’s track.
Charlie will ask all the kids wearing orange bracelets to follow her to the other dugout. Scroll down to follow Charlie’s track.
If I chose BLUE, I’m following Zoe. This is what the show will be like!
The baseball field closer up. I can see the chain link fence, and the community centre behind.
When Zoe asks her friends wearing blue bracelets to go with her, I can move to follow her.
I will go with one of the hosts and the other kids that chose blue to the dugout close to the community centre.
I can take a friend or sibling with me, or with my adult.
Round 1 (about 5 minutes)
When I get to the dugout, I can sit on the bench inside.
There will be other kids sitting on the bench too.
The actor playing Zoe will be sitting in the dugout too.
An ASL Interpreter will be there so that kids who listen with their eyes can participate.
If I don’t want to sit on the bench, I can do whatever makes me comfortable. I can leave whenever I need to take a break.
The dugout.
A dugout is a bench on one side of the baseball diamond. It has a fence around it.
When everyone is inside the dugout, Zoe will talk right to me and the other kids. She will tell me about her friendship trouble with Charlie.
Zoe might ask me and the other kids questions. She might ask, “What do you think?”
If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up.
When Zoe calls on me to speak, I can tell Zoe and the other kids my idea. Every idea is welcome!
I don’t have to share. I can enjoy the play whether I share or not.
If something personal comes up, I can take a break and leave the dugout to sit with my adult until I’m ready to come back.
End of Round 1:
When Zoe gets us to cheer “Team Zoe!” that means we are going to move soon.
Zoe might ask me to carry a laminated page with a picture on it over to Charlie. I can say yes (or nod) if I want to, or no (or shake my head/cross my arms) if I don’t want to.
When Zoe tells us to go, I go with the other kids to the other dugout, closer to the hill.
Round 2 (About 5 Minutes)
Next I go across the baseball field to the other dugout, close to the soccer field. A host will be there to help us get there.
When I get to the dugout, I can sit on the bench inside.
There will be other kids sitting on the bench too.
The actor playing Charlie will be sitting in the dugout too.
An ASL Interpreter will be there so that kids who listen with their eyes can participate.
If I don’t want to sit on the bench, I can do whatever makes me comfortable. I can leave whenever I need to take a break.
The next dugout.
This dugout is by the soccer field.
When everyone is inside the dugout, Charlie talks right to me and the other kids. She tells me about her friendship trouble with Zoe. She has a different perspective than Zoe did.
Charlie will ask me and the other kids questions. She will ask to see the laminated pictures we brought over. She might ask questions like, “Did Zoe tell you that she didn’t come to my games night?”
If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up.
When Charlie calls on me to speak, I can tell Charlie and the other kids my idea. Every idea is welcome!
I don’t have to share. I can enjoy the play whether I share or not.
If something personal comes up, I can take a break and leave the dugout to sit with my adult until I’m ready to come back.
Charlie will decide whether or not to give Zoe her Memory Box. Charlie may ask me or the other kids to carry the Memory Box over to Zoe.
I don’t have to if I don’t want to. I can say no or I can show that I don’t want to by crossing my arms over my chest.
I will not get to keep the Memory Box. If I carry it I will have to give it to Zoe when I get to her dugout.
The Memory Box looks a bit like this. It holds memories from the friendship.
End of Round 2:
When Charlie gives a kid the Memory Box, that means it’s almost time to move to a new place.
When Charlie tells us to go, I go with the other kids to the other dugout, closer to the community centre. I am going back to see Zoe.
Round 3 (About 5 minutes)
I go across the baseball field to the first dugout, closer to the community centre again. This is where I started out.
When I get to the dugout, I can sit on the bench inside.
There will be other kids sitting on the bench too.
The actor playing Zoe will be sitting in the dugout too.
An ASL Interpreter will be there so that kids who listen with their eyes can participate.
If I don’t want to sit on the bench, I can do whatever makes me comfortable. I can leave whenever I need to take a break.
Zoe will ask to have the Memory Box and we will give it to her. After talking for a bit about what we heard from Charlie, Zoe will open the Memory Box, and show the objects inside.
Zoe will pass the object to the kids to look at and touch.
I can receive the object from the kid beside me, and then pass it to the next kid.
I don’t have to touch the objects if I don’t want to. I can say no thank you, or I can show that I don’t want to by crossing my arms over my chest.
I will not get to keep the object. I can look at it, and feel it, but I will have to pass it on to the next kid.
Zoe decides to write a letter to Charlie. She asks for suggestions to help write the letter. She might ask questions like, “Should I tell her how I feel?”
Zoe will have a piece of paper and write down some of the ideas from the audience.
If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up.
When Zoe calls on me to speak, I can tell Zoe and the other kids my idea. Every idea is welcome!
