THE BIRTHDAY OF THE WORLD
Thursday, May 28 at 11:15am & 2pm // Hertz Stage
Created by Jonathan Shmidt Chapman
Inspired by the book Birthday of the World by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen
How can you repair the world, finding one spark at a time? Gather around and lean forward as we share a gift with you – a story about how the world was born and how it needs your help to be filled with light again.
Best enjoyed by ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Please book for all adults and children attending.
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DINOSAUR!
Friday, May 29 at 9am & 10:45am // Hertz Stage
Created by Olivia Aston Bosworth & Samantha Provenzano
Get ready to find out how even the simplest day-to-day task can turn into an epic dino-tastic adventure that will leave little ones laughing and roaring for more.
Best enjoyed by ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Please book for all adults and children attending.
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HELPING HANDS
Friday, May 29 at 9am, 10:45am & 1pm // Rehearsal Hall B, 3rd Floor, Memorial Arts Building
Created by Jack Romans and Cameryn Richardson
Alliance Theatre and TYA/USA TVY Development Program
When Flomo and Peepa disturb a resting trash spirit, hijinks ensue. With each new idea, they bring audiences along on a journey to upcycle, create, and ultimately, enjoy the items we typically throw away.
Best enjoyed by ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Please book for all adults and children attending.
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RAIN: FOR BABIES AND THEIR CARERS
Friday, May 29 at 9am, 10:45am & 1pm // Selig Family Black Box Theatre
Produced by Filament Theatre in partnership with Threshold
Audiences are invited to participate in an experience that responds to the generosity of rain. Carers and their littlest ones are immersed in an intimate and mindful installation space full of surprise, delight and opportunities for connection through sound, touch and performance.
To keep this experience safe and inspiring, each showing of RAIN is limited to 10 non-walking infants and their carers.
For non-walking infants and their caregivers. Please register the number of non-walking infants attending to reserve your spot.
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READING OF SANKOFA: THE SUPERHERO PROJECT
Friday, May 29 at 10:45 am // Center Space, Memorial Arts Building
Written by Gloria Bond Clunie
Music Compositions by Eugene H. Russell, IV
When 9-year-old Rashad catches Superhero Aboagye (A-bow-a-gee) sneaking into his bedroom to snitch his delicious, cheesy Best-titos, he is determined to teleport back with him to the Sankofa SuperHero Academy. His mission — discover a superpower that will make the kids stop teasing him. Amidst awesome adventures and mighty mishaps in the Seventh Dimension – Rashad uncovers an amazing ability that could change his life – and the world!
This Project is dedicated to promoting and celebrating amazing stories created by BIPOC TYA playwrights across the United States that explore the notion of Superheroes as well as the many issues that youth communities of color encounter.
Best enjoyed by ages 8-11. Please book for all adults and children attending.
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Following the TYA/USA National Festival and Conference, the celebration of young audiences ages 0-5 continues with Toddler Takeover Powered by PNC on May 30-31. What an incredible week filled with creativity and inspiration for our youngest audiences!
These performances are part of the 2026 TYA/USA National Festival & Conference. Photography and videography will take place at this event. By attending, you acknowledge that your image and likeness may be captured and used for promotional or archival purposes without further consent or compensation.