CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy and The National Theatre for Children have announced their Energy Education in Schools' 2014-2015 performance schedule, which will include a nine-month tour featuring multiple troupes performing in over 1,000 elementary schools in eligible Duke Energy service areas.

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Through this innovative program, students will learn about using energy wisely through a backdrop of zany characters and improvisional comedy.

Duke Energy has partnered with The National Theatre for Children since 2011 to offer its Energy Education in Schools program to teach students core educational points about energy, resources and how and why they should use energy wisely.

The centerpiece of the curriculum is a live theatrical production delivered by professional actors to students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Every student who attends a performance receives a workbook of project-based assignments, including take-home work designed to engage parents.

Parents are encouraged to participate by ordering a free energy efficiency starter kit. For requesting the kit, families and schools are automatically entered into a contest for a chance to win cash prizes.

As the Energy Education in Schools program enters its fourth academic year, The National Theatre for Children is introducing two new theatrical productions for elementary and middle school students:


    --  For elementary schools, The Treasure Trove of Conservation Cove: A
        Pirate's Tale, leads students through a fun pirate treasure hunt
        featuring a cast of colorful characters, all while teaching about
        resources and energy conservation.
    --  During Resource Raiders, middle school students will be engaged through
        a series of improvisional comedy sketches, all while learning about ways
        resources are used wastefully and specific measures everyone can take to
        use resources more carefully.

Schools in North Carolina (Duke Energy Carolinas), South Carolina (Duke Energy Carolinas), Ohio and Kentucky that are served by Duke Energy are eligible to participate in this free program. Programs are available to students in kindergarten through eighth grade and reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information or to schedule a performance, call 800-858-3999, ext.1 or visit www.nationaltheatre.com and click "schedule a show." For more information about the Energy Education in Schools program visit www.duke-energy.com/schools.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at: www.duke-energy.com.

Contact: Kristina Hill
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

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SOURCE Duke Energy