EBCF Mission Accomplished!

Thanks to You, 

We’ve Matched Our EBCF Challenge Grant!

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped us match our $8,000 challenge grant from the East Bay Community Foundation (EBCF)! With your generous support, children in the East Bay and beyond will have the opportunity to learn more about Greek mythology!

We are deeply honored to receive an EBCF matching grant for the second year in a row, and we could not have succeeded without the enthusiastic support of families and friends who enjoy our shows and understand the importance of the arts for children. Thank you, all!

The EBCF grant is awarded as part of the East Bay Fund for Artists matching grant program to support artists in the Bay Area, engage the community, and create new works for East Bay audiences and organizations.

BACT will use the grant to develop Tales of Olympus: A Greek Myth Musical, with book, music, and lyrics by BACT artistic associate Min Kahng of Castro Valley. The new play will be an upbeat romp that will introduce children to the intriguing adventures of ancient Greek gods and goddesses, both familiar and obscure.

Tales of Olympus: A Greek Myth Musical will open December 8 at Berkeley Rep’s new Osher Theatre, adjacent to Freight & Salvage, before going on tour to local schools in January and February, with support from the Clorox Company Foundation.

BACT History - Spotlight on - Audience!

Audience Members Victoria Zackheim and her twin granddaughters have been coming to shows at BACT since our days at the Julia Morgan. They are enthusiastic audience participants who have gone out of their way to be in touch with the BACT community. Below, Victoria answers some questions about being involved with BACT with her granddaughters. 

BACT: What brought you to BACT in the first place? What has kept you coming back to the shows?

VZ: I came because I wanted to share theater with my granddaughters, who were age 6 when we first subscribed. I didn't see anything equal to BACT in San Francisco, where I live, or in Pacifica, where they live, and the selected plays seemed perfect for their age.

BACT: What was the first show you and your granddaughters saw together?

VZ: After multiple seasons, who remembers?! But I do know that they were mesmerized, and thrilled to meet the actors. The girls stay with me often and have their own bedroom at my house...the walls are literally covered with signed posters from your shows.

BACT: Have you noticed a change in the shows over time, since the Julia Morgan days until now?

VZ: They seem more professional...but we've loved them all.

BACT: What's the favorite show you've seen, and why?

VZ: The new show, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, was delightful. Also, The Magic School Bus. And we loved Strega Nona.

BACT: What aspects of the shows do you like best (costumes, sets, acting, singing dancing…?)

VZ: The singing and dancing are delightful, and have become increasingly professional. With the expanded stage, the musical numbers are even more impressive.

BACT: What would you say to someone who had never seen a BACT show before and was wondering about them?

VZ: I'd strongly encourage them to buy the season pass and expect something wonderful!

BACT: Any additional thoughts or comments?

VZ: This will probably be our last season, since the girls are "aging out" of the age range...they're ready for more complicated and "teen" productions. Unfortunately, there are very few choices. Perhaps you could start another theatre company for children 10-15?

 

From Sohpia Law – Victoria’s granddaughter: My sister and I enjoyed Pinkalicious because of all the sparkles that the actors wore. If I were to say to someone why they should come (to the theater,) I'd say because it's a great place for kids and the age ranges from like 3-9.  When I'm there, all the kids seem to enjoy the plays.

CHILDREN'S THEATER ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!

BACT: A History - Spotlight on - Volunteer Ushers

BACT was founded on little more than a dream and a few dedicated company members, followed immediately by the volunteers, who have been the core of BACT’s success from our beginning. Because of the unique nature of our shows and audiences, volunteers are often adult/child pairs, especially when it comes to ushering. These amazing participants are the face of BACT – they bridge the link from behind the scenes to front of house, from audience to staff – and show others just how fun volunteering can be.

Anna Marie Schmidt and Abby Roat have been volunteering as ushers for BACT since 2007. In an exclusive interview, they share their experience being part of the BACT Front of House team.

BACT: You've been ushering for BACT (then Active Arts) since our first full season - What made you decide to start ushering?

