Theater Arts Academy at A.D. Players
The Theater Arts Academy at A.D. Players offers classes year-round to students ranging from Kindergarten through Adult. We follow a curriculum that allows the student to focus on a specific aspect of theater each session they are enrolled. This is designed so that a student starting in Kindergarten can take classes with us through their 12th grade year and never repeat a class.
Our academy is focused on training students, rather than rehearsing students, and giving them tools that they can use in any theater experience they encounter. We offer a welcoming and encouraging environment to all students.
If you would like to speak to a teacher or have more questions about our Academy, please call 832-776-0183 or email taa@adplayers.org
Growing Up Global in Houston’s Museum District
Your child’s path to a global perspective begins at Asia Society Texas Center!
Education lies at the heart of Asia Society’s mission, and the Texas Center has created a fall family lineup of engaging programs that expand cultural horizons. Children of all ages have the opportunity to encounter new traditions, celebrate the uniqueness of customs, gain geographic literacy, grasp diversity, and recognize the global roots of our community.
Bi-monthly family days allow young audiences and families to explore the many different countries in Asia. Other family-friendly events include film screenings, yoga classes, and additional offerings that shed light on experiences of children throughout the diverse Asian nations.
Whether looking at Chinese art, mastering an Indian greeting, writing a Japanese tanabata wish, listening to Silk Road tales, striking the right yoga pose, or learning how to play a Central Asian drum at a doyra workshop, Asia Society Texas Center provides a rich, exciting background for exploring and promoting interest in Asian cultures.
Central Asia and the Silk Road is the next Family Day destination on September 15. Visit AsiaSociety.org/Texas to learn more. Don’t miss the journey!
Family Friendly in West Houston: Blue Willow Bookstore
Our mothers taught us not to brag but we do believe that we have the best children’s book selection in Houston. We are a general interest shop but when you come visit us, you will see all that we have to offer for books and gifts from our family to yours. We offer weekly storytime, author events, bookclubs, baby registry, personally designed gift programs, free gift wrap, the list goes on. Go to our website to sign up for our E-Banter and find out why your family needs to visit us. We are waiting for you.
The Company OnStage Community Theatre
The Company OnStage, Inc. (COS), is a Texas non profit corporation which operates as a community theater with a season of ten productions for children and adults each year. Since its founding in 1978, COS has had the following organizational purposes and goals:
• To provide the community with quality theatrical productions at an affordable price.
• To encourage participation in theater by the community.
• To increase awareness and appreciation of the theatrical arts.
• To provide citizens of all ages and backgrounds with an opportunity to develop theatrical talents by participation in acting and other technical aspects of theater.
To purchase tickets or receive more information, visit www.companyonstage.org. The Company OnStage, 536 Westbury Square, Houston, 77035, 713-726-1219.
Fall Events Feature Kid-Friendly Fun
At The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, cooler temperatures mean fall is here, and just in time for two of our favorite annual events. First, consider this your ghoulish invitation to The Pavilion’s haunting Halloween celebration, Hocus Pocus Pops, Oct. 12. The Houston Symphony performs spooky music in an exciting atmosphere creating chills and thrills.
Daddies, mummies and little ghosts and goblins can dress up in their favorite Halloween costumes for a chance to march in the Goblin Parade that snakes across the stage during the concert. Radio Disney’s Graveyard Smash Dance Party, the Great Pumpkin Express train ride and “spooktacular” costumed characters make this a “terrorific” event for the Halloween season.
Then Nov. 10 and 11, the 17th Annual Children’s Festival transforms The Pavilion into a giant playground of fun with award-winning children’s performers who educate and entertain during two days of non-stop fun and excitement. Music, dance, comedy, arts and crafts, games, hands-on activities, face painting and more are around every corner. It’s a world of performing and visual arts for kids combined with hands-on learning opportunities that celebrate creativity and individuality. For more information about these amazing events and everything The Pavilion has to offer, visit www.woodlandscenter.org.
Family Events at Discovery Green
The Ensemble Theatre Young Performers Present… Annie Goes to Oz
The Wiz and Annie are two of the world’s most memorable & widely recognized theatrical works.
Yet no one knows what happened to little orphan Annie after she was adopted by the temperamental yet loving billionaire or what occurred after Dorothy returned home from Oz. Let’s see what happens after this imaginative saga of two worlds collides, knowing that nothing is greater than the loving bond of family. Back by popular demand! This family focused children’s theatre experience promises to delight all. Join us as The Ensemble Theatre Young Performers take you on a journey of Annie Goes to Oz. Written and Directed by Broderick Jones. Saturdays, Sept. 8, 15, and 29 at 11am; and Saturday, Oct. 6 at 11am. 713-520-0055, www.EnsembleHouston.com
The Young Performers Program (YPP) is for youth ages (6–17) wanting to explore their creative and artistic talents. Now the program has been extended to include special sessions for pre-k and kindergarten. Since 1983, more than 5,000 Houston area youth, including some
who are now professionals on Broadway, film and television, have participated in this exciting program, which combines the study of theatre, dance, music, arts education, technical, creative dramatics and performance.
