Dallas Children's Theater Blog

Astonishing Kids And Families With The Fun of Broadway-Like Plays and A Lot More!

The Leading Ladies of Piracy

A brief introduction of some of the most notorious female pirates to ever sail the seven seas…

Pirates are everywhere these days. International “Talk Like a Pirate Day” was a few weeks ago (did you celebrate?). Halloween is around the corner – a night you are guaranteed to see at least a few different pirates vying for candy. And, of course, DCT’s TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined! is playing right here in Dallas!

Anne Bonny and Mary Read

Pirates intrigue me, just as they did when I was a young girl and as they do my own children now. Did you know there are many infamous women pirates? Women like Cheng I Sao who commanded with her pirate husband and, after his death, her own fleet of ships in the 19th century? Or Anne Bonny and Mary Read who met aboard Calico Jack’s ship in the 1700s and proudly fought alongside one another? And, I can’t forget Grace O’Malley who gave birth to one of her children while on a pirate ship during the 16th century (legend has it that she fought in a battle one day later).

Grace O’Malley

Although I hope my children don’t pillage like pirates, I do hope they learn something from these women: they fought for what they wanted, were bold in their dreams, and pursued a life of adventure!

Check out the following websites for more information about female pirates (just to warn you, these women were authentic pirates and not all the info is child-appropriate):

5 Notorious Female Pirates

The Swashbuckling History of Women Pirates

If There’s a Man Among Ye: The Tale of Pirate Queens Anne Bonny and Mary Read

7 Female Pirates You Might Not Know About

 


Main story photos sourced from en.wikipedia[dot]org/wiki/Ching_Shih, smithsonianmag[dot]com/history/swashbuckling-history-women-pirates-180962874, and geograph[dot]ie/photo/2518064 – Eric Jones, photographer. Sidebar photo by Karen Almond


 

Written by Guest Mom Blogger, Jessica Colaw.

And now a word on 35 years from our artistic leaders…

Throughout our 35 years of magic-making, our artistic team has embarked upon many an impossible adventure and has experienced the range of emotions. Oh the stories they tell… But talking to them today, you realize that they actually relish in every unforgettable memory.

Playbills from Treasure Island 1985, Charlotte’s Web 1994, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever 2009, and A Wrinkle In Time 2013.

We visited with artistic leaders Robyn Flatt, Artie Olaisen, and Nancy Schaeffer who have been working to craft everything that goes on in our classrooms and on our stages. We asked them about their recollections of the last 35 years.

“It is with great pride that we celebrate this 35th season anniversary, and the inspiration and enlightenment we have brought to widely diverse families and children through theater that is focused on spotlighting young characters who serve as magnificent role models,” expressed Robyn Flatt, founder and executive artistic director. “This season, we celebrate this most meaningful service to the community. We celebrate our depth of content. We celebrate our alumni, both youth and adult, who have gone on to creative lives from coast to coast. We celebrate our roots and commitment to real creative growth through the development of powerful new works that address tough topics, delightful entertainment, and opportunities for every child.”

Associate Artistic Director and Director of Education, Nancy Schaeffer, was quick to point out the high standards that Robyn set from the beginning. She has overheard many adults being blown away by the productions. She recalls, “Through the years, we have heard feedback from parents that they appreciate our commitment to high quality programming for their children. Parents have told us they feel safe bringing their children to DCT for shows, classes, and more. There is so much out there for a family to spend time on – but parents tell us again and again that they are more than happy when they take the time to come to see live theater with their family. I remember overhearing a mother talking to a child once saying that she loved theater, and she was so excited to be able to finally share that love with her child.”

Associate Artistic Director, Artie Olaisen, can’t believe how the years have flown by. He exclaims, “We stuck to an artistic point of view that was always child-centric. And, despite, overwhelming obstacles, we grew and have survived! At the beginning, we didn’t have two dimes to rub together, but I have had the opportunity to have a life in the Theater and to work with a group of fellow artists that I admired and cared about, and who were committed to building a cultural institution that could and has impacted this community and the field of Theater for Young Audiences.”

Among the three is more than a century of distinct and exceptional artistic work; work that educates and enlightens and inspires ages 2 to 102. The entire staff salutes Robyn, Artie and Nancy for their contribution, and we look forward to what they have cooked up for the next 35 years.

This season’s slate of productions will take audiences on land and sea adventures and excursions through time.

