Upcoming: Tales from Merrie England by Bernadette Nason, Scottish Rite Theatre, June 9 - 10

Scottish Rite Theatre

presents

Tales from Merrie England

by storyteller Bernadette Nason

Saturday, June 9 at 10:30 a.m.

Sunday, June 10 at 2 p.m.

W. 18th Street at Lavaca (click for map)

Tickets $8.75 including fees via

Upcoming: A Merry Fairy Christmas Carol, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, November 19 - December 18

Found on-line:

presents

A Merry Fairy Christmas Carol

by D. Heath Thompson

November 19 - December 18

Scottish Rite Theatre

207 W. 18th Street at Lavaca

most Saturdays at 10 a.m., most Sundays at 2 p.m. (see on-line schedule)

Tickets $12 for adults, $10 for children (available on-line)

Favorite characters from past Scottish Rite Children's Theatre shows come together in a creative take on the classic tale! Tiny Tim (a.k.a Pinocchio) learns about a lesson about caring and sharing from the Ghost of Christmas past and Penelope the Party Pooping Fairy, Peter Pan and other surprise guests return to the stage in a hilarious version of A Christmas Carol.

Auditions for Christmas Carol at Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, September 23

Found at AustinActors.net:

Scottish Rite Children's Theatre is holding auditions for its original adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

Please prepare a 1-2min comedic monologue or story.

Auditions will be held Friday Sept 23rd starting at 7 pm. Appointments required. The theatre is at 207 W. 18th and LaVaca (click for map).

Rehearsals start Sunday Sept 25th. Show runs Nov 19th - Dec 18th.

This is a paid gig. Please contact Angelica Manez for an audition slot: avmanez@gmail.com

Upcoming: Rapunzel, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, August 27 - October 2

Received directly:

presents

Rapunzel

adapted and written by D.H. Thompson

directed by Adriene Mishler

August 27-October 2
Saturdays: 10:00 AM and Sundays: 2:00 PM
Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 West 18th at Lavaca (click for map)

$8 Children (ages 1-12) • Adults • $4 Babies under 1 year
Purchase online: srct.org or by phone: 512-472-5436
Buy tickets at Box Office: 207 West 18th Street (Monday-Friday, Noon - 4:00 PM)

Princess Rapunzel flees into the woods to escape her over-zealous suitor, Prince Francis and stumbles upon an old witch’s garden filled with yummy vegetables. Hungry, Rapunzel devours the veggies and discovers they are magical–with age reversing powers! Furious, the witch demands Rapunzel long golden hair as payback and snips off a lock, only to find the tresses are now magical too! Meanwhile, back at the castle, Francis’s long-lost, identical twin – Prince Ronald – has returned from traveling the world in search of true love. See how the story unfurls in this interactive variation of the classic Grimm’s fairytale for ages 4-10.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: Peter Pan, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, July 2 - August 14

Found on-line:

presents

July 2 - August 14

Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, 207 W. 18th at LaVaca (click for map)

Saturdays at 10 a.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children ages one through 12, and $4 for infants under one year of age.

For more information and reservations, call (512) 472-5436 or visit www.srct.org.

Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and Wendy fly to Neverland for the Scottish Rite Children's Theatre summer production of Peter Pan. Created for children ages three to ten, the theatre show plays July 2nd through August 14th at the historic downtown Austin theatre. Written by D.H. Thompson and directed by Karen Jambon, this play will encourage children to "follow the second star to the right and straight on till' morning!" in an original, interactive theatre production set in Neverland - where there are no parents, candy is the breakfast of choice, and no one ever grows up. The audience is enlisted to "think happy thoughts" and help Peter defeat Neverland's biggest bully - the crooked Captain Hook.

Since 2004, the Scottish Rite Community and Children's Theatre has provided year-round, quality and affordable family entertainment for children. Since construction in 1869, the building - previously a Masonic Temple - has enjoyed a vibrant history hosting decades of theatrical productions and social events.

