Geelong Arts Centre has revealed its Family Magic program will return this year, with a diverse range of family-friendly productions.
The program will run from March to August and feature six engaging and accessible performance catered to children under 12, with the intention of fostering their connection to the arts.
Geelong Arts Centre chief executive Joel McGuinness said the Family Magic program was the first theatrical experience for many children in the region and the centre took pride in helping families spark a love for the arts.
“Geelong Arts Centre takes immense pride in providing young people with a window into the world of the arts and making world-class arts experiences accessible to the many diverse families across our region,” he said.
Kicking off the program in March, celebrated music educator, presenter, author and composer Karen Kyriacou will present Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Jam for Juniors: Swan Lake.
Suited to children up to five years old, the 30-minute musical workshop will introduce to “the magic of music” through Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake.
In April, the centre will host the play, Emil and the Detectives, based on the 1929 novella by Erich Kastner.
In May, CDP Kids will present the adventures of Little and Big Nutbrown Hare as they discover the magic and colour of the seasons in a stage adaptation of Sam McBratney’s beloved Guess How Much I Love You books.
In June, the centre will host Whoosh!, an immersive and multi-sensory performance where kids board a custom-built spaceship to work as a team and co-pilot an intergalactic adventure.
The show, created by pioneering theatre makers Sensorium Theatre, is designed to be suitable for children with a broad range of access needs, including those on the autism spectrum.
July will see young readers delight in witnessing Sheena Knowles and Rod Clements’ much-loved picture book Edward The Emu be brought to life on stage by Monkey Baa Theatre Company.
The program will finish with Geelong Arts Centre’s first collaboration with the Australian Chamber Orchestra.
In August the centre will present There’s A Sea In My Bedroom, an adaption of the picture book by Margaret Wild and illustrated by Jane Tanner, which captures the magic of a child’s fantasy world and provides the perfect introduction to live classical music.
“We are delighted to welcome children and families of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to engage with, and be inspired by, creativity across so many artforms,” Geelong Arts Centre families, youth and creative learning senior producer Kelly Clifford said.
“The Family Magic program offers immersive, imaginative and creative experiences, that blur the boundaries between actor and audience whilst creating magical moments that spark joy and laughter.”
For full program details, visit geelongartscentre.org.au/family-magic-2022.
