Past Programs

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Past Programs

Playdate Frenzy
March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Ages 4 - 10

Know any kids who love to play all day with their best friends? Join us for a
month of stories that celebrate friendships - both the challenges and
rewards! Our actors will read stories about uncommon playdates and
playmates, then work with audience on acting out the themes and
characters from the books we've performed.

Bring a friend for 1/2 price if you register in advance!

Sign up for the month long series and save! $60 for the month,
or $15 per session. Advance registration recommended, register by calling
207-774-1043 x117 or
email theaterforkids@portlandstage.org.

Click here for a mail in registration form.

	March 2 at 10:30 AM A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip & Erin Stead
	A Porcupine Named Fluffy by Helen Lester
	March 9 at 10:30 AM Duck & Goose by Tad Hillis
	Help! A Story of Friendship by Holly Keller
	March 16 at 10:30 AM Henry in Love by Peter McCarty
	Chloe by Peter McCarty
	March 23 at 10:30 AM Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
	A Bus Called Heaven by Bob Graham
	March 30 at 10:30 AM Crafty Chloe by Kelly DiPuccio
	Pirates & Princesses by Jill & Sadie Kargman

Enchanted Adventures
February 2, 9, 16 & 23
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Ages 4 - 10

Experience a magical world full of noble quests, mythical creatures, brave
heroes, clever princesses and evil villains - all before lunchtime! Join our
professional troupe of actors (and occasional court jesters) for an
illuminating performance, followed by a magically interactive workshops for
the small actors in the audience.

 

	February 2 at 10:30 AM Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Book? by Lauren Child
	The Gruffalo's Child by Julia Donaldson and Alex Scheffler
	February 9 at 10:30 AM CANCELLED DUE TO STORM     Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
	Mustache! by Mac Barnett
	February 16 at 10:30 AM King Arthur's Very Great Grandson by Kenneth Kraegel
	Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Flemming
	February 23 at 10:30 AM The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by Lauren Murray
	The Princess and the Pig by Jonathan Emmett

Snowy Stories
January 12, 19 & 26
10:30 - 11:45 AM
Ages 4 - 10

Let it snow, we'll be cozy and snug at Theater for Kids! Join our professional actors as they bring seasonal stories to life, then share you own amazing imagination during an interactive workshop. Designed for kids ages 4-10, Play Me a Story is a perfect fun filled Saturday morning activity for a blustery winter day!

 

	January 12 at 10:30 AM Play Me a Story 3rd BIRTHDAY PARTY! Join us for a treat after the workshop as we celebrate 3 terrific years of Theater for Kids! The Mitten by Jan Brett
	The Hat by Jan Brett
	January 19 at 10:30 AM ...and Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson & Peter Parnell
	One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo
	January 26 at 10:30 AM The Practically Perfect Pajamas by Erik Brooks
	Cold Snap by Eileen Spinelli

Crazy Critters
November 3, 10 & 17
10:30 - 11:45 AM

Hug a bug and squeeze a weasel!
Enjoy a performance of stories about quirky & cuddly critters,
then let out your wild side during our interactive post reading workshop.

	November 3 at 10:30 AM Prudence Wants a Pet by Cathleen Daly My Snake Blake by Randy Siegel WonTon: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku by Lee Wardlaw
	November 10th at 10:30 AM SOLD OUT LLama LLama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney Squid and Octopus Friends for Always by Tao Nyeu George Flies South by Simon James
	November 17 at 10:30 AM Sneaky Weasel by Hannah Shaw Those Darn Squirrels by Adam Rubin

Silly vs Scary Stories
October 6, 13, 20 & 27
10:30 - 11:45 AM

October is the spookiest month, let's make it silly too! A fine blend of tales that will make you laugh & send a chill up your spine - all at the same time. See our actors bring silly and scary tales to life, then we'll take a vote on which ones we like best. Kids will love the chance to show off their sillest, scariest moves in our post performance workshops.

