Grout Elementary School

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The Drama Literacy Program:

The Drama Literacy Program is its eighth year under the direction of Michael Wehrli and New Moon Productions.  It also ran for three years at Lewis Elementary.  The program operates daily, Monday through Thursday, for three hours each day (broken into four 45 minute segments).  The Drama Literacy program runs for two weeks for each group of K-1^st grade students and is extended to five-seven weeks for each group of 2^nd-5^th grade students.  During this time students are working on reading comprehension, articulation, vocal projection, character development, stage movement, objectives and tactics in acting, ensemble building, and problem solving.  The 2^nd—5^th grade students also work on a play that is adapted specifically for each group and is suited to challenge their level of reading and comprehension.  At the end of each 5-7 week term, each group gives 3 free performances; a daytime show for their  school; a night time show for their parents; and a special performance at a local retirement center.  Night time performances this year will be at 6:30pm on Dec.16 (2010) and Feb.10, April 7 in 2011.

New Moon Productions' goal for the Drama Literacy Program is to provide children a healthy and safe environment to put into direct practice the literacy skills they have learned in the classroom.  Furthermore, we work with students to express emotions and to experience their imagination being celebrated and encouraged. Our objectives are to offer youth opportunities to increase their self-confidence and enhance their self-esteem by improving their communication, literacy and interpersonal skills in an innovative, supportive, fun, and exciting environment.  Students are taught to focus, to be disciplined in their approach to acting and reading, to express themselves as individuals, and to appreciate other cultures and ideas.  We firmly believe that taking part in the creation of a play offers young people a unique experience that will boost their literacy skills, their confidence and creativity, their ability to work collaboratively, and their interpersonal skills - all of which are major assets that will serve them well in the future.  The final objective of this program is to foster community by bringing the families together in celebration of their student’s achievement with the free performances.  We hope to instill a sense of appreciation of live theatre to those who attend as well as help to inspire others who wish to participate in creative expression. 

New Moon Productions was founded in 1994 with the fundamental goal of creating innovative programs designed to foster children’s creativity, literacy skills, self-esteem, collaboration, and a strong work ethic through their participation in high-quality theatrical productions performed by, and for, children.  By the end of 2002 (in Texas), New Moon had produced 37 full-scale productions and had over 7,000 youth participate in our theatrical productions, drama classes, or summer camps.  In 2003, the co-founders of NMP Michael Wehrli and Pamela Stringer moved to Portland, Oregon.  Since their arrival, New Moon has offered the Drama Literacy Program at Grout Elementary and Lewis Elementary and performance classes at several other locations all over Portland.  In December 2003, New Moon produced A Kristmus Karel  with an all-youth cast at the Interstate Firehouse Theatre and an adult cast at the Multnomah Arts Center.  From 2004-2008 New Moon co-produced an extensive four-week summer musical theatre camp with SUN Community Schools, and Portland Parks and Recreation.  The camp featured full scale performances at the Washington Park Amphitheatre.  To date, New Moon Productions has provided over 15,000 children an enriching theatre experience both in the classroom and on stage and given over 53,000 audience members memorable shows. 

NEW MOON PRODUCTONS: www.newmoonproductions.org

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2010-2011 Drama Literacy Program Performances:

 Times -

School performance: 9:00am

Public performance: 6:30pm

Dates -

Thursday December 16th, 2010

Thursday February 10th, 2011

Thursday April 7, 2011

Information -

Performances are free with donations gratefully accepted.

Summer Theatre Camps!

 New Moon Productions will be presenting some Exciting Theatre Camps for Kids next Summer!  They will take place right here at D. A. Grout Elementary.  More Information Will Be Released In February! 

For more information, go to our website:  www.newmoonproductions.org

Or call SUN Community schools - 503-916-6421