Festival Fun: EQT Children's Theater Festival

This enchanting and interactive performance allows young audience members to take a journey to ancient China, following the footprints left by a panda. The panda’s “house” is in a forest as large as all of China. In this imaginary journey, audience members will explore China’s stories, tradition, and culture. Along with the panda, children discover and interact with the five elements of nature: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. They’ll encounter bamboo forests, fireworks, kites, and more. In this interactive experience, the stage comes to life with innovative projection, colorful images, and playful sound. The performers and audience members will come together in this unique and immersive journey of imagination that extends beyond language and cultural barriers.

Run Time: 50 minutes

Recommended Ages: 4+

Buy Tickets at TrustArts.org/PGHKids

Vince is a boy who wants to explore the forest but is too scared to go on his own. One day, Vince meets Poggle, a friendly woodland creature, and together they go on an adventure through the forest where they discover the magical, musical tree. This warm-hearted performance uses live music, clapping rhythms, and comedy to engage the youngest audience members in an imaginative and adventurous exploration.

Run Time: 40 minutes

Recommended ages: 6 months to 4 years

Buy Tickets at TrustArts.org/PGHKids

Sunjata Kamalenya is a completely interactive show celebrating the greatest hero of West African legend, Sunjata Keita, the first mansa (king) of the ancient Empire of Mali. This epic tale takes place in a magical world filled with sorcery and enchantment. A wandering hunter comes to the village of Farrakoro and makes an unbelievable prediction that a boy who is crippled and his outcast mother will overcome all odds to deliver their nation from an evil sorcerer. This beautiful tale follows their struggles and the strength they discover from their faith in each other. Authentic music, costumes, and scenery invite you into this modern Mandé village where the jelimuso (storyteller) guides your journey as you sing, dance, and act alongside professional actors and musicians in a truly unique and immersive experience.

Run Time: 60 minutes

Recommended ages: All ages

Buy Tickets at TrustArts.org/PGHKids

Join two-time GRAMMY® award-winner Terrance Simien and his accomplished band for a unique and powerful musical experience informed by the signature sounds of Louisiana. In Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience, audiences will take a multicultural tour of the world and will feel the spirit and joy of Creole country. Plus, don’t miss your chance to sing along to Terrance Simien’s song “Gonna Take You There” from Disney’s The Princess and the Frog!

Run Time: 50 minutes

Recommended ages: All ages

Buy Tickets at TrustArts.org/PGHKids

The Rainbow Fish will enchant even the youngest child with his silver scales and heart of gold in this award-winning book about the beautiful fish who learned to share his most prized possession. Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia brings The Rainbow Fish to life with their enchanting puppetry.
The Student Matinee performances of The Rainbow Fish have been generously supported through proceeds from the Gabe Rubin Student Performance Fund.

Run Time: 50 minutes

Recommended Ages: 3-8

Buy Tickets at TrustArts.org/PGHKids

What kind of King would you be? A naïve boy raised by goatherds turns out to be the heir to the kingdom. Untold treasures and privileges are laid at his feet, but at what cost to others? The Young King is a coming of age story that grapples with the ethics of beauty, leadership, and compassion. The achingly beautiful and tender language of Oscar Wilde joins the intimate and magical world of internationally-acclaimed theatre company Slingsby as we journey to faraway lands in this interactive performance complete with rich rewards and challenging choices.

Run Time: 70 minutes

Recommended ages: 7+

Buy Tickets at TrustArts.org/PGHKids