Assembly: Actor-storyteller David Prather, the ever-popular master of ceremonies for the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Summer Sounds at the Hollywood Bowl, has performed his unique brand of theatre and storytelling for over fifteen years. A graduate of Princeton University and of the American Conservatory Theatre, and an experienced performer in both theatre and television, he examine the power of poetry and language in three dynamite performances:

Prather's Poetry Jam is an exciting and fun examination of the joy of poetry. Using verses from Shel Silverstein, Jack Prelutsky, A.A. Milne, Mother Goose and others, Prather scoots (sometimes literally, on his razor scooter) from one hilarious poem to another. Jump rope jingles, poems that sing, hambone poetry and the classic American verse of Carl Sandburg are not forgotten, as Prather performs "jams" with a score of entertaining poems using accents, audience participation, pratfalls and physical comedy to investigate rhyme, rhythm, metaphor and the origins of poetry.

In The World of Myths, David approaches the mythology of various cultures with humor and an improvisatory style that entertains and actively engages the audience. Whether relating classic Greek myths about Titans and gods, Native American myths about the moon and stars, or Chinese, Hindu, Central American and other myths of creation, Prather uses the imagination of humankind to fire that of his audience.

Star-Spangled Poetry is a theatrical interpretation of the idea and ideals of America as expressed by our nation's greatest poets. Starting with Francis Scott Key's stirring "Star-Spangled Banner" and the War of 1812, the show sets iconic poems in their historical context and then renders them dramatically.

Assembly Price:
One Performance= $650
Two Performances= $975
Three Performances= $1,200
Four Performances= $1,450

Age Group:
  Prather's Poetry Jam & The World of Myths - All Ages
  Star-Spangled Poetry - Middle School To Adult
Capacity: 500 Students
Availability: Year Round

Workshop: Actor and storyteller David Prather focuses on storytelling techniques and dramatic skills. Storytelling sessions involve elements of play production, improvisation, creative writing and problem solving. Poetry workshops feature the exploration and creation of poetic language, images, rhythm and story theatre techniques. Star Stories is a two-part workshop that examines the mythology behind various star groups and features the creation of new constellations, for which students imagine, write and create their own myths and histories.

Workshop Price:
$75 per 45-minute workshop, plus possible planning fee. Minimum four workshops per day must be scheduled.

Age Group: K-12
Capacity: 1 Classroom (maximum of 35 students, plus regular teacher)
Availability: Year Round

Teacher In-Service Price: $100/hour (2-hour minimum required), plus additional planning fee.
Capacity: 40 Educators

To design an arts education program with this artist, please call (213) 250-ARTS or email education@musiccenter.org.

Prices are for services between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.