HEBRON — The Hebron Academy community recently saw performance of “The Mystery at Ginger Creek” by the Panto-WHAT? Theater Company from New York City.

This troupe of two uses physical comedy, circus techniques and themes of education and change in their story lines to teach through theater. Founded by Hebron alumna Ruthie Scarpino, Class of 2004, and Micheal Curtin, Panto-WHAT? Theater Company is an applied arts collaborative that creates interactive, participant-focused performances and workshops.

Scarpino, a native of Portland, began her acting career while still a student at Hebron Academy. She credits her roles in the musicals “Working” and “Grease,” as well as the director, Julie Middleton, for giving her the confidence to channel her artistic energy and setting her on the path towards Panto-WHAT? 

After graduating from Hebron, Scarpino spent the next four years at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio, where their co-op program gave her the opportunity to apply for grants and work in the field of artistic performance while earning her degree.

Following Antioch, she was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to go to Malaysia. While not part of her original project plan, she learned to teach Malaysian students to speak and read English using her acting and performance skills. It was then she realized she was onto something special.

She now resides in New York City, and with the Panto-WHAT? troupe, continues to pursue her belief that theatre and movement have the ability to enrich beyond their disciplines. 

“The Mystery at Ginger Creek” is a slap-stick, interactive murder mystery built to support literacy and critical thinking skills in young people. Using sound-scapes and pantomime, the story is staged so that audience members become part of the action as detectives helping to solve a murder. 

Panto-WHAT? Theater Company from New York City performs for Hebron Academy. The two performers are Ruthie Scarpino, left, Hebron Academy Class of 2004, and Micheal Curtin.

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