Summer Classes at Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, June & July

Received directly and explored on-line:

downtown at 207 West 18th Street (click for map)

offers week-long half-day summer camps for ages 5- 11. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

JUNE 13-17 - SILLY SHAKESPEARE
Campers will learn all about different Shakespearean characters and stories – and then mix them up and create their own! We will journey to forests, far-away lands, on ships and into castles with our own merry Bard Band! ($200)

JUNE 20-24 - GLEEFULLY SRCT
The SRCT (Scottish Rite Children’s Theatre) is feeling GLEEful! Join our gleeful gang as we step out with song and dance! This is about having fun – no prior singing or dance experience is necessary to have fun this week. Our SRCT Glee Gang will create their own “skits” and learn the importance of teamwork. ($200)

JULY 11-15 - WIZARD APPRENTICE ACADEMY AND DRAGON SCHOOL
Ever wonder what it’s like to have a magic power? How do you train a dragon, anyway? In this one-week camp, we will create our own magic skills, discover awesome powers and learn how to train those fun-loving dragons. ($200)

JULY 18-22 - LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!
Ever wanted to make your own movie? Through creative drama, we will make our own studio and create a fun staged-movie! We will work on a script, act, direct and end up with a play that’s bound for HOLLYWOOD! ($200)

Click to go to the Scottish Rite Children's Theatre website for guidelines and for link to registration form

Upcoming: Sleeping Beauty, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, April 2 - May 8

Found on-line:

presents

Sleeping Beauty

Saturdays at 10 a.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

weekday performances for schools April 13, 14, 28 at 10:30 a.m. and May 4, 5 at 10:30 a.m.

Scottish Rite Theatre

207 W. 18th Street, with free parking

Tickets $8 children, $4 infants, $10 adults

Purchase on-line at www.scottishritechildrenstheatre.org

In the Far, Far Away Kingdom, Penelope, the party-pooping fairy, is back to her party-pooping ways. Upset that she was not invited to celebrate the birth of Princess Beauty, Penelope crashes the party and casts a spell on the baby: at the age of 16, Beauty is doomed to sleep for 100 years! In an attempt to foil the spell, the King enlists his page, Sleepy Pete, to guard the Princess at all times. Alas, Sleepy Pete has a napping problem and the audience must rouse him by yelling, “wake up Pete!” lest he shirk his royal duty.

Children's Theatre Days and Theatre Camps at the Scottish Rite Children's Theatre

Received directly:

offers several opportunities for children to participate:

February 21 School Holiday Creative Drama Camp
Ages 5-11

Monday, February 21
Scottish Rite Theatre (207 West 18th)(click for map)
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Drop-off begins at 8:45)
$75 per student -To register, call 476-5436
One-day Creative Drama Camps engage campers with theatre games, creative drama exercises and crafts in an encouraging, playful environment on their day out of school. Campers should bring two snacks and lunch, dress for play and wear closed toed shoes. Girls should wear shorts under skirts or dresses.

SPRING BREAK CAMP: Create Your Own Adventure
March 14-18 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
$300 per student - To register, call 476-5436
Students will play improvisation games, develop acting skills, and use their imaginations to create their own stories. Through creative drama, we will develop characters, go on grand adventures, create special magic skills and make our own far away kingdom! Campers should bring two snacks and lunch, dress for play and wear closed toed shoes. Girls should wear shorts under skirts or dresses.

HALF-DAY SUMMER CAMPS

for ages 5-11 (9 A.M. - 1 P.M.) Click here for details.
JUNE 13-17 - SILLY SHAKESPEARE
JUNE 20-24 - GLEEFULLY SRCT
JULY 11-15 - WIZARD APPRENTICE ACADEMY AND DRAGON SCHOOL
JULY 18-22 - LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!

Upcoming: Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, February 12 - March 19

Received directly:

presents

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

based on the original fairy tale by Robert Southly

written and directed by D.H. Thompson

February 12 - March 19
Saturdays: 10 a.m., Sundays: 2 p.m.

