Huntingdon, Tenn.—The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center was one of 16 theatres in the United States to partner with Purdue University in a research study last week—and youngsters in the Huntingdon Schools were the lucky recipients.
The Dixie presented the Enchantment Theatre Company’s My Father’s Dragon to over 700 children last week as part of the study. Dr. Amanda Mayes, Manager of Education at Purdue Convocations, developed the study to examine the impact of a live performance of My Father’s Dragon on the literacy skills of some of the youngest theatre patrons.
Because this type of research is minimal in the field, the participation of arts presenting organizations like The Dixie was critical to ensuring sufficient student participation. The study has grown to include over 10,000 elementary students at 116 different schools. 121 students from Huntingdon Primary School and 215 students from Huntingdon Middle School participated in the study taking tests before and after watching the performance. Each participant received a copy of the book. Additionally, over 700 children total attended the performances.
My Father’s Dragon is Enchantment Theatre Company’s adaptation of the author Ruth Stiles Gannett’s series of classic children’s novels. Using life-sized puppets, expressive masks, inventive staging, and original music, they took students on a visionary adventure that features flying dragons, talking animals, buried treasure and so much more. Enchantment Theatre brought to vivid life a story that has been honored by Newbery and the American Library Association and named among the top 100 books for children by the School Library Journal.
Southern Chiropractic & Acupuncture was the sponsor for the two performances at The Dixie. As a part of their sponsorship, each school in attendance received a copy of the book My Father’s Dragon for their library. “It was such a great experience to sponsor My Father’s Dragon! From my time at Purdue, I know how far reaching the outcomes of their research can be and I feel blessed to be able to give back to Purdue in such a unique way. Being able to witness how the Dixie PAC impacts students in our community was a great joy and something Southern Chiropractic & Acupuncture is proud to support” – Krista Martin, Purdue University Alumni and show sponsor.
The Dixie is hosting six School Time Performances this season including My Father’s Dragon, Pete the Cat, Doktor Kaboom! Live Wire! Electricity Tour, Charlotte’s Web, Gooodnight Moon & Runaway Bunny and Gruffalo. For tickets please call The Dixie Box Office at (731)986-2100.
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