Video: Pollyanna Theatre Company Funding Appeal

A charming, clever and very low pressure appeal by Pollyanna Theatre Company for support for their ingenious original theatre for children:

Original Family Theatre in Austin -- Playground Superhero and Mariachi Girl

by Michael Meigs


Children's theatre -- sometimes passed off as 'family theatre' -- is not easy, despite the deceptive appearance of ease when it's well done. And there's not that much of it in Austin.


Visiting companies set up shop for a single day's performance at the One World Theatre out on Bee Caves Road or at the Paramount and State theatres downtown. And of course, studios such as KidsActing, Buzz Productions, Easy Theatre and Center Stage offer young persons their first experience of performance. There's even the Flying Theatre Machine that will initiate them in improv.


Very often purveyors of children's theatre or theatre by children are offering authorized adaptations of familiar stories, successful children's books, and movies. Lots of these studios and various schools are doing Disney scripts -- for example, the MacTheatre at McCallum Fine Arts Academy performed Disney's Beauty and the Beast this past September and the Buzz Productions did Disney's Alice in Wonderland, Jr. this past May.


There's some piracy, too -- not the Long John Silver type but copyright infringement. To date those occasional offerings by community groups and others have remained below the radar (luckily for them, because Uncle Walt's administrators and their ilk are little inclined to tolerance or mercy).


Last week I attended two productions of original scripts for family theatre, done by uniquely Austin theatre companies in partnership with well-established Austin arts institutions. Judy Matetzschk-Campbell's Pollyanna Theatre Company has been performing since 2002; Teatro Vivo of Rupert and JoAnn Reyes, established at about the same time to serve, entertain and reflect Austin's Tejano community, has now moved into family theatre with a script submitted by Roxanne Schroeder-Arce to their first Latino New Play Festival in 2011.

Click to read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: The Family of Ree, Pollyanna Theatre Company at the Rollins Theatre, Long Center, January 24 - 27

presents

The Family of Ree

by Scott E. Sutton

adapted by Andrew Perry

January 24 - 27, 2013

Hundreds of readers have fallen in love with Scott E. Sutton’s colorful characters and illustrations after discovering his series of picture books featuring the imaginative world called Ree. This new play brings Sutton’s world of Erfs, BeeBees, and wise, talking trees to life. In Perry’s dramatization, the Long Legged Ploots are accused of a crime they did not commit and an untruth told reveals interconnected consequences for everyone living in Ree. Faithful to the well-loved characters and action in Sutton’s stories, Pollyanna’s production will be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, especially children in grades K – 3.

Stay in touch with Pollyanna for details about events and drawing workshops lead by Scott E. Sutton, available to our patrons during our performance weekend. You won’t want to miss them!

January 24 at 11:00, 12:30, and 3:30
January 25 at 9:15, 11:00 and 3:30
January 26 at 11:00, 2:00, and 4:00
January 27 at 2:00 followed by “Pay What You Like Party”

Tickets are $7.75 for children under 12, $8.75 for students over 12-18, Seniors over 65 & Austin Creative Alliance members, $9.75 for adults. Group rates from $3.00 – $5.00 available.
For Weekday tickets: Call 512.743.7966
For Weekend tickets: Call 512.474.LONG (5664) or visit: www.thelongcenter.org

(Click to return to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Upcoming: Playground Superhero by Andrew Perry, Polyanna Theatre at the Rollins Theatre, Long Center, October 10 - 17

 
presents

 
PLAYGROUND SUPERHERO
by Andrew Perry
October 10 - 17, 2012

Seth and his teacher mom are heading to both face their first day at a new school. Moving to a new place can be sort of scary, but Seth’s Dad, who is away serving in the Army, has always taught him to be a real hero and to use his wits to turn scary times into fun times. Seth quickly makes new friends but also faces the school’s bully. armed with his bag of imaginative supplies, Seth soon saves the day and becomes the playground’s superhero!

This new play by Andrew Perry (Ducks vs. Squirrels and Pattern Nation: Waves) explores how children must face great challenges daily but can succeed with the help of loving adults and a great imagination. Best for children in grades 2 – 5.

Oct. 10 — 11:00 a.m.
Oct. 11 — 9:15, 11:00 and 3:30
Oct. 12 — 9:15 and 11:00
Oct. 13 — 11:00 2:00 and 4:00
Oct. 14 — 2:00 p.m (Followed by a “pay what you like” party with the cast)
Oct. 16 — 9:15, 11:00 and 3:30
Oct. 17 — 9:15 and 11:00

Tickets

$7.50 for children under 12, $8.50 for students 12-18, Seniors over 65 & Austin Creative Alliance members, $9.50 for adults; Group rates from $3.00 – $5.00 available.
For Weekday tickets: Call 512.743.7966
For Weekend tickets: Call 512.474.LONG (5664) or visit: www.thelongcenter.org


(Click to go to the AustinLiveTheatre front page)

Upcoming: Pattern Nation: Waves by Andrew Perry, Polyanna Theatre Company at Rollins Theatre, Long Center, May 10 - 15

presents

PATTERN NATION: WAVES

by Andrew Perry

May 10 - 15

Rollins Theatre, Long Center, Riverside Drive at South First (click for map)

Based on the very popular series of plays produced by Pollyanna written by Emily Cicchini, this new play is based on the popular concepts and characters that were first seen on Pollyanna’s stage five years ago. Designed to support important pre-literacy skills needed for learning success among pre-school children, PATTERN NATION: WAVES will explore the colorful world of waves. Great for elementary school children of all ages, PATTERN NATION: WAVES will be most enjoyed by students in pre-K, Kinder, and grades 1 & 2.

May 10 @ 11 am
May 11 @ 9:30, 11:30 am & 1 pm
May 12 @ 11 am, 2 & 4 pm
May 13 @ 2 pm (followed by a “PAY WHAT YOU LIKE” party in the AT&T Education Room)
May 14 NO PERFORMANCES
May 15 @ 9:30 & 11:30 am

For Reservations and information: 512-743-7966 or at judy@pollytheatre.org

Group Rates for School Audiences
Tickets between $3.00 – $5.00

Public Ticket Prices for Weekend Performances
$7.25 for children under 12
$8.25 for students 12-18, seniors, & Austin Creative Alliance members
$9.25 for adults

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: Ducks vs. Squirrels, Pollyanna Theatre at the Rollins Theatre, Long Center,, July 14 - 17

Found on-line:

presents

DUCKS VS SQUIRRELS: THE BATTLE FOR THE PARK

A New Play for Young Audiences by Andrew Perry

July 14 & 15 at 9:15 and 11:00 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m.

July 16 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

July 17 at 2:00 p.m.

presented at The Long Center’s Rollins Studio Theatre

The Ducks do not understand the Squirrels and the Squirrels are terrified of the Ducks….. This new play examines why neighbors often can not get along when the problem is only found in their minds.

Group rates for parties of 10 or more are available based upon the number of tickets needed for your group and upon financial need. Rates for groups range from $2.75 – $5.00

Regular Ticket Prices: $6.75 for children under the age of 12; $7.75 for Students and Seniors over the age of 60; $8.75 for adults

The play is best for children ages 4 – 8 and their families

Call (512) 743-7966 for reservations and information.