Kids' APT Summer Spectacular | QLD

Free artist workshops, performances and tours for kids will bring the world of contemporary art to life when the Kids’ APT Summer Spectacular takes over the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Art Gallery from January 16 to 26, 2010.

For more information visit http://qag.qld.gov.au/exhibitions/current/apt6/kids_apt

The Whale's Tale | 20 - 25 Jan | SA

Photo: Tomek Sikora

Life for a whale is not all plain swimming. There may be lots of small creatures to eat and plenty of room in the sea but for a whale in modern times, life can be precarious.

Immerse yourself in The Whale's Tale as you watch from the shore, or submerge yourself in this underwater playground full of surprises and become a part of this large outdoor performance. Ever wondered what it's like to be swallowed whole?

It's time to put on your shrimp helmet, take a deep breath and dive inside the massive jaws of Manilayo the humpback whale. become the hero of the story and live to tell the tale.

Born in a Taxi's The Whale's Tale is commissioned by Windmill and The Arts Centre Melbourne. NO BOOKINGS REQUIRED > This is an unseated event so please BYO picnic rugs and low backed beach chairs (being considerate of the very small audience members behind you!). Picnic seating area will be open from 20 miutes prior to performance.

More info visit http://www.windmill.org.au/show/the-whales-tale-free

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Murray Bridge

The Murray Bridge Swimming Centre

13 Adelaide Road, Murray Bridge

Wed 20 Jan at 10am, 11.15am & 12.30pm

Adelaide
Rymill Park (Near corner Rundle Rd & East Tce), Adelaide
Thu 21 Jan at 6pm
Fri 22 Jan at 10am, 11.15am + 12.30pm
Sat 23 Jan at 10am, 11.15am + 12.30pm

Victor Harbor

Behind the SA Whale Centre, next to the Foreshore Playground

(Flinders Pde, Victor Harbor)

Sun 24 Jan at 6pm

Mon 25 Jan at 10am & 11.30am

The Arrival - Sydney Festival -Review

Red Leap Theatre magically brings to life Shaun Tans graphic novel The Arrival during the Sydney Festival season.

In this wordless production we see a man leave his oppressive country to set up a new life for his family in an unknown country. We follow him on his journey where at first he is lost, wandering attempting to decipher new languages, foods and rituals. Along the way he meets other immigrants who befriend him and guide him in his new life and we also learn of what horrors have forced them to flee their own lands to this new one.

The Arrival is a beautiful piece of theatre that incorporates an ingenious set design, puppetry, dance and physical theatre to tell this universal story of overcoming hardship.

Some parts of the story may go over the heads of children under the age of 8 but they will still enjoy the visual beauty of The Arrival.

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Jan 10 -17 | The Arrival | Red Leap Theatre

CarriageWorks Bay 17

Bookings

The Book of Everything - Review

My son (aged 11) announced to me on Sunday that "The Book of Everything" was the best play he has ever seen. There are so many elements in this production that will win many hearts during the season at the Belvoir.

Adapted from the novel by Dutch author Guus Kuijer, The Book of Everything tells the story of Thomas, an imaginative, curious and sometimes scared nine year old boy. Thomas documents his life and how he sees the world through his eyes in his Book of Everything.

To escape the oppression himself and his family endure from his over pious and abusive father, Thomas finds comfort that comes in the form of chatting with Jesus, falling in love with the girl with the leather leg, learning about the beauty of books, overcoming fear from his new friends and writing in his Book of Everything.

References to Emil and the Detectives will delight readers of the novel by German author Erich Kaestner.

Kim Carpenter's set design is an absolute knock out and fills the stage with wonder. The interaction between the cast and the audience is fun and lures you right into Thomas's world. We fell in love with Julie Forsyth as Mrs Van Amersfoort, Matthew Whittet as Thomas and John Leary is hilarious as Jesus. The whole cast were all wonderful.

Suitable for adults and children> The Belvoir recommends audiences aged 8 and over - If you have younger children the domestic abuse scenes and themes may be too confronting.

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Season | 27 Dec 09 - 31 Jan 10

Belvoir Theatre, Surry Hills | Bookings or 9699 3444

Special children tickets prices and family packages available

Directed by Neil Armfield | Adapted by Richard Tulloch

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Page to Stage Workshop | Theatre of Image | 15 + 16 July

Conducted by Richard Tulloch and Kim Carpenter

Reinventing kids playground spaces

The Cool Hunter explores creative spaces for kids around the world.

