A dynamic, engaging celebration of history, Prairie Folklore Theatre offers a wide range of educational programs. Whether you want to host a performance at your school or local theatre, please ContactUs to book a program. Every show comes with follow-up lesson plans and makes direct connections with state mandated curriculum in history, ecology and literacy.
We are a touring theatre company with more than 20 original shows in our working repertoire. We would be thrilled to bring any of these performances to your community. Many of them can even be tailored to include details that highlight your local history.
Call 309-689-8000 or Contact Us if you would like to host a performance in your community.
Please check our Calendar to see if we are coming to your neck of the woods!
Click on a show to see program notes! Follow this link to Lesson Plans.
Black Hawk's Band?: A Native View of Illinois History
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Imagine a campfire with a band of Indians sharing creation myths and history. Fancy dancing and drumming songs are part of this evening's celebration of an undying spirit that inhabits the land where Black Hawk roamed.
Click here for an article about the show.
Canoe Song: A Voyager’s Tale?
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From the journals of Marquette and Joliet we get a glimpse of life in the early days of Midwestern history. Through folksongs and true tales we can be immersed in the adventures of these hardy explorers and fur traders.
Civil War Ghosts and Legends?
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True stories and legends are woven with traditional songs and poetry from this most un-Civil War. Poetry by Walt Whitman and classic horror stories by Ambrose Bierce are blended with popular songs by Stephen Foster to bring to life the bloodiest chapter in American History. Through visceral stories and haunting ballads listen to eye witness accounts of the triumphs and tragedies of many of the major battles.
Prairie Fire!?
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A celebration of bison and covered wagons, wolves and wigwams, this tapestry of American Indian and pioneer stories and songs will bring to life the struggle to survive in this fiery ocean of waving grasses.
Lincoln Tales Tall and True
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Tracing his rise from prairie state rail splitter to America's favorite president, this blend of original songs and legends will attempt to disentangle the man from the myth. Meet the folks who shaped and molded Lincoln.
An Immigrant's Song: From Ireland to America?
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This blending of Irish folk tunes and traditional tales tells the story of Irish immigrants within the broader cultural and political context of Ireland and America. It also explores the role of the Irish in the building of Illinois' railroads and canals. Featured performance for the regional Conference Of Irish Immigration.
Riverboat Tales Tall and True?
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The glory days of steamboating are celebrated in this rich mix of true history and rollicking toe-tapping tunes. Imagine Mark Twain hosting an evening of Prairie Home Companion. With a barbershop quartet, a bluegrass band, a little vaudville, slapstick, and lots of great stories, history has never been so much fun!
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This is a new story concept in the works. Taking true tales from family records, oral history and historical documents, we'll explore life in the early 1900 hundreds and 19th century American. Look for this program in the coming year!
River Ghosts?
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Drawing from the writings of Mark Twain and true stories of local ghosts, this show is a mix of haunting ballads and spooky tales that are sure to make your flesh crawl.
