Welcome!
What is The Jazz Drama Program? We've incorporated elements of jazz music into original musicals that we've written & developed based on what we've learned over the last ten years about what engages children. Schools can license these jazz musicals from Theatrical Rights Worldwide who provides material for the theatrical production. We highlight each school that puts on one of our plays and share learnings with other schools as a way to empower more children and to spread the joys of jazz music and the benefits of arts education.
Breaking News!
Vocal and instrumental tracks have been recorded at Avatar Studios for the Holding the Torch For Liberty CD Recording Project. Read more about the sessions here.
Testimonial
What did the Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences in New Mexico experience by putting on Nora's Ark, the jazz musical from The Jazz Drama Program?
"The music was powerful and catchy and introduced many of our students to the joys of jazz. We had a few students who were sure that they didn’t like jazz before we began rehearsals and after a couple of weeks, they had actually become fans of jazz! The kids continued to sing the songs in class long after the play was finished."
"The play’s story line led to a range of curricular tie-ins, including global warming and pollution, animal survival, animal habitats, endangered species, predator and prey, nautical terms and ship lore to name a few."
- Rayna Dineen, Principal, Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences
Nora's Ark production by the Santa Fe School for the Arts & Sciences
Our Mission Statement:
- The Jazz Drama Program uses the language of jazz to tell stories relevant to children's lives.
- The Jazz Drama Program embraces jazz as a global model for teamwork, innovation and inclusion by presenting concerts, plays and educational workshops.
- The Jazz Drama Program builds jazz communities worldwide
Nora's Ark, the jazz musical CD Cover
What is Nora's Ark, the jazz musical about?
Nora’s Ark, the jazz musical is a modern retelling of the biblical tale. Nora, a scientist, foresees a planetary catastrophe of the poles melting and the Earth flooding. She and her children rescue animals from the Bronx Zoo before the global warming induced storm floods the planet. The story is rich with lessons of freedom and cooperation in the ultimate struggle for survival. The productions of our musical help children reflect on the difficulty and necessity for breaking old habits, attaining new perspectives, and learning from mistakes by working together to succeed. The music is blues, bebop, and swing and children discover a love of jazz music through the context of the story both as performers and as audience members ...Read More
...Listen to songs from the new CD
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