 

PHOTO CREDITS: Linda Blase, Rex Curry, Karen Almond, Lawrence Jenkins

Weigh anchor and set sail with an adventurous cast

Meet the Cast of TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined!

Douglass Burks*
(Blind Pew / Captain Flint / Puppeteer)
A veteran of Dallas area theater, Mr. Burks has worked with Dallas Children’s Theater for many years as an Equity actor, stage manager, sound designer, and director. He is a founding member of the nationally acclaimed Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts and has earned the distinction of Master Puppeteer. A popular actor with DCT audiences, Doug will be remembered for his many roles on the DCT stage, which include The Giver (The Giver), Goodnight Moon (Larry the Tooth Fairy), James and the Giant Peach (Old Grasshopper), Peter Pan (Captain Hook), Young King Arthur (Merlin), The Emperor’s New Clothes (the Emperor), The Mummy’s Claw (Sir Nevil Blore), Jungalbook (Baloo), Holes (Mr. Sir), and Treasure Island (Long John Silver). He also portrayed the title characters in Frankenstein, The Reluctant Dragon, The Canterville Ghost, and the 2001 production of The BFG (Big Friendly Giant). Mr. Burks was a member of the first graduating class of Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, Texas.

Alyssa Cavazos**
(Kid / Morgan / Ensemble)
Alyssa Cavazos is elated to be making her DCT debut with this all-star cast and crew! Regional credits include: Perfect Arrangement (Millie) and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (Ensemble & Diva/ Marion US) at Uptown Players; The Grown-Up (Rosie) at Flexible Grey Theatre Company; in the reading of Our Space (Facebook) at Pegasus Theatre; in the reading of Another Set of Issues (Harriet) at IMPRINT Theatreworks; The Final Battle (Taylor) at Camp Death Productions; Cymbeline (Helen/Ensemble) at Martinit Theatre NYC; and Miss Saigon (Yvette) and The Music Man (Ensemble/Dance Captain) at Western Playhouse Theatre. She received a BFA in Musical Theatre from Abilene Christian University. Alyssa would like to thank Dallas Children’s Theater for this wonderful experience, Drew for his undeniable support, and God for His many blessings.

Bwalya Chisanga**
(George / Ensemble)
Bwalya is delighted to be making her debut at DCT! Credits include: Heathers (Heather Duke) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park) at Collin Theatre Center. She has also worked with The Firehouse Theatre and Greater Lewisville Community Theatre. She would like to thank her parents, friends and family for their constant love, acceptance and support; and the cast, crew and production team for this lovely experience and opportunity!

Jeffrey Colangelo
(Billy Bones / Israel / Ensemble / Fight Choreographer)
Jeffrey is a writer, director, actor, fight director, co-founder of Prism Movement Theatre, and ensemble member of Cara Mía Theatre Co. He has been working in the DFW area for the last four years for theater companies like Cara Mía Theatre Co., Undermain Theatre, Trinity Shakespeare, WaterTower Theatre, Shakespeare Dallas, and Dallas Theater Center. With Prism Movement Theatre, he has helped a number of original productions come to life like Galatea, Animal vs. Machine, Gog and Magog, and BruNO and lOUIe. He has also written a number of original plays like Pun: A Play on Words and Renaissance Fighters. Jeffrey is also a graduate of the Southern Methodist University theater program and earned his B.F.A. in Theatre in 2013.

Sally Fiorello
(Puppeteer / Pirate / Ensemble / Puppetry Design)
Sally is a Master Puppeteer, director, and senior designer with the critically acclaimed Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts. Since 1973, she has designed over 40 original puppet productions and continues to perform annually with the troupe. She also served as Art Director for Kathy Burks’ award-winning television pilot DISCOVERY OUTPOST. Sally began her association with Dallas Children’s Theater in 1984 where she has served as a director, designer, actor, and consultant for numerous DCT productions. In 1998, she joined the staff as Producing Director of National Tours, overseeing the growing demand for DCT performances throughout the USA and abroad. Active with many arts organizations including The Haymarket Theatre, The Dallas Opera, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Pegasus Theatre, and several major touring companies, Sally has been a recipient of the Dallas Theatre Critics Forum Award.

