Education GuideThis Education Guide is designed to enhance your at-home theatre experience. Here you will fi nd history/contextual information, theatre activities, as well as crafts, and writing prompts. Keep your week fun and full of inspiration with the whole family! Come back each week through May for more show related activities!

Conceived and Written by Michael McGillMusic and Lyrics by Michael McGill

Geography:India is home to many species of animals, and many types of land for their habitats. From deserts covered in sand dunes, marshy jungle lands, and varying forests, there is a lot of diverse plant and animal life spanning through all of India. Part of the Asian continent, India is one of the countries located in South Asia and is the 3rd largest country in the world! The jungles in India stay between 70 - 90 Degrees Fahrenheit year round and are very humid.

Animal Fun Facts:

Baloo: Have you ever wondered which species of bear Baloo is? Though you may think Baloo could be an Asian Black Bear or a Sun Bear, Baloo is actually a Sloth Bear! When standing, Sloth Bears are about 6ft tall, which compared to the Grizzly Bear (8ft tall), is a little on the short side. Sloth Bears are primarily found in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Luckily for Mowgli, Baloo’s species of bear is an omnivore, meaning they like to eat fruit, leaves, and some small bugs. Sloth bears are known for their shaggy black coat of fur and white snout.

Bagheera: Though we may consider Bagheera as a Black Panther or Jaguar, in the continents of Asia and Africa, Bagheera is known as a leopard! Black Panthers are the 5th largest species of cats and can be seen in South and Central America, Africa, and Asia. Black Panthers are known to be the “the ghost of the forest” due to their ability to hardly made a sound while stalking their prey. Black Panthers can be up to 8ft long and can weigh as much as 250lbs!

Akela: Known as the Indian Grey Wolf, Akela’s character is not like wolves seen in North America. Indian Grey Wolves are lanky and do not possess much fur, unlike the fl uffy coated wolves you may fi nd in Alaska. Traveling in packs, the Indian Grey Wolves hunt livestock throughout Southwest Asia. You can spot an Indian Grey Wolf by the dark V-shaped pattern on their back, between their shoulders. These are extremely territorial creatures, and look out for their own kind. Perhaps that’s why Mowgli’s pack is so protective!

Shere Khan: Perhaps one of the most famous tigers in literature and movies, Shere Khan is the villain type we all know and love. Known as the Bengal Tiger, Shere Khan can be found in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. These tigers are exceptional swimmers and have the endurance to swim between islands to hunt for new prey! Tigers are the largest cats in the word, (sorry Bagheera), and can weigh well past 700lbs! Bengal Tigers are able to hear fi ve times better than humans and their night vision is incredible. No wonder everyone else in the jungle fears Shere Khan!

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi: Found in Africa and parts of Southern Asia, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, known as the Mongoose, may look cute and harmless, but these creatures are known for tackling venomous snakes! That’s right! The cute little Mongoose, weighing in at a hearty 11lbs can fi ght large cobra snakes, and if they’re successful they can live up to 20 years. When they’re not busy fi ghting snakes, they enjoy snacking on fruits, nuts, and birds.

Book and Movie Suggestions:In the spirit of Theatre, enjoy some of these books and movies for further inspiration!

You may be familiar with the classic Disney movie of The Jungle Book, but have you seen the live action adaptation or the movie based on Rikki-Tikki-Tavi?

Original author of The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling had his story published in 1894. Kipling spent the early years of his childhood living in India, and later settling down in Vermont. His book recalls the images and surroundings Kipling grew up with. Maybe your family would enjoy reading the original classic tale of The Jungle Book together!

Books:

Movies:

Watch full length MCT tour productions of MCT’s Jungle Book by following these YouTube links!

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/KVPjIKQ8Zlghttps://youtu.be/UTatNLnsjco

Journal Prompt:How can humans care for animals?

Describe a time in your life where an animal has taken care of you!

How are animals and humans alike?

Besides the obvious, what makes humans and animals so different from one another?

DIY Props and Stage Makeup:A production is not complete without Props, and what about Stage Makeup?! Challenge yourself to come up with stage makeup designs for all the different animal characters! What about your environment? Cut out and color some fun leaves to add to your décor!

Garland of Leaves: https://www.ohohdeco.com/make-paper-leaves

DIY Paper Chain Snake: http://raisinglittlesuperheroes.com/paper-chain-snake/

Photo Credits:Stalbertatoday.ca (Cast) Worldatlas.com (Geography Image)Crwflags.com (Geography Image)Lonelyplanet.com (Geography)Insideindianjungles.comFlickriver.com (Sloth Bear) (Animal Facts)Tigers-world.com (Bengal Tiger) (Animal Facts)Quora.com (Black Panther) (Animal Facts)Worldatlas.com (Mongoose) (Animal Facts)Evolveback.com (Animal Facts) (Indian Grey Wolf)Beautynewbie.com (Stage Makeup Image for the craft portion)Healthline.com (Journal Prompt Image)ohodeco.com (Craft Section)raisinglittlesuperheroes.com (Craft Section)Roanoak.com (Cast)

Design and Layout by Phil Stempin, Content Creation by Katie Farrell ©MCT, inc. 2020