Children’s plays a hit at Blue Hole Primary

Young children’s attention span is very limited. Before you know it, they’re off and interested in something else. How do you get first and second graders involved in theatre, in a play by adult actors? Make sure that it is interactive and playful, providing the children with parts written to join in the action on stage.

That’s what the Central Texas Theatre Academy’s children plays were all about at Blue Hole Primary.

The classic children’s favorite, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, had the kids at full gear with waving hands, wiggle dances and learning to be quiet during a theatre performance. All of it was presented as part of the play.

Children’s playwright Heath Thompson did a good job of intermixing plot and spots to join in for the kids. Maeve Galloway as Goldilocks or Ginger, Haley Strange as the maid/ Baby Bear, Ameer Mobarak as Mr. Locks Papa Bear and Ashley Hennie as Mrs. Locks and Momma Bear, all were very convincing to the students who enthusiastically joined in.

Doing four back-to-back shows was tiring but as Bridget Gates, Executive Director said it was a good thing. “We knew there’s been no field trips for the kids with Covid (restrictions). We had a small cast, and we were interested in coming to the school… It’s fun, it’s magical, going into the schools and seeing the joy it brings to students.”

CTTA has been busy during the last months. Free showings of Goldilocks will be presented on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. April 9/10, 17/18, at the Academy. The play is geared towards those ages two and up.

Coming in May is the musical production of “Frozen, junior” which includes songs from the movie and the Broadway production, a full hour and a half of fun. Kids get the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite characters after the show. Tickets are on sale now.

The Academy also offers Summer Camps for all ages during the coming months. For information on all the exciting happenings, see the website at www.centextheatre.org