Kianna Alexander

CAROLINA BUILT- Josephine N. Leary

I will present a talk about CAROLINA BUILT, my 2022 historical novel. The lecture will provide an overview of the life of North Carolina business woman Josephine N. Leary (1856- 1923). The talk will outline Mrs. Leary’s humble beginnings of being born into enslavement, expound on her marriage and family life, property acquisitions and business dealings, and highlight how her achievements were remarkable given the times she lived in.I will tie Mrs. Leary’s experiences relate to those of modern women and people of color, and encourage students to examine the ways in which society has changed...and remained the same. I will also answer student questions as time permits.

Grade Level: 7-12

Fees for Program: $775

Maximum # of Students: 150 per performance

Program Length: Approximately 40 minutes (up to two in the same day)

Technical Requirements: Screen and projector for presentation materials, students will need paper and pencil or their school issued device for any notes they may need to take.

I will present a talk about CAROLINA BUILT, including a brief overview of the life of North Carolina businesswoman Josephine N. Leary, and outlining the research process by which I obtained the factual information that makes up 85% of the finished novel. I’ll provide real examples about the resources I used including methods of access, and highlight the importance of notetaking, record keeping, and proper citation for bibliographic and credit purposes.

Grade Level: 9-12

Fees for Program: $925

Maximum # of Students: 25 per class period

Program Length: (45-60 minutes based on class period length, repeated for each applicable class period.)

Technical Requirements: Screen and projector for presentation materials, students will need paper and pencil or their school issued device for the writing portion of the workshop.Description of the Program:

NC Essential Standards for Program, by Grade Level: W.9-10.5, W.9-10.6, W. 11-12.5, W.11-12.6

 

For Creative Writing

I will present a talk about CAROLINA BUILT, including a brief overview of the life of North Carolina businesswoman Josephine N. Leary, and outlining the research process by which I obtained the factual information that makes up 85% of the finished novel. I’ll provide real examples about the resources I used including methods of access, and highlight the importance of notetaking, record keeping, and proper citation for bibliographic and credit purposes.

On Day 2, students will begin an assignment: a 2 page/ 500 word essay on a given topic, era, or historical figure. Research will take place on this day, with guidance provided by me in conjunction with their teacher, and we will begin drafting the essay and building a bibliography.

On Day 3, selected students will present their essays as well as their sources, and receive professional feedback on their research and their writing in real time.

Grade Level: 9-12

Fees for Program: $1125

Maximum # of Students: 25 per class period

Program Length: (45-60 minutes based on class period length, repeated for each applicable class period over 3 days.)

Technical Requirements: Screen and projector for presentation materials, students will need paper and pencil or their school issued device for the writing portion of the workshop.

NC Essential Standards for Program, by Grade Level: W.9-10.5, W.9-10.6, W. 11-12.5, W.11-12.6

The Basic Thought Web

I will present a talk about the basic components of a fictional narrative, using my proprietary Basic Thought Web diagram that breaks the story into five parts: Characters, Setting, Plot, Climax, and Resolution. Students will receive a copy of the diagram and use it to identify and discuss elements of a given short story, chosen by their teacher to fit current curriculum work.

Grade Level: 9-12

Fees for Program: $825

Maximum # of Students: 25 per class period

Program Length: (45-60 minutes based on class period length, repeated for each applicable class period over 3 days.)

Technical Requirements: Screen and projector for presentation materials, students will need paper and pencil or their school issued device for the writing portion of the workshop.

NC Essential Standards for Program, by Grade Level: W.9-10.3, W.11-12.3

During America’s Gilded Age (1870-1900)

Grade Level: 9-12
Fees for Program: $875
Maximum # of Students: 25 per class period
Program Length: (45-60 minutes based on class period length, repeated for each applicable class period.)
Technical Requirements: Screen and projector for presentation materials, students will need paper and pencil or their school issued device for any notes they may need to take.
Description of the Program: I will present a research based lecture about the lives and accomplishments of Black Americans during the Gilded Age. Topics will include census data, legal, educational and societal changes during the era that impacted Black citizens, Black
women’s role in suffrage, and brief information about 3 important Black North Carolinians of the era: Hiram Revels, Dr. Anna J. Cooper, and John Merrick. I’ll encourage critical analysis of how the events of the era have had lasting impacts on American society as a whole. I will also answer student questions as time permits.
NC Essential Standards for Program, by Grade Level: AH1.H.4, AH1.H.5, AH1.H.7, AH1.H.8 AH2.H.2, AH2.H.4, AH2.H.5, AH2.H.7, AH2.H.8

During America’s Gilded Age (1870-1900)

Grade Level: 9-12
Fees for Program: $875
Maximum # of Students: 25 per class period
Program Length: (45-60 minutes based on class period length, repeated for each applicable class period.)
Technical Requirements: Screen and projector for presentation materials, students will need paper and pencil or their school issued device for any notes they may need to take.
Description of the Program: I will present a research based lecture about the lives and the eight American presidents of this era, with brief information about each man, his administration, and what he’s remembered for. I’ll provide students with an easy way to remember their names in order. I’ll cover the presidential election of 1888 and the scandal involving the Murchison letter and the issue of tariffs. I’ll encourage critical analysis of how the events of the era have had
lasting impacts on American society as a whole. I will also answer student questions as time permits.
NC Essential Standards for Program, by Grade Level: AH1.H.4, AH1.H.5, AH1.H.7, AH1.H.8 AH2.H.2, AH2.H.4, AH2.H.5, AH2.H.7, AH2.H.8

