Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Imagination Stage produces Paper Dreams; a free production at Olney Outdoors

Imagination Stage is bringing a free, outdoor show to the Olney Theatre Center’s (OTC) Root Family Stage. The free outdoor performances of Paper Dreams at “Olney Outdoors” will be on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from July 31 to August 15, 2021. Patrons may reserve free tickets in advance online or by calling 301-924-3400.

This show may sound familiar to some, if you have older children. Paper Dreams was originally produced in 2017 as part of Imagination Stage’s My First Imagination Stage programming for very young audiences – best for ages 1-7. The playful dance theatre piece imagines two friends who live inside a wastepaper basket. Together they discover what ideas might unfold from a crumpled piece of paper. Maybe mistakes are okay – perhaps they can inspire our greatest ideas.

The link for more info and to reserve tickets can be found here.

Paper Dreams is part of My First Imagination Stage, programming which focuses on ages 1+ and recognizes “play” as the “work” of early childhood development. Through live performances, workshops, and classes, My First Imagination Stage creates fun and developmentally exciting experiences for the very young and their caregivers. A national leader in Theatre for the Very Young, Imagination Stage began focusing on the youngest of theatergoers in 2010 with the world premiere of Wake Up, Brother Bear! My First Imagination Stage has welcomed guest artists from Italy, Great Britain, and Germany, and
has developed many acclaimed world premiere productions including Mouse on the Move, Inside Out, and Blue.

LOCATION:
Olney Theatre Center’s Root Family Stage
2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832

Olney Outdoors

Imagination Stage will have in-person classes this Fall! They are also planning for live and in-person productions to be coming to their theatre this winter. More to come in August!

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Spies at Imagination Stage

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Spy Academy and The Lost Treasures of Atlantis; an immersive online theatre experience

Not too long ago we were going to local performances at our favorite theatres, exposing our children to the arts. We are so happy Imagination Stage has adapted their art into something we can watch from home, for now and in this latest show, they definitely completed the mission!

For its second foray into the world of virtual theatre, Imagination Stage meets this unique moment with Spy Academy & the Lost Treasures of Atlantis, an immersive online experience best for children ages 5+. The show–part escape room, part spy adventure, and part online game–engages children in an interactive performance as meaningful as it is delightful. Our children– excuse me, Cadet Cheese and Cadet Spygirl are ages 6 and 9 and both really enjoyed this performance as it was interactive and suspenseful all while observing the actors in their element which was silly and entertaining. This was a Zoom they were actually engaged in and fit the bill for something they had been missing.

The audience which has no more than 15 households per performance, takes on the role of cadets at a spy academy. They are being taught by Pat, a live facilitator. When Pat gets notification that some of the academy’s adult spies need help evading the villainous Dr. Levinious as they search for the Heart of the Dragon, Pat recruits all of the cadets to help them by solving various puzzles and problems. Enter your household! Pat is played by nimble and comedic improvisational actors Jasmine Jones, Matthew Pauli or Amanda Haddock (at different performances), and directly urges the participation of the cadets in a “create your own adventure”-style exploration of numerous challenges. (Ssshhh: the adults in the household will have received instructions in advance to secretly prepare some key props to have nearby for their cadets.)

We were emailed documents to print out including an introductory letter to the cadets, activities and clues to use during the performance, and a certificate to be awarded to the cadets after the mission is completed. We put these in envelopes or hid them throughout our house. Silly enough, it was something my husband and I actually had fun doing as we knew this was so unique that our kids would be shocked to find these in real time as they watched the show– at one point Pat told viewers to check their front door for a package and to our kids surprise there was a small package waiting there for them to use with the show! Our kids think it was a ‘black bag job’ and didn’t ask if it was up who left the materials for them, which made it fun. However, if you do not have a printer Pat does an amazing job to share everything on screen and reassure those who may not have the items at home to have no fear and presents alternatives.

The artfully filmed segments of the spies getting into and out of jams in far-flung locations were filmed in all the nooks and crannies of Imagination Stage’s Bethesda facility, including against the back wall of the stage, which was transformed into an enormous green screen to allow for exciting special effects. Our cadets were amazed when we told them where it was filmed and how. They are eager to get back to seeing performances in-person but they both agreed that this was an amazing alternative!

Details:
Spy Academy & the Lost Treasures of Atlantis runs through May 23, 2021

Ticket cost: $25 per household

Run time: Roughly 45 minutes

You can even purchase a private performance if you have a cadet’s birthday approaching! Call the Box Office for more details 301-280-1660.

Cast and Creative Team:
Edima Essien- Newscaster
Danielle Gallo-Tank
Amanda Haddock-Facilitator
Jasmine Jones-Facilitator (swing)
Miss Kitty-Specs
Matthew Pauli-Facilitator
Ryan Sellers-Levinious/Locksmith
Strother Gaines-Concept and Co-Director
Doug Robinson-Playwright
Jeffrey Eagle-Co-Director and Producer
Chris Mariles-Director of Photography
Ted Hogeman-Sound Operator
Paige Smith Lee-Editor
Madison Booth-Costume Designer
Katie Moshier-Stage Manager

Also, be sure to check out Imagination Stage Summer Camp!

