On May 12, the last two performances at Theater Three of WANDA’S MONSTER, THE MUSICAL were performed. I invited Eileen Spinelli, the author of the illustrated children’s book it was based on to see the show when the run started, and she and her husband Jerry attended the early show that day.

Eileen Spinelli and the cast of Wanda’s Monster

Did you have a favorite book when you were a kid? Mine was lovingly worn with torn edges and a faded cover from reading too much in the sunshine. I clutched it to my side on the school bus, and tucked it under my pillow at night. Children’s author Beverly Cleary introduced me to my best pal, Ramona Quimby. I related to Ramona because we both were wildly imaginative and downright pests to our older sisters.  

Recently, Parent Squad member, Ellin Cowie visited a rehearsal for WANDA’S MONSTER THE MUSICAL and was inspired to write a reflection that encourages us all the celebrate our Grandparents!

With Wanda’s Monster opening this Friday, I’ve got audiences on my mind. What is a good audience member? Is it only someone who is willing to pay the ticket price? Or is it more than that—is it someone who laughs and responds and listens at all the right moments the creative team wants them to?

(It’s a lovely, lovely pipedream to think that we can control our audiences.)

Our intern, Kristy Dodson found this quirky poem that reminded us all of WANDA’S MONSTER.  What do you think?

The monsters in my closet

Like to sleep the day away.

So when I get home from school,

I let them out to play.

When Mom calls me for supper,

I give them each a broom.

First they put my toys away,

And then they clean my room.

The Mummy hates to vacuum.

So if he starts to whine,

This is especially fascinating article that really delves into some tactics you can use to help your children overcome a wide array of fears. Let us know if their are any especially good tactics you have used on helping children deal with their fears https://www.akronchildrens.org/cms/tips/childhood_fears/bp404childhood_f…

February 24, 2013

Nonprofits Go All Out to Find and Recruit Stronger Board Members

Some local United Ways have programs that help connect charities with potential trustees, such as BoardServeNYC, which runs matchmaking events. It also offers training so that people who are new to board service be more likely to succeed.

By Holly Hall

When three nonprofit groups merged last year to form the University of Arizona Health Network, problems quickly emerged with its new board of directors.

Arts and technology. 

If you ask most people, they aren’t really synonymous.  Theater organizations, in general, are about 10 years behind the technological tide.  Making Books Sing is no exception.

I had the opportunity to see the NYC Ballet this past weekend.