The Oceanography Show:
Tide Pool Condos is a great complement to your curriculum resources
in elementary and middle school science. And, like all of our plays, this show can be used to improve reading, vocabulary, reading comprehension, performance and music skills, class camaraderie and teamwork, and numerous social skills (read about it!) -- all while enabling students to be part of a truly fun and creative experience they will never forget!
Publication Information
Author: Ron Fink (Composer) and John Heath (Book and Lyrics)
ISBN: 978-1-886588-07-3
© 1996 Bad Wolf Press, LLC
Song Samples
Full Song List
1. "The Deep Blue Sea"
2. "I Am Poseidon"
3. "This Tide Pool’s Gotta Go"
4. "The Continental Shuffle"
5. "Moving Up the Food Chain"
6. "Don’t Call Us Fish"
7. "The Twilight Zone"
8. "The Bottomless Muck"
9. "We’re Starfish"
10. "The Deep Blue Sea"
Casting
Flexible casting from 11-40 students.
Use as many Fish, Plankton, Starfish, etc, as desired.
Note that roles are not gender-specific: Poseidon can easily
be played by a girl, Elizabeth (with a slight name change) by
a boy' see our comments on page 30 of the Teacher's Guide.
Script
CHARACTERS:
Poseidon, Greek god of the sea
Elizabeth (a real estate developer)
Construction Workers
Fish (a selection of your choice)
Plankton
Whale, Dolphin, Seal Lion (assorted sea mammals)
Bioluminescent Guys
Bottom Dwellers
Starfish
Shark
Tuna
Chorus (comprised of all students who are not playing their role on stage
at that moment)
This is the first one-third of the script:
Song 1 -
Listen now!
ENTIRE CLASS (entering) :
We're visiting the ocean
We're studying the sea
So go and grab a snorkel
And swim along with me.
We're interviewing lobsters
We're learning 'bout the tide
So go and grab a surfboard
And join us on the ride.
The deep blue sea
The deep blue sea
There's so much we want to know
So let's go.
We're swimming in the Gulf Stream
We're diving in the sea
So go and learn to scuba
And decompress with me.
We're talking to the tuna
There's so much to discuss
So go and grab your flippers
And come along with us.
The deep blue sea
The deep blue sea
There's so much we want to know
So let's go.
Let's go.
Let's go!
We're visiting the ocean
We're studying the sea
So go and grab a snorkel
And swim along with me.
We're interviewing lobsters
We're learning 'bout the tide
So go and grab a surfboard
And join us on the ride.
The deep blue sea
The deep blue sea
There's so much we want to know
So let's go.
Let's go.
There's so much we want to know
So let's go!
(The SHARK runs onto stage, then looks behind various objects, tearing
up a few things. He finally sees the audience, and looking a bit sheepish,
addresses them):
SHARK: I know what you're thinking. You're thinking I'm a shark trying
to find a tuna to eat. That's judgmental of you. I am looking for a tuna,
but
I just want to...
(HE thinks about it for a second, then gets an idea)
...ask him his hat size.
(HE continues looking. TUNA moves on stage a few steps at
a time, unnoticed by SHARK, hidden behind a large
poster/sign that says "Tuna---THIS WAY" The SHARK reads
the sign. To audience:)
Good thing us sharks have a perfect sense of smell. I know just where
to
look for Mr. Tuna!
(HE races off in direction of arrow)
TUNA (stepping out from behind the sign): It's not easy being a Tuna-all
this eat or be eaten stuff. Fortunately, some sharks are really dumb.
(POSEIDON enters)
Hey, isn't that Poseidon? I wonder what he's doing on the beach after
all
these years.
(To POSEIDON)
Poseidon old buddy, how are you? Been a long time! You're not looking
so good.
Song 2
POSEIDON :
I am Poseidon
Greek god of the sea
I was real big in 500 BC.
Now I'm forgotten
My life's on the rocks
A soggy old god with some sand in his socks.
CHORUS:
A soggy old god with some sand in his socks.
POSEIDON:
I am Poseidon
I used to be feared
But now I have anchovies stuck in my beard.
Now I'm forgotten
My life's on the rocks
A soggy old god with some sand in his socks.
CHORUS:
A soggy old god with some sand in his socks.
POSEIDON:
Give me one more try
To act divine
Protect what is mine
To be the god of the sea!
My oceans are dirty
The beaches a mess
My hair's turning grey
and I think it's the stress.
So down from Olympus
And onto the shore
It's time to dive into my waters once more.
CHORUS:
It's time to dive into my waters once more.
POSEIDON:
Give me one more try
To act divine
Protect what is mine
To be the god of the sea!
CHORUS:
He is Poseidon
Greek god of the sea
He was real big in 500 BC.
Now he's forgotten
His life's on the rocks
A soggy old god with some sand in his socks.
A soggy old god with some sand in his socks.
POSEIDON:
A soggy old god...with some sand in his socks.
TUNA (looks offstage, then speaks to audience): Here comes that shark
again. Sshhh. You never saw me. I don't exist. I was never here.