The Man Who Planted Trees
THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES is a multi-sensory theatrical adaptation of Jean Giono’s environmental classic that tells the inspiring story of a shepherd who plants a forest, acorn by acorn, transforming a barren wasteland. As much a touching tale as it is a hilarious puppet show, THE MAN WHO PLANTED TREES shows us the difference one man (and his dog!) can make to the world. “Laughs, heartbreak, war, regeneration, scented breezes, sparkling wit and the best dog puppet ever. Perfect for children and grown-ups. Terrific.” (The Guardian)
Presented as part of the Serious Fun Children’s Series at The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, this performance is suitable for adults and children over 7. Presented on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 at 10 am for school groups and at 7pm for families. Call 800-821-1894 or order online at www.thegrand.com.
Debuting Special Chinese Watercolor at Hannah Bacol Busch Gallery
Local Asian female artist from Shanghai, China, SIRUN GUAN, represented by Hannah Bacol Busch Gallery will present on Saturday, October 27, 2012, 7-8pm, a Preview Show with Live Demonstration of Gongbi Painting. Reception with wine & food, 6-9pm, location: 6900 S. Rice, Bellaire, TX, 77401. She excels in
“Watercolor Painting”. Sirun practices the ancient technique of “Gongbi” or also known as a “Imperial Court Style” of painting in the East. Sirun is the ONLY artist in the city who creates beautiful paintings using this method. In fact, she is one of very few artists practicing this art style in the nation. For years, her mentor was “Li Man”, who was also a student of the famous Chinese Artist, Zhang Daqian; who was famed for outselling Picasso. Through 2012 & early 2013, Sirun Guan will be an Artist in Residence at the School Location for Hannah Bacol Busch Gallery located in Bellaire. The Gallery plans to build an exhibition location in the Museum District by 2014. During her time at the school, she will be teaching individual & group art classes in addition to working on Pieces for her upcoming Solo show in 2013. The Gallery is the host to Houston’s weekend event called Couples’ Art Nights. There are also Summer Art Classes & AfterSchool Art Groups for young adults & children offered through the Gallery location in Bellaire. For any further questions, contact 713.527.0523 or email the Gallery at inquire@hannahbacolbuschgallery.com.
Fall Classes at HITS Theatre
HITS Theatre starts fall classes on September 4, including Kindergarten class, Freckleface Strawberry the Musical for grades 1-6, Godspell and audition-only play Snow Angel for grades 7-12, college audition class and dance classes. Snow Angel auditions are September 14th with performances November 16-18 – call HITS at 713-861-7408 to schedule an audition. Performances for Freckleface Strawberry the Musical and Godspell are November 29-December 10. Visit www.hitstheatre.org for details.
HITS Theatre provides musical theatre training for children ages 5-18. HITS transforms students into disciplined team players, creative thinkers and confident speakers. All students perform in a production onstage at HITS Theatre, located in the Heights, at the conclusion of the semester. Each Spring, HITS produces a full-scale musical at Miller Outdoor Theatre. In April 2013, HITS will present Thoroughly Modern Millie. Auditions for Thoroughly Modern Millie are December 11-15.
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft
Visit Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) this fall to see innovative exhibits, visit artist studios, relax in the Craft Garden or shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in the Asher Gallery. Admission is always free!
On first Saturdays, stop by HANDS-ON HOUSTON, a craft-activity open house. Each month, a teaching artist demonstrates a craft related to the current exhibitions. Families and children of all ages are welcome, and materials are provided. On November 3rd, join HCCC for the second annual HANDS-ON FAMILY FESTIVAL, a community celebration featuring craft activities, artist demonstrations, food trucks and more.
Also, don’t miss HCCC’s most popular exhibition, “CraftTexas 2012” (September 29 – December 30), which features the best in Texas-made contemporary craft. Featuring outstanding works in a variety of media, the show includes everything from contemporary furniture, ceramics and nontraditional basketry to unusual jewelry, glass sculpture and art created from paper-back books. Visit www.crafthouston.org for more info.
Music is Fun! Experience It with Us at the Houston Symphony.
“FUN is capitalized for a reason! Imagine the greatest music you’ve ever heard, combined with the finest musicians you can imagine… and now imagine a conductor in an outlandish costume who is as big of a kid as you could bring with you! This is how I experience our family concerts, and I hope you will join me for the 2012-2013 season. When you combine dinosaurs, Harry Potter, the music of Aladdin and the Nutcracker with a new attitude, you have a series of concerts that are seriously FUN for the whole family!
Cool Brains! Inprint Readings for Young People presents Lois Lowry and Jon Scieszka
Main Street Theatre is Theatre for All Ages
Main Street Theater provides theater experiences for all ages. Founded in 1975, our MainStage produces professional, intimate, literary plays for adults; our Theater for Youth produces professional, engaging productions based on children’s literature for families and school groups, both in-house and on tour around Texas; and our Education Department offers classes and camps on-site and at satellite locations and residential treatment centers around the Greater Houston area for youth aged 4 – high school. Plays, musicals, classes, camps, character visits, birthday and other parties, Parent Play Dates, post-show discussions, other special events: don’t miss a moment of our 2012-13 season! Be part of something extraordinary.