 

	October 6 at 10:30 AM Tales for Very Picky Eaters by Josh Schneider
	October 13th at 10:30 AM E-mergency by Tom Lichtenheld and Ezra Fields- Meyer Zombie in Love by Kelly DiPucchio
	October 20th at 10:30 AM The Baby That Roared by Simon Puttock
	October 27th at 10:30 AM HALLOWEEN PARTY!! Wear your costume, play some tricks and have a treat at Theater for Kids! Bone Soup by Cambria Evans By The Light of the Halloween Moon by Carolyn Stutson

Stories Made in Maine
April 7, 14, 21, 28
10:30 AM

Read local! So many amazing authors and illustrators live and work in Maine.
We are super excited to dedicate a month to some fantastic stories that were
made right here! Join our professional actors as we perform home grown tales and then
show off your skills in our interactive acting workshop based on the stories.

	April 7th at 10:30 AM The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen
	Down to the Sea with Mr Magee by Chris Van Dusen
	April 14th at 10:30 AM Carmine A Little More Red by Melissa Sweet
	Betsy Who Cried Wolf by Gail Carson Levine, illustrated by Scott Nash
	April 21st at 10:30 AM Too Many Frogs by Ann and John Hassett
	A Mouse in the House by Ann and John Hassett
	April 28th at 10:30 AM **SPECIAL AUTHOR EVENT** Meet Amy MacDonald, author of Little Beaver and the Echo and Rachel Fister's Blister, then enjoy a performance & workshop! Rachel Fister's Blister by Amy McDonald
	Little Beaver and The Echo by Amy McDonald

 

 

 

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Imagination Junction
March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
10:30 AM

 What are the 3 most important tools in the actor's tool box?
Body, voice and IMAGINATION! 

Join us for a month of stories that celebrate creativity and innovation,
then show off your own spectacular imagination
during our interactive workshops.

 

	March 3rd 10:30 AM Jimmy Zangwow's Out of This World Moon Pie Adventure by Tony DiTerlizzi
	Ted by Tony DiTerlizzi
	March 10th 10:30 AM The Boy Who Cried Ninja by Alex Latimer
	Timothy and the Strong Pajamas by Viviane Schwarz
	March 17th 10:30 AM Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo, Alison McGhee & Tony Fucile
	March 24th 10:30 AM Clink by Kelly DiPucchio
	Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
	March 31st 10:30 AM If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

 

Midwinter Meltdown
February 4, 11, 18, 25
10:30 AM

The weather outside may be frightful, but we are cozy and snug at Theater for Kids! Celebrate the coldest season with our wintery mix of snow filled stories, then warm yourself from your head to your toes with our invigorating acting workshops!

 

Amazing Animal Antics 
January 14, 21, 28
10:30 AM 

 Crawl like a bug, howl like a wolf, growl like a bear and interrupt...like a chicken? Enjoy a warm and fuzzy dramatic reading by Portland Stage Affilate Artists, then show off your wild side in an interactive acting workshop based on the stories.

	January 14th 10:30 AM SOLD OUT Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
	Mr. Wolf's Pancakes by Jan Fearnley
	January 21st 10:30 AM SOLD OUT And Here's To You by David Elliot
	The Bugliest Bug by Carol Diggory Shields  & Scott Nash
	January 28th 10:30 AM SOLD OUT You Will Be My Friend by Peter Brown

Action & Adventure Tales
November 5, 12 & 19
10:30 AM

 Swashbucklers, explorers and thrill seekers wanted! Jump into the action at Theater for Kids as we bring high-octane tales and amazing adventure stories to life, then take charge of the story during the post reading workshop.

	November 5th at 10:30 AM   Traction Man meets Turbo Dog by Mini Grey
	Shark vs Train by Chris Barton
	November 12th at 10:30 AM April and Esme, Tooth Fairies by Bob Graham
	Trouble Gum by Matthew Cordell
	November 19th at 10:30 AM     Archie and the Pirates by Marc Rosenthal
	The Paper Princess by Elisa Kleven

 

(Not too) Scary Stories
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
10:30 AM

What makes you feel scared? Whether it's bullies or monsters under the bed - we've got a story to help you cope! Join Theater for Kids as we read slightly scary stories and not too terrifying tales, then act out your inner monster in an interactive workshop.

