25th Children's Circus of Middletown Registration Open

Oddfellows Playhouse is pleased to announce that registration is open for the 25th Children’s Circus of Middletown.  The Children's Circus offers an exceptionally unique program where the whole family and the entire whole community, can get involved in the making of something truly inspiring and special. 

The Children’s Circus of Middletown, part of the Kids Arts program, is a partnership between Oddfellows Playhouse, the City of Middletown and Middletown Commission of the Arts with critical support provided from the Middlesex United Way.  The 5-week, half day program begins on July 1 and runs until the performance on August 2.  During this time, students ages 8-14 are develop a variety of circus skills including juggling, unicycling, stilting, acrobatics, balance and clowning.  The program culminates in an outdoor circus performance in front of a crowd of nearly 1,500 people.  Each year the circus explores a different theme, with recent circuses focusing on “In Your Dreams”, “Eat’s All Good” and last year’s “The Circus of Science”.

Circus Director, Jason Leinwand, returns to bring the circus to life for the 25th time.  The program takes place at Macdonough School on Spring Street. 

For more information on the program and how to register, visit www.oddfellows.org or www.arts2go.org.  Registration forms are available at the City of Middletown Arts Office, Russell Library or Oddfellows Playhouse.  Registration is currently open. The program is $125 for Middletown residents and $250 for out of town students.  Busing is available for Middletown residents only.

Counselor positions are open, and applicants can download applications from the City of Middletown’s website.  Counselor applications are due by March 22 to the City Arts Office located at 100 Riverview Center.  Student registrations will be accepted until the program is full.

Oddfellows’ Children’s Circus of Middletown programming is made possible through the generous support of the City of Middletown, Middletown Commission on the Arts, Middlesex United Way and Stop and Shop Foundation. 

Space Still Available in Summer Program

Middletown, Conn.- Oddfellows Playhouse still has spots in its upcoming  Little Fellows summer program for youngsters ages 4-7.  Oddfellows’ programs cover a variety of arts-based activities, from circus skills to acting and visual art. Our programs allow students to develop their creativity and foundational life skills they can draw upon in the future.  The youngsters will learn things like working cooperatively with other children their age, positive group interaction, theater, movement and visual art techniques and much much more.

 

This summer, Oddfellows is offering Little Fellows: The World and Work of Mo Willems.  The program will be running from August 6-17, Monday –Friday, 9:00am-3:30pm.  Tuition is $350.  In addition, before and after care will be available for the program, beginning at 8:30 in the morning and be available from 3:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon in order to accommodate parents’ busy schedules.

Students will explore the very busy world of Mo Willems, author and illustrator of “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale”, “Pigeon Wants a Puppy,” and the Elephant and Piggy books.  Working with professional teaching artists, participants will be at the center of the action, writing, acting, painting and creating a new story inspired by the work of the beloved author and illustrator.

This summer’s teaching artists include Missy Burmeister, Kim West, Renee Soares, and Jamie Guite. Throughout the day, children will be spending time with each of these teachers in four different “classes” – Art, Movement, Theater, and Writing. Students will be encouraged to explore their creative sides and participate in fun and exciting activities. Along with these teaching artists, children will be led by student teaching assistants to make sure your child is enjoying himself or herself throughout the day. The day will also include breaks for snacks and rest time, as well as an outdoor lunch break in the afternoon.

Summer Is In the Air

Registration now open for Oddfellows' summer programs for students ages 4-20.

Summer Theater based on the World and Work of Eric Carle (Ages 4-7)
Working with professional teaching artists, children will be at the center of the action, writing, acting, painting and creating a new story inspired by the work of the beloved author and illustrator. Students may take one session or both, and get ready to have a very busy time!

Registration forms are available online.

Days: Monday-Friday, 9am-3:30 pm
Session 1: July 11-22 and
Session 2: August 1-12
Location: Oddfellows Playhouse
Tuition: $350 per session
Limit: 15 per age group

Children's Circus of Middletown
Registrations are now being accepted for Oddfellows Playhouse 's 23rd Annual Children's Circus of Middletown - presented by the Middletown Commission on the Arts, the City of Middletown, the Middlesex United Way and Media Sponsor Comcast Cable.

Students train in acrobatics, dance, juggling, unicycling, stilt walking, clowning, balance and visual arts and create a spectacular outdoor circus performance before an audience of over 1,000. Registration for the program is through the Middletown Commission on the Arts KIDS ARTS programs. Applications are available at Oddfellows Playhouse, the Middletown Park and Recreation & Arts Office, the Russell Library and online. Students that do not live in Middletown can participate in the program.

Ages: 8–14
Times: Monday thru Friday, July 5–August 6; 9–11:30 am or 12:30–3 pm
Performance: Friday, August 6, 5 pm (rain date: Saturday, August 7, 5 pm)
Location: Macdonough School
Tuition: $125—Middletown Residents; $250—Non-Middletown Residents

Summer Shakespeare Academy: Romeo and Juliet
An intensive, four week Shakespeare-in-performance program for high school students led by four highly skilled, professional theater artists. The Summer Shakespeare Academy focuses on rigorous theater training directly connected to the performance of one Shakespeare's plays. The program focuses on production, but uses the rehearsal and production processes as a teaching medium as well. Classes in text analysis, for example, will be specific to each student's character development, and classes in stage combat will lay a foundation for performance fight choreography. Interested students must fill out an application and schedule an audition with Jeffery Allen by calling 860-347-6143.

Rehersals: Mondays through Friday, 9am–3:30 pm
July 5-July 29 (Beginning Tuesday July 5)
Performances: July 28-30 at 7 pm
Tuition: $700 (Second child: $500)

Could it be summer?

I know we have a bit before Memorial Day and even a whole month longer before the official start of summer, but it's a big deal to pick the first strawberry of the season in our backyard! This is especially true because of the (*%&@#$) chipmunks who normally eat everything, so here's a bit of happiness for your day!