Aaron Jay Green*
(Ben Gunn)
Aaron is thrilled to be returning to Dallas Children’s Theater! Previously spotted here in Jungalbook (Bagheera), other area credits include She Kills Monsters at Theatre Three; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at Theatre Too; The Grown-Up at Flexible Grey Theatre Company; and The Full Monty at Uptown Players. He thanks his cast, crew, and DCT for making this experience such a…wait for it…… treasure!

Matt Holmes*
(O’Brien / Ensemble)
Matt Holmes is very excited to be returning to Dallas Children’s Theater this fall! Matt is an actor, cellist, and filmmaker in the Dallas area. He was last seen in Jungalbook here at Dallas Children’s Theater. Local and regional work: Perfect Arrangement and It’s Only A Play at Uptown Players; Day Light at Theatre Three; Red at Theatre Arlington; Who Am I This Time? at Circle Theatre; Suckers with IMPRINT Theatreworks at the FIT Festival; The Merry Wives of Windsor at Shakespeare Dallas; Becoming Santa Claus at The Dallas Opera; Blink at Ochre House Theater; and The Adventures of Flo and Greg at Echo Theatre. TV/Film/Commercial: Blueberry Hall; Scandal Made Me Famous; Price to Fame; Dr. Pepper commercial; Pizza Hut commercial; Under Armour print; Vindication television series; and Saving Harper Ross television series. He is proudly represented by The Campbell Agency. @holmesmattholmes.

Michael Isaac*
(Squire Trelawney / Ensemble)
Michael has been blessed to perform all over the globe with some favorites including The Full Monty (four times!); Jekyll & Hyde; 1776; Songs for a New World; Honk; Seven Brides for Seven Brothers; and just finished Kiss Me, Kate. He wants to thank his family and friends for the endless love and support; and of course his baby boy, Chewbacca. You can follow Michael at @weperformfit.

Ivan Jasso*
(Captain Smollett / Ensemble)
Ivan Jasso is excited to return to the DCT stage after last being seen in Jungalbook (Sherakhan). Ivan is a multidisciplinary artist and has worked with several theater companies in the DFW area including Cara Mía Theatre Co., Shakespeare Dallas, Kitchen Dog Theater, Undermain Theatre, Ochre House Theater, Amphibian Stage Productions, and Dallas Theater Center. He is signed with the Mary Collins Agency.

Stephanie Cleghorn Jasso
(Mother Hawkins / Ensemble / Chad)
Stephanie was previously seen in DCT’s production of Jungalbook. She has worked with local theater companies including Undermain Theatre where she is a company member; Ochre House Theater; WaterTower Theatre; Amphibian Stage Productions; DGDG; Shakespeare Dallas; Dallas Theater Center; Cara Mía Theatre Co.; The Tribe; Shakespeare in the Bar; Anita N. Martinez Ballet Folklorico; Dead White Zombies; Theatre Three; and Teatro Dallas. In 2015, for her work in Lydia, Stephanie received recognition for Outstanding Acting Performance by the DFW Theater Critics Forum and Best Actress by TheaterJones.

Karl Schaeffer*
(Dr. Livesey / Black Dog / Ensemble)
Karl has appeared in many DCT productions including last season’s Blue. Additional credits include Skippyjon Jones; Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat; Night of the Living Dead; Pinkerton!!!; The Emperor’s New Clothes; Babe, the Sheep-Pig; Holes; The Mummy’s Claw; Pecos Bill; The Island of the Skog; Frankenstein; The Stinky Cheeseman…; Honus & Me; Junie B. Jones & a Little Monkey Business; The Best Christmas Pageant Ever; The Pied Piper’s Magic; Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!; Go, Dog. Go!; Charlotte’s Web; Balloonacy; Junie B. Jones Is Not A Crook; and Goosebumps the Musical: Phantom of the Auditorium. He also performed with Dallas Theater Center, Shakespeare Dallas, and Theatre Three. Karl is an Artist-in-Residence at DCT and teaches video acting classes for the DCT Academy.

Marcus Stimac
(Long John Silver / Fight Captain)
Marcus is absolutely thrilled to be making his debut at Dallas Children’s Theater in one of his favorite stories: Treasure Island. You may have seen Marcus performing on many of Dallas’ local stages with: Shakespeare Dallas, Undermain Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, Upstart Productions, Theatre Three, Shakespeare in the Bar, and others. Marcus also provides the voice for many different characters for Funimation. He is very thankful to have this wonderful opportunity and hopes you enjoy the show! Arrrgh!!

