Gerald Fierst presents

The American Spirit

The values and courage that created a nation

(Gerald Fierst in the Civil War segment of the program)

Mr. Fierst portrays the oldest man in America—born on the fourth of July, 1776—who witnessed George Washington ride by to take his oath as President, fought in the Civil War, heard the famous speech of Sojourner Truth, took the first airplane ride with the Wright Brothers, attended the civil rights rally with Martin Luther King, and participated in other momentous events. Through his eyes, we experience the history of our nation, with an emphasis on the vision, courage and values of the people who shaped it.

Using his theatrical skills, along with a variety of costumes and props, Gerald Fierst changes his look, his age and his voice to transform into various characters of each era. He interweaves traditional folktales that sprung from the people of the time with real historical events and personalities. The program can be adapted to be suitable for a variety of ages, ranging from kindergarten through ninth grade, by adjusting the mixture of history and folklore.

Experience the pageantry of American history, including George Washington and the founding of our country; Chief Sequoah of the Cherokee Nation; Sojourner Truth and the Civil War; the Wright Brothers and the age of invention; Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, visionaries of democracy.

See two video excerpts from "The American Spirit" here --

GERALD FIERST has appeared at the Exchange Place of the National Storytelling Festival, on the Oral Traditions Series of Master Jewish Storytellers at the 92nd Street Y in NYC, at the Jewish Storytelling Festival at CAJE, and at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. His work has been documented by WNET/13's ArtEffects. He is a New Jersey State Council on the Arts Artist in Education, and a recipient of a NJSCA Fellowshiop in Playwriting. He has worked in elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the country, as well as with The Whole Theatre, NJ TeenArts, Project Impact, and the NJ Foundation for the Arts. Mr. Fierst has a BA from Yale University, and a certification from Teachers College, Columbia University, as a Performing Artist in the Schools.

“Kept the students enthralled for the entire performance...educational and entertaining. First rate!”

—Green Brook Middle School, Green Brook, NJ

"Out and out wonderful—everything about it! It was a fantastic way to learn history, and so simply done."

—Montclair Kimberly Academy, Montclair, NJ

"What a wonderful, upbeat program. The students and staff were enlightened and entertained."

—Memorial School, Washington, NJ

Other shows featuring Gerald Fierst include:

GERALD FIERST, STORYTELLER

THE MYTHMAKERS

For further information about availability, fees, or booking this program into your facility, contact:
Encore Performing Arts, Inc.
P.O. Box 630
Melville, NY 11747
631-423-0747 • Outside area, call toll-free 800-669-9850
fax: 631-423-1795

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