KVPAC’s Nasty Gnarlies Promotes Reading, Teaches Kids to Save The Planet

Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center's (KVPAC) Books Alive! Literacy Through the Arts is an innovative program that uses the magic of live theatre to promote literacy in communities where literacy and art programs are not present. Books Alive! tours to underprivileged neighborhoods, children's hospitals, homeless shelters and special needs workshops free-of-charge. Carol Herron, Arts In Medicine Coordinator at Texas Children's Cancer Center, says, "Our cancer patients were delighted when KVPAC visited earlier this year as part of our Arts In Medicine program. We look forward to return visits, and the opportunity to have KVPAC work with patients both in our out-patient clinic and in-patient units."

For many children, it is their first time to experience the magic of live professional theatre and they respond enthusiastically. "The lights, costumes and performers dazzled their eyes and brought out expressions on their faces that I will never forget," glowed Elizabeth Mace, music specialist at Morton Ranch Elementary. Inspiring children to open a book and bring the 'book alive' is the goal Books Alive! surpasses at all venues.

This year KVPAC used the wildly successful Books Alive! program to promote another worthy cause: going green. Books Alive!'s production of The Three Nasty Gnarlies employs music and creative storytelling to teach kids about the perils of our environment in a lighthearted atmosphere. The Gnarlies practice what they preach as all costumes are made from plastic bags that would otherwise sit in a landfill for 500 years. The plastic bags are given new life in the show and the costume pieces can be reused in future productions.

Books Alive! believes it is not enough to simply inform children of a problem but to give them ways to be part of the solution. Each audience member receives a copy of The Kid's Guide to Saving the Planet. Produced by KVPAC, this original guide takes the Gnarlies from the stage to the page as they lead children through puzzles and games that educate and give them practical tips on saving the planet. The Guide includes a convenient insert children can hang in their home to remind the whole family that little things can make a big difference.

Environmental Resources Management (ERM) funded the creation of the unique, recycled costumes, the show's set and the printing of The Kid's Guide to Save the Planet. Additional funding from Republic Services, Absolutely! Katy Magazine, Mickie C and Company, US Storage and the Houston Arts Alliance enabled this touring production to be taken to an additional 15 schools where it was seen by more than 7,000 children.

Understanding the future of our world is in the hands of its children is what makes Books Alive! a success in all that it promotes. Books Alive! delivers the gift of literacy to children while empowering them to change the world around them. Using the performing and visual arts, Books Alive! tackles global issues with children all while they have a smile on their face.

Books Alive! is funded by generous local businesses, charitable foundations and private individuals. Sponsors are invited to attend the Sponsor Gala on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 10am at the KVPAC Studio. Guests will enjoy The Three Nasty Gnarlies, a presentation by ERM with a reception to follow.
Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) is located at 2501 S Mason Rd, #290, Katy, TX 77450 in the Great Southwest Equestrian Center Complex.

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