March 20 - World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People

By Artistic Director Lauren Jost

Today is officially the World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People. Here are the top four reasons that we continue to work for theatre that engages, inspires, and is made just for young children ages 0-5:

1. We all deserve beauty.  Too much of "educational art" made for children is trying to teach them some lesson or fill them with facts, but is short on any artistic value.  We believe that young children of every age deserve sophisticated aesthetic experiences that fill their world with beauty and wonder. 
2. Play is essential.  We love to play in the studio, and also play during a performance.  Each of our shows has at least a moment, if not a dozen moments, when children and their grownups are encouraged to play, test, experiment, try something new, and grow a little. Our world is not black and white, and we love to create moments that have no right answer, no script, and can follow the interest of the little people in our audience.
   
3. There isn't enough. Every time someone uses the word "babyish" or "childish" as a put-down, they are saying that children aren't quite as good as adults.  This cultural perspective of children as "less than us" is reflected in lack of opportunities for quality art, education, and services that are available to young children.  There isn't enough good theatre for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in this world, and we're going to keep making it until there is.
   
4. We are inspired. The world of a very young child is one of endless opportunity, surprising newness everyday, limitless possibility for growth and discovery.  Who wouldn't want to live in that world?! We so much value the honor of being invited into young people's world to create stories with and for them, and our lives are richer for it. 

Here are some highlights from the last year, and we can't wait to show you what we're working on next!

To support the continued development of new work for children ages 0-5, click here.