Red Sneaker Productions

Type: Performance

Art Form: Theater

Grade Level: K - 12

S.T.E.A.M.

Dynamic duo David Zucker and Richard McElvain of Red Sneaker Productions have been delighting and educating young audiences for decades with a masterful theatrical blend of humor, mime, puppetry and drama that makes even the most challenging subjects, pure fun!

More about David and Richard

David Zucker is an actor, director, playwright, teacher, and mime. He has performed thousands of programs for hundreds of thousands of children with Young Audiences since 1977, and is a popular guest artist with 6 other YA chapters across the U.S. In 1996 David was chosen from over 900 ensembles across the country and honored with Young Audience’s National Artist of the Year award. Mr. Zucker is the author of two original plays and of the children’s book, Uncle Carmello. In 1987 David won the “Best Director” award from Dramalogue magazine for his work on The Little Prince, which has been performed in Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and on tour throughout the United States. David has taught T’ai Chi since 1973 and travels internationally conducting workshops. He holds a 6th degree black belt in the Zen martial art of Shim Gum Do, and has a M.F.A. degree in Acting from Brandeis University.

Richard McElvain, an actor and director, has appeared in film (“Mermaids”) and television (“Spencer for Hire”), as well as on stage throughout the area for the past 20 years. Last fall he directed the critically acclaimed production of Peer Gynt at the Boston Conservatory. At the same time he appeared in the world premiere production of Israel Horovitz’s Unexpected Tenderness at the Gloucester Stage, where he frequently directs. In December of 1994, Richard staged his own adaptation of A Christmas Carol at the Merrimack Repertory Theatre. As an actor, he has appeared most recently at the Hasty Pudding Theatre and at the Huntington Theatre, where he was featured in Bang the Drum Slowly.

Programs Offered

MathsAmazing!

Shakespeare Guyz

MythMasters: Tales from Greek Mythology

Actors David Zucker and Richard McElvain with mouths agape imitating a skull held by David, in front of a Shakespeare book

Testimonials

On MathsAmazing!:

The show was terrific and really exceeded my expectations. The kids (all 190 of them) were truly engaged from start to finish and were participants throughout. I just can’t say enough positive things about the program.

Sara Kilkenny, Hale School, Stowe, MA

The audience really loved the show. The Shakespeare Guyz were incredibly entertaining, and they really engaged our middle schoolers while also keeping the younger kids involved. I honestly can’t say enough about their performance–they were absolutely fantastic.

Mica Moellering, Head of Performing Arts at Charles River School in Dover MA.

The actors were awesome! They gave such an incredible performance! Our students have been known to be a ‘tough crowd’ but at the conclusion of the performance, they gave Mythmasters a standing ovation!! Totally student initiated! And I received so many thank-yous from teachers and staff — the show had ‘something for everyone’ and all participants left with smiles on their faces. It truly was a ‘grand slam’ and such a nice way to end our school year on a high note! Thank you!!

Arts Coordinator, Carlisle Public School

'It would be an honor if you could come again so that the upcoming seventh graders could witness the enthusiastic performance that is “MythMasters.”'

'Thank you so much for coming to my school and performing Greek myths. When I watched them they were incredible and had so much life to them!'

'That was one of the best presentations I’ve ever seen. It was comical, it connected to what we were learning and it was just a great show.'

'I learned a lot more by visually experiencing the myths.'

'I enjoyed how you merged comedy and Greek Mythology together. The performance created understanding while also letting us enjoy the show.'

'I not only learned a lot, I laughed a lot!'

ARTISTS