Project Earth

PROJECT EARTH: Calling for children collaboration

Multi-Arts is excited to announce plans to produce a play inspired by Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot". This  production is set to premiere Summer 2020, and will have elements of live music, narration, and of course, fantastical sets & props!

We invite children under 18 to watch this video, reflect on Sagan’s words, and create art/poetry/writing inspired by it.

The deadline for submissions is April 7th, and winners will have their ideas incorporated into the final script.
Prizes also include up to $300 for applicants 13-18 years old, and a free day at Multi-Arts for ages 4-12

Final script will be written by Maia Kinney-Petrucha, a children’s playwright and theater educator specializing in immersive and devised entertainment for all ages. Her background in cognitive science drives her love of theatrical research, and using the power of play to heal and foster empathy through storytelling.

Renowned composer Luna Pearl Woolf will breathe life into the story with stirring, original compositions. Woolf has created commissioned works for the likes of Carnegie Hall and the Washington National Opera.

Multi-Arts’ art teacher, Julio Neijens, will lend his expertise in set & prop building, and artistic direction. He has worked as head carpenter and painter in theater productions throughout Chicago. Julio has also worked with the Lincoln Park Zoo, making play items for the animals to help keep them healthy and active!

Right now is a time of great uncertainty and anxiety for many, and we know that stagnancy and pessimism move us farther from solutions. Instead, we call upon the young people in our community to share their creativity, insights and light with us. At the heart of this production will be a story about taking care of our planet, and inspiring change so that we may all preserve this beautiful pale blue dot. 

Please send submissions  to  info@multi-arts.org
or call our number for more information!
(413) 584-7951

COVID-19

Everyone should be receiving information regularly from ARPS Superintendent of schools, Michael Morris.

Schools are currently closed with the earliest possible return date of Monday, April 7 (per Governor Baker). This is in order to allow for adequate social distancing to help protect everyone from the spread of the virus, and in particular to help protect vulnerable populations.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided starting Tuesday (see ARPS FAQ below).

All scheduled school events and extracurricular activities have been cancelled until further notice.

Here are some sources of information:

• ARPS FAQ (as of March 13)

• Town of Amherst

• Massachusetts Department of Health 

• Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

The PGO digest will take a hiatus until the resumption of school. Wash hands and stay healthy!

Math and Pi night

Missoula Children's Theater - The Tortoise and the Hare

Summer at the Center Dance

Keep it COOL this summer at The Center Dance Studio!

The Center will be hosting 4 different week-long programs this summer for kids entering grades 1-5. Ask about our Counselors-in-Training program for students entering grades 6-8. Details are here.

Part reader/writer’s workshop, part dance your heart out/collaborative choreography, part cool down and dip at the town pool. One hundred percent fun.

Week 1 – July 27th-31st: Picture Book Parade

Week 2 – August 3rd-7th: Midsummer Ballet

Week 3 – August 10th-14th: Dance Around the World

Week 4 – August 17th-21st: Fairies & Folklore

Drop-off: 9:00 AM at The Center Dance Studio, 321 Main Street in Amherst, MA
Pick-up: 4:00 PM at The Center Dance Studio (4:30 PM late pick-up option available)

To register, email thecenterdanceschool@gmail.com, call 413-230-1944 or visit our Square Store. $325/week. A $50 deposit secures your child’s spot (balance due by July 1st); OR pay in full now.

Amherst Baseball and Hadley/Amherst Softball

Information and registration can be found at www.amherstbaseball.org.

Spring training begins next weekend as follows on Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 22:

• Baseball ages 5 -6: 8:30 am to 9:30 am
• Baseball ages 7-9: 9:30 am to 10:45 am
• Baseball ages 10-12: 10:45 am to Noon (new players may be asked to stay until 12:30 pm)

• Softball ages 10 and under: 12:30 pm to 1:45 pm (if cannot attend this session, they may come to the second session)
• Softball Ages 12 and under: 1:45 pm to 2:30 pm