	October 1st at 10:30 AM Hooway for Wodney Wat by Helen Lester
	October 8th at 10:30 AM The Shivers in the Fridge by Fran Manushkin
	A Little Bit Scary People by Emily Jenkins
	October 15th at 10:30 AM The Gruffalo by Julia Davidson
	I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
	October 22nd at 10:30 AM The Book That Eats People by John Perry
	Bats at the Library by Brian Lies
	October 29th at 10:30 AM SPECIAL HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION - COSTUMES WELCOME!! The Halloween House by Erica Silverman
	The Ghost of Sifty Sifty Sam by Angela Shelf Medearis

CRAZY KIDS
September 11, 18, 25 - 2010
10:30 AM

Calling all kids - these books are about you! See how kids like you get ready for school, avoid going to bed and drive their parents crazy! Watch as our professional actors discover their inner children during the readings, then participate by acting out zany antics of your own during the post reading workshops.

OWEN Copyright © 1993 by Kevin Henkes. Used by Permission of HarperCollins Publishers.	September 11 Owen by Kevin Henkes
Abigail Spells Copyright 2009 © Anna  Alter, reproduced with permission of the author	Abigail Spells by Anna Alter
Grace for President Copyright 2008 ©  Kelly DiPucchio, reproduced with permission of the author	Grace for President!  by Kelly DiPucchio
A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee. Copyright  ©  2008 by Marla Frazee	September 18 A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marle Frazee
PENGUIN. Copyright © 2007 Polly Dunbar. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press,Somerville, MA on behalf of Walker Books, Ltd., London.	Penguin by Polly Dunbar
Good Babies Copyright 2005 © Tim Myers, reproduced with permission of the author.	September 25 Good Babies by Tim Myers
Jitterbug Jam Copyright © 2010 Barbara Jean Hicks, reproduced with permission of the author	Jitterbug Jam by Barbara Jean Hicks

 

ANIMALS ON THE LOOSE!
October 2, 9, 16 & 23 2010
10:30 AM

 

Watch out for that crocodile! Imagine a place where sharks are scared of tigers, owls beg for bedtime, and cows can type. Watch our professional actors read these mixed up tales, then act out your animal instincts in an interactive workshop.

Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach is used by permission of Kids Can Press. Text and illustrations © 2008 by Mélanie Watt.	October 2 Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach by Melanie Watt
Bats at the Beach Copyright 2006 © Brian Lies, reproduced with permission of the author	Bats at the Beach by Brian Lies
SHARK AND LOBSTER'S AMAZING UNDERSEA ADVENTURE. Text and Illustrations © 2006 by Silvia T. Viviane Schwarz. Coloring copyright © 2006 by Joel Stewart. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA on behalf of Walker Books, Ltd., London.	Shark and Lobster's Amazing Undersea Adventure by Viviane Schwarz
Guji Guji Copyright © 2004 Chih-Yuan Chen, reproduced with permission of Kane Miller Publishing	October 9  Guji Guji by Chih-Yuan Chen
I, Crocodile Copyright © 1999 Fred Marcellino, used with permission of his estate.	I, Crocodile by Fred Marcellino
CLICK, CLACK, MOO: COWS THAT TYPE Copyright © Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin	October 16  Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin
Trudy Copyright © Henry Cole, reproduced with permission of the author	Trudy by Henry Cole
Copyright © 1993 by Janell Cannon from the book Stellaluna. Reproduced with permission of the author and the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.	October 23 Stella Luna by Janell Cannon
Little Hoot copyright 2007 © by Amy Krouse Rosenthal, illustrated by Jen Corace.	Little Hoot by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

THE TALLEST TALES EVER TOLD
October 30 &
November 6, 13, 20 2010
10:30 AM

Want to hear the story of the three little pigs from the wolf's point of view? Meet the strongest woman on the frontier? Watch a princess defy gravity? Come to this month's readings of fabulous fables and twisted tall tales, then see what it's like to become a legend in your own time during our acting workshops!

Workshop series starts Saturday October 30th at 10:30 AM. Sign up for all 4 readings + workshops or choose your favorite, $50 for the series or $15 each. Ages 4 -10. Click here for a registration form, email theaterforkids@portlandstage.org or call 207-774-1043 x117 with questions or to sign up.

