South Dakota Experiential Learning for 4th Graders
with Dakota Players
A NEW Tool for teachers!
Introduce students to a world of ideas, characters, and events through a social-studies performance based opportunity they won’t forget!
Reader's Theatre Performance or Full Stage Performance
When students participate in experiential education opportunities, they gain:
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A better understanding of course material
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A broader view of the world and an appreciation of community
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Insight into their own skills, interests, passions, and values
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Opportunities to collaborate
The Missing Mountain Mystery is an amazing teaching resource that brings South Dakota standards to life through a fun and educational artist-led rehearsal/performance experience. Included along with the performance are 3 South Dakota+theatre workshops covering geography, character development with South Dakota flash cards, history, movement and aspects of technical theatre.
The program aims to dig deeper into students’ understanding of South Dakota by making learning a whole body experience. Overall, this program is designed to help students improve in a multitude of areas, including reading, social studies, critical thinking, collaboration, body awareness and confidence.
about the show

An emergency meeting of the D.A.K.O.T.A. council (Distinguished Allied Kritters of the Area) has been called by Lenny the Buffalo to solve this mysterious mystery. The adventures begin as Tȟakóža, RN Pheasant, Patty Pasque, Sven Spruce and a host of other colorful characters go on eye-opening quests across South Dakota.
Along the way, the characters learn to see the state from many different perspectives. From meeting the Royal Farm Family, traveling through time with the Badlands and Wildflowers, poppin’ with prairie dogs (Yo Dogs Yo!) and being interviewed on the Black Hills Television Show, the antics never end.
As the mystery unfolds, the D.A.K.O.T.A. council gathers together once again where they admit there is a lot they didn’t know about South Dakota. Their travels are the spark of curiosity they need to see the miraculous power of being connected to all.
Show length: approximately 40 minutes
Created by
Original script/lyrics – Dan Workman and Eric Johnson
Script Consultants: Clementine Bordeaux & Deb Workman
Original Music: Eric Johnson
Music Sequencing: Christian Erickson
Music Recording: Scott & Sheryl Simpson
Costume Design: Katryna B. Preston
Set Design: Dave Horan
Graphic Design: Kari Powell
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