2014 Guide To Theater & Live Performances

New VictoryThe Old Man and The Old Moon 1_(c) Liz Lauren — New Victory

Editor’s Note: For more tips on theater in New York City, see our articles “Let’s Make A Deal” and “The Kindie Capital“

New York City is home to theater and the performing arts—big and small. Whether you’re interested in the Broadway act with the biggest kid following or a kid- friendly play in one of the smaller theater companies around town, there is something for every creative taste.

CHILDREN’S THEATER

13th Street Repertory
This theater offers many exciting shows for kids ages 3 and up. From well-known fairytales to interactive shows, there’s something for everyone. You can even have a birthday party or take acting classes. 13thstreetrep.org

Children’s Theatre Company
Kids take center stage at this company where all shows include child performers. The goal is to show children that they can be the voice of positive change. childrenstheatrecompany.org

DR2 Theatre
The DR2 Theatre in Union Square is an intimate 99-seat venue that has hosted many theatrical productions geared toward kids, including “Dear Edwina,”“The Ohmies,” and the most recent, “The Velveteen Rabbit” and “Bunnicula.” dr2theatre.com

Galli Theater
For more than 25 years, the Galli Theater has been bringing fairytales to life for children of all ages. Actors encourage the audience to interact and get on stage. For multilingual families, plays are offered in English, French, and German. gallitheaterny.com

Kidz Theater
Kidz Theater doesn’t just put on productions for kids by kids. It also serves as a children’s acting studio where young aspiring actors learn fundamental stage acting techniques. In late November, they will be performing “Smile,” a satire about a California beauty pageant. kidztheater.org

Literally Alive Children’s Theatre
Literally Alive takes children’s books and turns them into original musicals. Get there an hour early for the pre-show arts workshop that helps children better understand theater. literallyalive.com

Making Books Sing
This theater is all about education using music, puppetry, and physical comedy. Starting November 15, catch a performance of “The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess,” with music and lyrics by Laurie Berkner. Best for children ages 3-8, tickets go on sale September 15. makingbookssing.org

The New Victory Theater
This theater selects programs that help educate and inspire the audience. With new baby shows in the upcoming season, their performances are great for children as young as 4 months, but check the website often because each production has its own ideal age range. newvictory.org

The Paper Bag Players
The Paper Bag Players perform original musicals geared for children ages 3-8, based on a child’s everyday life. thepaperbagplayers.org

Puppetworks
These puppet adaptations of children’s favorite tales are whimsical, fun, and fascinating for children ages 3 and up. In the fall, don’t miss “The Emperor’s New Clothes” and “The Snow Queen” (two shows at each performance), and coming in January 2015, “Sleeping Beauty.” puppetworks.org

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre
This puppet theater produces fairytales for children ages 3-9. Come fall, two holiday-themed shows
will be performed: “Hansel and Gretel’s Halloween Adventure” and “The Three Bears Holiday
Bash.” cityparksfoundation.org/arts/swedish-cottage-marionette-theatre

TADA! Youth Theater
These shows are written and performed by kids for all audiences. You can get your own children involved or simply enjoy the show as a family. In January and February 2015, you can enjoy their show “Everything About a Family (Almost).” tadatheater.com

Tribeca Performing Arts Center & TheatreWorks US
Tribeca Performing Arts Center offers an array of performances geared for children and families all year round. From puppets to plays, there’s something for everyone. Plus, many of the family shows at BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts are Theatreworks productions. tribecapac.org & theatreworksusa.org

Vital Children’s Theatre
Vital Children’s Theatre puts on engaging hour-long performances for children ages 2-10. The company also has weekly summer camps for kids ages 4-6. vitaltheatre.org

BROADWAY AND OFF-BROADWAY THEATER

“Aladdin”
Celebrate 20 years of Disney on Broadway! This Disney favorite hit the big-time on Broadway this
year with the musical score you love from the movie, and special songs just for the show. A magical carpet ride, a fabulous genie, colorful costumes and beautiful sets make this a show the whole family will enjoy. aladdinbroadway.com