Weekday School Shows: Wednesday, February 16 AND Thursday March 3 at 10:30 a.m.
Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 West 18th (click for map)
$8 Children (ages 1-12) • $10 Adults • $4 Infant under 1 year
Tickets Online: www.srct.org Tickets by Phone: 512-472-5436
Tickets at Box Office: 207 West 18th Street - Box Office hours: Monday-Friday Noon - 4:30 PM

Goldilocks is a defiant girl who will not help around the house with chores. When she is grounded for lying to her parents, she runs away into the forest. When it begins to rain, she finds a little house and slops inside to keep dry. It turns out it is the home of The Three Bears who are out on a stroll to pick up trash while their porridge cools. Meanwhile, Goldilocks explores the house and samples their breakfast or porridge, and tries out their chairs and beds! She finds Baby Bear’s bed is “just right” and falls asleep. Find out what happens when the bears return home and discover sleepy Goldilocks in their house!

About SRCT Since 2004, Scottish Rite Community and Children's Theatre, Inc. a 501 (C) (3), has been providing year-round, quality, fun and affordable family entertainment, perfect for children ages 3-9. We hope our patrons leave with an appreciation of good theatre, and an enlightened awareness of our building and its contribution to Austin culture. Since construction in 1869, the building has enjoyed a vibrant history hosting decades of theatrical productions and social events.

Sponsored in part by: The City of Austin through the Cultural Arts Division, News 8 Austin and Time Warner Cable.

Ongoing: The Princess and The Pea, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, September 11 - October 31

Received directly from the Scottish Rite Children's Theatre:

The Princess and The Pea

through October 31

Saturdays: 10:00 AM andSundays: 2:00 PM

Tickets also available for Wednesday-Thursday, September 15-16, 10:30 AM

$8 Children (ages 1-12) • $10 Adults • $4 Infants under 1 year

Scottish Rite Theatre, 207 West 18th

Buy Tickets Online Now: www.srct.org

TIX by Phone: 512-472-5436

TIX in Person: 207 West 18th Street

Box Office Hours: Monday-Friday Noon-4:30 PM

Based on the classic story by Hans Christian Andersen, this is a new adaptation by Scottish Rite Children's Theatre. Her Highness the Queen insists her son Prince Thomas marry a real princess who above all else, must be Responsible, Smart and Sensitive – never mind if he actually likes her! Yet, the Super-hero loving Prince has plans of his own and with the help of Darla, the Royal Cat, sets things in motion to live happily ever after – his way!

This humorous adaptation written by D. H. Thompson and directed by Andréa Smith highlights the value of honesty and is perfect for ages 3-10. The weekday shows are great for school groups, care centers and home schoolers.

Upcoming: Robin Hood, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, Apri 10 - May 16

Found on-line:

brings back the popular classic

Robin Hood

April 10 - May 16, Saturdays at 10 a.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.

tickets available for weekday performances on April 14, 15, 29 and May 12 and 13

purchase on-line, by telephone Monday-Friday from 12 Noon to 4:30 PM at 512-472-KIDO (5436), or in person at the theatre, 18th and LaVaca ($8 children, $10 adults)

The Far, Far Away Kingdom is in danger! In this original production, the evil Sheriff of Nottingham has been stealing from the poor townspeople. Now it’s up to Robin Hood and his right hand man, Little John (with some help from the audience) to stop the Sheriff and save the lovely Maid Marian before she has to marry the no-good Nottingham!

The production is designed to be interactive with the audience and best suited for children ages 3-10. Weekday shows are great for school groups, care centers and home schoolers.

Alice in Wonderland, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, February 5 - 28

Macey Mayfield with her china doll good looks and silvery little voice is a lovely match for the imaginary Alice whom Lewis Carroll sent off to Wonderland.

Children's theatre in the style of the Scottish Rite Children's Theatre requires of actors a special willingness and ability. The actors have their audience just two steps away, on mats spread in the wide open space at the center of the theatre.

