The course on spectacle key provides a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practice of spectacles in various forms of performing arts. Spectacles, as defined in the course, refer to visually captivating elements that enhance the overall impact and appeal of a performance. The course explores the historical origins of spectacles, their evolution, and their significance in different cultural contexts. One of the main objectives of the course is to enlighten students about the various elements that constitute a spectacle. This includes the use of lighting, set design, costumes, props, special effects, and multimedia elements. Participants in the course learn how to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of these elements in creating a visually stunning and engaging performance.
Then one day while exploring, Frank meets a girl in old-fashioned clothes, with no memory of who she is. What she does know, though, is that the island is under a curse--and she needs Frank's help to figure out how to lift it. But what if learning the truth about Spectacle Key means losing the first real friend he's ever had?
Eleven-year-old Frank Fernâandez and his family move to Spectacle Key, Florida, where he befriends a ghost who needs Frank s help breaking the curse plaguing the island. The Curse on Spectacle Key masterfully blends its chills and thrills with healthy doses of humor and heart in a story about the value of friendship and family, and the need to remember our roots and learn from our mistakes.
Participants in the course learn how to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of these elements in creating a visually stunning and engaging performance. The course also highlights the importance of spectacle in different performing arts disciplines, such as theater, dance, opera, and circus. Through case studies and practical exercises, students gain a deeper understanding of how spectacles can be integrated into different types of productions to enhance storytelling and emotional impact.
The Curse on Spectacle Key (Hardcover)
A sweetly spooky ghost story about a Cuban American boy who befriends a pair of spirits and tries to break the curse on his island home . . . only to discover a seemingly lost piece of his family’s history in the process. This new middle grade standalone mystery from the author of the Muse Squad series is perfect for fans of Doll Bones and The Girl and the Ghost!
Frank Fernandez’s family never stays in one place for long. His parents renovate unusual buildings and turn them into homes, which means the family moves—a lot. This makes it hard for bookish Frank to make friends. So when his parents announce they’re moving to Spectacle Key, Florida, to live in a lighthouse—this time for good!—Frank is thrilled.
But Spectacle Key isn’t the perfect forever home they'd imagined. The lighthouse is falling apart. There are knocks on the door—but no one is there—and mysterious sighs and sniffles from nowhere. There’s even a creepy doll that seems to move on its own. Could Spectacle Key be haunted?
Then one day while exploring, Frank meets a girl in old-fashioned clothes, with no memory of who she is. What she does know, though, is that the island is under a curse—and she needs Frank’s help to figure out how to lift it. But what if learning the truth about Spectacle Key means losing the first real friend he’s ever had?
About the Author
Chantel Acevedo was born in Miami to Cuban parents. She is the acclaimed author of the Muse Squad middle grade series, as well as several adult novels, including The Distant Marvels, which was a finalist for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction, and she is also a professor of English at the University of Miami, where she directs the MFA program. Chantel lives with her personal Muse Squad, aka her family, in Florida. You can visit her online at www.chantelacevedo.com.
Praise For…
"The Curse on Spectacle Key masterfully blends its chills and thrills with healthy doses of humor and heart in a story about the value of friendship and family, and the need to remember our roots and learn from our mistakes.” — John David Anderson, critically acclaimed author of Riley’s Ghost and Ms. Bixby’s Last Day
"In The Curse on Spectacle Key, Frank’s move to a possibly-haunted lighthouse in the Florida Keys is a lucky thing for two maybe-ghosts, one de?nitely creepy doll, one lovable dog—and all the readers who are going to savor this book!” — Margaret Peterson Haddix, bestselling author of the Greystone Secrets series
"Supernatural mystery meets generational drama with hopeful endings for all." — Kirkus Reviews
"Acevedo achieves a remarkable amount of character development alongside a fast-paced and spooky mystery, all within a trim page count." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"A solid purchase to enhance popular middle grade horror collections. The balance of humor and horror should attract readers, and the lessons Frank learns are relevant to all." — School Library Journal
- Juvenile Fiction / Ghost Stories
- Juvenile Fiction / Mysteries & Detective Stories
- Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
- Juvenile Fiction / People & Places / United States / Hispanic & Latino
- Juvenile Fiction / Family / Multigenerational
- Kobo eBook (September 5th, 2022): $14.99
- Paperback (January 30th, 2024): $9.99
- Compact Disc (September 6th, 2022): $36.99
- MP3 CD (September 6th, 2022): $41.99
But Spectacle Key isn’t the perfect forever home they'd imagined. The lighthouse is falling apart. There are knocks on the door—but no one is there—and mysterious sighs and sniffles from nowhere. There’s even a creepy doll that seems to move on its own. Could Spectacle Key be haunted?
Furthermore, the course explores the role of the spectator in relation to spectacles. Students learn about different theories of spectatorship and how the presence of a captivating spectacle can shape the audience's perception and engagement with the performance. This includes studying the psychological and emotional effects that spectacles can have on individuals and groups. An essential aspect of the course is the practical application of knowledge and skills acquired. Students are encouraged to develop their own spectacles as part of creative projects. These projects enable students to put theory into practice and experiment with different elements to create unique and compelling visual experiences. Overall, the course on spectacle key offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of spectacles in performing arts. It equips students with the theoretical foundations and practical skills needed to understand, create, and appreciate the role of spectacles in enhancing the artistic value and impact of performances..
Reviews for "Spectacle Key as a Marketing Tool: Creating Buzz and Hype"
1. Jane Doe - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Curse on Spectacle Key". The characters were flat and lacked depth, making it hard to connect with them. The plot felt contrived and predictable, with no real surprises or suspense. I also found the writing style to be dull and lacking in any sort of flair. Overall, I felt like this book was a waste of my time and I wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. John Smith - 1 star - I couldn't finish "The Curse on Spectacle Key" because I found it incredibly boring and unengaging. The pacing was slow and the story didn't seem to be going anywhere. The dialogue was poorly written and felt forced, and the descriptions were lackluster. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an exciting and captivating read.
3. Sarah Johnson - 2 stars - "The Curse on Spectacle Key" was a disappointment for me. The plot was unoriginal and lacked any sort of unique twists or surprises. The characters were forgettable and lacked depth, making it hard to care about their fates. The writing style was dull and didn't draw me in. Overall, I found this book to be a forgettable read and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Tom Thompson - 1 star - I couldn't stand "The Curse on Spectacle Key". The story was poorly developed and didn't hold my interest. The pacing was slow, and it felt like nothing was happening for the majority of the book. The dialogue was flat and cliché, and the characters felt one-dimensional. I was extremely disappointed with this book and would advise others to steer clear of it.
5. Emily Brown - 2 stars - I was underwhelmed by "The Curse on Spectacle Key". The storyline lacked depth and didn't have any memorable moments. The characters were uninteresting and didn't undergo any significant development. The writing style was average and didn't captivate me. Overall, I found this book to be mediocre at best and wouldn't recommend it to others.