Due to state budget cuts the Sutton Center will not be able to offer any bird shows for the foreseeable future. If the program resumes, we will provide statewide announcements to school administrators.
Our program curriculum is designed to fulfill Oklahoma’s 6th, 7th, and 8th grade PASS objectives, although the presentation is enjoyable for all ages including adults. Each application will be considered on a first-come, first-scheduled basis.
Space Requirements
Presentation Area
The It’s All About Birds! educational program involves free-flighted birds, a backdrop, set, stage, props, rear projection screen, and other A/V equipment. Due to these components, a minimum stage or presentation area of 30’ x 25’ x 20’ (L x D x H, where L = crosswise length of stage, D = depth of stage from front to back, H = distance from floor to ceiling) is required in order to assure high quality of presentation as well as to insure the safety of the birds.
Housing Area (For locations more than 100 miles from Bartlesville, OK)
We also require an enclosed, temperature controlled area in which to house our birds during the Training Period and throughout show dates. The housing area must have water access (preferably with a mop sink or a drain in the floor), be lockable and secure, and be accessible by us at all times (details negotiable). This space must be a minimum of 350 square feet.
Training Period
Our birds need time to acclimate to each new program location. In order to assemble our set and practice with our birds beforehand, we require 1-2 and occasionally up to 3 days at the program location immediately prior to the program date. During this time, our set must be left in place (as opposed to breaking it down and setting in up on a daily basis), and we will need access to the location for approximately 1 ½ – 2 hours each day.
Preferences
Our goal is to serve as many students as possible. Due to the extensive Training Period it is more practical for us to perform at a centralized or hub location and to have area students come to us. This allows us to reduce the time between shows, thus providing the program to the maximum number of students per year. In determining program presentations, preference will be given to venues that can accommodate audiences of 500 or more, either from the host school/event itself or through bussing students/attendees from other locations. The It’s All About Birds! program is typically presented in auditoriums, gymnasiums, or community centers. Coordination among multiple area schools is encouraged!
Example: Bartlesville area middle schools negotiated an agreement with Bartlesville High School to use their Performing Arts Center, which was capable of meeting our space requirements. The middle schools then bussed students over to the high school for the presentation.