TPAC Family Field Trips Continues in 2011

The Tennessee Performing Arts Center's Family Field Trip series, performances designed for family audiences, will continue in 2011 with Before the People Came and Performance in which Hopefully Nothing Happens.

Unlike anything else presented in Nashville or Middle Tennessee, the series, in its fifth year, gives audiences of all ages a fun, family-friendly experience with live performance. The lively, high-quality entertainment includes performers with international reputations and a multi-cultural blend of art with broad appeal to people of different ages and backgrounds.

"Family Field Trip is designed to provide quality performing arts opportunities at an accessible price so that families can enjoy the arts together," said Sherri Leathers, Director of Programming for TPAC Education. "Although we always hope to grow a community of people who love the arts, our goal is more immediate in that we feel children and families deserve the same quality we offer our adult audiences. We want to meet them here and now."
The two remaining shows in the series are:

Before the People Came, April 2, 2011, A horrible drought has settled on the desert plain, leaving the animals weak with thirst. Rabbit discovers a juicy pear tree, but it is guarded by a vicious tiger in no mood to share. Working together, the animals overcome this obstacle in a most unexpected way. Written for children by Dr. Jeff Obafemi carr, the artistic director of Nashville's Amun Ra Theatre, this musical is a heartwarming adaptation of an African folktale, infusing lessons on the importance of sharing and the value of diversity with original jazz tunes that children will love.
Performance in which Hopefully Nothing Happens, May 7, 2011, A nearly empty stage is the setting for an unconventional performance from Theatergroep Max of the Netherlands full of the joys of absurdity. A security guard locks the stage door and goes about his duty - to make sure absolutely nothing happens. Cue an actor trying to enter, and you end up with the very essence of drama - conflict! This international company sets up a string of hilarious, problem-solving challenges, enticing children to think in inventive new ways.

One hour before each performance, the TPAC lobby is transformed into a fun, interactive space featuring activities and giveaways. A limited number of 'pay what you can' seats are available beginning 90 minutes prior to each performance at the TPAC Box Office. With a minimal contribution to TPAC Education, patrons may gain admission based on an honor system of what they can afford to pay.

To purchase children (ages 2-12) tickets for $11, and adult tickets for $14, visit www.tpac.org/familyfieldtrip, the TPAC Box Office Downtown or at the new TPAC Box Office in The Mall at Green Hills, or by calling 615-782-4040. For groups of 10 or more, please contact TPAC Group Sales at 615/782-4060 or groups@tpac.org to purchase tickets at a group rate of $7 per ticket.

The TPAC Family Field Trip series is sponsored by Regions, and in part by the Metro Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission and Publix Super Markets Charities. Nashville Parent is the media sponsor of TPAC Family Field Trips. Hotel sponsors include Doubletree Hotel Downtown Nashville and Homewood Suites by Hilton - Nashville Downtown.

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