For 33 years, we’ve brought original multicultural arts and education to kids in Houston, Texas, the most diverse city in America. Our live shows tour locally and our virtual shows are available to everyone!
2023-24: Our 33nd Season
BIG DREAMS AND DARING ADVENTURES!
EXPRESS CHILDREN’S THEATRE AT MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE
October 19, 11am
A bilingual (English/Spanish) interactive show about a young Latina who travels back in time to meet the composer, Antonio Vivaldi, just finishing his masterpiece, The Four Seasons. With live musical accompaniment by members of Ars Lyrica Houston!
Written by Tim Fried-Fiori and Emma Kent Wine, directed by Tim Fried-Fiori. Based on a book published by Ars Lyrica Houston and written by Emma Kent Wine. Original Music and Arrangements by Emma Kent Wine. A co-production between Express Children’s Theatre and Ars Lyrica Houston.
Admission is free! No reservations taken. Come to Miller and take a seat!
For more info: Miller Outdoor Theatre
A CHRISTMAS CAROL FOR KIDS
Nov 27-Dec 23
Adapted and Directed by Tim Fried-Fiori
A kid-friendly adaptation of the Holiday Classic! It takes 3 actors and 12 huge puppets to tell a story this big! Ebony Scrooge, a teenage millionaire, cares more about her money than the people in her life until the Ghosts of Past, Present and Future take her on a wild ride on Christmas Eve.
Features rolicking singalongs of Santa songs. Fun for the whole family, even the Humbugs! 45 minutes with Q&A and cast photo with kids.
Contact us HERE
RHYME AND REASON: A CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY
Feb 1 – March 31, 2024
Written and Directed by Tim Fried-Fiori
Music, dance and poetry presenting Black History from ancient Africa to today. Featuring original poetry by Houston Poet Laureates, Deborah DEEP Mouton and Emanuelee “Outspoken” Bean and others. From Queen Nefertiti to Duke Ellington and Katanji Brown Jackson, this show presents the unique role African Americans play in American history. A rousing celebration for all ages and backgrounds!
45 minutes with Q&A, cast photo with kids
WATCH A SNEAK PEEK HERE!
Contact us HERE
FRIDA’S FIESTA
April 1-May 31, ’24
A bilingual (English/Spanish) interactive adventure about a shy young girl who must find the courage to ouwit an evil witch who’s turned the girl’s mother into a tree. Inspiried by the Russian folktales, the Baba Yaga stories.
Written by Jack Helbig and Tim Fried-Fiori, Directed by Tim Fried-Fiori
45 minutes with Q&A, cast photo with kids Contact us HERE
TOURING NOW THROUGH AUGUST!
I’M GLAD TO BE ME!
This 40-minute, one-person, interactive show uses inspiring songs, kid-friendly poetry and simple games to help children identify and manage their emotions and build confidence and self-esteem. Designed for ages PreK-5th, the show is fast, fun and teaches kids musical songs and phrases they can repeat for themselves when they’re feeling challenged by life. Adults love it, too!
Contact us HERE
AZTEC PRINCESS (Bilingual)
Live or Virtual – Touring Now through August, 2023
Written by Epig Dominguez; Performed by Cynthia Leal
Classic Mexican fables told by a time-traveling Princess! Join the Aztec Princess as she tells two classic fables about ANTI-BULLYING and STRANGER DANGER, while teaching Spanish vocabulary along the way. Fun for all ages and sparkling with educational values and social/emotional skills! 40 minutes.
GREAT FOR BIRTHDAY PARTIES, TOO!
Rather stream the show? We have a VIRTUAL VERSION too!
WATCH THE TRAILER here!
Contact us HERE
BUTTERFLY BUDDIES (Bilingual)
Touring Now Through Aug 2023
Written by Tim Fried-Fiori and Cynthia Leal
A delightful, 40 minute, one-woman show that enlists kids from the audience to help perform an original story about a group of butterflies who come together to save their endangered habitat. An eco-friendly tale about the power of a group to work together toward a shared goal.
