Annenberg Center Live continues its legacy of providing high-caliber performing arts to young audiences for over 30 years. The Children’s Festival was the first of its kind in the country, offering Philadelphia area families an easy and affordable way to experience the artistry of international performance and visual arts. Attracting more than 10,000 children and their families each year, the eagerly anticipated springtime tradition builds the arts and culture audiences of the future.
Click here for tickets for Thursday, May 7
Click here for tickets for Friday, May 8
Click here for tickets for Saturday, May 9
FUN ZONE on the Outdoor Plaza
The Children’s Festival FUN ZONE has interactive performances and activities. Open 9 AM to 2 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, the FUN ZONE is FREE for all ticket holders. To see updates on the full FUN ZONE schedule, visit AnnenbergCenter.org/funzone!
2015 Children’s Festival Performers
Pilobolus Dance Theater*
Thu, May 7 at 10 AM
Fri, May 8 at 10 AM
Zellerbach Theatre
Ages: 5+
What happens when contemporary dance, gymnastics, technology and playful props combine? Find out when the wildly creative troupe Pilobolus Dance Theater takes the stage with physically daring movement and elaborately imaginative concepts. This Annenberg Center favorite is sure to amuse and inspire.
Lifeboat
Catherine Wheels Theatre Company
Thu, May 7 at 10 AM and 12 PM
Fri, May 8 at 10 AM and 12 PM
Sat, May 9 at 12 PM and 2 PM
Harold Prince Theatre
Ages: 8+
An extraordinary true tale of survival told with humor and adventure. In September 1940, two teenage girls board a ship to escape the dangers of World War II. Four days later the ship was torpedoed and sank, forcing the girls to spend a scary 19 hours floating on a lifeboat, willing one another to survive. “High adventure and touching lessons in family, fortitude and friendship are conveyed with exceptional theatrical skill” (New York Times) in this moving and uplifting play.
Orchestra of Life
Daniel Bernard Roumain
Thu, May 7 at 12 PM
Fri, May 8 at 12 PM
Sat, May 9 at 12 PM
Zellerbach Theatre
Ages: 7+
A collection of poignant music rooted in the philosophy of civil rights for all. Rock star violinist and composer Daniel Bernard Roumain (DBR) pays tribute to Bob Marley in this intimate program of songs infused with the spirit of liberation and freedom. Joined by a pianist and drummer, DBR shares his hopes for how we define ourselves, our world, and sometimes, one another. The audience will join together to create “An Orchestra of Life” using their hands, feet and voices to express themselves musically.
Playing By Air
Thu, May 7 at 10 AM and 12 PM
Fri, May 8 at 10 AM and 12 PM
Sat, May 9 at 10 AM and 12 PM
Bruce Montgomery Theatre
Recommended for all ages
Traditional theatricality meets absurd comedy in this joyful fusion of music, juggling and circus. The award-winning performers of Playing By Air captivate their audiences with their playfulness, high energy, creativity and breathtaking feats.
Circo Comedia
Jean Saucier and Patrick Côté
Sat, May 9 at 10 AM
Zellerbach Theatre
Recommended for all ages
Following in the tradition of the Quebec Circus, duo Jean Saucier and Patrick Côté perform acrobatic tricks, daredevil stunts and magic, offering thrills and comedy. Called “dazzling, exciting, and profoundly engaging” (Ottawa International Children’s Festival), Circo Comedia is family entertainment at its finest.
Watermelon Magic
Spring Garden Pictures
Sat, May 9 at 2 PM
Bruce Montgomery Theatre
Recommended for all ages
The charming story of Sylvie and her garden as she watches a patch of watermelons grow from seed to fruit. Audiences will enjoy the science and marvel of plant life.
Click here for tickets for Thursday, May 7
Click here for tickets for Friday, May 8
Click here for tickets for Saturday, May 9
The performances by Pilobolus Dance Theater are part of the Dance Celebration Series, presented by Dance Affiliates and Annenberg Center Live.
