The Birthday of the World
Selig Family Black Box Theatre
Best enjoyed by audiences ages 0–5 and their grown-ups.
Bernhardt Theatre for the Very Young
A story about how the world was born and how it needs your help to be filled with light again.
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. Based on the beautiful children's book by Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen and drawing from Jewish folklore, this immersive performance brings a timeless and timely story to life through gentle storytelling, visual wonder, and sensory play.
Selig Family Black Box Theatre
1280 Peachtree St NE Atlanta, GA 30309 Directions
The Selig Family Black Box Theatre is located on the third floor of the Woodruff Arts Center. Once on the third floor, follow the signs to the Selig Family Black Box Theatre.
Director
Jonathan Shmidt Chapman is an award-winning theater artist, writer, and Jewish educator. His projects have reached thousands of families and classrooms around the world. He is an innovator at the intersection of theater for children, family engagement, and imaginative play. Jonathan is a pioneer in using immersive theater and imaginative play to transform Jewish early childhood education. Drawing from his background in family arts engagement along with a foundational yeshiva education, Jonathan travels the country leading workshops on activating Jewish education through theater and play.
Jonathan Shmidt Chapman
Director
Jonathan Shmidt Chapman is an award-winning theater artist, writer, and Jewish educator. His projects have reached thousands of families and classrooms around the world. He is an innovator at the intersection of theater for children, family engagement, and imaginative play. Jonathan is a pioneer in using immersive theater and imaginative play to transform Jewish early childhood education. Drawing from his background in family arts engagement along with a foundational yeshiva education, Jonathan travels the country leading workshops on activating Jewish education through theater and play.
Cast
Reuben Haller is an Atlanta based professional clown and variety performer, thrilled to be making his Alliance Theatre debut! He is also a musician, visual artist, and poet. Reuben has performed as a Therapeutic Clown in children's hospitals since 2000, after training with the Big Apple Circus. He has produced two albums of original music: Stomp Your Feet Clap Your Hands, fiddle tunes and songs for kids; and Ma Tovu, Songs for the Soul, spirited Jewish music. Take a listen! He also creates Hebrew calligraphic art. reubenhaller.com clownvirtuoso.com
Reuben Haller
Actor / Musician
Reuben Haller is an Atlanta based professional clown and variety performer, thrilled to be making his Alliance Theatre debut! He is also a musician, visual artist, and poet. Reuben has performed as a Therapeutic Clown in children's hospitals since 2000, after training with the Big Apple Circus. He has produced two albums of original music: Stomp Your Feet Clap Your Hands, fiddle tunes and songs for kids; and Ma Tovu, Songs for the Soul, spirited Jewish music. Take a listen! He also creates Hebrew calligraphic art. reubenhaller.com clownvirtuoso.com
Jo-Jo Steine is excited to be making her Alliance debut. Some of her favorite previous roles include Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Atlanta Shakespeare Company), The White Witch in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (Dallas Children’s Theater), and Belle in A Christmas Carol (Dallas Theater Center). When she’s not acting, singing, or playing the viola on the stage, Jo-Jo teaches yoga and writes young adult and new adult novels. www.jo-josteine.com
Jo-Jo Steine
Actor
Jo-Jo Steine is excited to be making her Alliance debut. Some of her favorite previous roles include Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Atlanta Shakespeare Company), The White Witch in The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (Dallas Children’s Theater), and Belle in A Christmas Carol (Dallas Theater Center). When she’s not acting, singing, or playing the viola on the stage, Jo-Jo teaches yoga and writes young adult and new adult novels. www.jo-josteine.com
Leah Thomas (she/her) is an actress, teaching artist, and Atlanta native! She is so grateful to be back in her hometown after earning her BFA in Theatre Education and Performance at Emerson College. Previous Credits Include: And Then They Came for Me (GET), The Humans (TO), and Rooted (Horizon Theatre). Leah is also a teaching artist with the Alliance Theatre, Synchronicity, and Atlanta Public Schools. IG: @lleahthomass / www.leahthomas.net
Leah Thomas
Actor
Leah Thomas (she/her) is an actress, teaching artist, and Atlanta native! She is so grateful to be back in her hometown after earning her BFA in Theatre Education and Performance at Emerson College. Previous Credits Include: And Then They Came for Me (GET), The Humans (TO), and Rooted (Horizon Theatre). Leah is also a teaching artist with the Alliance Theatre, Synchronicity, and Atlanta Public Schools. IG: @lleahthomass / www.leahthomas.net
Creative
April Andrew Carswell (Costume Designer) Atlanta Design Credits: Alliance Theatre, Actor’s Express, Theatrical Outfit, Synchronicity, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Horizon, Oglethorpe University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University, Clayton State University, Emory University, The Walker School. Regional: Asolo Repertory Theatre, FSU Asolo Conservatory, Florida Studio Theatre, Urbanite Theatre, University of South Florida. Other: Adjunct Professor of Theatre at University of South Florida, Freelance Costume Designer & Technician, Former Asst. Costume Shop Manager at Alliance Theatre, Proud Mama, Avid Crocheter, Broadway World Atlanta Award Winner, Suzi Bass Award Winner.
April Andrew Carswell
Costume Design
April Andrew Carswell (Costume Designer) Atlanta Design Credits: Alliance Theatre, Actor’s Express, Theatrical Outfit, Synchronicity, The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Horizon, Oglethorpe University, Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University, Clayton State University, Emory University, The Walker School. Regional: Asolo Repertory Theatre, FSU Asolo Conservatory, Florida Studio Theatre, Urbanite Theatre, University of South Florida. Other: Adjunct Professor of Theatre at University of South Florida, Freelance Costume Designer & Technician, Former Asst. Costume Shop Manager at Alliance Theatre, Proud Mama, Avid Crocheter, Broadway World Atlanta Award Winner, Suzi Bass Award Winner.
Olivia Aston Bosworth
Line Producer
Lynn Jeffries
Scenic and Puppet Designer
Sam Shankman
Composer
Crew
Myah Harper
Stage Manager
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