3 minute read

stage

PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BIRMINGHAM CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Tiny Theater, Big Imaginations

Advertisement

A Q&A with Rebecca Yeager of BCT

Q: What is Theatre for the Very Young?

A: Theatre for the Very Young (TVYA) is an emerging field focused on bringing babies and toddlers theatre that meets them at their level of developmental needs and skills. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star takes a song most children are very familiar with and turns it into an adventure through structured story, bold characters, and a lot of interaction and play. This is not “sit and listen story time,” because toddlers are made to move! Guided by Professional Star-Keepers, Glimmer and Sparkle, young recruits take an imaginary journey through the night sky. They meet many different types of stars and work together to solve problems along the way. Our wonderful designers created a child centered “yes space,” inviting the youngest theatre makers to engage with the story when and how they want to. My hope is that every child will feel at home in this beautiful space and leave knowing they are smart, strong, and kind.

Q: Why do you love TVYA?

A: I am in awe of young children. Almost everything around them is novel, and they leap toward it with insatiable curiosity and wonder. The urge to discover and

CONTINUED ON PAGE 15

understand is innate in humanity and children fill that through play. Theatre for the Very Young is not only an opportunity for babies and toddlers to play and explore, but it is also an invitation for adults to trust the child they are with. When adults step back and let children be in charge of their play, they discover a fuller, more magical world than our grown-up minds can imagine. I love watching a family rediscover the power of play and imagination together during one of our TVYA productions!

Q: Why is TVYA important?

A: 1. It’s fun! The best way to discover new things is by playing.

2. It grows your heart! Meeting different types of characters helps you love different types of people.

3. It grows your brain! When your body moves to help tell a story, your brain remembers more.

4. It grows your feelings! When we see characters feel big feels, it gives us tools to use next time we feel those same big feelings.

5. It grows your imagination! Watching and being part of plays helps you create new, fun things to do.

The new TVYA-centered space at the Birmingham Children’s Theatre is called the Playspace! It has no lines between the stage and the audience. The playing space, hence the name, for both actors and audience members begins at the door to the theatre. Children are encouraged to explore the set and props in a play time before the actors enter. Adults are encouraged to get out of their way! Actors float in and out of the seating spaces and children come on stage not only when they are invited to, but whenever they feel the need to as well. Young children are natural improvisors. They don’t carry our preconceived notions of what is something they should or shouldn’t do or be, so during a theatre experience designed for them, anything is possible. We never know how they might

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE STAR

In this play, written by Ernie Nolan and directed by Rebecca Yeager, a new galactic recruit, a missing star, and a bit of unexpected mayhem create the world of the Star Keepers. Every night, the Star Keepers must make sure each star is awake and ready to shine, but what happens when one goes missing? This interactive play takes kids on a journey that reminds all of us that mistakes happen, but no problem is too big if you ask for help.

Through repetition, rhyme, song, and audience interaction, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star invites young kids to experience creative storytelling. It is great for kinesthetic learners and recall information. The space is fully interactive, and kids have agency in the space to play, learn, and participate in the story at their own pace.

Saturday, September 3, 10, 24 at 10 a.m. BJCC/Birmingham Children’s Theatre Recommended for ages 0 – 5 Approximately 45 minutes Children under 2: free; children 2 and older: $8; adults: $15 The theatre is a sensory friendly facility and partners with Kulture City to provide sensory-safe spaces on and off the stage.

This article is from: