A circle is a symbol of inclusion. In the classroom, we sit in a circle to communicate with others and share ideas.The Asian Arts and Culture program has adopted "Circle" as the title for our children's performance series.This year, we bring four performances from across Asia to complete our circle of educational events.The programs are designed for schools, but some tickets are available for families, homeschoolers and seniors.Our programs have proven to be extremely popular so order your tickets early.The goal of Circle is to broaden the minds and warm the hearts of area schoolchildren and to allow them to experience a world different from their own. Each show provides valuable learning that is supplemented by Teacher Resource Packets. The packets sent to each teacher not only help them prepare the class for the performances, but provide methods on integrating the history, culture or performance genre into classroom lesson plans.

Tickets can be booked directly through the Asian Arts & Culture Program by calling 413-545-2116 or online at: www.fineartscenter.com/schools.

Note to Teachers and Parents: Some of the children's shows are also presented with modifications as evening performances, perfect for family entertainment. Should the morning show of your choice sell out, please check our season calendar available evening performances.

This season brings the following programs:

		The Kite Runner: Literature to Life Global Arts for Schools Tuesday, October 21 Bowker Auditorium   10:00 am $6 students, $8 adults
Themes of friendship, betrayal and social class are explored against the backdrop of the Afghan political landscape.

		Gilgamesh: Classic Myth Global Arts for Schools Friday, November 14 Bowker Auditorium   10:00 am $6 students, $8 adults
A classical myth from the Middle East presented by Simon Shaheen & Qantara Ensemble with Actor: Margaret Olivia Wolfson

		A Dragon’s Tale: Nai-Ni Chen Dance Global Arts for Schools Thursday, December 11 Fine Arts Center Concert Hall   from 10:00 am to 11:00 am $6 students, $8 adults
Five thousand years and over three million square miles of Chinese culture are explored in this dance production full of movement and color.

		Awaji Puppet Theater: Japanese Puppets Global Arts for Schools Friday, February 27 Bowker Auditorium   10:00 am $6 students, $8 adults
Elaborately costumed puppets requiring three people to manipulate take the stage to perform programs of traditional dance, music and drama.

		Salute to Baseball Japan Style: Taiko Drums and Trumpet Global Arts for Schools Wednesday, April 15 Fine Arts Center Concert Hall   10:00 am $6 students, $8 adults
Reprising a joint performance that welcomed Dice-K to the Boston Red Sox- this performance fuses traditonal instruments in an exciting new sound!