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is hosting a Garden Party from 11am-4pm both Saturday & Sunday to celebrate the warmer weather, and to highlight one of our exhibitions, Beautiful Blooms: Flowering Plants on Stamps. The exhibition’s focus is on stamp art that features flowers and diverse elements of a garden, such as birds and flowering trees. The artwork on display represents some of the most attractive pieces in the renowned Postmaster General’s Collection, and we are excited to feature the exhibition as part of this educational, fun and inviting program.

Balloonacy at Imagination Stage is on it’s final weekend of performances. Shows are Saturday & Sunday.

Helpful information on the Cherry Blossoms can be found here.

Royal Adventure Days at B&O Railroad Museum allows you to spend the day with some of your favorite princesses and fairy tale characters. Explore 5 royal kingdoms where you interact or make crafts with royalty. Saturday, April 7, 10am – 3pm, Sunday, April 8, 11am – 3pm. Train Ride: Saturday at 11:30am, 12:30pm & 2pm. Sunday at 12pm & 2:30pm.

USA Science & Engineering Festival will be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Saturday 10 am- 6 pm and Sunday 10 am- 4 pm. This is the Nation’s largest celebration of STEM. With over 3,000 hands-on exhibits, stage shows & scientists. Free 2-day expo!

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:15am: Theatreworks USA: Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories
The National Theatre is thrilled to welcome Theatreworks USA’s newest musical revue of beloved contemporary children’s books! Dragons love all sorts of tacos – except spicy ones! When a boy throws his new dragon friends a spicy salsa taco party, red-hot trouble ensues. FREE

10:00am-12:00pm: Open Studio: Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival! at Freer|Sackler
Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the Freer|Sackler! Take a family-friendly tour and learn about nature in Japanese art (10:30 am). Then, continue to explore the Freer for pop-up art-making activities and artist demonstrations inspired by the spring season. All ages welcome with adult companions.

10:15am: Strathmore Children’s Art Talk & Tour at the Mansion
Young art lovers can get behind the brushstrokes and into the head, heart, and history of the artists with these kid-friendly Saturday tours. Children take part in an educational guided tour of the current exhibitions followed by a hands-on art activity. Ages 7 & up. Accompanying adults are free. Reservations required.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. The Little Engine That Could is the featured story.

11:30am-3:00pm: Jazz Family Day at SAAM
Come and jam at SAAM during Jazz Appreciation Month! SAAM celebrates jazz’s influence on artists with activities and performances. Improvise with your own jazz-themed crafts, complete a swinging scavenger hunt, and bop to jazz performances throughout the day.

1:00pm-9:30pm: Petalpalooza
Join us for live music, games, fireworks, free product giveaways, and more. There are also lots of great restaurants along The Wharf where you can pop inside and grab a bite to eat. We’re looking forward to a fun-filled Saturday and can’t wait to see you there! To remain aware of updates, check back here or follow us on Facebook: CherryBlossomFestival and Twitter: @CherryBlossFest.

Sunday-

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. From Head to Toe is the featured story.

2:00pm AND 6:00pm: Bubble Guppies Live at National Theatre
Get the ultimate fan experience with the Meet and Greet Package. Package features premium show seating and a pre-show Meet and Greet with two Bubble Guppies Live friends – Gil and Molly! Meet and Greet packages will include a separate Meet and Greet ticket, which you’ll receive with your show tickets. Each adult and child (age 1 and up) in a group must purchase a Meet and Greet Package. All Meet and Greets start one hour before show time and last 20 minutes.**Everyone entering the theater must have a ticket.

Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage

What: Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage

When: June 21-August 13, 2017

Where: 4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814


Why: Alice follows the White Rabbit into Wonderland where all of the familiar characters have been transformed into live guitar-toting Rock ‘n’ Roll musicians! She takes advice from a Zen Caterpillar and a wise Cheshire Cat. She has tea with the unwelcoming Mad Hatter, and argues with the childish Tweedledee and Tweedledum. When the vicious diva Red Queen tries to destroy her, Alice fights back only to find herself in a battle of the bands with the Jabberwocky, a many-headed monster who embodies all her fears and insecurities. Alice ultimately outperforms him on keyboard and drums; she is crowned at last, and returns home, a stronger and happier girl. The writers have successfully translated Carroll’s irrational Wonderland to our own times and added lyrics and a beat that will make you want to twist and shout!

You won’t stop smiling and tapping your feet while you follow Alice through the rabbit hole that is quite literally a rock and roll stage. The characters are amazing and so talented when it comes to acting and being musicians. Each one plays multiple instruments while also having a speaking part in the play– at times it feels like we were at a concert. It’s truly an avant-garde twist on the classic everyone adores. The costumes of the characters are creative and captivating with a bit of edge. Our favorite part which left us laughing out loud was when the Red Queen makes her appearance. The instruments used in this rock and roll musical were endless. Best for Ages 5+. 90 minutes with no intermission.

