Children's live theatre and entertainment in Calgary is stimulating, imaginative and exciting. Children appreciate quality production values, artistic direction, performance and depth of engagement. They like a good show as much as any adult, and sense when their intelligence, compassion and tastes are underestimated. Here are the best companies and veues for high-quality live children's theatre entertainment in Calgary, shows which won't disappoint.
Sun Ergos
Robert Greenwood and Dana Luebke are the principle performers of the internationally acclaimed, Sun Ergos, a remarkable storytelling, dance and animated objects troupe which presents not only original works, but highly original renditions of classics, folktales and mythology. They have won prizes around the world, and were famous for having brought their shows to children in the former republic of Yugoslavia during the height of the conflict. Their work is rich, multilayered and deeply moving, not only for children but adults as well. This is a show visitors will not regret seeing!
Quest Theatre
Under the artistic direction of Rick McNair and Duval Lang, and with a host of stellar playwrights such as Jan Derbyshire, Clem Martini, and Vern Thiessen, Quest Theatre has such a repertoire of imaginative and marvellously clever shows, that their performances frequently sell out. Their public performances are situated on the Y-Stage at Vertigo Theatre Centre in Palliser Square, just under the Calgary Tower. Be sure to check their website for performance times. Children love this popular company which offers fare created "from scratch".
Green Fools Puppet Theatre
With a repertoire of physical theatre shows which includes puppets, masques and music, as well as site-specific performances like stilt-walkers and other physical theatre techniques, Green Fools has broad audience appeal. From Project: Whooping Crane to The Shadow Opera of Isis and Orisis, their shows are highly original and engaging.
Calgary International Children's Festival
From May 25-29, 2010, the Calgary International Children's Festival (presented by Qualico Communities) sets the tone for quality performing arts for young people, bringing in the world's best theatre, puppeteers, dancers, musicians, storytellers, physical theatre performers and artists, as well as providing a child-centered stage for Calgary's best entertainers. Founder, Joanne James, wanted to showcase children's entertainers whose work did not 'play down' to young ages, and so the shows are original, sincere, imaginative and exciting.
Artistic Director, Carolyn Luhning, writes, "Highlights of this year’s line-up include ScrapArtsMusic, with their wildly theatrical, fast-paced, percussion presentation on sculptural instruments made from recycled materials; Black Violin from the United States who will present an inspired fusion of classical and hip-hop music that crosses age, cultural and musical boundaries; and for those who enjoy the whimsical, the touching contemporary dance creation, At Nightfall, will leave audiences spellbound."
The Children's Festival pretty much takes over the Epcor Centre for Performing Arts and Olympic Plaza for the week, with over 80 different colourful and interesting activities and events. It is the third largest Festival of its kind in North America, with more than 50,000 people taking part each year.
Public tickets go on sale March 29, 2010. Call: 403-294-9494.
W. P. Puppet Theatre
W. P. Puppet Theatre presents shows and workshops focused entirely on the creation of puppets from various materials. Some of the workshops are directly geared for very young children and take an afternoon to assemble and perform, a fun hands-on event for families. The puppets can be traditional in form like the basic hand-puppets to bunraku, stick puppets, marionettes and shadow puppets. They also host performances.
Calgary Young People's Theatre
Calgary Young People's Theatre offers professional quality live theatre written and performed on a professional stage by young actors who have participated in their drama workshops and performance art camps. Plays may deal with social issues in a retelling of an old classic, or may be entirely original.
Storybook Theatre
A volunteer theatre company which has been around for over 30 years, Storybook Theatre has had a long successful track record of entertaining kids with old favourites. They host cookie cabaret for the very young. The cookie cabaret is held on the old Currie Barracks, and other performances are held at the Pumphouse Theatre off 5th Ave., SW, as it leaves the downtown core.
If performance dates don't correspond with a family's visit to Calgary, one of the city's many museums and galleries will likely have something to keep young ones happy, or consider taking them to one of the many amusement and theme parks.
Simone Keiran - Simone Keiran’s book A Brief History of Western Sculpture, Quantum Books, was released at the 2009 Frankfurt Book Fair. Her articles ...
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