Wolf Trap Announces Children's Theatre-In-The-Woods 2016 Season

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announces its 2016 season lineup for Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods.

Since 1971, Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods has been a DC-area summer tradition for children and their families, featuring diverse acts including puppetry, storytelling, dance, theater, and music.

A complete chronological calendar is below!

Fourteen acts this summer make their Wolf Trap debuts, including Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and actress Lisa Loeb; cross-cultural Latin adventure group 123 Andrés; and spirited street dance crew Fly Dance Company. Also debuting is Seattle's acclaimed "kindie rock" groupThe Not-Its!, who will lead sing-alongs about family, individuality, and the joys of being a kid. Fan favorites returning this year include sketch comedy musical group Story Pirates, wacky scientist Mr. Molecule, and more.

Situated in the heart of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods welcomes families, school groups, caregivers, and their young ones Tuesday through Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m., beginning June 21 through August 6. Tickets are $8 - $12 and children under two enter free of charge.

In addition, through its Community Service Ticket program, Wolf Trap Foundation participates with local nonprofits serving disadvantaged children and families and individuals with special needs by providing thousands of complimentary tickets to select Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods performances. For more information about the program, visit the website.

Expanding its commitment to children and families, this year, Wolf Trap has also introduced a family access initiative for select Filene Center performances. The Young at Arts program invites families to connect with the arts and with each other by offering free 17-and-under tickets for select musicals, dance, jazz and symphony performances. For a complete listing of performance dates and program information, visitwolftrap.org/youngatarts.

"Education through the arts has always been one of the main goals of Wolf Trap, and Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods is a large part of that," saidArvind Manocha, president and CEO, Wolf Trap Foundation. "This program provides children with a vital opportunity to experience the arts at a young age in a unique, beautiful setting."

Tickets for Wolf Trap's Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods performances go on sale to the public on Saturday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are required for all performances for adults and children. Children under two are free, but still require a ticket Beginning April 23 at 10 a.m., Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods tickets may be purchased: online at wolftrap.org/woods, by phone at 877.WOLFTRAP, or in-person at the Filene Center Box Office, 1551 Trap Road, Vienna, VA.

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Summer 2016 - Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods:

* = Wolf Trap Debut
+ = Recommended age, all ages welcome

June 2016

Lisa Loeb* Ages 2 and up+
Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $12

Kick off the season with Grammy-nominated singer Lisa Loeb as she performs childhood favorites from her most recent album, Nursery Rhyme Parade! Using catchy, rhyming vocals, parents and children alike will share in the magic of music.

Pirate School!* Ages 4 and up+
Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $10

Set sail on a swashbuckling adventure with Pirate Billy Bones as he teaches zany lessons on how to stand, talk, laugh, and eat like a boisterous buccaneer. Using slapstick antics, skillful magic, and eye-popping puppetry, kids will learn how to become "good pirates" while getting the chance to live out their dreams in the Golden Age of exploration!

Up In Arms* Ages 4 to 9+
Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $10

Meet Melvin the Monster and Red the Rat as they set off on a quest to earn their license to scream. Populated by a cast of friendly, colorful monsters and original songs, this Broadway-style musical will take you on a trip that you will never forget.

Josh & the Jamtones* Ages 2 to 8+
Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $10

"Rocksteady" with Josh and the Jamtones in this interactive, ultra-powered dance party. Featuring stadium rock choruses and a cappella sing-a-longs, this band is guaranteed to get any crowd moving their bodies and laughing out loud regardless of age, height, or shoe size!

SOLE Defined* Ages 4 and up+
Tuesday, June 28, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $8

Separate your hands from your feet and clap along to the rhythmic beat! With a fusion of tap dance, sand dance, and body percussion, these spirited performers create a free flowing conversation through music and movement.

123 Andrés* Ages 2 to 7+
Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $8

Bailar, or dance along, with 123 Andrés as he takes you on a melodic journey to the Latin music world. Songs like "¡Salta, Salta! (Jump, Jump)" and "Oh Papa" seamlessly transition from Spanish to English lyrics while sharing the joy of language and culture.

Furia Flamenca Dance Company Ages 5 and up+
Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $8

Experience the thrill and elegance of flamenco! Combining fiery percussive footwork and passionate music, Furia Flamenca will take you on a lively exploration through the history and culture of Spain.

July 2016

Dinorock Ages 4 and up+
Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $10

Grammy-nominated audience favorite, Dinorock, invites you on a fossil-fantasy musical revue that features beautiful life-size dinosaur puppets that sing and dance about the celebration of nature and science.

Serendib Dance Company* All ages+
Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $8

Celebrate the heritage of Sri Lanka with Serendib Dance Company as they present intricate movements, rhythmic sounds, and exquisite costumes to tell the story, "A Single Cycle of the Sun," a folktale about community, culture, and harmony.

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo Ages 4 to 12+
Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $10

Feel the energy rise with "Kid-Hop" (NPR) superstar Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, who combines the excitement of hip-hop with the magical world of childhood that the whole family can jig along to.

