Today I was honoured to be part of a Parenting in Theatre Forum, hosted by Lisa Marie DiLiberto (Fixt Point Theatre) and the WeeFestival. The circle was comprised of theatre makers, performers, administrators, presenters and funders. Despite the inclusive language in the title, the circle was filled only with women – except for one […]
Waiting is something my three-year-old does not want to do. This fact is expressed to me very bluntly on a daily basis, in his most logical voice, as if expressing a profound and surprising insight into his psyche: “Mommy – I don’t like to wait.” I hide a smile and always reply, “Oh?” Theatre […]
A lot can happen in two years. Your world can expand from one child to two, ushering you into the role of “Parent” in a more complete way than you ever thought possible. Say goodbye to tossing your one, pre-verbal baby into a carrier and hitting the town. Say hello to dueling nap schedules […]
Over the last seven days I have learned about how to create a safe space for parents and children; I’ve learned how to trust my child to roam; I’ve learned that sometimes in Theatre for Early Years, kids vomit into cellos. On a personal level, I’ve learned that my son will sit through any piece […]
I’ve already mentioned in my posts how this festival is creating a nurturing environment for children and their caregivers. Today I’ve seen how this sort of space not only makes for a pleasant day, but also sets up a positive environment in which parents feel comfortable giving their kids some freedom to roam. And in […]
A tiny snake-shaped puppet made of woodchips scurries up a log. It struggles to reach the top. Just as it is about to ascend the peak, the log topples over. According to a bunch of kindergarteners this morning, this is the best joke they had ever encountered. And then it happens again. The puppet scurries […]
Today I want to pull back and think a bit more broadly about the WeeFestival and about Theatre for Early Years. The Artistic Director of the festival, Lynda Hill, was kind enough to answer some questions for me a few days ago about where the festival came from and what it offers. I asked her […]
I don’t know if you’ve ever had to spend an entire day in a concrete metropolis with a baby. It goes a little something like this: Parent: What a lovely day. I can’t wait to go downtown. Wait. Which TTC station has elevators again? Oh, it’s out of service? Okay, will someone please help me […]
Today was the launch of the WeeFestival’s industry conference, bringing together 50+ delegates from across Canada and Europe. I attended the keynote address at the Pia Bouman Studios, delivered by Dr. Ben Fletcher-Watson of Scotland. Speaking to a room full of industry professionals, Dr. Fletcher-Watson identified his interest in arriving at a dramaturgical framework for […]
Today I saw a group of overexcited preschoolers walk into the Theatre Direct performance space, and walk out transformed – quietly curious, observant of the world around them, and modeling the beautiful energy of the actors they had just witnessed. The show I started my festival with was called Traces, from Helios Theatre in Germany. […]
Watch for daily posts and writings from Claire throughout the week of the WeeFestival May 16-23rd. Claire Wynveen | WeeFestival Rapporteur Claire is the Co-Artistic Director of Litmus Theatre and is on maternity leave from the Toronto Fringe, where she is the Communications Manager. She is a producer, dramaturg, administrator, actor and writer. She is […]
Theatre Direct, a leading creator and innovator in theatre for young audiences, has announced the programming for the 2016 WeeFestival. This theatre and culture festival entirely dedicated to engaging children 0 – 5 years will take place May 16-23, 2016 in venues across Toronto, including the Theatre Centre, Tarragon Theatre, and the Artscape Wychwood Barns. […]