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Artist's Narrative | Programs Available | Availability

Artist's Narrative

If the audience/actor interaction and the historical details are what make Hank Fincken's one-man plays unique, it is the crafted scripts that make them art. Mr. Fincken has spent an average of two years preparing each program, emphasizing historical accuracy, language, and ideas pertinent to our times. He was given the title "Master Artist" by The Indiana Arts Commission, and the Achievement and Service Award by The Indiana Theatre Association. All of his plays  have been endorsed by The Indiana Historical Society, The Ohio Humanities Council, and the Indiana Humanities Council.  He provides great study guides and has performed throughout the Midwest and South America. In February 1998, a collection of Mr. Fincken's Midwest history plays was published for use in the classroom. Mr. Fincken will do all he can to meet your History, Language Arts, Theatre, and Social Studies needs.

Details of how Mr. Fincken's programs meet state standards is available upon request.

Video
Excerpts from Almost Mr. Edison, Almost.

Availability

Upon request.

Programs Available

Not "Johnny" If You Please (Grade levels K-6)

Seventy-year-old Johnny Appleseed shares some tall tale adventures concerning his travels throughout the Midwest. This is storytelling in theatre form, legend and fact becoming one. John Chapman was a non-violent man in a violent time and as such, deserves your attention today.

Mr. Fincken has created a new show especially designed just for grades K-2 that focuses on creating the Johnny character and the apple’s importance to pioneers.

Activity Options:

Not "Johnny" If You Please

• Duration: 45 min.
• Fees: $375/ $650 for two back-to-back
• Requirements: Any "friendly" space where artist can interact with audience. Recommended audience size: under 300.

Francisco Pizarro, To Serve You (Grade levels 5-12)

The conqueror of the Incas was brave, committed, and ruthless. His search for gold cities reminds us of the best and worst in ourselves, and his legacy still affects millions today. Available November - January.

Activity Options:

Francisco Pizarro, To Serve You

• Duration: 50 min.
• Fees: $375/ $650 for two back-to-back
• Requirements: Prefer stage with audience access and electrical outlet. Recommended audience size: under 300.

Almost, Mr. Edison, Almost (Grade levels 2-12 )

Ohio's native son, Thomas Alva Edison, may be the world's greatest inventor. He had 1,093 patents and conceived what modern industrial scientists call Research and Development by using a team approach. In this 50-60 minute presentation, Edison discusses his roots, the reasons for his success, the beginnings of the electric light system, and then shows slides of his greatest inventions. Humor and insight abound.

Activity Options:

Almost, Mr. Edison, Almost

• Duration: 50-60 min.
• Fees: $375/ $650 for two back-to-back
• Requirements: Friendly space, electric outlet. Recommended audience size: under 300.

Christopher Columbus: The Shame in the Glory (Grade levels 3-12)

The audience plays The Spanish Royal Court as Columbus attempts to explain his goals and deeds. Mr. Fincken will make him flesh and blood; the audience must decide for itself whether he is hero or villain.

Activity Options:

Christopher Columbus

• Duration: 60 min.
• Fees: $375/ $650 for two back-to-back
• Requirements: Friendly space; program can be tailored to school needs. Recommended audience size: under 300.

Henry Ford: Fit to a "T" (Grade levels 3-12)

The year is 1932. Union/management confrontations are on the rise, unemployment is rampant, and fascism seems a viable political alternative. Henry Ford, the man who put the world on wheels, thinks he has found a solution. During this interactive play, Henry will talk to car dealers (your student audience) about his past, the new Ford V-8, and the future of soybeans. It appears to be an optimistic moment in a negative time.

Mr. Fincken has created a new program that focuses more on the history of the auto industry and its effects on our lives especially for grades 3-6.

Activity Options:

Henry Ford: Fit to a

• Duration: 50 min.
• Fees: $375/ $650 for two back-to-back
• Requirements: Any "friendly" space where artist can interact with audience. Recommended audience size: under 300.

A Pocketful of Rocks (Grade levels 3-12)

An 1849 Argonaut and a modern dad travel the California Trail together, looking for gold and self-understanding. With the help of historical slides, period paintings, and contemporary photographs the true wealth of this country shines brighter than any metal. Available Winter and Spring.

Activity Options:

A Pocketful of Rocks

• Duration: 60 min.
• Fees: $375/ $650 for two back-to-back
• Requirements: Electric outlets and access to audience. Recommended audience size: under 300.

Fiction Readings (Grade levels K-12 )

Mr. Fincken's theater background makes his readings lively and thought-provoking. He has stories for all ages.

Activity Options:

Fiction Readings

• Duration: 60 min.
• Fees: Negotiable
• Requirements: Friendly space.

Workshops (Grades K-12)

Mr. Fincken can combine a performance with a slide presentation about the process of creating his plays. Mr. Fincken also has workshops on theater, creative dramatics, and creative writing. Mr. Fincken has served as a consultant for Education majors at universities in Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, and Tennessee.

Activity Options:

Workshops

• Duration: 50 min.
• Fees: Negotiable
• Requirements: Friendly space. Recommended audience size: under 50.

Travel Log/Multi-cultural Slide Presentations (Grade levels K-12)

These lecture/discussions provide fascinating insights into history and culture: Peru Today, The Incas, the Peruvian Rain Forest, Discovering Columbus, and The California Trail. New: African Influence on Peru and The Dominican Republic.

Activity Options:

Slide Presentations

• Duration: 50 min.
• Fees: $205 ($150 when combined with play performances.)
• Requirements: Projector screen.

Complete a request form online, or download a printable copy.

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