Grade Level: 7-9
Fees for Program: $925
Maximum # of Students: 20 per class period
Program Length: (45-60 minutes based on class period length, repeated for each applicable class period throughout the day.)
Technical Requirements: Screen and projector for presentation materials, students will need paper and pencil or their school issued device for the writing portion of the workshop.
Description of the Program: I will break down the elements of a written script (using a section from A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM), allowing students to examine how it provides not only
spoken dialogue for the production, but stage direction and aesthetic information for each member of an ensemble to carry out. Then, providing visual examples of stagings via projection,
with contextual information, I’ll ask students to engage their critical thinking to troubleshoot issues they see in order to make the production more impactful and truer to the playwright’s
intent.
NC Essential Standards for Program, by Grade Level: 7AE.1, 8AE.1, BAE.1

Grade Level: 10-12
Fees for Program: $1025
Maximum # of Students: 20 per class period
Program Length: (45-60 minutes based on class period length, repeated for each applicable class period throughout the day.)
Technical Requirements: Screen and projector for presentation materials, students will need paper and pencil or their school issued device for the writing portion of the workshop.
Description of the Program: I will break down the elements of a written script (using a section from TWELFTH NIGHT), allowing students to examine how it provides not only spoken dialogue
for the production, but stage direction and aesthetic information for each member of an ensemble to carry out. Then, providing visual examples of stagings via projection, with contextual information, I’ll ask students to engage their critical thinking to troubleshoot issues they see in order to make the production more impactful and truer to the playwright’s intent.
NC Essential Standards for Program, by Grade Level:
IAE.1, PAE.1

Writing and Staging in Drama

Grade Level: 7-9
Fees for Program: $1225 (3 Day Residency Version)
Maximum # of Students: 20 per class period
Program Length: (45-60 minutes based on class period length, repeated for each applicable class period over 3 days.)
Technical Requirements: Stage and/or adequate floor space for student movement, screen and projector for presentation materials, costuming and prop items where available, students will
need paper and pencil or their school issued device for the writing portion of the workshop.
Description of the Program: I will provide succinct, digestible information about the creative writing process and relate it to the structure and elements of playwriting. Students will analyze a
one act play (Lucille Fletcher’s THE HITCHHIKER) to understand its structure, and be provided time to ask questions related to the topics presented on the first day, then be assigned to write a
short play of 3 pages or less on the second day as I provide guidance in conjunction with their teacher, and on the third day,
a number of student plays will be performed as class time permits, allowing for questions as well as real time professional feedback from me.
NC Essential Standards for Program, by Grade Level:
7C.1, 7C.2, 7A.1
8C.1, 8C.2, 8A.1
BC.1, BC.2, BA.1

Grade Level: 10-12
Fees for Program: $1275
Maximum # of Students: 20 per class period
Program Length: (45-60 minutes based on class period length, repeated for each applicable class period over 3 days.)
Technical Requirements: Stage and/or adequate floor space for student movement, costuming and prop items where available, screen and projector for presentation materials, students will
need paper and pencil or their school issued device for the writing portion of the workshop.
Description of the Program: I will provide succinct, digestible information about the creative writing process and relate it to the structure and elements of playwriting. Students will analyze a
one act play (Werner Trieschmann’s PAPER OR PLASTIC) to understand its structure, and be provided time to ask questions related to the topics presented on the first day, then be assigned
to write a short play of 3 pages or less on the second day as I provide guidance in conjunction with their teacher, and on the third day, a number of student plays will be performed as class time permits, allowing for questions as well as real time professional feedback from me.
NC Essential Standards for Program, by Grade Level:
IC.1, IC.2, IA.1
PC.1, PC.2, PA.1

Creation, and Performance

Grade Level: 10-12
Fees for Program: $1325 (3 Day Residency Version)
Maximum # of Students: 20 per class period
Program Length: (45-60 minutes based on class period length, repeated for each applicable class period over 3 days.)
Technical Requirements: Stage and/or adequate floor space for student movement, screen and projector for presentation materials, costuming and prop items where available, students will need paper and pencil or their school issued device for the writing portion of the workshop.
Description of the Program: On Day 1, students will analyze passages and summaries of three plays for their cultural, historical, and social contexts. Each play will represent a different time period in American history. Discussion and questions will be encouraged. The next day’s assignment will be provided, giving students time to perform cursory research on their time period. On Day 2, given a chosen time period, students will draft and create a short scene with proper
script format, with guidance from me and their drama teacher.
On Day 3, two or more of the scenes will be staged by the students and I will provide professional feedback in real time. Period appropriate props, costuming, etc will be incorporated based on available materials.
NC Essential Standards for Program, by Grade Level:
ICU.1
PCU.1

Hiram Rhodes Revels - Minister, Activist, Politician

I will present a research based lecture about the life of Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first ever African American senator. Hiram, born in Fayetteville, lived an extraordinary life including seminary studies, working on the Underground Railroad, seeing combat as a Union chaplain during the Civil war, all before he ever claimed his senatorial seat. Mr. Revels, a husband and father of six daughters, also became the first president of Alcorn College (now University).I will tie the events of his life to events happening today, such as the elections of Hakeem Jeffries and Rev. Raphael Warnock, and encourage critical analysis of how Mr. Revel’s accomplishments have left a lasting impact on the history of this nation. I will also answer student questions as time permits.

Grade Level: 7-12

Fees for Program: $775

Maximum # of Students:150 per performance

Program Length: Approximately 40 minutes (up to two in the same day)

Technical Requirements: Screen and projector for presentation materials, students will need paper and pencil or their school issued device for any notes they may need to take.

NC Essential Standards for Program, by Grade Level: AH1.H.4, AH1.H.5, AH1.H.7, AH1.H.8AH2.H.2, AH2.H.4, AH2.H.5, AH2.H.7, AH2.H.8