SRCT scripts pretty much banish the fourth wall, as well, and engage the kids in question and answer. Despite the imaginary "bottom glue" applied pre-show at the chirpy urging of a couple of cast members, the 4 - 8 year-old-crowd is a pretty unpredictable bunch. The little ones might get up and wander around and the older ones might think it's cute to sass back to the actors.

I enjoyed a preview show of Alice in Wonderland, even though the young audience wasn't really numerous enough to spark the participatory dynamic the actors were promoting. Once those bottoms were in place, Macey came forward unobtrusively and knelt primly at the front of the kid's area, starting as a member of the audience. Mrs Crabby-Pants the teacher (Corley Pillsbury) came on with the officious strut and patronizing sweetness of a rotten elementary school teacher, and suddenly we were all back in grade school. After some admonitory dialogue, she told Alice to come up and tell us the story of the dream that she'd had. And we were off to Wonderland.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: A Christmas Carol for children, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, November 28 - December 20

Found on-line:

With a few twists on Charles Dickens' classic tale, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre presents A Christmas Carol. Written for young audiences with original music and songs by Michael McKelvey, the interactive play teaches the values of kindness and sharing.

On Christmas Eve, Scrooge sits alone counting his cash and is visited by friendlier, funnier versions of the ghosts of Christmas Present, Past and Future. The ghosts show Scrooge the errors of his crotchety ways and help him make an overnight transformation from grouchy to grateful! A perfect holiday treat for children ages 2 - adult.

Family Friday Celebrate the end of the week and bring the family to our Friday evening showing of A Christmas Carol, December 11 at 7p.m.

Special Final Performance of A Christmas Carol:
A Christmas Carol Countdown to Noon! December 20 at 11 a.m.
Children will celebrate an early New Year's Eve with party favors and treats immediately following the performance. Tickets to this special show: $15 Adults, $12 Children (1-12), $5 infants under 1.

The Little Mermaid, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, October 3 - November 22

The excitement of theatre vibrates in the air in the classic space of the Scottish Rite Children's Theatre in central Austin. On Saturdays, Sundays, and some mid-week performance days a bubbling crew of 3-to-8-year-olds occupies the mats in the center of the auditorium, while parents and less daring children occupy the conventional theatre seats. The energy level is as high as any Broadway opening night.

This is a volatile crowd, in the literal sense of a bunch of individuals ready to fly up, off and around in any direction. Before each SRCT show an actor shows up as crowd-pleaser and crowd-tamer, with a vivacious presentation. Laura Ray, clad for her titular role as the mermaid, welcomes everyone with a bounce and a big smile and big, big gestures. She teaches the kids a song and happily outlines the rules. Then she gets them up on their feet to apply to their backsides the imaginary "bottom glue" to keep them in place as action animates the stage and slips quicksilver along aisles and around the audience.S he gets the grown-ups up, as well, to pledge in unison to abstain from flash photography.

And then we're rolling!

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: The Little Mermaid, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, October 3 - November 22

Click for ALT review, November 13

Found on-line:

The Little Mermaid

October 3-November 22
Saturdays: 10:00AM
Sundays at 2:00PM
Wednesdays: October 14, October 21 and November 11 at 10:30AM
Thursdays: October 15, and November 12 at 10:30AM

A little mermaid in the sea, Ariel is enchanted with the human world, and disobeys her royal father to swim to the surface for a peek above the waves. When she sees Prince Eric wreck his ship and fall overboard, Ariel rescues him and falls in love! Ursula, the tricky sea witch, promises Ariel she can become a human and stay with the Prince if she will trade her lovely voice for the opportunity. Narrated by Ariel’s friend the Crab, this interactive new musical encourages the audience to sing along and save the day! Great for ages 3-9.

Upcoming: As You Like It, Scottish Rite Theatre, August 7 - 30

UPDATE: Click for ALT review




Received directly:

The Scottish Rite Theatre
presents

As You Like It

directed by Beth Burns
with music by Michael McKelvey

August 7 - 30
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m.
207 West 18th Street, Austin, at the corner of 18th and Lavaca, catercorner from the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum.

