Cock-a-Doodle-Don't!
by Brett Webster

Developed originally for Vine Street Elementary School
Appropriate for grades K-5
35 minutes

“Cock-a-Doodle-Don't” is a play about a tom-boy named Dell and her three friends: Pig (who can't gain weight), Rooster (a bird that can't fly), and Cow (who suffers from lactose intolerance). Rooster and Cow are worried about Dell, who has some big, scary news on this very special Monday. And Pig, who can't find his purpose, is in for the surprise of his life.

Join us for this hilarious ho-down about embracing the things that make us unique, accepting other people's differences, and finding a purpose to make life meaningful.

Read the Study Guide (PDF) | Read the Brochure (Coming Soon)

Contact Vanessa Waters to have "Cock-a-Doodle Don't" come to your school!

Teacher responses to the show and study guide:
“From students to teachers, everybody enjoyed the play. Students couldn't stop talking about it after it was done. It's an excellent tool to use in the classroom to teach tolerance among individuals.”
- Ms. Jimenez 2nd grade teacher, Vine Street Elementary.

“The study guide was a perfectly designed teacher's lesson plan which set the stage for the play, asked thoughtful questions about theater and life, and provided meaningful dialogue. The Resource Sheet was a bonus because it added an ESL component (pictures of animals, labeled parts of animals) and addressed both primary and limited English readers. By incorporating a song, it reinforced the vocabulary, added another modality(kinesthetic) and made it fun.”
- Ms. Claverie RSP teacher, Vine Street Elementary.

Read the Study Guide (PDF)

Student responses to the show (1st-5th Graders):
“I think the whole purpose of this play was that you have to be yourself and not to tell people you're something when you're not. Another purpose is that there is no one like you even if you have a lot in common, nobody can be you. Also, to try new things, you never know what might happen unless you try it.”
-Beverly, 5 th grader

“We want to tell you that the play Cock-a-Doodle-Don't was funny and we enjoyed it. We learned that everyone is special and it's okay to be different. Please come back again.”
-Osvaldo, 1st grader

“Hello, my name is Sunny. I saw your performance today and what a blast. It was so funny. You had a mix of personalities playing the pig. You had four personalities of delighted, melancholy, bashful and surprised. You are part of a theater called the Unknown Theater. I see why.” -
-Sunny, 5 th grader

“Dear Rooster, It is ok that you can't fly.”
-Matthew, 1st grader

“…Next of all you had something…something special in your heart that makes each of you special. I really like that and it made me visualize that even if someone has something inside that they feel bad about it they are still special. Finally I liked all of you that acted so well that I think when I grow up I could be an actor like you guys.” -
-Yessenia, 3rd grader

“I love you pig and I love your show.”
-Nicholas, 1st grader

“Dear Rooster, I liked the way you acted in the play. I liked the part when you were dancing with Cow and when you were trying to wake up Pig. I learned that you do not have to be the same as others. Who cares if you are a bird that can't fly. You are a funny Rooster. You are my favorite character.”
-Izamar, 2nd grader

Read the Study Guide (PDF) | Read the Brochure (Coming Soon)

Contact Vanessa Waters to have "Cock-a-Doodle Don't" come to your school!

Other Shows Currently in Development

The History of Storytelling (Appropriate for grades 5-9)
[Page currently being updated]

Instant Shakespeare (Appropriate for grades 9-12)
Unknown Theater's Instant Shakespeare is a whirlwind adventure based on William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Hold on as five flamboyant actors take you on a hilarious, white-knuckle ride through every one of these famous plays -- in just about 45 minutes. "Instantly" create hundreds of Shakespeare lovers by de-mystifying the text and familiarizing your students with some of Shakespeares most commonly studied and beloved stories.

Contact Us if you would like to be notified as soon as these shows are available.

Custom Shows Available

We can custom design an assembly to compliment your curriculum, help you celebrate a holiday, or we can surprise your students with something completely Unknown!

Contact Us if you are interested in a custom show and our coordinators will discuss the details with you.