Productions and classes begin in September. MST has 2 locations: 2540 Times Blvd. in Rice Village and 4617 Montrose Blvd. in Chelsea Market. 713-524-6706. MainStreetTheater.com, mstinfo@mainstreettheater.com.
There’s Something for Everyone at Miller Outdoor Theatre
There’s something for everyone on stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre. From daytime programs especially for young children to family friendly evening performances of music, dance, theatre and more, this is Houston’s best entertainment value. Admission is FREE! Located in Houston’s Hermann Park in the Museum District, USA Today recognized Miller Outdoor Theatre as the top free event and attraction in all of Texas.
Expect quality entertainment from around the world without the daunting dress code of a traditional theatre. Leave the neckties and stilettos at home and instead slip on your flip flops and most comfortable shorts. Miller Outdoor Theater offers audiences a relaxed atmosphere, allowing guests to enjoy one another’s company as well as a great performance. It is up to you whether you’d prefer to sit in the covered seated area or on your blanket or lawn chair up on the hill.
For a complete schedule of performances and to find out more about Miller, visit www.milleroutdoortheatre.com.
Aspen Santa Fe Ballet
8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, Cullen Theater, Wortham Center
With a sophisticated, yet entertaining repertory of contemporary dance, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has been embraced by audiences worldwide. The Company’s 12 young dancers will perform a program featuring works by some of the world’s foremost choreographers including Last by Alejandro Cerrudo, Over Glow by Jorma Elo and Stamping Ground by Jiri Kylián. The classically trained ballet troupe has won national recognition as an eclectic and innovative dance company on the rise, and has quickly become a Houston favorite. Under the leadership of Executive Director Jean-Philippe Malaty and Artistic Director Tom Mossbrucker, the dually-based Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has become a leader in developing new dance repertory and is committed to developing relationships with, and commissioning new works by, today’s most notable choreographers.
To date, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet has commissioned more than 20 works by such choreographers as Dwight Rhoden, Dominique Dumais, Moses Pendleton, Trey McIntyre and more. For tickets or more information call 713-227-4772 or visit www.spahouston.org. Tickets: $35, 45, 55, 70.
TUTS: Peter Pan, Camelot, and Flashdance
The month of September provides the perfect time for families to plan how to spend their next months together. In a city as rich and diverse as Houston, the arts community serves as a wonderful way to create family memories and have fun. Theatre Under The Stars proudly offers many selections the whole family will enjoy as part of its 2012-2013 “A Lot To Love” season.
Join TUTS for the always-popular holiday show Peter Pan. Tony-Award nominee Cathy Rigby takes flight in an all new production! Discover the magic all over again of this two-time Emmy Award winning and two-time Tony Award nominated production. The New York Times says, “Rigby still carries off the flights, fights and acrobatics that make Peter Pan audiences mesmerized.” Peter Pan is filled with timeless magical moments and a captivating hook that will entertain both the young and the young-at-heart. The legend you thought you knew is now the adventure you never dreamed possible…Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan!
After the new year, return to Hobby Center for the classic tale Camelot. Experience Camelot’s “one brief shining moment” as Lerner and Loewe envisioned it in one of theatre’s extravagant musicals. Recount the enduring legend of King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table in an enchanting fable of chivalry, honor, and brotherhood in this four-time Tony Award winning show. Camelot is both dazzling and spellbinding, filled with sweeping romance, historic grandeur, and heart-breaking drama.
Finally, for the perfect mother and teenager “girls’ night out,” look no further than Flashdance – The Musical. What a feeling! The pop culture phenomenon and runaway international success is now live on stage! It all started with a dream. To be bigger. To burn brighter. To dance harder. Now is the time to live the dream all over again. Based on the movie that defined a generation, Flashdance – The Musical tells the unforgettable story of Alex, a working-class girl from Pittsburgh striving to make her dreams of becoming a professional dancer a reality. Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis, The Addams Family), this new musical features a score of smash hits including the Academy Award-winning title track “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “I Love Rock & Roll,” along with
10 original songs.
Peter Pan, Camelot, and Flashdance – The Musical represent only a selection of what TUTS offers. TUTS can help families celebrate the time honored tradition of theatre while also creating memories that will last for a lifetime. To take advantage of a season subscription or to purchase tickets to individual shows, visit TUTS.com or call 713-558-TUTS (8887).
UpStage Theatre is for The Young and Young at Heart
UpStage Theatre is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and group of talented volunteers dedicated to providing the highest quality, yet affordable and family friendly theatrical experience for both the young and the young at heart. We take great pride in the professional quality of our children’s series and our evening theater series and aim to make the theater going experience accessible for those who might not be regular theater goers.
UpStage performs in Lambert Hall on Heights Blvd., and relies solely on ticket sales, ad sales and the generosity of its patrons for its finances. For more information, please call or visit their website.
UpStage Theatre, 1703 Heights Blvd, Houston, 77008, 713-838-7191, www.upstagetheatre.org.
