CLIMB Theatre visits Cottage Grove Elementary with their interactive theatre programming on Monday, Oct. 16.

This year, CLIMB is bringing two plays live to Cottage Grove Elementary. The kindergarten through second graders will see “Talula Rabbit’s New Habit,” and third through fifth will see “Walkin’ It Back.”

Talula Rabbit is having a hard time following directions, playing by the rules, and being a good friend. Her lack of self-control makes some of the other kids feel uncomfortable and unsafe. With the help of her parents, classmates, and students in the audience, Talula learns how to self-regulate.

In “Walkin’ It Back,” Joey wants to feel powerful and often ends up doing so at the expense of others’ feelings, while Luka feels stuck without a way to help Joey communicate effectively. Parker, a new student, decides to help both of them with tools she learned at her previous school. With memorable songs teaching steps for students to follow, this musical helps students not just feel empathy, but act with empathy, as well as better regulate their words and actions.

CLIMB’s interactive programming allows students in the audience to practice CLIMB’s A.R.E.A.S. (Accountability, Resiliency, Empathy, Advocacy, and Self-Regulation) and help the characters work through tough social situations.

CLIMB Theatre is a youth-centered organization that uses theatre to teach social-emotional learning in a way that is intentionally intersectional. Based out of Inver Grove Heights, the touring company brings programming to schools, libraries, and more across the Midwest. Their mission is to inspire and propel people towards acts that benefit themselves, others, and their community. To bring CLIMB to your community, call (800) 767-9660 or email mail@climb.org. To learn more, visit www.climb.org.

Submitted by CLIMB Theatre