“Annie”
When the sun comes out tomorrow, head over to the Palace Theatre and see “Annie.” This Broadway musical favorite has received rave reviews, most notably for its lead actress and rising star, Lilla Crawford. broadway.com/shows/annie-bway

“The Berenstain Bears LIVE!”
The classic children’s series comes to life in “The Berenstain Bears LIVE! Family Matters: The Musical.” No matter what this bear family goes through, they’re in it together. This show is all about laughs, songs and the importance of family. broadway.com/shows/berenstain-bears-live-family-matters-musical

Blue Man Group
This literally blue trio combines theater, art, and technology into a fascinatingly original performance that’s hard to describe. It’s recommended for ages 8 and up, and no one under the age of 5 is allowed into the theater. blueman.com

“Cinderella”
This Rodgers & Hammerstein musical originally produced for television in 1957 starred then-newcomer Julie Andrews. This contemporary take on a classic story will delight kids and parents alike, with songs
like “In My Own Little Corner” and “Ten Minutes Ago.” broadway.com/shows/cinderella

“Gazillion Bubbles Show”
This interactive show for all ages combines lasers, lights, and bubbles of all shapes and sizes. Audience members can even take a picture in a bubble before and after the show. gazillionbubbleshow.com

“iLuminate”
The latest show from iLuminate, “Artist of Light,” takes its audience on a journey about a young artist named Jacob who has difficulty connecting with the real world. Art, music, dance, and light all come together for a unique theater experience you won’t forget anytime soon! iluminate.com

“The Lion King”
This Disney movie has been a Broadway hit since it opened in 1997. Between the elaborate costumes, colorful makeup, comedy, and heartwarming story, people of all ages will find something to love about “The Lion King.” broadway.com/shows/the-lion-king

“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe”
This adaptation of this C.S. Lewis book takes the audience to magical Narnia, where it’s always winter but never Christmas thanks to a spell cast on the land. The show runs for 45 minutes and is recommended for ages 5 and up. narniaoffbroadway.com

“Mamma Mia!”
“Mamma Mia!” centers on a bride-to-be searching for her dad so he can walk her down the aisle. Set to the tune of ABBA’s greatest hits, this high-energy show will have everyone trying to resist the urge to jump up and dance. ppc.broadway.com/shows/mamma-mia

“Matilda the Musical”
Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book, Matilda, has arrived on Broadway in an all-new musical. “Matilda” is the story of a lively, highly imaginative girl and her adventures in which she uses her superpowers for good. This musical adaptation is presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company and features music and lyrics by comedian Tim Minchin. broadway.com/shows/matilda

“Newsies the Musical”
Based on the Disney movie and the real-life newsboy strike, this show focuses on a group of newsboys who fight back at Pulitzer and Hearst’s newspaper price hike. Good for the whole family, it has fast music, intense choreography, and even a romantic plotline. broadway.com/shows/newsies

“The Phantom of the Opera”
Broadway’s longest-running show, based on the horror novel in which a deformed composer haunts an opera house, still delivers romance, fear, and excitement night after night. broadway.com/shows/the-phantom-of-the-opera

“Stomp”
This eight-person ensemble creates music with everyday items; no real instruments allowed. It’s all about dance, rhythm, and creativity. Children over the age of 5 will enjoy it. broadway.com/shows/stomp

“Wicked”
The prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” this popular show focuses on the history of the Wicked Witch of the West. Highly theatrical with stunning sets and elaborate costumes, this play is ideal for ages 8 and up. broadway.com/shows/wicked

MUSIC, DANCE, AND LIVE PERFORMANCE

Barclays Center
More than just the home of the Brooklyn Nets, this mega-complex hosts concerts and live events that will interest everyone in the family. August 13-17 brings Marvel Universe LIVE!, in which Spider Man, Hulk, Iron Man and more perform stunts and special effects like you’ve never seen. Then November 11-16, Disney on Ice comes to town with “Frozen.” barclayscenter.com

