Stuart is the author of the award-winning MathStart series: 63 books that teach mathematical concepts to young children through a combination of stories and visual learning strategies (HarperCollins).
There are 21 titles in each of three levels for children ages Pre-K through Grade 4, with stories covering everything from counting, doubling numbers and matching, to timelines, area, and percentage. Each book includes a special section of related activities designed to help teachers and parents help their children by extending the learning beyond the stories. Stuart has also been part of authorship teams for a well over a dozen major textbook programs. His latest series also combines stories and visual learning strategies to teach important life skills. Told through the experiences of the children at Ready Set Pre-K, Stuart J. Murphy’s I See I Learn books cover four domains: social, emotional, health and safety, and cognitive skills. When they are a little older, Freda, Percy, Emma, Ajay, Camille and Carlos are sure to join The M.S.K.C.! (Charlesbridge). *more on MathStart & math activities |
Scott's background covers it all: director, actor, teacher and writer.
The Main Street Kids Club was first workshopped at Northwestern University, his alma mater. Scott is a veteran teacher and director for Northwestern's National High School Institute. In addition to his work in children's theater, Scott has directed a number of productions for Chicago companies, including We Three Lizas for About Face Theatre and the critically acclaimed Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson for Bailiwick Chicago—of which he is also a Founding Collective Member. Scott has also directed for regional theaters all over the country. Scott is the co-founder and Artistic Director of TheatreBAM Chicago, where he conceived, co-wrote and directed the hit shows Schoolhouse Rock Live! and Schoolhouse Rock Live Too! If you would like to book a performance of The Main Street Kids' Club for your school, library or community theater, send Scott an email, or call 773-465-8668. *for licensing a production, please contact Music Theatre International. |
Michael is a composer/lyricist with several award-winning productions to his credit, including: Hero (Joseph Jefferson Award, Best New Work, Musical), Knute Rockne: All-American, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey and How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back?.
His songs have been featured in concerts and showcases around the world, including the National Alliance for Musical Theatre's Festival of New Musicals and An Evening at the Kennedy Center. Michael himself is Jeff-nominated actor and musical director. Check out his debut self-titled EP with his band The Lincoln Squares! For more about Michael, including song clips, please visit his website. A few years ago, Janet, Managing Director, SJM Media, had a glimmer of an idea for a math musical. Never one to ignore a good glimmer, she brought the idea—along with a hefty stack of MathStart books—to Rives Collins, a noted children's storyteller and an Associate Professor in the Department of Theatre at Northwestern University. Rives was intrigued.
Janet arranged for Rives to meet Stuart. Rives next introduced them to Scott. The workshop class was scheduled, Michael came on board and rest, as they say, is musical theater history... Please visit her website. |