For over 30 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!
Special prices for organizations and individual families.
A REQUEST FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
HELP US BRING SHOWS TO UVALDE!
Recently, Express was contacted by the PTO of Uvalde, Texas, and asked to tour a bilingual show to kids there on May 15, a week in advance of the anniversary of the tragedy on May 24, 2022. The aim was to bring some joy and excitement to kids during an otherwise challenging time.
To reach as many kids as possible, Express invited three other arts organizations to join our tour: Ars Lyrics Houston, Mercury Chamber Orchestra and Houston Metropolitan Dance Center.
While the PTO offered some funding, we want them to use their money for other necessary services for their kids and seek to cover our budget through GoFundMe.
ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. We are a 501c3 nonprofit.
PLEASE DONATE HERE
Help us build positive memories for children who need them the most.
To learn more about our partners visit: Ars Lyrics Houston, Mercury Chamber Orchestra, Houston Metropolitan Dance Center and Veritas Wellness Center.
Thank you in advance for your help!
— Tim Fried-Fiori
2022-23: Our 32nd Season
HISTORY, MYSTERY, MAGIC!
LEGENDS OF CHINESE NEW YEAR
LIVE AT MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE, MAY 8, 2023, 8:15PM
ALL SEATS ARE FREE – Must RESERVE HERE at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Or watch the show live on the Miller Website starting at 8:15!
Written and Directed by Tim Fried-Fiori, in collaboration with Janie Yao of Dance of Asian America.
A co-production between Express Children’s Theatre and Dance of Asian America,10 actors and 35 dancers tell the origin stories of The Lunar Festival and The Lantern Festival, based on ancient chinese myths. A sumptuous prodution featuring dragons, fairies, warriors, furious emperors, wise children, theatre, dance, music and video projections. Great for the whole family!
I’M GLAD TO BE ME! A SINGALONG EXTRAVAGANZA
A SPECIAL SHOW FOR SPECIAL KIDS DURING A SPECIAL WEEK!
SPECIAL PRICES FOR SPRING BREAK WEEK: MARCH 13-17
FOR ALL DAY CARES AND LIBRARIES!
Your attendance goes up during Spring Break week and we have the perfect show for all those kiddos – and the age span, too! WE BRING THE WHOLE SHOW TO YOU!
This 40-minute, one-person, interactive show with inspiring songs, kid-friendly poetry and simple games that help children 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 will get a lot from it, too!
Book now! This show is selling fast!
Contact us HERE
RHYME AND REASON: A POETIC CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY FOR CHILDREN
Touring Live – February and June, 2023
BOOK US FOR JUNETEENTH!
Adapted and Directed by Tim Fried-Fiori
Music, dance and performance poetry presenting Black History from ancient Africa to modern day Houston. Featuring original poetry by two Houston Poet Laureates, Deborah DEEP Mouton and Emanuelee “Outspoken” Bean, and others.
VIrtual show features a special appearance by the world’s first African American prima ballerina, Lauren Anderson! VIRTUAL SHOW AVAILABLE ALL YEAR! Contact us to stream it.
Underwritten in part by the Albert and Ethel Herzstein Foundation, the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance and the Texas Commission on the Arts.
WATCH A SNEAK PEEK HERE!
Contact us HERE
MARIA’S MAGICAL MUSIC ADVENTURE
Touring Live – April and May, 2023
BUY TIX HERE: May 27, 31 and June 3
Directed by Tim Fried-Fiori
Written by Tim Fried Fiori-Fiori and Emma Kent Wine
Based on the picture book by Emma Kent Wine
Co-Created/Co-Produced with Ars Lyrica Houston
A bilingual (English/Spanish) world-premiere, based on the book by Emma Wine, about a young Latina who travels to 17th century Italy to meet Antonio Vivaldi, in the process of creating his musical masterpiece, The Four Seasons. Includes live accompaniment by musicians from Ars Lyrica Houston. An exciting way to introduce kids to the power of classical music and inspire them to find their own voices!
Contact us HERE
THE 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!
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 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?
Choose a virtual shows!
VIRTUAL CATALOGUE
FISH TALES: The World is Your Oyster!
(VIRTUAL ONLY)
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!
-
Inspiring stories of overcoming obstacles and thinking beyond limitations.
-
Motivational and fun!
-
Great for kids and families!
-
Free study guides and activity sheets included.
-
We work with all budget sizes!
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
