HerStory (Secondary)
An extraordinary program honors American women who defied immense odds to transform the world and pioneer global social reform. From revolutionaries and scientists to artists and educators, these trailblazers challenged entrenched cultural injustices and broke barriers for gender equality.
“We are the women our parents warned us against, and we are proud.”
-Gloria Steinem
Performing works celebrating American women pioneers provides significant cultural and social benefits, particularly in 2026, as audiences increasingly value diverse historical narratives. - Challenging Social Stereotypes: Highlighting the leadership and “I can” spirit of these women dismantles outdated assumptions about what women can accomplish.
- Preserving “Forgotten” Legacies: Many female pioneers—from early 20th-century theater directors to silent film innovators—were historically overlooked or “forgotten” shortly after their deaths. These performances ensure their contributions are permanently recognized.
- Empowerment and Role Modeling: Showcasing the tenacity and courage of past pioneers inspires current generations to overcome adversity and pursue ambitious goals in professional and creative fields.
- Fostering Global Solidarity: Multimedia storytelling amplifies diverse female voices, fostering empathy and building bridges across different cultures and backgrounds.
- Creative Survival and Future Vision: Performances serve as a “rehearsal” for a more inclusive future, using the history of women’s achievements to imagine and create new, equitable social structures.
- Educational Impact: Interactive and multimedia formats engage students and audiences more deeply than traditional textbooks, making history a “joyful experience” that connects past struggles to modern dreams
Phifer Middle School Choir & KEY ARTS collaborate in an inspiring Celebration of exceptional Women Pioneers
Key Arts Cast Performs with Middle School Choir
Phifer Middle School Choir and soloist Mariah Gutierrez, along with HerStory production cast members, give a rousing rendition of the inspirational song "Rise Up."
For the first time, Key Arts Productions collaborated with and performed with Phifer Middle School’s school choir in Pennsauken, New Jersey.
Phifer choir director Dyan Conklin directed the choral ensemble during a dynamic performance of Key Arts Productions’ engaging multimedia presentation, HerStory. HerStory took an auditorium packed with enthusiastic students on a journey through time, highlighting the lives and accomplishments of trailblazing women who have left an indelible mark on history and continue to inspire generations of women today.
At the assembly, Phifer choir member and soloist Mariah Gutierrez gave a rousing rendition of Andra O’Day’s “Rise Up,” an inspiring song of encouragement to rise above adversity, reach goals, and make a difference.
I enjoyed performing with the professional singers from [Key Arts Productions]. They were very nice and encouraged the kids to do their best during the performance,” recalls Ms. Conklin.
It was an awesome opportunity to sing with the performers today,” says eighth grader Mariah Gutierrez. The choir rehearsed with HerStory producer and creator Joe Patterson, cast members Veronica Menyweather and Joy Tribbett, shortly before the first of two performances that day.
The audience, composed of youngsters in grades 5 through 8, eagerly cheered as their colleagues in the school choir and Mariah delivered a stirring rendition of the inspirational tune. “It was totally awesome to see our classmates singing with the group,” exclaimed a student from the audience. It was really cool!”
Phifer Assistant Principal Tracey Turner invited Key Arts to participate in the school’s celebration of International Women’s History Month. Turner recognizes the importance of providing essential diversity learning experiences for her students, hoping they will foster cultural awareness and help them become well-rounded global citizens.
HerStory is a one-of-a-kind multimedia presentation that provides an incredible opportunity for Phifer students to learn about remarkable women like Harriet Tubman, Susan B. Anthony, and Sonia Sotomayor, who have shaped our world and continue to inspire us to push for progress.
Program Includes:
- Live Commentary
- Live Musical Performance
- Integrated Video Projection
TARGETED GRADE LEVEL:
Elementary Version (K-5)
Secondary Version (6-8, 9-12)
PROGRAM DURATION: 45 Minutes
PROGRAM MATERIALS: Student Worksheets and Teaching Resource Guides
CORE CURRICULUM & TOPICS:
Women’s History, Civil Rights, Diversity, Gender Equality, The Suffrage Movement, Arts & Humanities, Feminism, Social Studies.
Testimonials
WHAT our customers SAY
STUDENT
"I feel motivated and empowered after seeing the [HERSTORY] assembly. learning about the courage and compassion of the women, and the singers moved me.”
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
“HerStory was well received by our school community. The student choral ensemble enjoyed performing with your group.”
PRINCIPAL
“Your assembly engaged and impacted our students...thank you.”