WORKSHOPS
My Father's War is an ideal performance for all audiences. People in all generations and from diverse backgrounds, including people in active service, veterans, and their families and friends, see their own experiences reflected in and expressed through Lt. Herschel Ponder's words and the accompanying songs.
It is a beautiful production that evokes the essence of war and warriors, their victories, sacrifices, loyalty to each other, and the sweet pain of coming home.
But My Father's War isn't just about WWII. It's about going to war and coming home again. Hearing Lt. Ponder's words of war and peace, surrounded by narrative and song, is a powerful catalyst that inspires others to think and open up about their own experiences - whether they are survivors of combat or the family and friends who are living through PTSD and other after-effects of war with their combat veterans.
A post-performance workshop in which creative writing and performing activities are undertaken can enhance this healing effect, provide a gateway into self-expression, and introduce audiences of all ages and backgrounds to good public speaking and communication skills that will stand them in good stead in life.
Though examples are listed below, any of the workshops can be tailored to meet the needs of your audience or group.
A post-performance workshop in which creative writing and performing activities are undertaken can enhance this healing effect, provide a gateway into self-expression, and introduce audiences of all ages and backgrounds to good public speaking and communication skills that will stand them in good stead in life.
Though examples are listed below, any of the workshops can be tailored to meet the needs of your audience or group.
WORKSHOPS FOR SCHOOLS & STUDENTS
Carol and Robert have developed scores of workshops for schools and teachers. Their workshops foster self-exploration through writing and performance. Popular choices include:
Carol and Robert can offer professional development for teachers, arts educators, and teaching artists. Options include:
Or, contact Carol and Robert to ask about a specific workshop for your school!
Back to the top
- Slam Poetry Workshop
- Southern Appalachian Ballad Singing & Storytelling Workshop
- Performance Skills Workshop - can incorporate theatre, storytelling, voice, and guitar, autoharp and spoons
Carol and Robert can offer professional development for teachers, arts educators, and teaching artists. Options include:
- Creating Art-Integrated Curricula Workshop
- Reader's Theater in the Classroom Workshop
- Memoir Writing Workshop
Or, contact Carol and Robert to ask about a specific workshop for your school!
Back to the top
WORKSHOPS FOR ADULTS
Carol and Robert have worked with adults and adult groups to unleash creativity. Carol has taught, presented workshops, and designed educational events for organizations like the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Big Thought, The Lincoln Center Institute, and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Examples of workshops for your audience include:
Carol and Robert can partner with you to create an inspiring and informative workshop that specifically meets the needs of your group.
Back to the top
- Spoken Word Art & Storytelling Workshop
- Creative Expression Workshop
- Folk Music Living Tradition Workshop
Carol and Robert can partner with you to create an inspiring and informative workshop that specifically meets the needs of your group.
Back to the top
WORKSHOPS FOR VETERANS
Carol and Robert offer three options for workshops specifically geared towards veterans and veterans' groups.
Or, Carol and Robert can work with mental health professionals to develop creative, arts-based materials specific to your needs, inspired by Ponder Anew: A WWII Warrior's Story.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR INDIVIDUAL JOURNALING:
About being on the train, leaving home to report for duty for the first time, Lt. Ponder wrote: Lord, I was lonesome. I wanted to cry so bad it hurt. I was a man. I couldn't. I'd look out my window, then at the ceiling, take a deep breath, look at my orders. I was in the Army Air Corps. Would I fly? And in what? ... I looked out the window at the trees and fields passing by for a good long time and then thought," I'll just eat this lunch my mom packed for me."
After Ponder's first combat mission, he wrote: One mission - and I was consumed. My life became two things - survival and destruction. There was no dread or fear - just fact.
After VE Day, when combat stopped and everyone was just waiting to see what would happen next, Ponder wrote: And now - there was nothing. Nothing to do - no missions to fly - no more bombing runs - no more strafing - no more destruction. The relief and exhilaration of a dogfight was gone ... There was an emptiness - a void.
Back to the top
- To design and lead a series of workshops for veterans with counselors participating.
- To train counselors in the arts skills necessary to lead the workshops
- To train counselors in the arts skills, lead the first workshop, with counselors leading the rest of the series.
Or, Carol and Robert can work with mental health professionals to develop creative, arts-based materials specific to your needs, inspired by Ponder Anew: A WWII Warrior's Story.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION OR INDIVIDUAL JOURNALING:
About being on the train, leaving home to report for duty for the first time, Lt. Ponder wrote: Lord, I was lonesome. I wanted to cry so bad it hurt. I was a man. I couldn't. I'd look out my window, then at the ceiling, take a deep breath, look at my orders. I was in the Army Air Corps. Would I fly? And in what? ... I looked out the window at the trees and fields passing by for a good long time and then thought," I'll just eat this lunch my mom packed for me."
- Describe how you felt when you left home to report for duty for the first time.
After Ponder's first combat mission, he wrote: One mission - and I was consumed. My life became two things - survival and destruction. There was no dread or fear - just fact.
- Describe your thoughts and feelings after your first combat mission.
After VE Day, when combat stopped and everyone was just waiting to see what would happen next, Ponder wrote: And now - there was nothing. Nothing to do - no missions to fly - no more bombing runs - no more strafing - no more destruction. The relief and exhilaration of a dogfight was gone ... There was an emptiness - a void.
- Describe your thoughts and feelings when you are out of combat or back in civilian life.
Back to the top