RT Star, the Riverside Children’s Theatre mascot, really knows how to throw a star-studded party. The charming, incandescent five-pointer embodies the theatre’s mission to transform lives through the study, exploration and creation of theatre. And at RT Star’s Big Birthday Party last Saturday morning, families were given a glimpse into the innovative educational programs offered at the theatre, where performances took place throughout the day on the Live in the Loop Outdoor Stage and on the stage of the Anne Morton Theatre inside RCT.
Outside, student performers showcased their skills and kept other youngsters moving as music blared from the DJ Dance Party.
“What a great day for the kids. My grandson is shy and it takes him a while to get into things, but he’s really groovin’ now,” laughed Donna Rifenberg, as she watched her 2-year-old grandson dancing with the other children. “As soon as he’s old enough we plan to get him involved with the children’s programs here at the theatre.”
Inside, performance apprentices with RCT’s On the Go Touring Program, which was designed to take theater to children at their schools and in afterschool settings, showcased “Wiley and the Hairy Man.” Audience participation kept children of all ages engaged as they interacted by gnashing their teeth, barking, stomping and making their best swamp noises.
“Riverside is my second home; I do plays, jazz and ballet. The theatre is fun, energetic and you get to know people,” shared Audrey Dowdell, a 10-year-old theatre enthusiast, dressed as a lion from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Throughout the day, costumed characters from “Flat Stanley,” “Pansy the Poodle,” “Rapunzel,” “Peter Pan” and “The Cat in the Hat” mingled with the crowd while children had their faces painted and played games. No birthday party is complete without cake and ice cream, and at this one, individual cupcakes were served and little ones enjoyed making their own shaved ice.
“This is a nice way to bring the community in and let them see our facilities, let them see some of what we do here and more than that, just celebrate the community,” said Kevin Quillinan, RCT education director. “There are so many things about theater that makes it special. Apart from learning about performing it builds up confidence, self-esteem and social skills. It gives these kids tools they can use for the rest of their lives; no matter what they do.”
As summer approaches RCT staff is busy fine tuning their camps, which will kick off with two camp productions of “Willy Wonka.” Later in the summer the teens will perform “Peter and the Starcatcher” on the Stark Stage.
Summer Camp opportunities include RCT Kids Beginning Stages, Second Stage Jr., iRascals Kids, RCT Kids, iRascals Jr., Summer Intensive Riverside Teen and the Riverside Dance Festival in collaboration with New York’s Ariel Rivka Dance.
For a full schedule, visit RiversideTheatre.com.