Book and lyrics by Rachel Rockwell. Music and lyrics by Michael Mahler. Based on the classics by Lewis Carroll. Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer.

Tickets: $20-$35

Learn more about theatre productions, classes, and weekend workshops at Imagination Stage.

Early Childhood Theatre: Paper Dreams at Imagination Stage (ends this weekend)

The My First Imagination Stage theatre series offers intimate, interactive performances designed for the very young in our Reeve Theatre. Learn more below about theatre productions, classes, and weekend workshops at Imagination Stage.

What: Paper Dreams
In a brand-new collaboration with Mons Dansa Dance Company Barcelona, Spain, we bring to life our first DANCE performance based show, perfect for ages 1-5 that explores the many facets of creativity. A fun, interactive production that tells the story of two delightful creatures who live inside a wastepaper basket. Can our greatest mistake actually turn out to be the next greatest innovative idea? Try the Activity Guide! En Español!

When: March 11-April 9, 2017

Where: Imagination Stage: 4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814

Who: Written and directed by Claudia Moreso, Mons Dansa Dance Company Barcelona, Spain
with the US remount directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer

Tickets: $14.00

Spring Break Camp Guide 2017

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If you aren’t hopping on a plane this Spring Break to relax by the waves or shred on a mountain, get those little ones in a fun camp. In addition to the list, check local Parks and Recreation websites as most of them have Spring Break Camps.

 

Maryland:

Road Trip with L’Academie de Cusine- April 10-13, 2017
(5021 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Looking for something new to do during Spring Break?  Join us for a four day camp designed to take you on a culinary tour of the US.  Each day will focus on a different region.  Chef Sherri brings the fun of Summer Camp, just a few months earlier. Camp is from 9:00am-12:00pm and open to kids and teens aged 9-14 years old.

Baking with L’Academie de Cusine- April 10-13, 2017
(5021 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Looking for something new to do during Spring Break?  Join us for a four day baking boot camp.   Each day will focus on a aspect of baking and you will make many sweet treats.  Chef Sherri brings the fun of Summer Camp, just a few months earlier. Camp is from 1:30pm-4:30pm and open to kids and teens aged 9-14 years old.

Basketball Camp with Skills and Scrimmages– April 10-13, 2017
(Pyle Middle School- 6311 Wilson Ln. Bethesda, MD 20817)
This outstanding skills and development camp is focused on fundamentals, sportsmanship, teamwork, equal play and fun is presented by Former Delaware State University Standout Sheridan Price and other former Division 1 basketball players. Boys and Girls will develop their skills with top notch instruction, drills, and scrimmages. For Grades 1st-8th.
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at Imagination Stage

edward


What: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at Imagination Stage

When: October 8, 2016 – October 30, 2016

Where: Imagination Stage  – 4908 Auburn Avenue  Bethesda, MD 20814

Why:
Have you ever loved a special doll or stuffed toy? If you have, this is the story for you! Abilene adores her china rabbit doll, Edward Tulane. But, Edward is spoiled and ungrateful until fate takes him on an emotional roller-coaster of an adventure through the 20th century. He is lost overboard on an ocean liner, fished up by a kindly villager, dumped in a heap of garbage, rescued by a hobo and his dog, turned into a scarecrow, and adopted by a little boy who gives him as a gift to his sickly sister. Little by little, Edward discovers goodness and humility. Inspired by the constellations, he learns to keep an open heart. Kate DiCamillo’s award-winning book translates beautifully to the stage. And, as in all good stories, even our reluctant hero finds a happy ending!

Edward’s journey takes him through a series of misfortunes. I had read Kate DiCamillo’s novel years ago and found it to be a touching and intriguing story. Taking my son to the play however meant he was exposed to some of life’s uglier issues. While some of the tough situations and conversations went over his head, the plays ending brings a smile to everyone’s face. According to the little girl sitting behind us, “every play ends with a happy ending.” I’d advise taking children 6+ as Imagination Stage recommends.

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Details:
Running time is roughly 90 minutes with an intermission.

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $15.00-$30.00.

Inside Out– an interactive theatre experience at Imagination Stage

inside out

What: Inside Out at Imagination Stage

When: June 25, 2016 – July 31, 2016

Where: Imagination Stage  – 4908 Auburn Avenue  Bethesda, MD 20814

Why:
The My First Imagination Stage theatre series offers intimate, interactive performances designed for the very young in our Reeve Theatre.

It’s bedtime! But instead of getting ready, two children use their imaginations to turn their room into a wonderland of mess! While playing dress-up,  a  glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt becomes a fantastic creature, and a sock dance rocks the closet. In this interactive show, discover the joy of  turning things inside out!

My 19 month old and 5 year old were involved and entranced throughout the entire show. It is the perfect show and series to bring the younger audience. You sit on the floor and children are encouraged to participate. This particular show allows kids to sort, match, count and follow directions in a friendly way. At the end, the audience is encouraged to play with the clothing and hang out on the stage. 5 stars for this show! We all want to go back and see it again!

Details:
Running time is roughly 45 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $14.00.

Recommended for children 1-5.

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