'In My Own Backyard': A Review.

I had the opportunity to be at the opening of Pollyanna Children's Theatre's 'In My Own Backyard' at The Long Center this morning with Jack, and I am so incredibly glad we went! I was a bit anxious about the performance initially, as Jack is currently in an I'm-scared-of-absolutely-everything phase, but it went swimmingly!

Once we arrived, we waited with other families out in the lobby, where the children were able to play with stuffed animals and color on white butcher paper. Though we didn't wait very long before one of the performers - Nathaniel Reed - came on with his guitar and ushered us into the room, Jack was perfectly content to sit and color in the meantime:

 Once the guitar player/facilitator led us into the room, we were handed a program with suggestions on how to continue the learning and engagement at home, as well as some guidelines for theatre for very young and/or first time theatergoers. One of the things that really stood out to me, and gave me comfort as the mother of an energetic toddler boy, was that the program said specifically that this was a "no-shhing" production. Sure, try to keep your children from screaming and being actively disruptive, but talking with them quietly about what they're seeing and what is happening, and allowing them to point and say some of the concepts being illustrated ("in", "out", etc) was encouraged. I think there was a collective sigh of relief amongst the mothers in the audience when we read this! One of the biggest barriers to taking children to see performances is in the expectations associated and fear of how they might behave like, well, children, so to have that removed and to know that it was alright for my son to act his age set such a positive and relaxed tone for the experience.

As if that tone was felt by Jack, too, my usually uncertain and nervous baby was completely relaxed and engaged in the production, interacting with the characters when invited to and joining them on "stage" with the other children - something I was not expecting but pleasantly surprised to see!

The cast was exceptional, as well, with the actors great at engaging the children and reaching out to those who might need a bit of encouragement (*cough* Jack *cough*)! He really responded to their welcoming and inviting manner, as you can see:

'In My Own Backyard' runs through Saturday, with shows everyday at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. at the AT&T Room at The Long Center. Tickets are available at the event, or you can purchase them ahead of time here.

Pollyanna Children's Theatre Presents "In My Own Backyard".

We've seen several Pollyanna Children's Theatre productions over the past few years, and have loved them all. Still, it's difficult to find entertainment that can engage my older child and yet still be appropriate for my energetic toddler, a struggle that I feel a lot of families out there face. Enter: Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) at Pollyanna Theatre.

This week, Pollyanna Children's Theatre presents 'In My Own Backyard': An Interactive Theatre Experience for Very Young Children. From their website:

‘In My Own Backyard’ was created to engage children as early as 18 months - 4 years of age through a visual theatre style performance and dramatic play alongside the actors. It is classified as ‘Theatre for the Very Young’ (TVY) - an umbrella term often used to describe a variety of theatre work and practices intentionally designed for children under the age of six and the first professional premiere of theatre of this type in Austin.

The play, written by playwright Bethany Lynn Corey, will debut at the AT&T Conference Room at the Long Center on Wednesday, June 10th, with showings at 9:30 and 11:00 Wednesday - Saturday, June 13th. It tells the story of ‘Squig’ and ‘Lolly’ at a backyard picnic, where they find common picnic objects inside of a picnic basket. Using their imaginations, they reinterpret the objects as playthings; musical instruments, frisbees and different animals and objects that may be found in a backyard. As the two childlike characters play and create, they deal with issues of sharing, caring and playing fair as would any set of friends.

Get your tickets online, at Pollyanna Theatre Company, or by calling (512) 743-7966, and be amongst the first to experience this breakthrough theatre experience for young children! I cannot wait to take my toddler for a mommy/son date!

Pollyanna Theatre Company's The Big Bolt at The Long Center.

Looking for a fun family event this upcoming Mother’s Day weekend? Do you want to encourage a love of the arts in your young child(ren) while spending time together as a family? If so, you’re in luck! Pollyanna Theatre Company presents its next production, The Big Bolt, by Holly Hepp Galvan, May 9^th – 17^th with multiple performance times at the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, located at 701 West Riverside Drive, Austin, with two of the Saturday performances (2:00 pm on May 10^th and 17^th) to be followed by ‘Meet the Cast’ parties.