Anna Marie/Abby: We first went to a production of Dragon Wings (February 2007) and enjoyed it.  We wanted to continue to go to the performances and participate in helping with the production in some small way.  Also, we get in free! Ushering seemed like the perfect fit. We have come as a mother-daughter team and usually bring another interested friend of Abby’s.

BACT: What changes in the BACT audiences/community since the early days at Julia Morgan have you observed?

Anna Marie/Abby: The shows appear to have audience appeal and the theater is full more often.  Abby notes that the audience is getting younger-but maybe that’s because she is getting older.

BACT: What's fun about being an usher? Is anything difficult about it?

Anna Marie/Abby: What’s fun about being an usher is being able to participate in a small way in the production.  It’s fun to work with the staff and other volunteers.  It’s also fun to see the excitement of the children as they come in to the theater to see the show. What has been difficult is controlling the audience. When BACT was housed at Julia Morgan, sometimes it was hard to keep patrons from taking in food/drinks.

BACT: Think back - what is the Favorite show you worked on?

Anna Marie/Abby: One of my favorites was Strega Nona. (Anna Marie). And one of my favorites was Miss Nelson is Missing (Abby) 

BACT: What would you say to other people if they are wondering about being an usher?

Anna Marie/Abby: It’s easy and fun.  Show your interest and come out to help and be a part of the theater world.

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To volunteer as an usher, or otherwise get involved with BACT, visit our website:

http://www.bactheatre.org/employment.html

BIG NEWS!!!

Bay Area Children’s Theatre

2012 – 2013 Season Announcement!

BACT is thrilled to announce a fun filled seasons of new hits and old favorites! 

CLICK CLACK MOO: COWS THAT TYPE

In classic BACT fashion – excitement, adventure, and outdoor theater - our season kicks off at Children's Fairyland with the well loved children’s story Click Clack Moo: Cows that Type. This delightful musical adaptation of the Caldecott Honor Book by Doreen Cronin brings the amusing story of Farmer Brown’s c-c-c-cold cows who demand electric blankets to life, and is geared for preschoolers and their parents.  

LYLE THE CROCODILEWe are excited to start off our main stage season with LYLE THE CROCODILE at Berkeley’s Freight & Salvage on October 6. Adapted from the books by Bernard Waber, the show tells what happens when the Primms move into their new house on East 88^th Street and find Lyle in the bathtub.  

TALES OF OLYMPUS: A GREEK MYTH MUSICALThe stories of the Olympus never get old, and this musical, a world premiere, is no exception. BACT is so excited to introduce our audiences of all ages to the classic Greek stories through song, dance, and laughter. This show will also go on school tour!

PINKALICIOUS, THE MUSICAL
Also in December, BACT is bringing back the wildly popular Pinkalicious for a limited run.  For those who missed the show’s recent run, here’s another chance to find out what happens when everyone’s favorite proponent of pink looks at her mom’s pink-frosted cupcakes and asks, "Can't I have just one more?"

IVY and BEAN, the Musical!
The mischievous second-grade heroines of the award-winning Ivy + Bean stories by Bay Area author Annie Barrows will make their stage debut at the Freight and Salvage. Come meet quiet, imaginative Ivy and outgoing, action-oriented Bean – who together make for endless adventures and fun!

KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL

Another adaption of a beloved book, Knuffle Bunny, completes BACT’s season.  This musical version of the hilarious picture book by Mo Willems brings to the stage the adventures of toddler Trixie and her beloved stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, when they go off to the laundromat with her somewhat distracted dad. 

www.bactheatre.org - all the information you need for next season. Like what you see? Spread the love! 'Like' us on Facebook, and tell your friends! 

Make going to the Theatre a family affair.

We can't wait to share another incredible season with you!

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs: Spotlight on: Music

Musical Director Julia Norton has worked with BACT on several shows, including Go Dog Go, Frog and Toad, and most currently, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. She is an internationally acclaimed voice teacher and performer based in the Bay Area - we are so lucky to have her! Here, she answers some questions about being a musical director for an adapted children's story.

