Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Children’s Performing Arts Series at Stephen F. Austin State University offers more than just great national touring shows for young audiences.
The series, hosted by the College of Fine Arts, gives potential future SFA students and their teachers and parents another opportunity to visit campus and learn about the many programs that are offered here.
Each year, CPAS features five shows designed to entertain, educate and engage young audiences of all ages. Careful consideration is given to show topics, which always include teachable classroom elements, according to Diane Peterson, Fine Arts Box Office manager and director of the series.
“CPAS shows are a great way to supplement class curriculums, and our in-depth study guides provide suggestions for pre- and post-performance activities and discussions,” Peterson said.
CPAS shows bring hundreds of students from schools throughout East Texas to the SFA campus to enjoy the productions.
“Our shows are often sell-outs, so we encourage teachers to book their classrooms early to take advantage of these great field trips that provide fun and educational outings for children,” Peterson said. “We also offer great discounts for large groups.”
The 2016-2017 series opens Thursday, Oct. 27, with “Pollyanna” presented by Stars Within Reach Productions and targeting children in kindergarten through eighth grade. Based on the best-selling classic by Eleanor H. Porter, the all-new, original musical tells the story of one little girl’s philosophy on life of always finding something to be glad about, no matter the circumstances.
“Celebration USA! America Sings!” comes to SFA on Friday, Dec. 2. Also presented by Stars Within Reach Productions, this high-energy revue takes the audience on a musical journey across the country tracking the cultural and historical moments that helped shape our nation. This show targets students in third through eighth grades.
The popular musical “Seussical,” presented by Theatreworks USA, is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 10. The Cat in the Hat is host as Dr. Seuss’s beloved characters find themselves intertwined in an incredible crazy-quilt adventure in which the power of imagination saves the day. “Seussical” targets students in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Hans Christian Anderson’s classic tale of “The Little Mermaid” is brought to life on Tuesday, March 7, in a brand new production by The Panto Company USA. The show, which targets children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, follows the dreams of a young girl who believes there is a better life for her out of the water and features stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and original songs.
The longtime favorite Super Scientific Circus returns to the SFA campus on Thursday, May 11, with Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime once again proving that science can be fun and funny. They use amazing circus skills involving boomerangs, bubbles, beach balls, bullwhips and magic to introduce the principles of friction, inertia, centripetal force, aerodynamics and more. The show targets students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
Performances are at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on show dates in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus. Tickets are $7.50 for individuals and $6 per person for groups of 20 or more.
To order tickets, call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS. Visit the CPAS website at http://www.cpas.sfasu.edu/ for additional information.