Wildwood--- Donald Toal, knows a little about acting, well actually a lot, as the education

outreach coordinator for cape may stage, he knows firsthand about the

magic of performing, a magic he wants these 5th graders at Glenwood

Elementary School to feel for themselves.


As part of a 5 year 5 million dollar initiative funded by P•N•C Arts Alive,

Cape May Stage is making the arts more accessible to diverse audiences

around the region.


“We're able to offer arts programming to communities and areas that are

normally very underprivileged and under funded and allow them to get a

taste of the magic of live theater they would not get to in their own

community,” says Toal.


Since Glenwood doesn't have a performing arts program, the workshops

have been a welcome addition in the eyes of educators.



Whether it's the tossing of the imaginary ball, or the crazy eights dance, it

may not look like the students are learning any valuable life lessons, but

teachers like betsy heraux would disagree.



“A lot of the students that would not normally be as outgoing have certainly

rise to the occasion. They jump right in and they get right into the acting

experience.”



For Joshua Marsden these workshops have taught him not only about

communication but also, team work.



“It's good to be right next to each other and be able to talk and be partners

together.”


And Principal John Kummings is hoping programs like this will continue to

bring even more students together in the years to come.


“Any activity that we think would be beneficial for our students to create

different opportunities like that we try to accommodate.”