ST. LOUIS, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Two troupes of actors are now traveling around Missouri to bring a lively stage production about using renewable energy to more than 100 schools in AmerenUE's Missouri electric service territory between now and Dec. 14. About 100 additional shows will be offered in 2008.
AmerenUE is sponsoring the live theatrical show, "Boomerang Jack and the Unseen Green Machine," which is produced by The National Theatre for Children. Based in Minneapolis, Minn., The National Theatre for Children specializes in writing and performing educational programs for children nationwide using simple sets and audience participation.
AmerenUE originally planned to sponsor the program at 100 schools across its Missouri electric service territory this fall and 100 schools in the winter/spring of 2008. However, due to high demand, the 25-minute program will be presented at additional schools between Nov. 26 and Dec. 14. There is a waiting list for the winter/spring productions. Educators are encouraged to call The National Theatre for Children at 800-858-3999, ext. 214, to request a performance for next year.
"Boomerang Jack and the Unseen Green Machine" features a cast of memorable characters, including the evil Great Waster of Energy, ace reporter Aberdeen Jean, the absentminded Professor Whatshisname and Boomerang Jack himself. In addition to the renewable energy theme, the play also carries an energy conservation message and comes with a full suite of educational materials, including grade-appropriate workbooks and teacher guides. These materials reinforce the messages of "Boomerang Jack and the Unseen Green Machine."
"The response to this program has been incredible," says AmerenUE President and Chief Executive Officer Thomas R. Voss. "There is obviously great interest in the topics of renewable energy and conserving energy-topics that we may be discussing with some of these kids' parents and grandparents at the workshops being held this week."
In July 2007, AmerenUE committed to spend a minimum of $13 million per year on energy efficiency and demand-response initiatives beginning in 2008, increasing to a minimum of $20 million by 2010. Last week, the company announced three public workshops in St. Louis, Cape Girardeau and Jefferson City to gather public reaction to a suite of conservation and energy efficiency programs proposed by AmerenUE and key stakeholders from a range of organizations.
AmerenUE is a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation. Ameren, through its subsidiaries, serves 2.4 million electric customers and nearly one million natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area of Missouri and Illinois.
SOURCE: AmerenUE
CONTACT: Tim Fox of AmerenUE, +1-314-554-3120, tfox@ameren.com
Web site: http://www.ameren.com/