BACT: What do you think music brings to a show that non musicals don't have?

Julia: I am biased of course, but I think music has the ability to heighten the emotional content of a play whether through humor, sadness, anger or excitement. When you think of a song from a favorite musical or opera it can bring back the whole scene or show. I find that doesn't happen for me in the same way if I remember part of a monologue. But like I said I'm biased :)

BACT: Some shows are written as musicals, but some, like 3 little pigs, are stories with music added. How do you think this changes the experience of the story, especially for children.

Julia: I think music pulls children in like nothing else. It speaks to them in a way that sometimes words alone can't.  When my son was very young and was trying to memorize my cell phone number for emergencies, he had the hardest time, until we made up a little melody to go with
it. Then he had it straight away. Children can sing whole songs from memory before they can write or read!

BACT: What is difficult about doing a show with music over a non musical show?

Julia: Well, I don't know if difficult is the right word, but there are certainly different considerations. First of all the actors need to be able to sing, it's helpful if they have a good sense of rhythm
and can harmonize too. A lot is expected of the 'musical' actor. Then as music director I'm not only trying to make sure everyone knows what they're supposed to be singing & when, but also that they are blending together or sometimes singing in character voices and are still able
to be understood. At the same time I want to advocate for the actors if I think the dance or costumes are compromising their ability to be able to sing. Finally as a voice coach and singing teacher I want to make sure that the cast members I'm working with are using their
voices in a healthy way.

BACT: What's your favorite song in 3 Little Pigs, and why?

JULIA: 'The Pointy,  Pointy Maneuver of Blame-osity'. I love the James Brown feel of this song, it gives the actors a chance to really spread their wings and have fun using their voices in a big and soulful way.Then out of nowhere they are challenged to sing their fear and 'pigsteria' in the second half of the song with lines like "he's a critter a mongrel, he sure don't belongrel"  The child in me gets really excited about breaking the rules with language and rhyme. Then there's this tiny break in the music where poor Julia has to squeeze in her dialogue before the final chord slams in.  Very exciting stuff I'll tell you.

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, featuring Julia's musical direction, opens at the Freight and Salvage in Berkeley April 14.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs: Spotlight on: STORY

We always produce plays that are based on literature – it’s even in our mission statement: 'We specialize in literary adaptations of great children’s books.' Adaptations of literature are great for our audience because they connect imagination and literacy.  We want our shows to inspire our audience through great stories and creative journeys.  Plus, any time we can inspire a child to read, it's terrific! What is interesting is when a particular story comes from so many places, or is so old, its original source is somewhat unknown.

The Three Little Pigs was published in The Nursery Rhymes of England (London and New York, c.1886), by James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps. It later was seen again in English Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs, first published in 1890. The oral version of the story is thought to date back even further than published versions. There have been hundreds of subsequent retellings, including the one we’re working on, The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.

It is fascinating to talk with children about what a difference a view point can make – who is story is told by, who is portrayed to be the good/evil characters, and whose side of the story is ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’ And when a story comes from so far back in history, the best part is, there is no right answer! Kids may tend to lean towards siding with the version of the story they know best, but it's all about how the evidence is presented. Makes for a great discussion. 

Are your children familiar with the story of The Three Little Pigs? If so, will you try and prepare them to see an old from a different point of view?

What to Wear to the Theatre

One of the things we enjoy the most about putting on shows for children, with characters that they know and love, is that they dress up for the theater, but in their own style.

For Pippi Longstocking – we had whole girl scout troops come in with  freckles painted on their noses and hair in pigtails. How I Became a Pirate brought in pirates of all shapes and sizes.  Little House on the Prairie had bonnets aplenty representing American pioneers.  Our latest show, Pinkalicious, takes the cupcake, as it were, for dressed up audience members – almost everyone showed up in pink!

 

We love that kids and parents dress up for our shows. It includes the audience in a way that we could never do on our own – and makes the action on stage all the more accessible to even the littlest audience members.

Who is your child’s favorite character to dress up as?

 Dressing up for a show - It's a family affair!