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 production.
FREE Cookies at every reading.
FREE Pizza at every reading, sponsored by PIE HOLE.
Upcoming Readings:
- Sunday, Oct 22, 2023 | 2:00 PM
- The Ghost of Splinter Cove by Steven Dietz
- Sunday, Dec 10, 2023 | 2:00 PM
- Sunday, Feb 11, 2024 | 2:00 PM
- Sunday, Apr 28, 2024 | 2:00 PM
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
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- Adult Ticket $15.00
- Child Ticket (13 and under) $10.00
- Adult Children’s Reading Series Package: $40 | $25 Child Package (13 and under)
- PRO TIP: Looking for a subscription? Head to the single tickets page and add all the CRS performances to your cart. The pricing will adjust automatically at checkout.
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Previous Readings:
- 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
BONUS Dates!
- March 13th at the Library! at Bown Crossing, 4 PM in the Martie Brennan Multipurpose Room [click to go to Library event page]
- March 14th at the Library! at Hillcrest, 5 PM in the Butte Room [click to go to Library event page]
- Sunday, February 5, 2023 | 2PM
George’s Marvellous Medicine
Adapted for the stage by David Wood
From the book by Roald Dahl
George lives on a farm managed by his mother and father. Their lives are thrown into disarray by the arrival of Grandma, who behaves appallingly. George tries to make her ‘better’ by creating a marvelous medicine, which has the most extraordinary effect on Grandma, who grows and grows until she bursts through the ceiling. George’s father realizes that the magic medicine could work on his farm animals, providing extra food to help feed a hungry world. But attempts to make more medicine lead to hilarious and frustrating happenings…
“David Wood’s sparkling new adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic gets the ear-splitting, roof-raising response it deserves.” – The Stage
RUNS ~75 Minutes
Playwright David Wood on adapting Roald Dahl stories:
CAST:
George: Maz Della Badia
Dad: Jodi Eichelberger
Mom: Nova Calverley-Chase
Grandma: Julia Bennett
Chicken: Dan Vogt, with “special guest” Henley Vogt
Music: Thomas Paul
- Monday, December 12, 2022 | 6PM
A SPELL OF COLD WEATHER
by Charles Way
Betty and Bob have lost touch with each other, their farm, their animals and their own culture. In the time between Christmas and New Year, Betty and Bob get a surprise. Their little niece Holly needs to come and stay because her Mum is having an operation. When Holly arrives she feels very alone in a strange world with no friends. Things pick up however when she meets Tomos Trickman, a puck-like fairy who explains to Holly how the two farmers have forgotten how to sing, dance and play games, and worst of all they refuse to believe he exists and have stopped putting food out for him in the traditional manner. Together Holly and Tomos bring the farm back to spiritual health and the play ends with an unforgettable, magical, New Year’s night party.
- Sunday, October 23, 2022 | 2PM
Zombie Thoughts
by Jenny Kokai written with Oliver Kokai-Means
“Sam and Pig are avatars in the video game ZOMBIE THOUGHTS. Sam’s character is intelligent, anxious, and armed with a book. Pig is goofy, distracted, and armed with a rubber chicken. Can Pig and the players in the audience help Sam overcome anxiety and defeat the monsters and trials the Machine throws in the way? A 45-minute video game inspired TYA play about childhood anxiety where the audience determines the outcome. Written for grades 3-6 with help from someone in grade 3.”
UPCOMING SHOWS & EVENTS