Big Apple Circus
You and your kids will be dazzled by the acts and animals which come together under the big tent during the Big Apple Circus. The show will be at Lincoln Center this fall, from October 17 through January 11, and in Queens in the spring of 2015, from May 17 through June 14. bigapplecircus.org

Carnegie Hall
The iconic theater brings world-renowned musicians to perform in their three halls throughout the year. The Family Concert Series on weekends is interactive and educational, with free pre-concert activities before each show. carnegiehall.org

DiCapo Opera Theatre
This opera house is continuing its Opera for Kids series on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The shows are one-hour versions of operas, performed in English, and the director helps explain the plot and the genre of opera. dicapo.com

Jazz at Lincoln Center
Children are welcome at all shows, but families can look to the interactive Jazz for Young People Concerts series to introduce their young ones to the rhythms and history of jazz. jalc.org

Lincoln Center
The iconic theater offers every type of arts event under the sun. There are ballets, exhibits, and plays for your whole family to enjoy. lincolncenter.org

Little Orchestra Society
This company is devoted to putting on family-friendly shows. Kids ages 3-5 should check out the Lolli-Pops shows, where they can learn about music while hanging out with characters like Buzz the Bee; starting in October, the lineup will include“Circus Parade,”“Tubby the Tuba,” and “Things that go Bang!” Kids ages 6-12 can enjoy the Happy Concerts series, with “Four Seasons: A Spinning Planet” in November, and “Peter and the Wolf” in December. littleorchestra.org

Manhattan Movement & Arts Center
The Manhattan Movement & Arts Center (MMAC) is home to the Manhattan Youth Ballet as well as the MMAC Theater which currently hosts the Off-Broadway family hit, “The Berenstain Bears LIVE.” manhattanmovement.com

The Metropolitan Opera
Founded in 1883, this famous opera house is the place to go for unforgettable, world-class performances. Visitors can also take backstage tours, and tour Lincoln Center, as well as enjoy the Schwartz Gallery of contemporary art. metopera.org

New York Theatre Ballet
While the New York Theatre Ballet aims to bring affordable performances to adults, there’s also something for the kids to enjoy—hour-long performances that won’t break the bank. Children can see some of their favorite stories, like “Cinderella” and“SleepingBeauty,”cometolifeonstage.Contact for latest show details and times. nytb.org

Symphony Space
Symphony Space’s Just Kidding series is just for families. Children will love the book readings, concerts, and plays this company puts on. symphonyspace.org

The Theater at Madison Square Garden
The biggest names in pop culture come to perform at MSG. Check the website early and often to make sure you don’t miss out when your family’s favorite acts come to town! theateratmsg.com

British Swim School - Long Island

The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.&nbsp; British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School&rsquo;s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!

Super Soccer Stars

Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps. At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace. Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week: Connecticut: <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> &nbsp; Westchester: <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> &nbsp; New York City: <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> &nbsp; Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;

