Seattle's Child

Your guide to a kid-friendly city

A new family series at Edmonds Center for the Arts

 

As you comb our region's theater and arts venues for family-friendly offerings during the 2014-15 season, be sure to look beyond Seattle's city limits to Edmonds.

Thanks to the Edmonds Center for the Arts' new Family Series, this charming waterfront city has much to offer in the way of exciting new arts experiences the whole family can enjoy. Four shows will be featured between October and April that are set to wow, entertain and inspire you and your children.

After spending some time researching artists and attending arts conferences, Gillian Jones, the center's education and outreach manager, was able to book four family acts to add to this season's full line-up of music, theatre and acrobatic performances. Much to the surprise of the staff everything came together very quickly; perhaps a testament to how many artists are out there eager to engage with families and share their talents.

"I hope our young audiences will take away an increased appreciation of the arts and a curiosity to explore and create their own," said Jones. "We have an expanding education and outreach program, so it's my hope that the Family Series can act as the first, exciting point of contact for kids in our area."

Housed in a beautiful Art Moderne-style building (which used to be home to Edmonds High School), the Edmonds Center for the Arts hosts a handful of events for students of all ages through its education and outreach programs. More recently, the center has increased some of its programming for families, one success being Kidstock!, a free all-day family event that includes live concerts, arts education workshops and activities. Only in its second year, Kidstock! attracted more than 2,000 attendees this past February.

"We often refer to Kidstock! as the cornerstone of the Family Series," shared Jones. "Due to its success and the valuable feedback we received from families, we realized the need to provide more affordable, high-quality arts programming for young people in the Edmonds community."

North end families often feel like they must head to Seattle for arts events; now there are some great opportunities for performance right in their own backyard!

 

The Family Series Line-Up Hobey Ford's Migration
Saturday, Oct. 11

Hobey Ford, an internationally renowned puppeteer will explore the wonders of migration through the story of a Mexican girl named Beatriz who migrates to the United States. The play incorporates the stories of other migratory animals, such as Monarch butterflies and polar bears. Some basic Spanish vocabulary is included and translated in the context of the play. The beauty of the story and all of its various elements is sure to provide a fun, educational and thought-provoking experience for young audiences. This show is recommended for children ages 5 to 11 years.

 

Infinitus
Saturday, Nov. 8

You and your family will be on your feet dancing and grooving to the music of Infinitus, a dynamic trio from Vancouver, BC. These talented musicians will perform a wide array of songs spanning from classical to classic rock to TV theme songs and hip-hop beat-boxing. This is an all-ages show.

 

Kamikaze Fireflies
Saturday, March 14

If you're a fan of America's Got Talent, you may have seen this two-person vaudeville act perform on the show earlier this season. After stunning the judges, they are certain to get more than a few gasps out of Edmonds audiences with their daring stunts, juggling, contortionist displays and fire breathing. This is an all-ages show.

 

Aaron Nigel Smith
Saturday, April 25

Once again, your blood will start flowing as you dance to the rhythms and beats of Aaron Nigel Smith. The award-winning musician and founder of FUNdamentals of Music and Movement, Smith has collaborated with Ziggy Marley and has been a guest on the PBS kid series Between the Lions. This show is recommended for children ages 3 to 8 years.

 

Performance Details

The run time for each show is 45 minutes to an hour with no intermission. Some shows will offer a Q&A afterward, so be sure to stick around. Concessions are available in the lobby and include the center's own cookies, which are baked on site. Families are allowed to bring their own food to snack on in the lobby before or after the show, however food is not allowed in the theater.

On a side note, for you fellow history buffs, arrive early and take time to admire the architectural style of what was once the old Edmonds High School. Read the historical plaque that was recently placed in front of the theater and take in the spectacular view of Puget Sound.

With such a diverse line-up offering interdisciplinary performances, the Family Series will appeal to a wide audience. Be sure to put not one, but all four shows on your calendar – a subscription costs only $32 per person.

 

IF YOU GO

When: All shows take place on Saturdays at 2 p.m. 

Where: Edmonds Center for the Arts, 410 4th Ave. N. in Edmonds. However, Migration will be performed at Edmonds Community College’s Black Box Theatre, located at 20000 68th Ave. W. in Lynnwood. 

Cost: Tickets for all shows are $10 per person. For $32 per person in your family, get tickets to all four of the Family Series shows. Babes-in-arms are welcome; call the box office ahead of time to reserve complimentary tickets for children 18 months and younger. 

Parking: The center has a large parking lot, which is free of charge for theater goers. Street parking is also available. 

Contact: 425-275-9595; www.ec4arts.org.


Meg Butterworth is a freelance writer who lives in Northwest Seattle with her husband and two children.

About the Author

Meg Butterworth