Illinois American Water and The National Theatre for Children, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will bring the live theatrical show, “Showdown at Dry Gulch” to eight elementary schools located in Illinois American Water’s Pekin and Peoria Districts.
These performances are part of Illinois American Water’s education program for children and are offered to local schools free of charge.

The schedule is as follows:
2/7/2011 8:30 AM – St Philomena School 3216 N Emery Ave, Peoria
2/14/2011 1:00 PM – Mossville Elementary 12207 N. Galena Rd., Mossville
2/15/2011 9:00 AM – Holy Family Parish School 2329 W Reservoir Blvd, Peoria
2/15/2011 1:30 PM – Dunlap Grade School 301 S. First St., Dunlap
2/17/2011 10:00 AM 10:35 AM Hollis Consolidated Grade School 5613 W Tuscarora Rd, Peoria
2/17/2011 1:00 PM 1:50 PM T. Jefferson Primary School 918 W. Florence Ave., Peoria
2/18/2011 10:30 AM – St. Joseph School 300 S. 6th St., Pekin
2/18/2011 2:00 PM 2:45 PM Peoria Academy 2711 W Willow Knolls Dr, Peoria

The National Theatre for Children, a Minnesota based national touring company, uses simple sets and audience participation to teach children about the importance of water. The 20-minute shows share information with students about conservation and preventing pollution in a fun and interactive way. The troupe will present the shows to thousands of students in Illinois American Water’s service areas. The shows are supplemented with classroom materials teachers can use with their students.

“By presenting a wise water use message through entertainment, we are able to teach children about good environmental practices in a way they can relate and enjoy. This program teaches children important ways to protect and conserve one of natures’ most
valuable resources,” said Michael Moler, Illinois American Water operations manager for the Peoria and Pekin Districts.