By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The entertainment duo of Jay Cady & Leslie Seifert-Cady will be performing in Ellis County elementary schools this week.
Their visit is sponsored by the Hays Arts Council along with assistance from a grant from the Kansas Creative Arts and Industries Commission.
Brenda Meder, director of the Hays Arts Council, said although the performers have been coming to Ellis County for many years, HAC tries to have a slightly different focus each year.
This year’s performance was titled “Juggling the Earth’s Resources.” The duo used juggling to demonstrate how atoms form molecules of water and carbon dioxide.
Students were enlisted to demonstrate the water cycle including, evaporation, condensation, precipitation and accumulation. Jay showed the children how pollution can be introduced into the water system.
The entertainers demonstrated how the build up of greenhouse gases can cause global warming.
Children also learned about the environment and recycling with emphasis on the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.
“Our hope is to make science fun and interesting,” Leslie said. “We hope it is not what they are expecting.”
Although some concepts like atoms and molecules are for the older children, Leslie said she and her husband try to inject enough action and humor to keep the interest of the younger children. She said the younger children can relate more to the demonstration on the water cycle.
The recycling information may be new for some kids, but for others it is good reinforcement.
Jay and Leslie are from Kansas City and travel all over the country presenting at schools, libraries and community events.
They have been full-time, professional performers since 1980. They’ve performed over 6,000 times in 35 states and six countries. To learn more, visit their website leslieandjay.com.
Leslie considered becoming a teacher, but was drawn to the theater department at Emporia State University. Her work with Jay has allowed her to pursue a different type of teaching and still work with children.
They will perform “A Drop of A Hat,” at 6 p.,m. Thursday at the Hays Public Library. It will include juggling, mime, improvisation, magic and audience participation.
All ages are invited to enjoy this free show.