Photos from recent
Artists in Residence Performances
February 15-26 (K-8)
Doktor Kaboom! performed original interactive Science Comedy shows for 28 tri-state schools. His show is a blend of theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration. Students and teachers loved it!
Here's what "Doktor Kaboom" had to say about us:
I just wanted to take a moment to thank you, and to tell you how
impressed I was with the structure and follow through of your
council's residency program.
As you know, I have performed in hundreds of schools and dozens of
school systems across the country. The Dubuque Arts Council has set up
a program that I believe would be an excellent model for any community
wishing to create, or improve upon, an artist in schools residency.
From start to finish Dubuque's program, in terms of efficiency,
efficacy, follow through, and hospitality, sets a new standard in my
experience. Communication, from initial inquiries to post residency
follow up, was clear, professional, and exceedingly pleasant. This
made the entire experience work very smoothly from my end. Also
helping this was the high level of genuine hospitality. Every school
welcomed me with open arms and clear joy at having the program
available to them.
I was particularly impressed with the level of dedication on the part
of your board members. I have not before encountered such a focused
and active working board of all volunteers. Having a board member
accompany the artist to each performance is a very classy touch. Also,
the evening reception in the beginning of the second week of my
residency was absolutely delightful. I don't usually get such an
opportunity to meet and socialize with the folks who have brought me
into their community. Thank-you again for hosting such a lovely event.
And, finally, I'd like to thank you for going the extra step to
provide decent housing. Many places, in a very understandable effort
to cut costs, will house the artist in the cheapest place they can
find with a phone call. Again, this is unsurprising and reasonable,
but it is clear that DAC made a concerted effort to find comfortable
lodging while putting in the work to secure it at a rate affordable to
the council. The hotel staff, Hampton Inn, were extremely courteous,
and obviously pleased to be helping out in their own way.
Thank-you again for putting in the work to make it possible for me to
come to your schools, and for going the extra mile to make sure my
experience was wonderful, for it most certainly was. Please pass on my
thanks to the members of your board, and congratulations to you all
for creating such a superlative program. The kudos are well deserved.
Yours in friendship,
David Epley
Doktor Kaboom!
Christopher Wilson
"The Marimba & Drums: Around the World"
Christopher Wilson, a young percussionist with an emphasis in marimba performed for 28 schools in the tri-state area in late March. His assembly program,"The Origins of the Marimba," was enthusiastically received by the K-12 students. It included audience participation and even some African drumming!
