LEWISTON — On March 15 and 16, renowned storyteller Antonio Rocha’s Arts in Education residencies at both Montello and Martel Elementary schools in Lewiston culminated in final student performances.

Written and performed in classroom workshops, students wrote stories inspired by personal anecdotes of Rocha around the theme: “I did something wrong, and I learned an important lesson from it.” From sliding down mud hills to forgetting to listen to a myriad of adult reasoning, the student wrote humorous, thoughtful and poignant pieces about growing from mistakes in life. After the writing process, they then learned what makes a good performer and how to present their pieces with voice, body and emotion.

All the classes participating in the workshops at each school assembled to have final presentations, applying their learning with individual student recitations and reflective discussions about their learning. In addition to a great deal of laughter from all present, the events evoked dialogues around the role of the imagination in storytelling, best performance practices and how making good choices the first time can make life a whole lot easier. In all, this storytelling residency touched more than 700 students at the two schools.

Antonio Rocha is a storyteller, mime and author of a children’s book.

L/A Arts’ Arts In Education offers ongoing programming in all Lewiston-Auburn public schools, which affects nearly 10,000 young people every year, and works with other schools throughout the state on projects and programs as well as in an advisory capacity.

Find out about upcoming events, project and initiatives in which L/A Arts is currently involved, online at www.laarts.org. L/A Arts can be contacted directly at 782-7228 or [email protected].