With support from an Ithaca Public Education Initiative (IPEI) Community Collaboration Grant, the Hangar Theatre offered special matinee performances of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” to more than 700 Ithaca City School District (ICSD) students on December 14th and December 16th, 2011.  Community Collaboration Grants are awarded to nonprofit community organizations to initiate curricular-enhancing programs with the ICSD.

“Given the demands on funds in our schools, this special opportunity would not have been possible without IPEI,” said Christopher Carey, Boynton Middle School teacher.  “Their support of our students, year after year, is needed, appreciated, and most gratefully accepted.”

All eighth-graders from Boynton and DeWitt Middle Schools attended the production, giving them the opportunity to have a common experience before they meet in high school the next year.  The Lehman Alternative Community School (LACS) united its entire student body by attending the play as a school.

Attending the performance and undertaking related classroom activities met Theatre Arts Learning standards and English Language Arts standards, as well as connected students to history, media studies, and relevant youth issues.


“ ‘It's A Wonderful Life’ celebrates integrity, generosity to others and the value of living life with perseverance and optimism,” said Director David Feldshuh.  “The questions and comments of the students who attended the show remind us that these lessons continue to be important and relevant to a younger generation.”

Students had the opportunity to ask questions during a talk-back session after the performance.  Many asked about the creation of sound effects, particularly the sound of breaking glass.  One actor explained the importance of recreating effects that are authentic and accurate to the 1930s and 1940s. 

“It's almost like I could just close my eyes and listen, and I could see it all,” said one LACS student.

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