Click on the book jacket or title to link to authors websites

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by Lane Smith. Text copyright  ©  1989 by Jon Scieszka.	October 30 True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka
3 Silly Girls Grubb Copyright © 2004 John & Ann Hassett, reproduced with permission of the authors	Three Silly Girls Grubb by John & Ann Hassett
Cendrillon Copyright © 2001 Robert San Souci, reproduced with permission of the author	November 6 Cendrillon by Rober San Souci
The Story of Little Babaji © Fred Marcellino, used with permission of his estate.	The Tale of Little Babaji by Fred Marcellino
Swamp Angel  by Anne Isaacs and Illustrated by Paul Zelinsky. Text copyright 1994 by Anne Isaacs.	November 13   Swamp Angel by Anne Isaacs
The Contest Between the Sun and the Wind Copyright © 2008 Heather Forest, reproduced with permission of the author	The Contest Between the Sun and the Wind retold by Heather Forest
Princess Hyancinth: the Surprising Tale of a Girl who Floated by Florence Parry Heide and illustrated by Lane Smith. Text copyright © 2009 by Florence Parry Heide	November 20 Princess Hyacinth: The Suprising Tale of a Girl Who Floated by Florence Parry Heide
The Luck of the Loch Ness Monster: A Tale of Picky Eating Copyright ©  A.W. Flaherty, reproduced with permission of the author	The Luck of the Loch Ness Monster: A Tale of Picky Eating by AW Flaherty

Winter Wonderland January  15, 22 & 29 2011 10:30 AM

Feeling chilly? Come in and warm up with our Winter Wonderland series! Listen to our actors read a seasonal tale or two, then work off some energy in our interactive theater workshops. Let it snow, we'll be cozy and snug at Theater for Kids!

Workshop series starts Saturday January 15th at 10:30 AM. Sign up for the whole series of 3 readings + workshops or choose your favorite, $40 for the series or $15 each. Click here for a registration form, email theaterforkids@portlandstage.org or call 207-774-1043 x117 with questions or to sign up.

Click on the book jacket or title to link to authors websites

	January 15th at 10:30 AM The Three Snow Bears  by Jan Brett
	Trouble with Trolls by Jan Brett
	January 22 at 10:30 AM Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen
	Tacky the Penguin by Helen Lester
	January 29th at 10:30 AM Thanks to the Animals by Allen Sockabasin
	Waiting for Winter by Sebastian Meschenmoser
	Tracks in the Snow by Wong Herbert Yee

Imaginations Take Flight
February 5, 12, 19 & 26 2011
10:30 AM

 

Looking for some inspiration? You've come to the right place! Join us as we read books that celebrate creativity, then show off you own spectacular imagination during a post-reading acting workshop.

Children's workshop series starts Saturday February 5th at 10:30 AM. Sign up for the whole series of 4 readings + workshops or choose your favorite, $50 for the series or $15 each.  Click here for a registration form, email theaterforkids@portlandstage.org or call 207-774-1043 x117 with questions or to sign up.

Click on the book jacket or title to link to authors websites

	February 5th at 10:30 AM       Let's Do Nothing by Tony Fucile
	Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty
	February 12 at 10:30 AM       Sparrow Girl by Sarah Pennypacker
	The Robot and the Bluebird by David Lucas
	February 19 at 10:30 AM   A River of Words - The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant
	This is Just to Say by Joyce Sidman
	Jazz Baby by Lisa Wheeler
	February 26 at 10:30 AM Skippyjon Jones in the Doghouse

Precious and the Boo Hag by Patricia McKissack and Onawumi Jean Moss

 Silly Stories!
March 5, 12, 19 & 26 2011
10:30 AM 

Sometimes you just have to laugh! A whole month of rollicking tales to tickle your funny bone, especially for kids with an exceptional sense of humor. Join us as our top notch professional actors (as comedians!) entertain and educate with this series of books guarenteed to bring a smile to audiences of all ages. 

This theater workshop series for children starts Saturday March 5th at 10:30 AM. Sign up for the whole series of 4 readings + workshops or choose your favorite, $50 for the series or $15 each.  Click here for a registration form, email theaterforkids@portlandstage.org or call 207-774-1043 x117 with questions or to sign up.

Click on the book jacket or title to link to authors websites
 

	March 5 at 10:30 AM       Punk Farm by Jarett J Krosoczka
	Pigs in the Mud in the Middle of the Rud by Lynn Plourde
	March 12 at 10:30 AM       Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown
	Me and My Cat by Satoshi Kitamura
	March 19 at 10:30 AM   Pssst! by Adam Rex
	Over the Moon by Rachel Vail
	March 26 at 10:30 AM Arnie the Doughnut by Laurie Keller
	It's A Book by Lane Smith