I don’t have to share. I can enjoy the play whether I share or not.
End of Round 3:
When Zoe is finished the letter, and signs it “from Zoe” or “love Zoe” that means it’s almost time to move again. When Zoe tells us to go, I travel with Zoe to the middle of the baseball diamond.
Round 4 (About 5 minutes)
When Zoe tells us to go, I travel with Zoe to the middle of the baseball diamond.
I am with Zoe and the other kids in the middle of the baseball diamond. Charlie, and the kids that were with Charlie are there too.
Charlie will use a microphone to read the letter that she wrote to Zoe. Zoe will use the microphone to read the letter that she wrote to Charlie. Zoe and Charlie will lead us in another cheer.
Zoe and Charlie will hug.
That’s end of the performance! Scroll down to see what happens next.
If I choose ORANGE, I’m following Charlie. This is what the show will be like!
One side of the baseball field I can see the chain link fence, and the soccer field behind.
When Charlie asks her friends wearing orange bracelets to go with her, I can move to follow her.
I will go with one of the hosts and the other kids that chose orange to the dugout close to the community centre.
I can take a friend or sibling with me, or with my adult.
Round 1 (about 5 minutes)
When I get to the dugout, I can sit on the bench inside.
There will be other kids sitting on the bench too.
The actor playing Charlie will be sitting in the dugout too.
An ASL Interpreter will be there so that kids who listen with their eyes can participate.
If I don’t want to sit on the bench, I can do whatever makes me comfortable. I can leave whenever I need to take a break.
The dugout.
A dugout is a bench on one side of the baseball diamond. It has a fence around it.
When everyone is inside the dugout, Charlie talks right to me and the other kids. She tells me about her friendship trouble with Zoe.
Charlie might ask me and the other kids questions. She might ask, “What do you think?”
If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up.
When Charlie calls on me to speak, I can tell Charlie and the other kids my idea. Every idea is welcome!
I don’t have to share. I can enjoy the play whether I share or not.
If something personal comes up, I can take a break and leave the dugout to sit with my adult until I’m ready to come back.
End of Round 1:
When Charlie gets us to cheer “Team Charlie!” that means we are going to move soon.
Charlie might ask me to carry a laminated page with a picture on it over to Zoe. I can say yes (or nod) if I want to, or no (shake my head/cross my arms) if I don’t want to.
When Charlie tells us to go, I go with the other kids to the other dugout, closer to the community centre.
Round 2 (About 5 Minutes)
Next I go across the baseball field to the other dugout, close to the community centre.
A host will be there to help us get there.
When I get to the dugout, I can sit on the bench inside.
There will be other kids sitting on the bench too.
The actor playing Zoe will be sitting in the dugout too.
An ASL Interpreter will be there so that kids who listen with their eyes can participate.
If I don’t want to sit on the bench, I can do whatever makes me comfortable. I can leave whenever I need to take a break.
The next dugout.
This dugout is by the community centre.
When everyone is inside the dugout, Zoe talks right to me and the other kids. She tells me about her friendship trouble with Charlie. She has a different perspective than Charlie did!
Zoe will ask me and the other kids questions. She will ask to see the laminated pictures we brought over. She might ask questions like, “Did Charlie tell you she wrote me this mean message?”
If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up.
When Zoe calls on me to speak, I can tell Zoe and the other kids my idea. Every idea is welcome!
I don’t have to share. I can enjoy the play whether I share or not.
If something personal comes up, I can take a break and leave the dugout to sit with my adult until I’m ready to come back.
Zoe will decide whether or not to give Charlie her Memory Box. Zoe may ask me or the other kids to carry the Memory Box over to Charlie. I don’t have to if I don’t want to. I can say no or I can show that I don’t want to by crossing my arms over my chest.
I will not get to keep the Memory Box. If I carry it I will have to give it to Charlie when I get to her dugout.
The Memory Box looks a bit like this. It holds memories from the friendship.
End of Round 2:
When Zoe gives a kid the Memory Box, that means it’s almost time to move to a new place.
When Zoe tells us to go, I go with the other kids to the other dugout, closer to the soccer field. I am going back to see Charlie.
Round 3 (About 5 minutes)
I go across the baseball field to the first dugout, closer to the soccer field again. This is where I started out.
When I get to the dugout, I can sit on the bench inside.
There will be other kids sitting on the bench too.
The actor playing Charlie will be sitting in the dugout too.
The ASL Interpreter will be there so that kids who listen with their eyes can participate.
If I don’t want to sit on the bench, I can do whatever makes me comfortable. I can leave whenever I need to take a break.
Charlie will ask for the Memory Box.
After talking for a bit, Charlie will open the Memory Box, and show the objects inside.
Charlie will pass the object to the kids to look at and touch.
