Recycling is Magic

A performance of storytelling and magic that teaches children the power in recycling

Cyril the Sorcerer begins this program with the story of a village in a far-away valley.  The village had all it needed until an army of ogres arrived.   The ogres ate, drank, ripped up or broke all that the villagers had.  When an old wizard arrives to help he accomplishes the first task, getting rid of the ogres, quite easily.   It is the tough job of cleaning up the mess that is difficult.   Through his magic he transforms old newspapers into new newspapers, cans into cars, etc.  The villagers are saved!

Hartford Courant photo

Once the story is over the children are brought back to the here-and-now with some wonderfully good news.   They learn that they have the same "magic" powers as the wizard.  Using their own recycling bin they can transform their cans, papers and other recyclables into new items.  When time allows, child volunteers are brought up to the stage.  Each is asked to pick out an item from the pile of “trash” the ogres created during the story.   They are then asked what could be done with the item based upon the local recycling program.   Options include RECYCLE, REUSE, COMPOST, DON”T GET IT, HAZARDOUS and TRASH.  Through questions and advice Cyril the Sorcerer helps attendees learn how to dispose of everything in the best way possible.

Through this combination of storytelling, stage magic and

real-world information, this program ensures that children understand the power they have to make the old into the new through recycling.

Some Key Points:

• Targeted for elementary school children
• Adaptable for adult audiences (fewer ogres, more real-world references)
• Length of program can be shortened to 15 minutes or extended beyond 30 depending upon program needs and age of audience members
• Adaptable to specific town or school recycling efforts.
• Cyril the Sorcerer (CJ May) is a recycling professional and president of the Connecticut Recyclers Coalition.   He has been a semi-professional storyteller for years.  He is also a member of the Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians.  His amateur interest in magic dovetailed so well with recycling and storytelling that it formed the basis for “Recycling is Magic.”  
• Booking is limited to one date per month so please contact us well in advance.
• The CRC asks for a donation to cover mileage and expenses related to the program.  The CRC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

The Connecticut Recyclers Coalition is proud

to offer this program to schools, scouting troops

and other organizations interested in promoting

recycling in elementary school age children.

For additional information or to book a performance contact cyril.may@yale.edu.

A young visitor to the CRRA’s Trash Museum

helps sort out the ogres’ trash