Katy Tye
(Jim Hawkins / Movement Director)
Katy is a theater artist in the Dallas area. She has performed locally at multiple theaters, worked with Pilobolus Dance Theater, and has written original plays such as I’m A Girl But My Favorite Color is Blue. Katy co-founded Prism Movement Theatre in 2014 and also helps run Shakespeare in the Bar; two Dallas-based theater groups. Katy received her BFA in Theater Studies from Southern Methodist University in 2015.

Asaf Mor
(Pirate / Ensemble)
Asaf is a multi-disciplinary circus performer trained under Evgeni Baranok of the Moscow State Circus. He has been a regular cast member of Lone Star Circus® with notable solo performances on Aerial Rope in Oh là là (2014), Cyr Wheel in Zingari (2015), and Hula Hoops in Cirque Joyeux (2018). He was also a featured Straps performer in the 84th Hadi Shrine Circus (2017) and a special guest performer at the 69th Intl Jugglers Association Convention (2016).

Josh Porter
(Pirate / Ensemble)
Josh Porter helped with the original workshop for TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined!, and is now excited to be making his official debut with Dallas Children’s Theater in the full production. He received his BFA in Acting from Southern Methodist University in 2014. He has worked with Dallas Theater Center and as an actor and director for Prism Movement Theatre.

 

 

TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined! is NOW PLAYING! Get your tickets today for the cruise of a lifetime.

 

Photos courtesy of the actors.

Celebrating 35 years of storytelling that captures the imagination…

Storytelling comes in many different forms. Children venture into it almost before they can fully talk. They think up imaginary friends and situations in the quiet of their rooms.

They tell loved ones tall tales from their imagination through pictures and gestures. What’s happening in their little brains is incredible. For most of us, it is hard to remember the flurry of activity that takes place in those discovery years; how everything is bigger and brighter and just more spectacular.

This is not a hard concept for the team at Dallas Children’s Theater. For 35 years, we’ve been right there with the young ones as the mouse tried to get in the giant cup; when they saw the giant dinosaur bones; when Charlotte spun her web; or when everything on stage came to life under the moon, to name a few.

It has truly been our privilege to delight and entertain your children, grandchildren and you, for that matter, through the magic of live theater. We know how life-changing a moment in a class or seeing one of these extraordinary plays can be. We see it every day.

We hope all of you will join us for another exceptional year of storytelling as only DCT can provide. Your shared family moments of wonder and surprise begin now with your ticket order for DCT’s 35th Anniversary Season.

Our 2018-2019 season will highlight many of the most memorable characters coming to life on stage. There will be a magical treehouse; travelling through time and space; a hilarious journey to a remote island; a little romance, a hip-hopping musical and an exciting world premiere.


You and I are most likely familiar with many of the titles and stories that are in our upcoming season. We’ve read the books or even seen the films, but to see our kids’ faces when those stories come to life, live right in front of us… is one of the magical moments that we get to experience as grownups. You won’t want to miss it, and your children will always remember it.

There’s no better place than DCT to create fond, family memories!

Choose four titles from our regular offerings and just like that, you’re a DCT season ticket holder. Season ticket holders enjoy the best benefits including the lowest prices offered all year long!

 

PHOTO CREDITS:
istockphoto[dot]com, Patty Bates-Ballard, Lawrence Jenkins, Linda Blase, Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre, courtesy of Adventure Theatre MTC. Photography by Sarah Straub, Karen Almond, and DCT staff.

DCT Celebrates Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19th!

To celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day, DCT produced six videos with Captain BJ along with activity sheets to get you familiar with the lingo. Check them out, mateys!

 

Video #1:

Doubloon, Blimey, Daft, Crow’s nest, Bellowed

Download activity sheet #1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video #2:

Yonder, Heave, Husky, Affy-davy or Davy, Marooned

Download activity sheet #2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video #3:

Shiver me timbers, Batten, Hash, Scoundrel, Jove

Download activity sheet #3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video #4:

Eyeglass, Mast, Vessel, Farthing, Rogue

Download activity sheet #4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video #5:

Shirking, Lubber, Belay, Port, Berth

Download activity sheet #5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video #6:

Starboard, Galley, Crackie, Huzza, Naught

Download activity sheet #6

 

 

 

 

 


 

TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined!
Adapted for the stage by Katy Tye, Jeffrey Colangelo, and Robyn Flatt
Based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson

September 23 – October 21, 2018

Recommended for ages 7 and up

Friendship, betrayal, and adventure are front and center in this bold world premiere! And Jim Hawkins, Ben Gunn, and Long John Silver will do just about anything to be the first to claim the buried treasure. From the moment you enter the theater, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the action. Step into a world of dramatic sword fights, thrilling acrobatics, and magical shadow puppetry as Dallas Children’s Theater, Prism Movement Theatre, Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts, and Lone Star Circus® come together to present a wildly original version of this iconic tale. Grab your costume and come aboard our ship. Your help is needed to decide who gets to take home the gold!

