Having started over 30 years ago, the Philadelphia International Children’s Festival claims to be the first of its kind in the country, offering Philadelphia area families an easy and affordable way to experience international performance and visual arts. The 2016 Festival, held June 2-4, 2016, at the Annenberg Center in University City, features an array of circus arts, music, theater and storytelling and an outdoor FUN ZONE. Here’s a full schedule of events:
[Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut Street] June 2-4, 2016; AnnenbergCenter.org.
Playing By Air
Thursday, June 2, 10 AM
Thursday, June 2, 12 PM
Friday, June 3, 10 AM
Friday, June 3, 12 PM
Saturday, June 4, 12:30 PM
Back by popular demand, the beloved troupe Playing By Air returns with its unique blend of music, comedy, juggling and circus. These award-winning performers captivate audiences with their high-energy and breathtaking feats. Playing By Air’s infectious spirit of fun, humor and creativity inspires and encourages playfulness in us all. Recommended for all ages.
Stories and Songs
Charlotte Blake Alston
Thursday, June 2, 10 AM
Thursday, June 2, 12 PM
Friday, June 3, 10 AM
Friday, June 3, 12 PM
Saturday, June 4, 11:15 AM
Saturday, June 4, 1:45 PM
Tell me a story! For centuries, many cultures used stories to pass down beliefs, myths, history and values to generations. Master storyteller and host of the Philadelphia Orchestra’s preschool concert series, Charlotte Blake Alston captivates audiences with stories and songs from the African and African American oral traditions. Recommended for all ages.
The Girl Who Forgot to Sing Badly by Finegan Kruckemeyer
Theatre Lovett
Thursday, June 2, 10 AM
Thursday, June 2, 12 PM
Friday, June 3, 10 AM
Friday, June 3, 12 PM
Saturday, June 4, 11:15 AM
Saturday, June 4, 1:45 PM
Peggy O’Hegarty and her parents are packers who squeeze foxes into boxes and bikes into brown paper bags. In this fun-filled one-man show, ingenious Irish actor Louis Lovett takes the audience on an adventure through snowy lands and wild seas after Peggy discovers everyone in her city is gone. As she desperately tries to save the day, we learn about love, loss, the reassurance of goats and the courage to sing gloriously on or off-key. Recommended for ages 7+.
Catch Me! (Attrape-moi)
Flip FabriQue
Thursday, June 2, 12 PM
Friday, June 3, 12 PM
Saturday, June 4, 10 AM
Saturday, June 4, 3 PM
Watch as Flip FabriQue, the new cool kids on the circus scene, flip, jump, spin and soar! Fun, fast-paced and fearless, these acrobats take athleticism and showmanship to new heights. From bouncing off balance beams to scaling a trampoline wall, Catch Me! features daring stunts in a cirque sensation that’s a treat for adults and children alike. Recommended for ages 6+.
Teen Voices of the City Ensemble (T-VOCE)
Thursday, June 2, 7 PM
Philadelphia’s youth have a lot to say. Their eloquent and profound voices take center stage with the Teen Voices of the City Ensemble, or T-VOCE. Celebrate today’s young people as they come together for an evening of choral music, spoken word and dance all focusing on the impact of community and family. Art Sanctuary, Opera Philadelphia and Annenberg Center Live partnered to create T-VOCE, an ensemble that provides music education and performance opportunities for students whose high schools lack music programs. Come be inspired by the words, thoughts and talents our youth! Choral Direction: Holly Phares. Featuring the Esperanza Academy Dance Ensemble
FUN ZONE
The Children’s Festival FUN ZONE features interactive performances and activities. Open 9 AM to 1 PM on Thursday and Friday and 9 AM-3 PM on Saturday, the FUN ZONE is FREE for all ticket holders. To see updates on the full FUN ZONE schedule, visit AnnenbergCenter.org/funzone.