We spend millions annually on "adult playgrounds" — stadiums, concert halls, bars, restaurants. We spend billions advertising and promoting them. Why is it that we do not seem to want to dedicate the necessary resources to give our children the best we can offer? The Cool Hunter

National Public Toilet map

Not exactly what is on, but possibly useful when you are out and about with the kids. A reference map for public loos. Probably need to encourage them now to do one with kids changing rooms and feeding rooms.

http://bit.ly/6kDqcz

Joanne
www.placesandspaces.com.au

Bring it on - 2010

Toumani and Symmetric Orchestra (Youri Lenquette) Paris

Lots of exciting theatre, music, art and film for kids and their families in the New Year.

The Kids in the House program has another eclectic mix of Australian and International performances for all ages to enjoy...the usual baby proms, Little Big Shots and other highlights include Helena and the journey of the Hello...from Terrapin Puppet Theatre directed by the talented Frank Newman, Hansel and Gretel from Danish Theatre Company - Gruppe 38 (we caught their beautiful production of The Little Match Girl), Salt Bush ( A journey through Aboriginal Australia) and so much more...check out the program for full details.

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The Sydney Festival also has a great program in January...Music Alive: Zeeko, One Small Step by David Hastings, The Arrival inspired by Shaun Tans beautiful book and a big favourite amongst families... Circus Oz

Exhilarating performances within the festival include> Toumani Diabate , The Manganiyar Seduaction, Bale de Rue...

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Masterpieces from Paris Exhibition opens at the National Gallery of Australia and runs until April 2010.

Showcasing 112 Post Impressionist masterpieces from artists including Van Gogh, Gauguin, Monet, Cezanne, Seruat and more, all from the Musee d’Orsay in Paris.

The gallery is also hosting a wide range of childrens activties to compliment the exhibition.

Check out the programs, see a few shows and enjoy what is going to be an exciting year.

Helena and the Journey of the Hello Highlights

Local Colour - The Newtown colouring-in book

Inner west local artists Fiona Roderick and Maggie Stein have created an original and fun colouring book for kids (and adults) capturing the essence of Newtown. The Newtown colouring-in book has easy to colour illustrations of familiar locations including King Street, local parks and The magic yellow bus.

This would be a fantastic book for children familiar with Newtown and surroundings and would also act as a fun guide to the area on a day outing for non - resident families.

Would be great if every suburb had version!

To find out more information on how to get your copy

Contact fionasusan@hotmail.com | stein.maggie@gmail.com

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Sydney Festival 2010

Image by John McDermott

Sydney Festival 2010 tickets go on Sale Monday 9th Nov....The family strand of the festival seems to getting better every year. I also discovered some other performances within the program that are also family friendly.

One of the highlights of the festival is The Arrival based on the illustrated book by Shaun Tan, a universal migrant tale set in a fantastical time and place presented by The Red Leap Theatre, New Zealand.

"The Arrival has no actual dialogue and combines a highly physical cast with music, movement, puppetry and shadow play."

Where: CarriageWorks | Jan 10 at 5pm, Jan 11, 14, 16 at 7pm; Jan 13, 15 at 11am and 3pm; Jan 17 at 3pm

For booking details visit: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/artist/1380238?brand=sydneyfestival2010

Other family performances include:

Barely Contained at Darling Harbour | Circus Oz

Music Alive Zeeko |Latest ensemble from Musica Viva

One Small Step | Oxford Playhouse

I will also be taking the whole family to see The Manganiyar Seduction.

For a full list of family performances at the Sydney Festival 2010 visit www.sydneyfestival.org.au

Wizard of Oz - STC - Review

Alirio Zavarce, Ezra Juanta & Patrick Graham

Photo by Tony Lewis

My daughter (aged 8) and I went along to Windmill’s production of THE WIZARD OF OZ By L. Frank Baum presented by the Sydney Theatre Company on Friday evening.

Windmill have mastered children's theatre and there are no expectations with the Wizard of Oz. The performance captivates not just the children in the audience but also the adults. I was laughing throughout most of the show. The set was clever- lots of colour, media installations and enough variety to make you feel you where moving to a different destination. The cast were all wonderful and Ursula Yovich shone as Dorothy and the wicked Witch played brilliantly by Geoff Revell was also our favourite.

If you have younger or restless children, I would recommend the 10.30am, 1.00pm or 5.00pm sessions as the 7pm could be a little late in the evening as the performance spans just over 2 hours.