I can receive the object from the kid beside me, and then pass it to the next kid.
I don’t have to touch the objects if I don’t want to. I can say no, or I can show that I don’t want to by crossing my arms over my chest. I will not get to keep the object. I can look at it, and feel it, but I will have to pass it on to the next kid.
Charlie decides to write a letter to Zoe. She asks for suggestions to help write the letter. She might ask questions like, “Should I tell her how I feel?”
Charlie will have a piece of paper and write down some of the ideas from the audience.
If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up.
When Charlie calls on me to speak, I can tell Charlie and the other kids my idea. Every idea is welcome!
I don’t have to share. I can enjoy the play whether I share or not.
End of Round 3:
When Charlie is finished the letter, and signs it “from Charlie” or “love Charlie” that means it’s almost time to move again. When Charlie tells us to go, I travel with Charlie to the middle of the baseball diamond.
Round 4 (About 5 minutes)
I am with Charlie and the other kids in the middle of the baseball diamond. Zoe, and the kids that were in the blue group are there too.
Charlie will use a microphone to read the letter that she wrote to Zoe. Zoe will use the microphone to read the letter that she wrote to Charlie. Zoe and Charlie will lead us in another cheer.
Zoe and Charlie will hug.
That’s end of the performance! Keep reading to find out what happens next:
The End of the Show
When Zoe and Charlie hug, that is the end of the performance. The actors will bow.
The hosts will lead everyone in clapping. I can clap if I liked the show.
Other people will clap too, and this may make a loud sound. If it is too loud, I can cover my ears.
The hosts will also invite me to bow too, because I helped a lot! I can bend over at my waist with the other kids.
There is an optional Q&A (Question and Answer time) afterwards:
Q&A (About 15 minutes)
Now it is time for questions and answers about the show.
The actors, Carmen and Fatma, and the hosts, Helen and Sarah, ask the kids questions.
They might ask something like, “Have you ever had a difficult time sorting out a problem with a friend?”
If I have an idea I want to share, I can put my hand up.
When an actor or host calls on me to speak, I can say my idea. Every idea is welcome!
Next the kids can ask the actors or hosts questions.
If I have a question I want to ask, I can put my hand up.
When an actor or host calls on me to speak, I ask my question. Every question is welcome
When it is almost time to be done, the actor will say, “Last question.”
When the last question has been asked and answered, the actors and hosts will say a final statement.
I can again clap if I liked the show.
Other people will clap too, and this may make a loud sound. If it is too loud, I can cover my ears.
It’s now time to leave the baseball diamond.
At The End Of Kaliyuga Fact Sheet
Sanskruti Marathe (She/They) Creator and Performer
Key Information:
Date: Saturday March 25th and Sunday March 26th, 2023
Time: 4 PM
Location: Splashpad in Earlscourt Park (1200 Lansdowne Avenue, Toronto)
Performer: Sanskruti Marathe
Length of play: 25min
General things to know:
At the End of Kaliyuga is a story told by Sanskruti Marathe through the medium of Indian Classical Dance called Bharatnatyam. She will be wearing a traditional dance costume, dancing bells and gold plated jewellery with gems.
This performance is a solo show and Sanskruti will be the only performer. She will play 3 different characters named- Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Sanskruti will begin the performance by speaking directly to the audience and will describe the show and introduce herself.
In the performance, there will be a dance of destruction called Tandav. This dance signifies destruction and rebirth of a new world.
At the end of the dance of destruction, the audience will be invited to form a semi- circle with Sanskruti and she will teach a few Indian classical storytelling gestures that use hands and body language. This part also includes audience participation through call and response.
At the end of the audience participation a song will play and the audience is welcome to dance as we close the show.
History the show:
What is Kaliyuga?
According to the Hindu Vedas (scriptures) there were four major cycles of life on this planet. We are living in the fourth cycle called the Kaliyuga. Kaliyuga is also known to be the age of darkness and ignorance according to the Vedas. However I think we have much to cherish, love and look forward to. What do you like the most about our planet?
Who is Shiva?
According to Hindu Mythology, Shiva is a God of Destruction. He destroys the things that we want to leave behind in order to evolve with time.
Who is Vishnu?
According to Hindu Mythology, Vishnu is a God of Sustaining. He preserves and Sustains all that is wonderful about this life on earth.
Who is Brahma?
According to Hindu Mythology, Brahma is a God of Creation. He is responsible for giving birth to us humans, plants, animals and all of life.
What is Bharatanatyam?
Bharatnatyam is an ancient Indian Classical Dance that originated in the South-Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It has been passed down throughout centuries by dance Gurus (teachers) and today I have the golden opportunity to present this show to you through Bharatanatyam.
A Question for you
Which Character do you relate to the most?