More than just an online play
The Online Theatre production Greedy Cat – Online is based on the children’s book by acclaimed author Joy Cowley (illustrated by Robyn Belton). It is accompanied by high-quality teaching resource guides to deliver learning outcomes across literacy, drama and other areas of the curriculum. Online Theatre offers a unique way of presenting this popular title to help learners with a wide range of abilities. Learners are able to engage with the stories visually, aurally and kinaesthetically.
Greedy Cat – Online is an inspired interpretation of the original text. Developed in collaboration with the author to accurately translate the essence of the printed word into the world of the stage. It also puts special focus on providing strong visual cues to support what is being said onstage. This helps give the young audience the highest possible level of understanding of the text.
Through this approach, Online Theatre serves a wide range of reading and learning abilities. Which includes ESOL and ELL students and those who are hearing, blind or visually impaired. In addition to its highly appealing mix of sight, sound and action, the show has versions with audio descriptions, captioning and NZ Sign Language.
Photos by David Rowland / One-Image.com
Accessible learning
Available via a seven-day subscription, Greedy Cat – Online can be streamed online via Essential Resources’ online storage system, Filebox. Online Theatre can be accessed without any additional equipment or training outside of a standard learning programme.
Using this accessible resource, teachers and early childhood educators can easily conduct an exciting and different learning experience.
Quality learning resources
To enhance the experience of viewing Greedy Cat – Online a digital resource for either early childhood or primary is included.
Making connections with Te Whāriki and the EYLF, The Early Childhood Educators’ Resource Guide offers suggestions for a variety of possible experiences for children in relation to Joy Cowley’s Greedy Cat.
For Primary, the Teachers’ Resource Guide provides suggestions for activities related to the Greedy Cat series. Featuring links to the New Zealand and the Australian curricula, it contains questions and activities that you can select or adapt to suit the age level of your primary school classroom.
Photos by David Rowland / One-Image.com
Tim Bray Theatre Company success
Tim Bray Theatre Company is Aotearoa New Zealand’s longest-running professional children’s theatre company. As a charitable trust, it is dedicated to inspiring children aged three to 10 years (and their families) with original productions based on acclaimed local and international children’s books.
The company has delivered over 100 original productions. In 2020 they won the Arts Access Creative New Zealand Arts for All Award for its long-term commitment to making theatre accessible. According to Artistic Director Tim Bray, QSM, the partnership with Essential Resources provides a platform to share the company’s work even more.
Tim says:
We are excited about this new partnership with Essential Resources. It allows our theatre shows to be accessed by more learners across Australasia. Our Audio Described and NZSL interpreted options broaden access for blind and Deaf children.
I was introduced to theatre as a child by my late parents. The other worlds the shows took me to had a huge impact on me and led me to theatre.
We’ve had a long relationship with Joy Cowley and she has seen our shows based on her stories. At one visit, she gave me a copy of Greedy Cat and the School Pet Show. In it she wrote, “To Tim who has reinvented Greedy Cat – and laughter. Thank you for a wonderful show. With love, Joy.”
Photos by David Rowland / One-Image.com