 

Show Dates:

  • Sunday, September 23, 1:30 PM – Opening Day
  • Sunday, September 23, 4:30 PM
  • Friday, September 28, 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, September 29, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, September 30, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, September 30, 4:30 (ASL)
  • Saturday, October 6, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 7, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 7, 4:30 PM
  • Saturday, October 13, 1:30 PM (Sensory-Friendly)(Phone orders only. See dct.org/sensory for details)
  • Saturday, October 13, 4:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 14, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 14, 4:30 PM
  • Saturday, October 20, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 21, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 21, 4:30 PM

To purchase tickets and obtain more information about the show, visit dct.org, or call the Box Office at 214-740-0051.

TITLE SPONSORS: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Half Price Books

Photo by: Linda Blase

TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined! What’s it all about?

Dallas librarian Jonathan Carr describes the classic tale Treasure Island and shares why he is excited to see DCT’s reimagined version on stage this fall.

 

 

#1: Read the book. On sale in the DCT store, one is rated for ages 8 – 12 and up; the other is perfect for ages 4 to 6.

 

 

 

 

#2: Check out DCT’s TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined! Study Guide. Did you know that we create this resource for every show? Find it here.

 

 

 

 

#3: Read this article about why DCT was inspired to tell this story.

This production will appeal to a wide range of ages because of all of the movement and audience interaction.

 

#4: Practice your pirate! DCT produced six videos with Captain BJ along with activity sheets to get you familiar with the lingo. Check them out.

 

 

 

 

Video #1:

Doubloon, Blimey, Daft, Crow’s nest, Bellowed

Download activity sheet #1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video #2:

Yonder, Heave, Husky, Affy-davy or Davy, Marooned

Download activity sheet #2

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video #3:

Shiver me timbers, Batten, Hash, Scoundrel, Jove

Download activity sheet #3

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video #4:

Eyeglass, Mast, Vessel, Farthing, Rogue

Download activity sheet #4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video #5:

Shirking, Lubber, Belay, Port, Berth

Download activity sheet #5

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video #6:

Starboard, Galley, Crackie, Huzza, Naught

Download activity sheet #6

 

 

 

 

 

TREASURE ISLAND Reimagined!
Adapted for the stage by Katy Tye, Jeffrey Colangelo, and Robyn Flatt
Based on the book by Robert Louis Stevenson

September 23 – October 21, 2018

Recommended for ages 7 and up

Friendship, betrayal, and adventure are front and center in this bold world premiere! And Jim Hawkins, Ben Gunn, and Long John Silver will do just about anything to be the first to claim the buried treasure. From the moment you enter the theater, you’ll find yourself in the middle of the action. Step into a world of dramatic sword fights, thrilling acrobatics, and magical shadow puppetry as Dallas Children’s Theater, Prism Movement Theatre, Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts, and Lone Star Circus® come together to present a wildly original version of this iconic tale. Grab your costume and come aboard our ship. Your help is needed to decide who gets to take home the gold!

 

Show Dates:

  • Sunday, September 23, 1:30 PM – Opening Day
  • Sunday, September 23, 4:30 PM
  • Friday, September 28, 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, September 29, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, September 30, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, September 30, 4:30 (ASL)
  • Saturday, October 6, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 7, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 7, 4:30 PM
  • Saturday, October 13, 1:30 PM (Sensory-Friendly)(Phone orders only. See dct.org/sensory for details)
  • Saturday, October 13, 4:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 14, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 14, 4:30 PM
  • Saturday, October 20, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 21, 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, October 21, 4:30 PM

To purchase tickets and obtain more information about the show, visit dct.org, or call the Box Office at 214-740-0051.

TITLE SPONSORS: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and Half Price Books

Photo by: Linda Blase