Prepare to become enchanted this year.
Since its beginnings, Geelong Arts Centre has become one of the region’s leading entertainment hubs for families, enabling people of all ages to share wonderful, eye-opening experiences with each other, and engage positively with the best in music, art, installations, and entertainment over the years.
Proudly supported by Major Artistic Partner, Deakin University, Geelong Arts Centre’s renowned Family Magic program returns in 2022 with a diverse range of fantastic family-friendly productions.
Keep up with the latest in local entertainment via our website.
Consisting of six brilliantly dynamic, engaging and accessible performances, the program is designed to captivate, inspire and entertain children under 12, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents and carers.
Running from March through to August, the enticing 2022 programs consist of a variety of musical and theatrical experiences, literary favourites coming to life, and for the very first time, an immersive performance specially designed for children with a broad range of access needs. For many children in the G21 region, the Family Magic program provides their first theatrical experience, helping families spark a love for the arts that introduce their little ones to a world of limitless possibilities.
Kicking off the program in March, celebrated music educator, presenter, author and composer/arranger Karen Kyriacou hits Geelong Arts Centre to present Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Jam for Juniors: Swan Lake. Suited to children aged 0 – 5 years, attendees can explore, play and join in at this popular 30-minute musical workshop.
Then in April, never underestimate the determination of a child! In Slingsby’s Emil and the Detectives, based on the 1929 Novella by Erich Kastner. Young Emil catches a train to visit family in the big city and something valuable is stolen. But can this bunch of kids work together to uncover and outsmart the true criminal?
Come May, join CDP Kids for the enchanting adventure of Little and Big Nutbrown Hare as they discover the magic and colour of the seasons in a dazzling new stage adaptation of Sam McBratney’s beloved Guess How Much I Love You books.
In June, created by pioneering theatre-makers Sensorium Theatre and suitable for children with a broad range of access needs, including those with multiple and complex needs and those on the autism spectrum, Whoosh! is an immersive and multi-sensory performance that puts children at the centre of the action. Kids board a stunning custom-built spaceship to work as a team and co-pilot an intergalactic adventure.
July will see young readers delight in witnessing Sheena Knowles and Rod Clements’ much-loved picture book Edward The Emu be brought to life on stage by Monkey Baa Theatre Company.
Finally, in Geelong Arts Centre’s inaugural collaboration with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, There’s A Sea In My Bedroom weaves together captivating storytelling with an exquisite score. Adapted from the picture book by Margaret Wild and illustrated by Jane Tanner, this immersive performance captures the magic of a child’s fantasy world and provides the perfect introduction to live classical music.
Committed to making arts experiences accessible to all, the program also offers two 12pm Relaxed Performances. These performances – Guess How Much I Love You and Edward The Emu -welcome audiences who would benefit from a more relaxed environment – this can include but is not limited to people with autism, sensory sensitivities, learning disabilities or dementia, as well as those living with anxiety or who have experienced trauma. The atmosphere is non-judgmental, and noisy enthusiasm is embraced. Audience members can also bring their headphones to reduce noise if they wish.
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For full program details and to book, visit the Geelong Arts Centre website.