Dedimus Potestatem

Dedimus Potestatem provides fun, engaging, academically challenging programs to students in primary, middle, and high school. Programs include Leadership, Debate, Model United Nations, Computer Programming, Financial Literacy, Filmmaking, Philosophy, Model Congress, Mock Trial, Etiquette, Bioethics, Stem and Bioethics, and more. We currently offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions and after-school programs. Contact us to bring us to your school today! Sessions We currently&nbsp;offer both virtual and in-person private, semi-private, and group sessions as well as after-school programs. To register, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.potestatem.co/bookclassesnow&nbsp;</a>or email us at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:[email protected]?subject=REGISTER" target="_blank" rel="noopener">[email protected]</a> <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Leadership: Middle School ages 10-13, High School ages 14-18</a> This is a unique leadership course that gives students the skills they need to succeed in life. Using an activity-based syllabus centered around character traits most sought and admired in leaders (initiative, honesty, self-control, adaptability, empathy, persuasiveness, resourcefulness, diligence, tolerance, determination, generosity, punctuality, courage, reliability, endurance, deference, creativity and integrity) students learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life. These building blocks will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. Our grading rubric was adapted with the permission of Neil Mercer, the Director of research and Head of Faculty at The University of Cambridge. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/little-leaders-prek-and-kindergarten" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Little Leaders: Primary School Ages 6-9</a> Developed by former pre-school and elementary teachers, this ethics-centered program utilizes a play-based method to encourage students to explore and apply soft skills in their daily lives. While cultivating the skills they will need to build strong, successful relationships, they will learn how to find their voice and showcase themselves in the best way. Students will learn to communicate and negotiate so they can be better team leaders and team players. Students will learn how to deal with situations they encounter in life, such as bullying, cheating, conflicts between two or more parties, and more. The inculcation of these values in our children's formative years will ensure they grow to become the leaders so sought after by our burgeoning society. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/beginnersdebate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech &amp; Debate</a>&nbsp;(competitive and non-competitive programs available) This online after-school program prepares students for formal and informal presentations. Participants learn to craft and present arguments and inform, persuade, and motivate an audience in a variety of ways. According to the English Speaking Union, debate is a natural fit for students and compliments common core standards. Debate builds literacy and multi-media research skills, fosters critical thinking and expanded perspectives, enhances public speaking skills, increases confidence, trains students to listen effectively, supports diverse learners and strengthens civil engagement and discourse.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-un" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model United Nations (Ages 11-18)</a> Model UN simulates the six major organs of the United Nations. Students role play as delegates from a country of their choosing and learn to write and present resolutions based on topics they are passionate about-just as if they were representing member states of the United Nations. We utilize materials from National Model UN and video tutorials to teach students how to write and present position papers, working papers, and draft resolutions. Students use debate and negotiation to enlist the support of other delegates for their resolution. Model UN is a great way to teach students leadership skills like communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and delegation. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/self-defense-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Self Defense and Empowerment</a> Developed by a veteran Krav Maga specialist, this self-defense program will focus on the principle of healthy minds in healthy bodies. Students will focus on de-escalation techniques as well as safe and active means of self-defense. Through active games and fun drills, students will learn the disciplined focus, critical thinking, adaptability, and resilience necessary to achieve goals, as well as gain valuable social insights into leadership and teamwork. Students will expend energy and reduce stress while learning to stand and present confidently. Mock Trial&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fairy Tale Mock Trial for ages 7-9</a>, regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.potestatem.co/mock-trial-classes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mock Trial Ages 10-18</a>) Mock trial is a hands-on simulation of the American judicial system. The goal is to help participants acquire a working knowledge of our judicial system, develop analytical abilities and communication skills, display leadership in a court of law, and gain an understanding of their obligations and responsibilities as participating members of our society. Materials for this course are provided by The American Bar Association. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/model-congress" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Model Congress: Ages 10-18</a> This civics course simulates the legislative process. Students will learn about the electoral process, lobby for issues they are passionate about, draft and deliver bills, amend legislation, debate international policy, and learn how to effectively represent a constituent body of their choosing. We utilize materials from The Constitutional Rights Foundation, ICivics (founded by Justice Sandra Day O&rsquo;Connor) and the National Model U.S. Congress. These resources have been proven to improve students&rsquo; civic knowledge, presentation, and core literacy skills. New research has also shown that the use of the aforementioned materials has also led to increased participation in the democratic process. Our objective in this course is to educate the next generation, nurture and inculcate a passion for civics and history and encourage young people to advocate for themselves. