This week: Take your child to a local theatre performance!

As a trained freelance actress and singer, I know how important it is to include theatrical experiences to young children. It provides visual stimulation, and an experience unlike television and the internet because it gives kids a treat for their senses. From my perspective as a parent and as an entertainer, there is nothing like the evident joy on a child's face! I remember too well my mom taking me to performances as well - Annie was one of my first and favorites.
I think my children and the children of the past decade have been even luckier as theatre has seemed to come even further alive for the young audience. Our area and surrounding communities provide so much in the way of inexpensive quality children's theatre experiences, and this week several local children's products are running:
Beginning Thursday, November 5, check out three local venues for children's theatre productions:
The Wild Swan Theater presents "Hawk, I'm Your Brother" - November 5-7.
This award-winning local children's theater in Ann Arbor presents its adaptation of Byrd Baylor's children's book about a Native American boy who longs to fly like a hawk complete with live music by local singer-songwriter Joe Reilly. Performances are at 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. at the WCC Morris Lawrence Bldg., Towsley Auditorium, 4800 E. Huron River Dr.
Ticket prices: $12 (seniors age 60 & over), children $8; lap passes for children age 2 & under are $3 - Available in advance and at the door. For more information call 734-995-0530 or visit the Wild Swan Theatre website.
The Young People Theatre presents: "The Wizard of Oz" - November 5-8.

Lynn Lammers directs young local actors in Frank Gabrielson's musical adaptation of the classic L. Frank Baum's tale about Dorothy's journey to the Emerald City and back home to her family. Performances are at 7:00 p.m. at the Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, 911 North University.

Ticket prices: $15 (students age 18 & under), and $10 (seniors age 65 and over) in advance at the Michigan Union Ticket Office, at Ticketmaster.com, and at the door. For more information call 734-763-TKTS.

The Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Junior Theatre presents "The Little Prince" - November 5-8.

Claudia Wier directs young local actors in E.J. Westlake's adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupery's delightful tale of a jaded aviator stranded in the Sahara whose outlook on life is changed by a prince who visits our world from his own tiny planet. This production is appropriate for children age 4 & over. and is performed nightly at 7:30 p.m. at the WCC Liberal Arts Bldg. College Theatre, 4800 E. Huron River Dr.

Ticket prices: $5 in advance and at the door. For more information call 734-971-2228 or visit the The Ann Arbor Civic Theatre Junior Theatre website.