(HE runs to member of audience, pulls out a pocket watch, swings
it in front of audience member's face)
You're getting sleepy. Your eyelids are getting heavy. You have never
seen a tuna. You don't know what a tuna is. You...uh...owe Mr. Tuna
five bucks.
(looks off stage, and runs off in other direction)
SHARK (entering holding a hat; to audience): Hey, you haven't seen a
tuna around, have you? I inherited this hat and I'm sure it would fit
him perfectly.
(ELIZABETH enters with CONSTRUCTION WORKERS)
Well, this isn't a tuna, it's Elizabeth. She's a real estate developer.
She
wants to build condominiums here-and dig up the tide pools. I love it!.
Think
of all the people lounging, boats floating, tuna swimming right here.
It makes
me hungry just thinking about it.
Song 3
ELIZABETH (to Construction Workers) :
Pick up a saw and cut down the trees
They're blocking the sun and stopping the breeze.
Chase off those birds, fix up the land
Roll out the grass, get rid of the sand.
Oh-and one other thing that you should know
This tide pool's gotta go!
Tide Pool
It is nothing but rocks
Tide Pool
In the way of the docks
That I'm gonna build for the boats right here
And a beautiful restaurant at the end of the pier.
CONSTRUCTION WORKER (spoken):
Hey lady, do you know when the lunch wagon's coming around? I want a
donut. A big one.
ELIZABETH:
Won't it be great when twelve stories high
My condos rise up and scrape at the sky.
I'll be so proud, oh what a day!
Let's all join in and bulldoze away.
Oh-and one other thing that you should know
This tide pool's gotta go!
ELIZABETH and CONSTRUCTION WORKERS:
Tide Pool
It is nothing but rocks
Tide Pool
In the way of the docks
That I'm gonna build for the boats right here
And a beautiful restaurant at the end of the pier.
This tide pool's gotta go!
This tide pool's gotta go!
This tide pool's gotta go!
(POSEIDON enters at end of her song)
POSEIDON: Excuse me, I'm Poseidon, Greek god of the sea.
ELIZABETH: Sorry, we're not hiring today.
(sniffs)
Whew! Buddy, you smell like a dead walrus.
POSEIDON: Sorry. I've been in the ocean a few thousand years.
ELIZABETH: I don't have time to chat. I've got to tear out those tide
pools and it's gonna cost a bundle.
POSEIDON: I don't think you should do that.
ELIZABETH: What?
POSEIDON: You shouldn't destroy the tide pools. My ocean is teeming
with life, wonderful living things of all kinds---you'd be killing beautiful
sea
urchins, crabs, starfish...
(This concludes the first one-third of the script.)
"It was a unique experience that cleverly wove the messages and
concepts through word and song. You would have been so proud of our children
as they worked with me during recess to develop the unique choreography
that added to the splendor of your creation. Children realized it was OK
to let their inhibitions go. Many discovered a hidden talent for song,
acting and dance. Everyone had so much fun
working in the multilevel experience. We all laughed a great deal!"
---Jane Aikens, Teacher (5th-8th grade), St. Maria Goretti School, Schiller
Park, IL
"It was fun, easy to learn, educational, and an audience pleaser.
The benefits were
cooperative learning, communication skills, teamwork, listening, and
following directions."
---Anne Hadges, Teacher (3rd-4th grade), Herefard School, Herefard,
PA
"The music is catchy, so the kids never forgot the lyrics. They
learned key concepts
while having fun. I can't wit until the next one! I teach the kids in
the gifted program
in my system. Some love to be center-stage while others have no desire
to perform
solo. These plays allow me to give them opportunities to participate
at a level at
which each chld is comfortable."
---Shelia Cain, Teacher (1st-2nd grade, Gifted and Talented), Petham
Elementary, Petham, GA
"We had a performance for the whole school. I've never seen 7th
and 8th graders so
quiet and enthralled with an assembly! They loved and kept telling us
how much they
enjoyed it. I have directed many plays, but I must say that your plays
are the most fun
and the easiest to work with and direct. We can't wait to pick our show
for next year!"
---Leah Henry and Kim Turnbull, Teachers (4th grade), Murray Avenue School,
Huntingdon Valley, PA
"We did The Oceanography Show for our summer enrichment program with fifty 2nd-5th graders and it was a huge success! All of our students had a wonderful time and learned so much about all the layers of the ocean! I highly recommend this show!"
---Sarah Seibert, Teacher, Santiago School, Santa Ana, CA
"I watched as my son performed The Oceanography Show. It was exciting
and thought-provoking! The kids developed a camaraderie. Call me corny, but I was
moved by
each play my children were in."
---JoAnne Rose, Parent (3rd grade), Worcester, MA
"FABULOUS -- the students loved this!"
---Patricia Bell, Teacher (4th/5th grade), Norma Coombs School, Pasadena,
CA.