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/philosophy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philosophy</a> The focus of the&nbsp;Philosophy&nbsp;class is to examine and understand the ideas behind the most popular&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;embraced throughout the world. To do this, students examine ethical situations through the lens of these&nbsp;philosophies&nbsp;and engage in a Socratic style debate. Students are presented with an ethical question and they must identify stakeholders and players within the dilemma, discuss the key moral issues and present opposing viewpoints. This class was built for students who wish to&nbsp;<a href="https://nhseb.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compete in the middle or high school Ethics Bowl</a>.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/money-matters-financial-literacy-for-kids-afterschool">Money Matters: Financial Literacy for Students</a> The Money Matters course is built to help students manage their personal finances, from building credit and loan applications to interest rates and investing strategies. This class will cover the basics of financial health, savings, spending habits, and budgeting. After learning how to store, track, and spend responsibly, students will learn about risk management, APRs, and tax preparation. This class will use real-life examples and teach students how to set and achieve financial goals. This course is ideal for middle and high school students. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/stem-dna-ethics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">STEM and Bioethics:&nbsp;(Ages 10-18)</a> Our STEM program will give kids the opportunity to think critically about science and society, and to practice communicating scientific topics in ways everyone can understand. To be a successful scientist in our modern world, one must not only have a broad understanding of scientific material learned at school, but also the ability to communicate effectively and share that knowledge with others. Each week of this program will build on the previous while also introducing new scientific topics for discussion. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/virtual-after-school-etiquette" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Etiquette&nbsp;(Ages 5 and up)</a> Due to increasing popular demand from groups and individuals, we have decided to offer our etiquette course as an eight week after-school class. Students will not only learn how to introduce themselves and their friends, they will explore appropriate language for quotidian and special occasions, how to enter and leave conversations, proper table behavior for different scenarios, effective strategies for conflict resolution and negotiation, the importance of tone, expression, and body language in every social interaction and why manners and soft skills are essential to a successful life. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Speech and Essay Writing: Ages 10-18</a> This group class includes eight one-hour online sessions focused on the creation, development, and delivery of informative and persuasive speeches. This program is tailored to the needs of the individual(s) in question and can include essay writing, use of stylistic devices, and persuasive rhetoric and/or instructions on how to craft and deliver a persuasive or informative multidimensional presentation with compelling slides, audio, and videos. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/visual-storytelling" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visual Storytelling</a> Multimedia platforms have increasingly become more popular for educators, artists and businesses. Young people all over the world have begun using media to amplify initiatives, educate, share science, poetry, art, movement, culture and more. In this class students will learn to capture brief videos that share their voice and vision with the world. College application course&nbsp; Discover the fundamentals of style, narrative, and theme for the ideal college application essays! In these sessions, you will begin by examining outstanding Personal Statements and by brainstorming your own. Then, move on to draft and edit the specialized supplemental essays for each college on your list. Space is limited to ensure personalized attention. <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/essay-writing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Academic writing</a>&nbsp; These are sessions focused on academic writing. Our tutors have years of experience in drafting, editing, and teaching essay writing. Each package will include a consultation with our tutors to assess individual needs.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.potestatem.co/classes/test-prep-sat-shsat-act-gre-gmat-asvab-tachs-more">Test Prep: SAT, SHSAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, ASVAB, TACHS + more</a> These classes are focused on identifying the quickest and most efficient path toward improving students' standardized test scores. Starting with a diagnostic practice exam, this program will target the key subject matter your students need to master while integrating timing, triage, and practice strategies. We aim to regularly emulate the real-life conditions of tests until students are comfortable working quickly, accurately, and efficiently. Sessions can be one hour or two hours in length, as needed. Computer Programming: Coding for Kids In these sessions, we start by discussing the basics of computer programming, what it is, what it can do, and what it was built on. Then we will begin experimenting with block-based programming languages. Students will learn the basics of computer architecture, binary code, compilers, and algorithms. By the end of the course, students will be able to produce small programs of their own. The cost of materials is not included. This class is available to younger students (Ages K-1) and middle and high school students.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;