Alliance Theatre Hosts TODDLER TAKEOVER Arts Festival This Weekend

The Alliance Theatre, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, High Museum of Art, and Young Audiences are thrilled to present the inaugural TODDLER TAKEOVER: an arts festival for the very young, this weekend, May 31-June 2, 2014, at the Woodruff Arts Center. This one of a kind experience will feature performances of all six original productions of the Alliance Theatre for the Very Young, the debut of the Atlanta Symphony's Music for the Very Young, side by side art making at the High Museum of Art, and an interactive play space hosted by Young Audiences artists.

For the first two days of the festival, May 31-June 1, the Woodruff Arts Center will open its doors to the youngest members of our community and inspire the next generation through world class artistic experiences and arts based workshops. June 2nd will be devoted to professional development for early childhood educators and will include workshops that teach arts learning strategies for the classroom.

The following packages are available:

1 Day Pass: $25 per person

2 Day Pass: $45 per person

Family Four Pack: $80 per day (includes parking)

Educator Day (June 2): $25 per person

PLANNED EVENTS FOR MAY 31-JUNE 1:

Activities:

Alliance Theatre's Baby Yoga

Led by certified yoga instructor Matt Baum, of Little Raindrop Songs. A 30 minute yoga session with toddlers front and center with their caregivers.

Alliance Theatre's Drama Tots Workshop: CHILD'S GARDEN

An artistic approach to preparing child and caregiver to see the play, A Child's Garden of Verses. In this 30 minute class session, students will explore nature through creative play and sensory activities.

High Museum of Art Stroller Gallery Tour

Join High Museum education staff for an engaging 30 minute tour of Dream Cars: Innovative Design, Visionary Ideas just for caregivers and their toddlers before the museum opens. Expect conversation, touchable objects, and some engine revving.

Alliance Theatre's Baby ArtsPlay Workshop: POEMS

A Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts session for child and caregiver to explore themes of the play A Child's Garden of Verses. In this 30 minute session, students will play with the delightful poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson and search for rhymes found in nature.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Instrument Petting Zoo

Ever wanted to try an instrument on for size? In this hands-on station, children are encouraged to touch and play the instruments featured in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Side-by Side Art Making with a High Museum Artist

Watch while an artist creates a masterpiece before your very eyes. Then, you and your caregiver will work together to make something to hang up at home.

Young Audiences Arts Inspired Play Space

An artistic retreat from the structure of performances and workshops, this room will encourage the interaction of children and families with multiple art forms in the same space. There will be opportunities for artful construction through the use of found objects, making art while listening to different kinds of music, using visual art to inspire physical movement and the opportunity to read storybooks about art.

Alliance Theatre Drama Tots Workshop: TORTUGA

An artistic approach to preparing child and caregiver to see the play, The Tortuga and the Hare. In this 30 minute class session, students will explore the story of The Tortoise and the Hare through creative movement and music.

Alliance Theatre Baby ArtsPlay Workshop: STEADY BEAT

A Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts session for child and caregiver to explore themes of the play The Tortuga and the Hare. In this 30 minute session, students will participate in music and drama activities to introduce steady rhythmic beats as a tool for early literacy.

Alliance Theatre Drama Tots Workshop: BALLOON

An artistic approach to preparing child and caregiver to see the play, Waiting for Balloon. In this 30 minute class session, students will explore gentle clowning and found object puppetry.

Alliance Theatre Baby ArtsPlay Workshop: PUPPETS

A Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts session for child and caregiver to explore themes of the play Waiting for Balloon. In this 30 minute session, students will explore the use of puppetry to tell stories.

Alliance Theatre Drama Tots Workshop: SONGS TO GROW ON

An artistic approach to preparing child and caregiver to see the play, Songs to Grow On. In this 30 minute class session, students will explore the act of traveling the country with a song in their heart.

Alliance Theatre Baby ArtsPlay Workshop: TRAVELING SONGS

A Wolf Trap Early Learning Through the Arts session for child and caregiver to explore themes of the play Songs to Grow On. In this 30 minute session, students will sing along with some of our favorite traveling songs.

Performances:

Alliance Theatre for the Very Young Performance - A Child's Garden of Verses

Written by Barry Kornhauser

Directed by Rosemary Newcott

Based on the beloved poetry of Robert Louis Stevenson

Explore the sounds and sensations of nature as you journey through a magical garden. Children will be actively engaged in this multi-sensory performance as they willingly become a part of the artistic experience. A "cultural" garden in which children can grow their imaginations, and become gardeners themselves!

Young Audiences Artist Michael Levine in Concert

"Mr. Michael" Levine is the co-founder of The Learning Groove (TLG) as well as the music producer of the first four The New York Times bestselling Pete The Cat books by Eric Litwin and James Dean. Mr. Michael's amazing rockin' and interactive show teaches children through the joy of music and storytelling. He engages children and parents in call and response, creative movement, songwriting, and singing songs from many cultures.

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Music for the Very Young : WORLD PREMIERE of Opus ZOO

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's debut of Music for the Very Young Opus Zoo will incorporate an audience of 18 months - 5 year olds and their caregivers. Explore the musical ZOO with Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musicians!

Alliance Theatre for the Very Young performance - The Tortuga and the Hare

Created & directed by Lauri Stallings and Rosemary Newcott

The race is today! Join in the fun and excitement as the tortoise and the hare hit the starting line.