Common Core and Other National Standards
Science
- National
Science Content Standard C, D, and F for K-4th
- National Science Content Standard C, D, and F for 5th-8th
Language Arts
- Common Core Reading Standards for Literature: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
- Common Core Reading Standards: Foundational Skills:
- 3rd, 4th, 5th: Phonics and Word Recognition, Fluency
- Common Core Speaking and Listening Standards: Comprehension and Collaboration - 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
- Common Core Language Standards: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use -3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
- Common Core Standard 10: Range, Quality & Complexity:
National Core Arts Standards
Vocabulary
interviewing
fortunately
buddy
BC
soggy
divine
stress
Olympus
inherited
real estate developer
condominiums
lounging
scrape
hiring
chat
bundle
teeming
samba
waltz
polka
fox trot
mambo
twist
resist
entitled
rooting
activity
specks
gobbled
munch
financial
demolish
yachts
twilight
organs
producing
heartburn
spark
flashbulb
firefly
electricity
crabby
Picasso
muck
marvelous
bickering
gullible
fuss
unobstructed
overhead
Ocean Terms
snorkel
tide
scuba
decompress
tuna
flippers
Poseidon
anchovies
docks
pier
walrus
sea urchin
crab
starfish
continental shelf
swordfish
bonito
perch
mackerel
octopus
Moby Dick
food chain
shrimp
herring
codfish
organism
eco-system
gill
schools of fish
kipper
bioluminescent
aquarium
sponge
halibut
trenches
shellfish
hammerhead
Vocabulary From Stage Directions
various
sheepish
offstage
pocket watch
swings
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Wolf Products and Licensing
How does your pricing and licensing work?
A: In short: each teacher/director using the play should have a copy of it. That's it! Your purchase gives you the right to use the play with as many classes as you wish, to photocopy the script for your actors, and to put on as many performances as you wish. This one-time purchase gives you a lifetime license. See below for more information on site licenses (for 3+ teachers or whole schools).
Q: What comes in the package?
A: Every musical play comes with the script and a 12-page Teacher's Guide that provides lots of tips and advice for using the play from start to finish. It also includes the audio recording for the play, which has all the songs both WITH and WITHOUT vocals. Sheet music is NOT included with the basic package, but it is available for $12. Extra/replacement CDs are also available for $12.
Every non-musical play comes with the script and the 12-page Teacher's Guide.
Q: I'm just one teacher putting on a play. If I use the play with multiple classes, do I have to purchase multiple licenses?
A: No! Your purchase gives you a lifetime license to be used with as many actors and classes as you wish. If other teachers/directors wish to use the play as well, they will need to purchase their own licenses.
Q: Do I need to purchase scripts for students?
A: No! Your purchase includes permission to photocopy the script for your actors.
Q: What is a "site license"? How do I know if I need one?
A site license is the economical choice when a whole school or grade level wants to put on the same play. Instead of each teacher/director having to purchase a script, the school/site can purchase
a site license. This comes with three copies of the play (or one digital download) and permission to make copies for any additional participating teachers, as well as all the actors. You do NOT need to purchase both a site license and individual copies of the play; just buy one or the other.
Q: I understand that I can get two or more scripts for $35 each. Do they have to be the same play?
Nope! The discount applies whether you are purchasing multiple copies of the same show or single copies of multiple shows.
Q: What is the difference between the printed and digital versions? Which one should I get?
There is no difference in terms of content. The printed version of a musical play comes with an audio CD in a plastic sleeve in the back of the book. The digital version comes with two downloadable files: the script (PDF format) and the songs (individual MP3 files compressed in ZIP format). The advantage of the digital version is that you will not pay shipping and you can start using it instantly. Please read the question following this one about the technical requirements for digital files.
Non-musical plays are available in the form of a printed book or a PDF file.
Q: What are the technical requirements for the digital version?
- You will need to have Adobe Reader (free) or another software application that can open PDF files.
- You will need to be able to open ZIP files. The vast majority of computers should be able to do this without difficulty. If you wish to download the music directly to your phone or tablet, you will need to download an app that will open ZIP files. Many free ones are available.
- You will need to have some kind of audio player (such as iTunes or Windows Media Player) that will play MP3 files.
Advanced technical knowledge is not required; but please note that we do not have the ability to offer technical support for issues related to digital files. If you are unsure, it is probably best to stick with the printed version.
Q: What is your return/exchange policy?
A: Bad Wolf proudly offers a 100% guarantee. You can always exchange a product for another or get a full refund. No time limits, no questions.
Q: Is it OK if I edit the script?
A: Yes! Consider the play to be a jumping-off point. You are always welcome to change or omit anything that doesn't work for your class, administration, or parents. You are welcome to rewrite
lyrics, lines, or jokes -- or add your own! (The kids love doing this, by the way.)
Q: How long does shipping take?
A: We say that you should allow for one week within the U.S., but most orders are shipped the same day and arrive 1-3 days later. International orders usually take around two weeks to arrive.
Q: Do I need to pay any performance royalties?
A: As long as your admission price is less than $5 per ticket, you never need to pay performance royalties with a Bad Wolf show. If you decide to charge more than $5 a ticket, or if you are using one of our plays for a PAID workshop, camp, assembly, etc., pay only a low 1-2% royalty on gross revenues. See our royalty page to view the rates and pay.