Allan Ashby enhances his teaching through communication as a children’s author and playwright. For over 40 years, Allan has contributed to musical theatre in lead and support roles.
A Quest for Understanding gently and amusingly promotes the wisdom of collecting information before making important decisions. The play follows five individuals with distinct personalities, portrayed as common bugs, who overcome their preconceptions to work together.
This original musical play in one act is written for intermediate and senior students, and Allan is available to advise on production, costuming, and sets.
The Weave of Lives is a storybook directed towards junior and intermediate students. The story shows how the lives of common bugs intertwine with one another and with those of humans, and gives students a fresh perspective on creatures often seen as annoying and unwanted. An audio disc of The Weave of Lives is also available.
Allan leads reading and discussion sessions to support school literacy programs. These are suited to classroom groups and include opportunities to discuss story-writing; setting, characters, plot, climax, and ending.