Contact us HERE
Can’t bring us in for a live show? Stream us instead!
VIRTUAL CATALOGUE
RHYME AND REASON: A CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY
Music, dance and poetry presenting Black History from ancient Africa to today. Featuring original poetry by Houston Poet Laureates, Deborah DEEP Mouton and Emanuelee “Outspoken” Bean and others. From Queen Nefertiti to Duke Ellington and Katanji Brown Jackson, this show presents the unique role African Americans play in American history. A rousing celebration for all ages and backgrounds!
Virtual version features a special appearence by Lauren Anderson, one of the world’s first African American Prima Ballerinas!
45 minutes with Q&A, cast photo with kids
WATCH A SNEAK PEEK HERE!
Contact us HERE
FISH TALES: The World is Your Oyster!
5 classic tales set in the 5 oceans of the world that explore the awesome power of possibilities in all our lives. For kids of all ages! 45 minutes of entertainment, education and interaction with a unique blend of actors, puppets, music and video!
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Inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles and thinking beyond limitations.
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Motivational and fun!
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Great for kids and families!
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Free study guides and activity sheets included.
WATCH THE TRAILER!
CONTACT US HERE!
VOTE FOR THE GOAT! (virtual)
Written and Directed by Tim Fried-Fiori
Billy Goat learns all about democracy when he tries to convince every animal in the petting zoo to vote to keep it open. A great introduction for kids about the power of voting and how elections can come down to one single vote – YOURS!
Helps kids understand why voting matters and their importance to the civic life of their school, community, city, state and nation. Great for pre-K thru 5th.
WATCH THE TRAILER here!
Contact us HERE.
ANIMAL TAILS (virtual)
From the streets of Hollywood to the jungles of India, three animal tales of adventure and empowerment are brought to delightful life with actors, puppets, film and music. Addresses issues of bullying, equity, inclusion and dreaming big, told by some of our favorite animal friends.
Written and Directed by Tim Fried-Fiori
Designed for the national library reading theme 2021, Tails and Tales!
Watch “THE CAT’S TAIL” – a short selection from ANIMAL TAILS, narrated by Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, Houston’s Poet Laureate Emeritus.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE!
CHRISTMAS TALES AND TUNES (virtual)
Available virtually all year!
Adapted and Directed by Tim Fried-Fiori
A magical journey through the Holiday Classics. Short, kid-friendly versions of Night Before Christmas, A Christmas Carol and the 12 Days of Christmas, plus singalongs of Jingle Bells in different languages, including American Sign Language. 40 minutes of fun, laughter and learning for the whole family, even the Humbugs!
Underwritten by the Wortham Foundation, Albert and Ethel Herzstein Foundation, and the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.
WATCH TRAILER here!
THE POWER OF INTERACTIVE LEARNING
Throughout our shows, actors encourage kids to participate from their seats. Kids can call out suggestions, cheer for the hero, provide encouragement during setbacks and celebrate goals along the way. By giving children a “voice”, they’re entertained while acquiring knowledge and skills that apply to all parts of their lives, such as empathy, self-expression, problem solving and making good choices. We address the whole child while providing a rollicking good time!
Virtual programs can be viewed in sch ools, libraries, day cares, churches or even at home!
Contact us for pricing. Special packages of multiple shows!
CONTACT US HERE
THEATRE ARTS FOR KIDS
Tailored for all ages, schedules and outcomes, from one day workshops to semester-long residencies. Up to 20 kids per class!
WORKSHOPS: LET’S MAKE A PLAY TODAY
On stage and in life, it helps to be clear, confidant and prepared. Our short and long-range programs use theatre arts to teach important social emotional life skills, too, like confidence, communication, leadership, perserverence and collaboration. With a minimum of 10 classes, we can even each teach kids to write and perform their own short play!
CONTACT US HERE FOR PRICES AND AVAILABILITY
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