'Into the Circle' - Reviews

Into the Circle is a first rate and fun production that tackles issues such
as bullying, inclusion and transitions. Glenn Copeland’s production
provides students with a very rich learning opportunity. I cannot
recommend this production highly enough!

Heather Truscott
Special Programmes Consultant
Trillium Lakelands District School Board
Bracebridge Education Centre
Bracebridge, Ontario

"Glenn Copeland is a gifted musician and writer.  His presentations always engage students at their level.  The original songs in the play “Into the Circle” are powerful and thought provoking.  The performance “Into the Circle” loends itself to bringing parents and their children together and could be considered as an excellent use of PRO grant funding to further promote parental engagement and meaningful conversations around this critical topic."

Kim Goodwin-Myers
Principal, Irwin Memorial Public School
Dwight, Ontario

Your performance at Jack Callaghan was absolutely astounding. You are a multitalented man! You had me captivated from beginning to end. The message you conveyed was clear, strong and relative to the daily life of a student in school. I don't think any student could say there wasn't something that they couldn't make a personal connection to. The variety of songs and rhythms you incorporated into the overall message had students listening intently to the lyrics, tapping their hands/feet and perhaps even humming a chorus.

I must say that as you progressed through your performance I had a movie playing through my head. I could clearly see an animated screen in front of me with each of your characters acting out your story and songs. I would probably be one of many to support you in this endeavor and would definitely purchase the final product. I certainly encourage you to investigate and pursue this path.

Thank you again for such a powerful and memorable performance!
All the best to you!

Laura MacPherson, teacher
Jack Callaghan Public School
Lindsay, ON

I just wanted to say once more how inspired I was by your amazing performance! Your ability to become so many characters and hold your voice to such high standards in so many ranges is awesome.
The songs were moving and conveyed great meaning. The drumming was delicious. The kids were talking this morning about it and one could tell you had engaged them on many levels. Thanks so very much! Happy Trails,

Michael Forrester, teacher
Fenelon Twp Public School
Trillium Lakelands District School Board
Ontario

Glenn Copeland visited our school recently, sharing his musical
presentation of " Into the CIrcle “, and holding puppet workshops with our youngest students. Teachers and students alike were in awe of Glenn's artistic talent, and felt that the material he shared was dead on – very relevant to the topic of bullying. Many students expressed how much they related to the characters and the situations; they were willing to share personal experiences after viewing the production.

Watching Glenn perform is like sitting down to a well prepared Sunday Dinner - you can "taste" the work and joy that has gone into the creation and understand how each musical piece or idea was slowly simmered. In the end you have a fabulous, well crafted production that inspires one to slow down, experience, and look forward to another presentation by Glenn. Bravo!

Jo An Jordan
Arts Teacher
Riverside Public School                        
Trillium Lakelands District School Board
Ontario, Canada

"Focused on a very serious issue in schools, the musical project was educational, delightful, wonderful lyrics & music, creative and sensitive while making a very strong statement about bullying.
 
The use of a very colourful cast of animals make a fun learning experience for the targeted age group.  As I am a visual woman, my imagination drifted to the magical world of the characters while feeling very strongly Glenn's creation would be a successful and powerful animated film for all grades."
 
Kareen Burns,
Past President Huntsville Festival of the Arts
Executive Board Creative Muskoka
Huntsville, Ontario

"My heart was opened when I had the opportunity recently to view Glenn Copeland performing his new play 'Into the Circle – from Bullying to Belonging’.   Bullying affects all of us at some time in our lives.  As the play unfolded I became Rishi Ra’Aacoon as he struggled to fit into a new community.  Glenn had the capacity as a consummate storyteller to keep me spellbound.

The music rivalled Broadway tunes I know by heart - melodies and lyrics that are memorable and toe tapping.  Glenn, in creating a play that might help children be more aware of the harmful affects of bullying has inadvertently created a message much bigger in my estimation. 

The music and the message must be heard by a wider audience so that everyone of every age can have the opportunity of appreciating this shining, creative masterpiece."

Pat Ainsworth
Huntsville, Ontario
November, 2010

into the circle
storytelling reviews