View trailer

Details: Venue: Sydney Theatre

Season:
Tuesday 27 October 10.30am
Wednesday 28 October 10.30am
Thursday 29 October 10.30am
Friday 30 October 7pm
Saturday 31 October 1pm & 5pm
Sunday 1 November 1pm
Adults: $35Child: $30*Concession: $30*Under 30: $30* Family $110 (for 2 Adults, 2 Children OR 1 Adult, 3 Children) * Additional Child (to Family ticket): $20

For children 8 years and older and their families
Bookings

Lah-Lah's Big Live Band - Review

When the school holidays come along there are always lots of things on for 5-12 year olds to do but babies and toddler activites are few and far between. Lah-Lah’s Big Live Band show at the Enmore theatre is perfect for all of the above age groups and adults will find themselves singing and dancing along as well.

Tina Harris, Lah-Lah, and her band bring a hands on concert experience to children, helping them discover the magical world of music by playing lots of different styles of music to get them moving and dancing, even encouraging the audience to try out the instruments and meet the performers after the show. There is a double bass, drums, saxophone and accordion to check out, and lots of percussion instruments are brought out for children to play along with the band during part of the performance.

Many parents in the inner west will be familiar with Tina’s musical talents as she runs Kindermusik classes for 0-5 year olds during school terms. You won’t be disappointed it’s a fantastic show, running this week and next week until October 18th at the Enmore Theatre in Newtown. http://www.enmoretheatre.com.au/events/2009/10/07/lah-lahs-adventures-proms-for-little-people

Review by Lisa Clarke

Sydney Children's Festival

Kick your heels up at the Sydney Children’s Festival Opening Party on Saturday 3 October. The celebration will be led by Georgie Parker and the Sydney Children’s Festival Choir, who will have every foot in the house tapping. The celebration will continue with a huge dance party where kids can go wild and parents can enjoy a flashback to their partying days. Plus, there’ll be a sneak preview of Erth’s Amazing Room for curious kids.

There are oodles of fantastic workshops, performances and activities to get involved in throughout the festival. See the amazing Circa perform 46 Acts in 45 Minutes, warm up your vocal chords in free morning singing workshops, or kick start your acrobatic career in a week of workshops with Legs On The Wall!
 
Visit www.sydneychildrensfestival.com  to find out more.

Lah-Lah - proms for little people

Lah-Lah's Adventures, Proms for Little people. Coming to Enmore Theatre from 7-18 October
Click here to book or for more information.

Dancing double basses and singing saxophones. Lah-Lah is a brand new performance where instruments come to life in the world of a little girl who can’t sit still! A musical spell will be cast over children aged 2-6 by some of Sydney’s most vibrant and entertaining musicians.



Something very magical happens to little Lah-Lah one night when reading her book - all the characters in her story come to life as instruments! Meeting her friends is lots of fun and Lah-Lah learns all about their funny sounds while she sings and dances.

This show is in a special intimate Proms format, children and adults up close and personal with the 5 piece band. Strictly limited seating available. Book early, tickets selling fast.

Meet Lah-Lah, Mr saxophone, Squeezy Sneezy accordion, Lola the Double bass and Tom Tom Drums and the friendly fairy.There is a chance to interact with Characters after each performance

ALL PATRONS 12 MONTHS AND UNDER ARE FREE. 12 MONTHS AND OVER MUST PURCHASE A TICKET

From Wednesday 7th October through to Sunday 11th
Tuesday 13th through to Sunday 18th but no show on the Friday 16th
Performance times 10 and 11.30.

PONYO

PONYO is the latest offering from Miyazaki at Studio Ghibli inspired by the Hans Christian Andersen story "The Little Mermaid". My family and I have enjoyed all films that are created from Studio Ghilbio and we were not disappointed with Ponyo.

In a small town by the sea lives five year-old Sosuke, high on a cliff overlooking the Inland Sea. One morning while playing on the rocky beach below his house, he discovers a goldfish named Ponyo, her head stuck in a jam jar. Sosuke rescues Ponyo and keeps her in a green plastic bucket.

Both Ponyo and Sosuke are fascinated by each other and promise to stay firm friends until Ponyo's father - once human, now a sorcerer who lives deep under the sea - forces her to return with him to the ocean depths.

My three children aged 11, 7 and 5 years all loved Ponyo and are very keen  to  see it again. The english adaption is features voice overs  by Cate Blanchett, Tina Fey, Liam Neeson and Matt Damon.