As You Like It follows its heroine Rosalind as she flees persecution in her uncle's court to find safety and eventually love in the Forest of Arden with her cousin Celia, court jester Touchstone, and many other love-sick characters. Charades and disguise lead to all manner of frolics in the forest, with the lively plot ultimately resulting in a “happily ever after“ finale.

Tickets: Friday and Saturday $12 in advance (online or at Box Office) and $15 at the door
tickets online

Sundays: $10 in advance (online or at Box Office) and $12 at the door

As You Like It is brought to you by the same team behind last year's sparkling Twelfth Night. Director Beth Burns, fresh from the run of her own play The Long Now, returns to direct Shakespeare's pastoral masterpiece, with the help of music director and composer Michael McKelvey, and some of Austin's most accomplished classical actors.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

The Frog Prince, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, June 27 - August 2

Concerning children's theatre, let me come clean in the first lines. By the time I was 18 I had performed as a pasha, a pirate and a king for a children's theatre in north Alabama. I was star-struck for life. That particular community children's theatre is entering its 49th season.

The Scottish Rite Children's Theatre (SRCT) is much younger than that but it is much more richly endowed. Established in 2004 through the efforts of the Kelso family, this non-profit institution received from Texas Masons the deed to the historic Turnhalle at 18th and Lavaca. The building was constructed in 1869 for use as a German community center and gymnasium. It served as the site for music events, theatre and opera. The gorgeous scenic backdrops regularly used in today's productions were painted in 1882. An article in the spring, 2007 issue of the magazine of the League of Historic Theatres profiled The SRCT, the history of the Turnhalle, and the Kelsos' approach to children's theatre.

The Frog Prince as adapted by SRCT follows the Kelsos' guidelines. The excited children gather in the wide carpeted space just before the low stage. Andrea Smith as the exuberant Penelope the Party Pooper (a stock character for the SRCT) and Jose Villareal as the King exuberantly greet the audience and tell them what to expect.

"Get up! Get up! Now wave your hands behind you! They're covered with 'bottom glue.," Pat your bottom! Now when you sit down on the floor, you won't be able to move!"

Penelope then instructs parents and other adults to stand, put one hand on the head and the other on the tummy and repeat a pledge. Among other things, we promised to turn off cell phones and not to use flash photography.

Read more at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .

Upcoming: Hansel and Gretel by Ann Cicollela, Scottish Rite Children's Theatre, April 24 - May 31

UPDATE: Review by Dan Solomon on Austinist.com, May 1

From AustinMamas at blogspot.com:

Info from Scottish Rite Theatre
I highly recommend the Scottish Rite Theatre for an outing with your kids. My daughter was begging me to go back to see Little Red Riding Hood a second time!

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Scottish Rite Children's Theatre's second production of the season, a brand new production of Hansel and Gretel, opens April 25 and tickets are on sale now!

In this charming take on the classic Grimms’ fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel are two brave, smart children who have a crazy adventure in the woods. They meet a wise-cracking gingerbread boy, a kooky witch and a delightful goose named Lucy. Written by Austin playwright Ann Ciccolella, the child-friendly tale–complete with puppets–encourages audience participation and is perfect for ages 3-9.

Be sure to check www.srct.org, frequently for surprise visits by the Biscuit Brothers, holiday shows, and Shakespeare productions at the theatre. You will find Hansel and Gretel details below, along with the 2009 season of shows. Note: Summer camps at Scottish Rite are registering now. Click here for summer camp details.

Hansel and Gretel. April 25-May 31
Saturdays: 10:00 AM Sundays: 2:00 PM
Weekday Shows: (only days with openings are listed)
Wednesday: April 29 at 10:30 AM Wednesday and Thursday, May 13 & 14 at 10:30 AM

Read More at AustinLiveTheatre.com . . . .