theatre performances
Young Audiences of Houston offers diverse arts-in-education performance programming for PK-12 participants in an assembly setting. These innovative and culturally diverse programs introduce participants to the arts through a balance of demonstration and interaction through the highest quality artistry. Each performance program is aligned with the Texas state curricula and offers curriculum ties, classroom activities and discussion ideas, extension activities, program goals, objectives, vocabulary words, and teacher resources. All performances are 45 minutes.
Below you'll find information about:
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Performances: For an assembly, performances introduce participants to an art form or culture through a balance of demonstration and interaction.
For more information please call 713.520.9264 or email us at scheduling@yahouston.org.
First Day, Nueva Escuela
PERFORMANCE
Brave Little Company
First Day, Nueva Escuela is the story of a girl who overcomes her fear of starting class at a new school (and of reading) by writing herself into the stories. Tía Elena wants to make sure Xiomara is ready for her first day at a new school, but no matter what story she suggests they read, Xiomara always finds a reason not to like it. And now there’s just one day left before school starts!
A performance of First Day, Nueva Escuela is a great way to welcome participants back from summer break! Reluctant readers and English language learners will be inspired to get into books. An original work from Brave Little Company, First Day, Nueva Escuela draws inspiration from summer reading list favorites such as The Interrupting Chicken, Carmela Full of Wishes, Tía Isa Wants a Car, A Chair for My Mother, or the Mo Willems books. The play is easily understood by speakers of English and Spanish, and its interactive storytelling helps audiences find compassion and empathy for the stories of others.
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Single Performance
$500
Back to Back Performance
$750
Participant Limit
350
Grade Levels
PK-5
Wooden O: An Interactive Sensory Adventure
for Ages 3 - 5
PERFORMANCE
Brave Little Company
Imagine a professional theatre performance created just for children ages 3 - 5. What ingredients would it have? Endless possibility, adventure, mystery, music, a feast for the senses, and a few thrilling surprises!
The Wooden O is an empty space where the audience’s imagination helps the actors tell the story. Once kids ages 3-5 step into Brave Little Company’s Wooden O, they’ll be on an imaginative quest to help Robin Goodfellow, a prankster with a little magic up his sleeve. They’ll engage their senses of sight, hearing, touch, and smell as they follow Robin’s map to find a mysterious flower. A fully interactive play with live sound effects, Wooden O invites participants on an imaginative journey - without leaving the classroom!
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Single Performance
$400
Back to Back Performance
$590
Participant Limit
60
Grade Levels
Age 3 - K
Historic Black Women of Texas
PERFORMANCE
Dance Afrikana
Journey through Texas history through the lens of Black Women who've made history. From Betty Simmons to Bessie Coleman, the audience will learn stories of women from enslavement to emancipation and beyond who defied the odds as trailblazers in education, politics, aviation, and more. This interactive monologue incorporates song and audience participation.
Single Performance
$500
Back to Back Performance
$750
Participant Limit
150
Grade Levels
K-8
Jack and the Beanstalk
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
This new version of Jack and the Beanstalk centers around a young boy with low self-esteem who learns to believe in himself. With help from his mother, a lovable giant, and his imaginary friends, Jack learns to grow his hopes and dreams like planting and watering a seed and how to ask for help from his friends.
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Available September 11 - October 27, 2023
Single Performance
$1,095
Back to Back Performance
$1,295
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
K-8
Lil' Man Saves Christmas
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
Christmas is in trouble, and it’s up to Lil Man to save the day! When his family’s holiday wishes seem out of reach, Lil Man teams up with Santa’s wild elves to make sure the season is merry and bright once again. With music, mischief, and a lot of heart, “Lil Man Saves Christmas” is a delightful reminder that achieving your dreams takes a village, courage, and a sprinkle of magic from Old Saint Nick.
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Available November 11th - December 20th, 2023
Single Performance
$1,095
Back to Back Performance
$1,295
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
K-8
Profiles in Black
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
Lost on a school field trip, four children stumble upon the mysterious 13th floor of a museum, where they discover a hidden Black history exhibit. As they interact with the artifacts, they are magically transported into the lives of prominent Black artists and activists. Through powerful songs and stories, “Profiles in Black” honors the contributions of African American heroes and encourages young audiences to recognize and appreciate the everyday heroes in their own lives.