Red Yarn* Ages 2 to 8+
Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $8

Discover the dynamic roots of American music as Red Yarn weaves folk songs and puppetry into an engaging show for the whole family. With his lively performance and lush folk-rock recordings, this red-bearded bard shares positive values while reviving American folklore for younger generations.

Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards* Ages 2 to 8+
Friday, July 8 and Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $10

"Bon Voyage" on your trip to Dixieland with Jazzy Ash and the Leaping Lizards as they take you on a jazzy musical adventure that encourages kids and their grown-ups to celebrate the music of New Orleans as part of the American folk music heritage.

Hudson Vagabond Puppets Ages 4 and up+
Tuesday, July 12 and Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $12

Follow Mari the Monarch as she grows from a tiny egg to a beautiful butterfly and embarks on an incredible journey to Mexico. Combining ballet, narration, and puppetry, this story will show how Mari learns to survive with the help of all her insect friends.

Mister G Ages 3 and up+
Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $10

Called the "kid-friendly bilingual rock star" (Washington Post), Latin Grammy award winner Mister G performs an interactive concert spanning genres from funk to folk, reggae to rock, and bluegrass to bossa nova.

Story Pirates Ages 7 to 11+
Friday, July 15 and Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $12

Celebrate the power of words with these professional actors who link literacy and confident self-expression in a sketch comedy musical based on favorite stories written by kids from around the country.

Joanie Leeds and The Nightlights* Ages 2 to 9+
Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $8

Join this multi-award winning singer-songwriter on a joyful adventure of tuneful melodies and pure pop vocals that is sure to free your inner-rock star.

Mr. Molecule Ages 4 and up+
Wednesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $10

Join Mr. Molecule as he unleashes the power and excitement of science with the show Bing! Bang! Boom! It's an interactive experience all based on essential science principles that will inspire curiosity and the joy of learning!

Pushcart Players Ages 4 and up+
Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $12

Enjoy a morning of enchantment as Pushcart Players put their trademark spin on the beloved Russian folktale, Peter & The Wolf. Follow a spirited young boy's life-changing adventure of courage, creativity and leadership; featuring lively classical music and charming costumes.

The Not-Its!* Ages 2 to 8+
Tuesday, July 26 and Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $8

Shake, rock, and roll with this Seattle "kindie rock" quintet that will have the whole family on their feet screaming for more from the moment they hit the dance floor! Sing along to high-energy songs about family, individuality, and the joys of being a kid.

Soul In Motion* All ages+
Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $8

Celebrate the heritage of the African Diaspora with D.C.'s premier dance company. With colorful costumes and pulsating drumming, these dynamic dancers will deliver a captivating performance that will inspire, educate, and entertain.

Maryland Youth Ballet Ages 4 and up+
Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $10

Caroline is off to the circus where she and her friends experience the excitement of a tightrope walker, a wild pony, and much more! Enjoy a morning of wonder and see what Caroline will get into next!

August 2016

National Symphony Orchestra Ages 3 to 10+
Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $8

Ladies and gents, tots and teddy bears, step right up to this daring double act of classical fun! NSO Bassist Paul DeNola and NSO violinist Heather LeDoux Green introduce young audiences to music, mayhem, and you guessed it...strings!

FLY Dance Company* Ages 5 to 11+
Wednesday, August 3 and Thursday, August 4, 2016 10:30 a.m. Tickets $10

So you think you can dance? Check out this high-energy, gravity-defying dance crew as they mix hip-hop, pop n lock, and modern dance with colorful costumes and comic delivery.

Brady Rymer and the Little Band That Could* Ages 2 to 9+
Friday, August 5 and Saturday, August 6, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Tickets $12

Top off the season with Grammy-nominated artist, Brady Rymer, as he performs rootsy rock 'n' roll music that expresses the warmth, fun, and positive spirit of the family experience.

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All artists, repertoire, performance dates and pricing are current as of April 7, 2016, but are subject to change. The most up-to-date information on artists, performances and ticket availability may always be found on Wolf Trap's website, wolftrap.org.

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, produces and presents a full range of performance and education programs in the Greater Washington area, as well as nationally. Wolf Trap features three performance venues: the outdoor Filene Center and Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods, both located at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and The Barns at Wolf Trap, located down the road from the national park and adjacent to the Center for Education at Wolf Trap. The 7,028-seat Filene Center is operated in partnership with the National Park Service and annually showcases an extensive array of diverse artists, ranging from pop, country, folk, and blues to classical music, dance, and theatre, as well as multimedia presentations, from May through September. The Barns at Wolf Trap is operated by the Wolf Trap Foundation year round, and during the summer months is home to the Grammy-nominated Wolf Trap Opera, one of America's outstanding resident ensemble programs for young opera singers. Wolf Trap's education programs include the nationally acclaimed Wolf Trap Institute for Early Learning Through the Arts, Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods, a diverse array of arts education classes, grants, and a nationally recognized internship program.