Mark Nizer, Barefoot Puppets and More Set for Richmond CenterStage's 2013-14 Family Series

Richmond CenterStage today announced the lineup for the 2013-14 Wells Fargo Bring the Kids!Family Series, which will kick off on November 2 with a performance by acclaimed comedian, magician, musician and innovative children's performance artist Mark Nizer in Gottwald Playhouse at CenterStage's Dorothy Pauley Square.

"All of us at CenterStage are thrilled to welcome the performers for our Wells Fargo Bring the Kids! Family Series this year - including Richmond's own Barefoot Puppets for a second consecutive year," said Richard M. Parison, Jr., Executive Director of CenterStage Foundation. "A huge part of our artistic vision has been to engage lovers of the arts from all generations, and we know our third year of family-friendly programming and education workshops will be a great opportunity to showcase this vision."

CenterStage's lineup for the Wells Fargo Bring the Kids! Family Series is listed below:

Mark Nizer EXPERIENCE
Saturday, November 2, 2013 - 10 a.m. performance
Gottwald Playhouse
$10 for adults, $6 for children 16 and under

Don't miss the combination of original comedy, world-class juggling, movement, music and technology that promises a spellbinding show.

Mark has taken his one-man show to thousands of venues around the world, including The Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center. Whether it's five ping pong balls being thrown 20 feet in the air using only his mouth; or juggling a burning propane tank, a running electric carving knife and a 16 pound bowling ball, you'll never know what is possible until you see it yourself. Mark Nizer is as talented as he is funny, mixing jokes and juggling in one light-hearted, fast-paced and unique show.

GENWORTH LIGHTS UP! YOUTH OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, March 22, 2014 - Noon-5:00 p.m.
Carpenter Theatre, Dorothy Pauley Square and Genworth BrightLights Education Center
Free and Open to the Public

Join us for a day of more than 30 workshops, lecture-demonstrations and performances in the performing and visual arts.

Previous years' events have included classes in music, dance, visual arts and acting, featuring performances by SPARC, Richmond Ballet, Latin Ballet and local children's band, Silly Bus. No matter whether you've taken classes for years or have never stepped foot in a studio before, there's something for everyone ages 3-18!

All sessions are free and open to the public. Come be a part of the arts at CenterStage!

BAREFOOT PUPPETS: AFRICAN TRICKSTER TALES
Saturday, May 3, 2014 - 10:00 a.m. performance
Gottwald Playhouse
$10 for adults, $6 for children 16 and under

Richmond-based Barefoot Puppets feature contemporary adaptations of world folktales, classic tales with a twist, myths and works based on true stories.

This performance shares two Anansi stories from West Africa: Tug-of-War and A Story, A Story. Characters include the elephant, a hippo, Osebo the Leopard, Namibi the giant python, angry hornets, The Sky-God and others. It's a fun show full of humor, fabulous music, lots of audience interaction and beautiful puppets.

Tickets for these performances are available now at the CenterStage Box Office, through E-Tix at 1-800-514-ETIX (3849), at www.richmondcenterstage.com or at www.etix.com.