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Available January 28 - February 28, 2024
Single Performance
$1,095
Back to Back Performance
$1,295
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
3-8
Three Pigs (Remix)
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
Step into the spotlight with “Three Pigs Remix,” the hottest play to hit Fairway (that’s Broadway for fairy tale actors)! This musical extravaganza is packed with star-studded fairy tale characters all vying for the perfect role. Mama Polar Bear needs patience as Little Red Riding Hood, the Prince, and Gymnastic Jenny audition to be part of the pig-tastic cast. Will they show the acting chops needed to land their dream roles? There’s no business-like show business in this whimsical and energetic production!
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Available September 9th - October 31st, 2024
Single Performance
$1,095
Back to Back Performance
$1,295
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
K-7
Don't Worry Willy
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
When anxiety overwhelms him, William T. Bear escapes to his journal, and the “Willyverse”—a world of imagination and expression. Alongside his quirky friends, he navigates life’s challenges, from loss and self-harm to neurodiversity and autism. He is an introverted bear who finds solace in writing even though his anxiety often feels like a storm brewing inside him. Join Miss Bovine’s class as we take a deep dive into the Willyverse, where emotions take shape, right before the big test at the end of the semester.
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Available March 30th - May 30th, 2025
Single Performance
$1,095
Back to Back Performance
$1,295
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
K-7
The Aztec Princess
PERFORMANCE
Express Children's Theatre
Experience Aztec Princess, a Bilingual Classic Mexican fable told by a time-traveling Princess. Join the Aztec Princess as she tells two classic fables about Making Good Choices and Stranger Danger, while teaching English and Spanish vocabulary along the way. Fun for all ages and sparkling with educational values and social/emotional skills!
Single Performance
$375
Back to Back Performance
$600
Participant Limit
100
Grade Levels
K-5
Celebrating Black History: From Ancient Africa to Today
PERFORMANCE
Express Children's Theatre
Music, dance and poetry presenting Black History from ancient Africa to today. Featuring original poetry by Houston Poet Laureates, Deborah DEEP Mouton and Emanuelee “Outspoken” Bean. From Queen Nefertiti to Duke Ellington and Ketanji Brown Jackson, this show presents the unique role African Americans play in American history. A rousing celebration for all ages and backgrounds! 30-45 minutes with Q&A, cast photo.
Single Performance
$900
Back to Back Performance
$1400
Participant Limit
250
Grade Levels
PreK-5
The Peaceful Adventures of Pirate Pete
PERFORMANCE
Express Children's Theatre
To make up for his pirating past, Pirate Pete travels the world doing good deeds with the help of kids in the audience. Featuring singalongs, world culture, basic geography and a chance for kids to explore the meaning of apologies and making things right. An interactive experience of the power of peace, generosity and helpfulness.
Single Performance
$375
Back to Back Performance
$600
Participant Limit
100
Grade Levels
PK-4
Butterfly Buddies
PERFORMANCE
Express Children's Theatre
A delightful one-woman show that enlists kids from the audience to help perform an original story about a group of butterflies who come together to save their endangered habitat. An eco-friendly tale about the power of a group to work together toward a shared goal.
Single Performance
$375
Back to Back Performance
$600
Participant Limit
100
Grade Levels
PK-4
I'm Glad to Be Me! A Singalong
PERFORMANCE
Express Children's Theatre
This interactive show uses inspiring songs, kid-friendly poetry and simple games to help children identify and manage their emotions and build confidence and self-esteem. Designed for ages PreK-5th, the show is fast, fun and teaches kids musical songs and phrases they can repeat for themselves when they’re feeling challenged by life.
Single Performance
$375
Back to Back Performance
$600
Participant Limit
100
Grade Levels
PK-5
Santa Claus is Coming to You!
PERFORMANCE
Express Children's Theatre
The Holly Jolly Man himself brings a sackful of surprises to your students! He’ll lead singalongs of Santa songs, tell fun holiday stories, let every kid in the audience pick their own holiday sticker and tell him what they want for Christmas. You can take class photos, too!
(Available Nov 1-Dec 23, 2024)
Single Performance
$375
Back to Back Performance
$600
Participant Limit
100
Grade Levels
PK-4