I will be talking my older children to the Japanese version this weekend so they can experience the film in its true form.

More information:

http://www.ponyo.com.au

http://www.madman.com.au/studioghibli/

Movie Trailer

Under Me Skin | Ivanhoe NSW

A collaboration between young people, multimedia artists and award winning Indigenous writer Gayle Kennedy is one of the outcomes of The Ivanhoe Chronicles, a two year multi-arts project by Outback Theatre for young People and Trax.

The 2009 presentation of Under Me Skin is just the first installment of the Ivanhoe Chronicles.   

The darkly comic tale of a boy who mysteriously disappears in a remote bush town, sparks a chain of events that even the children find incredible.

Saturday 22nd August

5:30pm exhibition | 6:30 performance | 7:30pm Post show discussion

The Old Servo 

Columbus Street 

Ivanhoe NSW

Tickets are free.

For more information contact Suzanne Hauser 0438 398 629

suzannehauser@outbcaktheatre.com

Blog: www.trax.org/outbackblog

Ready to get Sketchen?

Odosketch is a fun online tool that lets the user draw on the screen as if they were using a sketch book.  Great rainy day distraction!

Odosketch seeks to recreate the decidedly non-digital experience of working with a sketchbook. Its papery textures, variety of brushes and intentional imperfections make you forget you're working on a screen.

What would kids do if they could do anything?

Erth, the creators of the famous dinosaur Petting Zoo, are looking for kids to be part of the creation of the Amazing Room – a new component of the upcoming Sydney Children’s Festival.
Erth are busily designing this crazy, silly play space, and are seeking some input from kids .

This coming Tuesday 21st July at 6.30 pm, come down to CarriageWorks with your child, aged 6 – 12years, and take part in a 1hr workshop where Erth’s Artistic Director, Scott, will be asking "What would kids do if they could do
Anything?". 

Yummy pizza and drinks with be provided. Email scott@erth.com.au by Tuesday to participate.
There's room enough for 10 kids plus their parents to participate and you must register with Scott to attend.

Melbourne International Film Festival

Now a MIFF institution, the Next Gen program within the Melbourne International Film Festival provides stimulating films for younger generations of cinema viewers.
I felt the SFF this year had a disappointing range of family /childrens films within the program so it is refreshing to see a festival that encourages mature cinema for older children.

The festival presents an extensive range of international films for older children they may not ever get the chance to see.

Highlights include:
Cheeky Girls - Germany
Based on a bestselling German book series, this raucous rock ‘n’ roll adventure is about friends, crushes and surviving high school.

Mommo - Turkey
A touching true story about the bonds between a brother and sister, set amid the picturesque beauty of a remote Turkish village.

Jermal - Indonesia
A young boy learns self-reliance in this extraordinary story filmed in a unique location – at sea, amid the platform-fishermen of Indonesia.
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July 24th until August 9th 2009
Full the full Next Gen program

Melbourne International Film Festival

Kids Adventure Passport | NSW

The Premier’s Adventure Challenge and Kids’ Adventure Passport are initiatives of the NSW Government. 
The aim is to encourage primary aged children (Kindergarten to year 6), and their families, to visit the State’s participating museums and galleries.

Exposure to art, big ideas and high-level creativity helps developing minds reach their full potential.

The Passport makes discovering the State’s museums and galleries more fun for children and their families by providing a series of goals and suggested activities for them to complete at each venue. And it just may spur on the next wave of artists, inventors, historians or designers to give it a try too.

Participating Institutions include,   The Art Gallery Of NSW, MOS, MCA, Elizabeth Farm

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THE ODDITOREUM

Something odd is stirring in the basement of the Powerhouse Museum....

a giant liquorice allsorts shoe, a griffin sculpture, horses teeth.

The Odditoreum is a very unique display featuring a selection of weird and wonderful curiosities from deep within the vaults of the Museum’s collection.

The objects have been carefully selected by the Museum for their own peculiarity, creating a display of oddities not normally seen. These objects have in turn been transformed by children’s author and illustrator Shaun Tan, who has created intriguing stories for each object blurring fact and fantasy.

Holiday program from the 11th July includes

Beasties Robotic Petting Zoo

Ages 4 - 12

Media Mash up

Ages 12 - 16

Full holiday program 

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The Odditoreum

27 June - 13 September

Powerhouse Museum | NSW