This 60-minute production is written specifically to appeal to the developmental and educational needs of very young children ages 3 – 7, exploring the concept of cause and effect, as well as basic pre-math concepts.

The story centers on a young girl named Jimmi and her dog Pal, who discover what can happen when a seemingly unimportant, but very big, bolt is taken out of its intended place. A hilarious cast of characters experience the varying effects of the missing bolt and with Pal’s help, Jimmi learns how to confess to her mistake and put things right again.

You can learn more about Pollyanna Theatre Company and The Big Bolt, as well as download a free study guide for parents and teachers www.pollyannatheatrecompany.org>here

The founders of Pollyanna Theatre Company believe that theatre is a powerful teaching tool that speaks to people of all ages in a unique and powerful way through a variety of visual, aural, and emotional languages. Therefore, theatre should be a part of all general education from pre-kindergarten through adulthood. Toward that end, The Pollyanna Theatre Company strives to work alongside educators to inspire, motivate, and teach audiences of all ages. Although the company’s primary focus is upon young audience members, the ensemble performs top quality theatrical productions that speak to and illuminate the human spirit and condition for all ages.

Pollyanna Children's Theatre Presents The Family of Ree.

Earlier this week, I told you all about a show that was coming to the Rollins Studio at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, entitled The Family of Ree. I was lucky enough to score tickets to the show for myself, Ava and one of the little girls that I watch, and so off we went to spend part of a day at the theatre. I was a bit uncertain of how it would go over in the few minutes leading up to the show, as toddlers are notoriously busy, but as I stepped foot into the production, I knew it would not be an issue.

The set was done so beautifully, and in such brilliant and vivid colors, that there was no way to not be caught up and attentive to it! Add to that a cast of individuals who all shined in their roles, colorful costumes and exuberant props, and I had two still, well-behaved little girls who were captivated by the production.

I won't give too much away, but The Family of Ree was based on a book of the same name by Scott Sutton, and was adapted true to form, with a message about being kind to our environment and being honest to ourselves and our friends - a moral that hits home for anyone at any stage of life!

Pollyanna Children's Theatre has recently been named the resident children's company at the Long Center, and watching the actors on stage left no doubt about why. From their stage presence to their articulate yet boisterous performances, I didn't feel like I was at a children's performance but a family-centered performance - one that was fun and entertaining for us all.

The Family of Ree runs January 24-27 at the Rollins Studio Theatre in the Long Center. Showtimes vary based upon day, but if you've got youngsters, I highly recommend the 11am show. If you've yet to get tickets, you can secure tickets online for the remaining shows here.

Pollyanna Children's Theater Presents 'The Family of Ree' This Weekend at The Long Center.

Central Texas’ most well-known children’s theatre company - and the resident children's theater company at the reputable Long Center for the Performing Arts -  Pollyanna Theatre presents The Family of Ree by Scott E. Sutton, adapted for the stage by Andrew Perry at the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 West Riverside, Austin, TX  78704.

This new play, best suited for children in grades K-3 (ages 5-8) is adapted by the stage by playwright Andrew Perry (Pattern Nation: Waves and Playground Superhero). The play explores themes of being honest and telling the truth and the dangers of false accusations.  The play also discusses the interconnected nature of life and the need to care for our environment.

The cast includes professional actors from Pollyanna Theatre Company, including Robert Burkhalter, Aaron Alexander (Playground Superhero), Gricelda Silva, Jessica Hughes, Rob Faubian and Jacob Trussell.

Hundreds of readers have fallen in love with Scott E. Sutton’s colorful characters and illustrations after discovering his series of picture books featuring the imaginative world called Ree.

The play opens this Thursday, January 24, through Sunday, January 27, with tickets ranging from $7.75 to $9.75. Group rates are available as well for the discounted price of $3-$5. You can check showtimes and purchase tickets here. They are also available by calling 512.743.7966 or 512.474.LONG (5664). 

Enjoy the show!