The Children’s Performing Arts Series at Stephen F. Austin State University continues its tradition of offering fun, educational shows that entertain and inform East Texas youngsters.
The series, presented by the College of Fine Arts, features five nationally touring shows designed to engage audiences of all ages. Careful consideration is given to show topics, which always include teachable classroom elements, according to Diane Peterson, Fine Arts Box Office manager and director of the series.
“CPAS shows are a great way to supplement class curriculums, and our in-depth study guides provide suggestions for pre- and post-performance activities and discussions,” Peterson said.
CPAS shows bring hundreds of students from schools throughout East Texas to the SFA campus to enjoy the productions.
“Our shows are often sell-outs, so we encourage teachers to book their classrooms early to take advantage of these great field trips that provide fun and educational outings for children,” Peterson said. “We also offer great discounts for large groups.”
“The Velveteen Rabbit,” presented by Virginia Repertory Theatre, opens the series on Friday, Oct. 18, with Margery Williams’ tale of friendship and the passing of time.
“A lovely score and detailed period costumes will transport audiences back to the early 20th century to experience an innocence and wisdom that has much to say about our present culture of instant gratification and disposable friends,” Peterson explained. “The Velveteen Rabbit” is for children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.
“A Christmas Carol” is perhaps the best-loved holiday story of all time, and Virginia Rep’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale is particularly suited to children. Audiences will watch Mr. Scrooge transform his heart from stone to gold as he is visited by the ghosts of Christmas. All the joy, sentiment and meaning are here, without being too scary for young audiences. The show is slated for Thursday, Dec. 12, and targets children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.
TheatreworksUSA presents “We the People” on Friday, Jan. 31. Children will have a blast learning about the three branches of government as this musical revue uses rock and roll, rhythm and blues and more to bring American civics lessons to life.
“Presented in an election year, this show teaches kids how democracy works and inspires them to get involved,” Peterson said. “We the People” targets children in third through eighth grade.
Nacogdoches Pediatric Dentistry sponsors the all-time favorite CPAS show – Super Scientific Circus. Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime use circus stunts and magic tricks to highlight scientific principles. The program introduces students to curious and amazing phenomena that actually have scientific explanations. Super Scientific Circus comes to SFA on Friday, Feb. 28, and targets students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
The series concludes on Tuesday, April 28, with the beloved story of “Cinderella,” presented by The Panto Company USA. Bullied by her two mean stepsisters, Cinders’ future looks bleak until her Fairy Godmother casts a spell and sends her to the ball. True to the story, “Cinderella” is full of original modern songs, bursting with hilarity and has a happy ending. This show is for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.
Performances are at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on show dates in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus. Tickets are $7.50 for individuals and $6 per person for groups of 20 or more.
To order tickets, call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS. Visit the CPAS website at www.cpas.sfasu.edu for additional information.
