Kids and the Arts: Live Performances Enrich Lives

Kids and the Arts: Live Performances Enrich Lives

The performing arts provide a creative escape for children, introducing them to the imaginative worlds of theatre, music and dance. Attending live arts events at an early age provides fond memories that children will cherish for a lifetime. Fortunately, being raised in Chico provides all sorts of wonderful opportunities involving children and live performances.
The Chico Performances 2017-2018 season, which begins on September 7, features incredible musicians, dancers, gymnasts, jugglers, acrobats, and much more from around the world; all showcasing their talents and captivating audiences, both young and old.
Part of Chico Performances mission is to serve families with children. The following events are aimed at those who have little ones and want to experience live art that the whole family can enjoy.

FAMILY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES
Chico Performances is offering more than 17 family friendly performances during the 17-18 season. With everything from Irish dance to daring acrobatics, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Kicking off the season, the beloved Disney classic The Lion King Jr. (Sept. 7) will be brought to life in a performance by kids for kids. This performance features 25 local children, ages 7 through 17.
For families that enjoy dance, Chico Performances is offering A Very Chico Nutcracker (Nov. 30 – Dec. 3), Spotlight Performances featuring local dance groups (Jan. 26), Moscow Festival Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty (Feb. 9), and the always fun and free street fair, Broadway Boogie (April 27).
If acrobatics and elaborate costumes are what your children enjoy, Cirque Eloize’s Saloon (Feb. 13), MOMIX’s Opus Cactus (Nov. 4), and The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin (Sept. 12) are the shows for you.
For families with musically inclined children, Chico Performances is offering Handel’s Messiah (Dec. 16-17), The Songs of Stevie Wonder by Uncle Dad’s Art Collective (March 9-10), Celtic music with Goitse (March 18), and, celebrating culture, heritage, life, death, and family through music, the Dia De Los Muertos Tour on October 31.

CHICO WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Chico World Music Festival is a mecca for those with children. With a complete area dedicated towards children, including: a kids stage with seven different performances by kids for kids, an interactive science booth, art classes, and a brand new imagination playground, the Chico World Music Festival is perfect for families.
This free event will be taking place on the gorgeous campus of California State University, Chico, on September 9, from 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit ChicoWorldMusicFestival.com.

FIELD TRIPS
At only $5 a seat, Chico Performances’ Field Trips are an affordable alternative for teachers to get kids out of the classroom and involved in live performance. This year, Chico Performances is offering 11 different field trips all of which are guaranteed to inspire and educate students.
In September, field trips being offered include Lion King Jr. (Sept. 7), and The Martial Artists and Acrobats of Tianjin (Sept. 12).
October field trips feature David Gonzalez’s, The Frog Bride (Oct. 5) and Secret Agent 23 Skidoo (Oct. 18).
In December, get a behind the scenes look at A Very Chico Nutcracker (Dec. 1). In February, the Wild West comes alive with Cirque Eloize’s Saloon (Feb. 14) and experience Celtic history with Dublin Irish Dance (Feb. 27).
March brings two more exciting field trips: The Colors of the Symphony (March 13), and Doktor Kaboom! (March 27).
April and May wraps up the field trip series with Story Pirates (April 11), and Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site (May 9).
For more information on Field Trips, visit ChicoPerformances.com and click on the “kids” tab.

KIDS ON STAGE AT LAXSON
Chico Performance prides itself on involving the youth in our community and providing them with opportunities to perform on the Laxson stage. Several performances in the 2017-2018 season will feature local youth, including 25 talented young actors between the ages of 7 and 17 from the Blue Room Young Company in a performance of Disney’s The Lion King Jr. on September 7.
Back by popular demand, A Very Chico Nutcracker, composed of a talented core of young local dancers from Chico Community Ballet, will be performed on the Laxson stage November 30 through December 3.
Lastly, putting the spotlight on talented dancers from all over the North State is the Spotlight Performances on January 26, which features a diverse array of choreography and dance composed of some of the most talented local youth our community has to offer!
A vibrant world of musicians, acrobats, dancers, and spectacular sets all wait to inspire wonder and creativity in kids and families alike, all you have to do is act! For more information on performances for children, visit ChicoPerformances.com.  See you at the theatre!

By Sandra Buckman

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