Backstage Pass Newsletter | May 2018
A word from Our Executive Artistic Director
I am often asked, “how do you select Bay Area Children’s Theatre’s shows?” A lot of factors come into play, but most importantly I want each production to introduce the young people in our audiences to something unique and special—allowing them to learn something new about the art form of theatre or the world around us.
And I am beyond excited about our 2018-2019 15th Anniversary Season, because it is full of shows that do just that!
Cat Adventures
We start the summer with Pete the Cat, a delightful romp that crosses genres between a ’60s style sitcom and fun-feline musical theatre. With a Beach Boys musical vibe, it’s a perfect summer outing with the family. The director, Scottie Woodard, helped create the much loved Beautiful Oops, so you know Pete the Cat will be full of fun!
In the fall, we are thrilled to be creating the world premiere of the bilingual production The Cat in the Hat/El Gato Ensombrerado. Our accomplished director, Karina Gutierrez, is incorporating many of her favorite artistic traditions including the Chicana/o art movement Rascuache and the clowning style of Cantinflas, often touted as the Mexican Charlie Chaplin, to bring an exciting spin to the rhymes and crazy antics of Dr. Seuss. Read more »
Community Spotlight: Super Fans Do It All!
Bay Area Children’s Theatre super fans Michelle and Michael Wu and their children Mercy and Myles have been an important part of the BACT community since 2013. Besides supporting BACT’s work as donors and as volunteer ushers, the Wus have been subscribers since 2013 and the children have taken to the stage themselves in our musical theatre classes. We are thrilled and honored by everything the Wus do for BACT and recently interviewed Michelle about her family’s experiences.
BACT has become a good friend to us throughout the years and has given us opportunities to bring our friends to BACT shows and make new friends in theatre classes. We have learned a lot about artistic expression and creativity by watching the different forms of musical and theatrical arts, and BACT has provided the motivation for us to read the books before or after the show. The diversity among the casts and books selected for BACT performances always blows us away. Read more »
Get Involved: May 15 Is the Great Things Happen Giving Day!
At Bay Area Children’s Theatre, we see every day how experiencing and participating in theatre gives children the tools to inspire their imagination, develop empathy and understanding, build confidence to express themselves, and succeed in school and beyond.
But we still have a lot of work to do to ensure that ALL Bay Area children have access to the life-changing experience of theatre — and we need your help!
We are kicking off our Great Things Happen campaign on Tuesday, May 15 with a 24-hour giving day to raise funds to help more children see theatre and participate in theatre education programs. Read more »