Central Texas’ most well-known children’s theatre company, Pollyanna Theatre in Strategic Alliance with the Long Center, presents UNDER THE BIG TOP – An Interactive Theatre Experience for Very Young Children by playwright Bethany Lynn Corey, November 4-7 and 11-14 at 9:30 and 11:30 am at the AT&T Conference Room the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 West Riverside, Austin, TX  78704.

Created to engage children as early as 18 months – 4 years of age, UNDER THE BIG TOP uses a visual theatre style performance and dramatic play alongside the actors. It is classified as ‘Theatre for the Very Young’ (TVY) – an umbrella term often used to describe a variety of theatre work and practices intentionally designed for children under the age of six and the first of its type in Austin. While TVY is widely performed in Europe and Australia, it has only begun to appear in the US within the past 10 years.

Come one, come all! We’ll find lines and circles galore as we gather under the big top to create our own circus. Two siblings prepare to walk the tightrope, attempt to tame wild animals and try their hand at juggling. Join Max and Landon as they become circus animals, try out some tricks and learn a few things about friendship as they work and play together. It turns out a circus is a lot of work so they’ll be needing some help from the audience!

This play is the newest production for Very Young Children (ages 18 months-4 years), as part of Pollyanna Theatre Co.’s Play and Play Series.

By Bethany Lynn Corey