Drama is FUN at the 2015 EQT Children’s Theater Festival

The EQT Children’s Theater Festival returns to Downtown’s Cultural District this May with an exciting lineup of family-friendly live theater, hands-on activities, public art installations and more.

Running May 14-17, this year’s event features performances by artistic companies from around the world including Umbo, a show just for babies and toddlers; modern adaptations of classic children’s tales like Hansel and Gretel and Adventures of Robin Hood and the exciting addition of Tangle, an interactive art installation set to live music. Some shows are designed for all ages (including parents!) while others are tailored to specific age groups. Sensory-friendly shows will also be held on May 15th and 16th.

“Theater is an extraordinary and unique experience for a young person,” says Pamela Komar, executive director of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s International Children’s Theater series and festival. “We hope to foster excitement about it through activities designed to engage people of all ages and backgrounds. There’s so much to explore!”

There are also more than 40 free activities scheduled for the three-day event. Families can enjoy crafting and games; live theater at a community stage; kid-friendly public art installations; a “frog stop scavenger hunt” and screenings of short and animated films. Food trucks and other vendors will also be spread throughout the Cultural District.

Another big draw is the pop-up “Lily Pad Park,” a special green space holding turf lily pads and furniture, flower planters, a sandbox and more. To provide even more room for play, Penn Avenue will be blocked off between 7th and 9th streets.

Events like the EQT Children’s Theater Festival are challenging the myth that theater is for the elite. “Theater—and art in general—enhances life and should be accessible to all,” says Komar. “Children are the audiences of today, not just tomorrow. And our hope is that they continue to be theater-goers long into the future.”

What you need to know:

It is free to attend the festival but featured performances require tickets starting at just $5. Multi-show festival packages are also available. Planning your trip in advance? Take advantage of pre-paid parking vouchers at Theater Square Garage. And if you’re curious about what your child might like best, use the box office concierge service to help plan a stress-free day. Green-vested Festival Guides will also be present during the festival to help you navigate. Call 412-456-6666 or visit here for more information and to purchase tickets.

Featured Photo: Spot at the EQT Children’s Theater Festival, Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust