DYNAMIC, LIVE PRODUCTIONS

The Arts Council is proud to present the 2012 - 2013 Bama Fanfare Season.  Bama Fanfare is a series of colorful and dynamic productions which include music, dance and theatre for grades K - 6, all taking place in the historic Bama Theatre.  These professional groups are known for quality performances which are both entertaining and educational.  Study guides are available upon request prior to each show. 

Deadlines and Payments:  Tickets are $5 per child, and showtimes are 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.  Groups that are pre-paid will receive priority seating.  Seating assignments will be based on the date that payment was received for the performance and available seating space.  Reservations are considered binding.  Full refunds will be given only in the event that 1) the school must cancel due to the weather, or  2) Bama Fanfare must cancel the performance.  For reservations contact Sharron Rudowski, Director of Educational Programs, at 758-5195, Ext. 4, or by email at education@tuscarts.org.  Make checks payable to the Arts Council of Tuscaloosa.  

Send payment along with a copy of your invoice to:  The Arts Council, Attn:  Director of Educational Programs, P.O. Box 1117, Tuscaloosa,  AL  35403

Martha Speaks - Click here to download Study Guide
November 9, 2012 at 9:30 am & 12:30 pm
Appropriate for Grades Pre K - 4      55 minutes
Martha was an ordinary dog until the day she ate a bowl full of alphabet soup. Something unusual happened: all those letters went to Martha’s brain instead of down to her stomach, and she became literally outspoken!  Life with a talking dog can be lots of fun.  You can amaze your family and friends, you can play tricks on the pizza delivery person and you can even teach your pooch how to use the telephone! When she correctly answers a trivia question on a radio call-in show, Martha wins an all-expense-paid family vacation. But when the official award notice arrives in the mail, it contains Martha’s least favorite words: “no dogs allowed!” Martha’s clever way with words saves the day in this doggone funny new musical performed by TheatreWorks USA and based on the delightful Martha Speaks series of books by Susan Meddaugh (published by Harcourt Mifflin). Watch the television series “Martha Speaks” on PBS Kids.

The Rainbow Fish - Click here to download Study Guide
March 12, 2013 at 9:30 am & 12:30 pm
Appropriate for Grades K - 2      55 minutes
With her lovely coloring and shimmering scales, the Rainbow Fish is used to being the most beautiful creature in the ocean.  So when the other fish ask her for some silver scales, she refuses.  How can she sacrifice the one thing that makes her so unique?  Will some good advice from the wise old Octopus persuade the Rainbow Fish to share her gifts with those around her?  ArtsPower has turned Marcus Pfister’s bestselling book, The Rainbow Fish, into a delightful and touching musical about the value of sharing true friendship with others.  Published by North-South Books.

The Face in the Courthouse Window by Barry Bradford - Click here to download Study Guide
Performed at the Pickens County Courthouse
April 11 - 12, 2013  at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. each day
Appropriate for Grades 4 - 12    90 minutes 
$5 per student
One of Kathryn Tucker Windham’s legendary tales comes to life with the annual historical drama The Face in the Courthouse Window.  Written by Barry Bradford, this performance takes place at the historic Pickens County Courthouse in Carrollton, AL, just steps away from where Henry Wells was standing when lightning struck on that fateful day.  The Face in the Courthouse Window  reveals the true story of a black man named Henry Wells who struggles to survive, and asks the question, “How far does one man have to go to save his family and make his mark in the world?”  Q and A session at the end of each performance and study guides available.

Fanfare Caravans 

FANFARE CARAVANS
Fanfare Caravans are performances which take place within the school for the entire student body (Grades Pre K - 2) and usually involve audience participation.   Full refunds will be given only in the event that 1) the school must cancel due to the weather, or 2) Bama Fanfare must cancel the performance.  For reservations contact Sharron Rudowski, Director of Educational Programs, at 758-4994, Ext. 4, or by email at education@tuscarts.org.   Make checks payable to the Arts Council of Tuscaloosa.  Send payment along with a copy of your invoice to :  

The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, ATTN:  Sharron Rudowski,
P.O. Box 1117, Tuscaloosa, AL  35403

Gingerbread Boy
October 23 - 26, 2012      
8:30 am & 1:30 pm each day
Appropriate for Grades Pre K - 2    50 minutes
Miss Annie Allspice bakes all day long, but never once have her cookies sung her a song. Imagine her surprise when a cookie leapt up with joy and Gerry Gingerbread said, “Look at me! I’m a gingerbread boy!” Neither knew the adventures in store, soon to take place when Gerry ran out the door. Sly Findley Fox waits just around the bend, and quickly pretends to be Gerry’s friend.  The Gingerbread Boy is a fun-filled tale that teaches morals of respect, friendship, and listening well. 

The Three Little Kittens
February 26 – March 1, 2013    
8:30 am & 1:30 pm each day
Appropriate for Grades Pre K - 2    50 minutes
Katie Sue Kelly is always misplacing her stuff, but never her three kittens all made out of fluff. Lucky for Katie Sue when her mittens disappear, the toy kittens come to life to bring her cheer. They adventure deep into the Land of Lost and Found, where millions of mittens are sure to abound. They search all around both low and high, but without mittens in hand she won’t get her pie. The Three Little Kittens with Katie Sue teaches a lesson about keeping your things with you. 

Reservation Information

For reservations for Bama Fanfare or Fanfare Caravans contact

Sharron Rudowski
Director of Educational Programs, at
(205) 758-4994 ext 4
send email ›

Make checks payable* to: Arts Council of Tuscaloosa

Send payment along with a copy of your invoice to:

The Arts and Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County,
ATTN: Sharron Rudowski,
P.O. Box 1117
Tuscaloosa, AL 35403.

*Full refunds will be given only in the event that 1) the school must cancel due to the weather, or 2) Bama Fanfare must cancel the performance.

For reservations for Bama Fanfare or Fanfare Caravans contact:

Sharron Rudowski
Director of Educational Programs, at
(205) 758-5195 ext 4
send email ›