CHILDREN'S READING SERIES
The acclaimed Children’s Reading Series is a beloved BCT program that presents the best of contemporary children’s theater in a creative environment that is accessible to audience members of all ages. Drawing on one of the oldest traditions in theater— “hearing a play” —audience members will experience professional actors bringing engaging stories to life. PLUS free pizza, and cookies!
The 23|24 Season Children’s Reading Series titles will be announced as we get closer to each production.
FREE Cookies at every reading.
FREE Pizza at every reading, sponsored by PIE HOLE.
Sponsors
How long is each reading?
Not more than 90 minutes, usually with an intermission, and always with cookies and milk!
What are the recommended ages?
The readings are appropriate for children ages 5-18.
Do I need to attend with my child?
Yes, all children 17 years or younger must be accompanied by an adult.
Seating is General Admission
- Adult Ticket $15.00
- Child Ticket (13 and under) $10.00
- Adult Children’s Reading Series Pass: $40 | $25 Child Pass (13 and under)
Previous Readings:
Miss Electricity by Kathryn Walat
- Sunday, Apr 28, 2024 | 2:00 PM
Comedy for young audiences
~40-50 minutes
Ten-year-old Violet is determined to show the world, not to mention the cool kids at school, just how special she is. With the help of her assistant, Freddy, she sets out to break a world record but becomes accidentally extraordinary when she’s struck by lightning — twice — and gains control over all things electric. Under the name Miss Electricity, Violet zaps her way through circuits, bullies, and tests but could lose everything when the power goes to her head.
Cast:
Kelly Anne Gasparini
Zoë Kelly
Bennett Huhn
Jake Atkinson
Director:
Jen Stockwell-Fortner
Goloshes of Fortune adapted by Elizabeth Wong
- Sunday, Feb 11, 2024 | 2:00 PM
Comedy for young audiences
~35-40 minutes
A tale of mysterious magical rain boots that will grant the wearer’s greatest wish. Two meddlesome fairies wonder whether human beings can really know what brings happiness, so they slip the magical goloshes onto the feet of four unsuspecting children who think they know what they want. Based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.
Cast and Production Team:
Taylor Hawker
John Wicks
Amela Karadza
David Cowan
Thomas Paul – Music
Jen Stockwell-Fortner – Director
Cast & Production Team
- Sunday, Oct 22, 2023 | 2:00 PM
- The Ghost of Splinter Cove by Steven Dietz
- Approx. Run Time 60 min
- An adventure story prompted by the imaginations of three young people left to play in their basement on a rainy day. Siblings Cora and Nate and their friend, Sydney, have a lot of questions about what their parents are doing upstairs. When their adventure game becomes more real than they imagined, they unearth a history of their family that they could never have known. The Ghost of Splinter Cove is a fun, lively and moving play for the courageous young person inside all of us.
- The Ghost of Splinter Cove by Steven Dietz
PRODUCED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WITH THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY OF WOODSTOCK, ILLINOIS
- Sunday, March 12, 2023 | 2PM
The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County
Adapted by Joseph McDonough, based on the story by Mark Twain
This rambunctious adaptation of Mark Twain’s classic short story tells the tale of schemer and braggart Jim Smiley, who decides to make his fortune by entering his frog in the first annual Calaveras County Frog Jumping Contest. Smiley has certainly had his share of good luck, but the people of Calaveras County are getting a bit tired of being duped by Jim, and they may just have a scheme of their own…
RUNS ~30-45 minutes
Directed by Jennifer Stockwell-Fortner
- Austin Von Johnson – Actor 1 (Mark Twain, Horse, Gold Miner)
- Taylor Hawker – Actor 2 (Jim Smiley)
- Tacet Matthew Bunk – Actor 3 (farmer, dog, frog)
- Elke Myers – Actor 4 (Horse, School Teacher, Frog)
- Music by Thomas Paul
UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS
