theatre performances
Young Audiences of Houston offers diverse arts-in-education performance programming for PK-12 participants in an assembly setting. These innovative and culturally diverse programs introduce participants to the arts through a balance of demonstration and interaction through the highest quality artistry. Each performance program is aligned with the Texas state curricula and offers curriculum ties, classroom activities and discussion ideas, extension activities, program goals, objectives, vocabulary words, and teacher resources. All performances are 45 minutes.
Below you'll find information about:
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Performances: For an assembly, performances introduce participants to an art form or culture through a balance of demonstration and interaction.
For more information please call 713.520.9264 or email us at scheduling@yahouston.org.

First Day, Nueva Escuela
PERFORMANCE
Brave Little Company
First Day, Nueva Escuela is the story of a girl who overcomes her fear of starting class at a new school (and of reading) by writing herself into the stories. Tía Elena wants to make sure Xiomara is ready for her first day at a new school, but no matter what story she suggests they read, Xiomara always finds a reason not to like it. And now there’s just one day left before school starts!
A performance of First Day, Nueva Escuela is a great way to welcome participants back from summer break! Reluctant readers and English language learners will be inspired to get into books. An original work from Brave Little Company, First Day, Nueva Escuela draws inspiration from summer reading list favorites such as The Interrupting Chicken, Carmela Full of Wishes, Tía Isa Wants a Car, A Chair for My Mother, or the Mo Willems books. The play is easily understood by speakers of English and Spanish, and its interactive storytelling helps audiences find compassion and empathy for the stories of others.
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Single Performance
$400
Back to Back Performance
$600
Participant Limit
350
Grade Levels
PK-5

Wooden O: An Interactive Sensory Adventure
for Ages 3 - 5
PERFORMANCE
Brave Little Company
Imagine a professional theatre performance created just for children ages 3 - 5. What ingredients would it have? Endless possibility, adventure, mystery, music, a feast for the senses, and a few thrilling surprises!
The Wooden O is an empty space where the audience’s imagination helps the actors tell the story. Once kids ages 3-5 step into Brave Little Company’s Wooden O, they’ll be on an imaginative quest to help Robin Goodfellow, a prankster with a little magic up his sleeve. They’ll engage their senses of sight, hearing, touch, and smell as they follow Robin’s map to find a mysterious flower. A fully interactive play with live sound effects, Wooden O invites participants on an imaginative journey - without leaving the classroom!
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Single Performance
$320
Back to Back Performance
$420
Participant Limit
60
Grade Levels
Age 3 - K

Uncle Remus’ Br’er Rabbit
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
A fun-packed combination of African-American folklore and American popular culture, Br’er Rabbit is family entertainment that focuses on the Golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Single Performance
$1,295
Back to Back Performance
$1,595
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
PK-5

Jack and the Beanstalk
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
This new version of Jack and the Beanstalk centers around a young boy with low self-esteem who learns to believe in himself. With help from his mother, a lovable giant, and his imaginary friends, Jack learns to grow his hopes and dreams like planting and watering a seed and how to ask for help from his friends.
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Available September 11 - October 27, 2023
Single Performance
$1,295
Back to Back Performance
$1,595
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
K-8
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Lil' Man Saves Christmas
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
When it becomes clear that his mom and sister won't get their Christmas wish, Lil' Man enlists the help of Santa's wild elves to make sure the holidays are once again merry and bright. A play with music, silly elves, and a lot of heart, Lil' Man Saves Christmas reminds us that achieving your dreams takes community and courage and sometimes a little magic from old St. Nick!
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Available November 7th - December 22, 2023
Single Performance
$1,295
Back to Back Performance
$1,595
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
PK-5

Soooo Many SOUNDS!
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
Children will enjoy this interactive performance as they go on the noisy journey of a sleepless night for old man Sam as he battles with the noises around him. A fun way to explore tools used in creative dramatics -- imagination, body, voice and feelings!
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Available September 11, 2023 - May 31, 2024
Single Performance
$795
Back to Back Performance
$1,095
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
PK-2

We've Got to Keep Moving
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
The students at Lincoln High School are ready to perform this years' Black History play, but as they take a break from rehearsal the stage manage Samantha realizes that her fellow cast mates are in jeopardy of repeating "black history." In fact, her peers believe that racism and inequality are over and think there is no longer a need for a Black History show. "We've Got to Keep Moving" chronicles the history of black people who have made significant contributions to American history through their voices, their strength, and their struggle. Samantha enlists help from her ancestors to teach the cast a valuable lesson about continuing to fight injustices black people still face in 2023.
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Available January 16 - February 29, 2024
Single Performance
$795
Back to Back Performance
$1,095
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
8-12

Three Pigs (Remix)
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
The “Red Carpet” is laid and “The Stars” of the fairy-tale world are ready to take the spotlight. The Press is here and the Fans have been camping outside for two days just to get a glimpse of their idols. The costumes, the scenery, the make-up, the props, the audience that lifts you when you are down. The hottest new play to hit Fairway (Broadway for Fairytale actors) is The Three Pigs Remix, and every fairytale actor in the land is dying to get into the audition for this musical. Papa Polar Bear must have a ton of pa-
tience with Little Red Riding Hood when she tries out for the dancing diva “Party Pig.”Everyone must keep their tempers from flaring when Non-fiction Ned trips over everything, including his own two feet. There’s certainly no business-like show business.
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Available February 19 - May 31, 2024
Single Performance
$795
Back to Back Performance
$1,095
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
8-12

I, Barbara Jordan
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
I, Barbara Jordan celebrates the remarkable life and career of the eminent Texas orator, legislator, and teacher. Barbara Jordan’s journey is traced from her childhood in Houston’s Fifth Ward neighborhood through her election to the United States’ Congress. I, Barbara Jordan introduces participants to the legendary Texas politician who was a model for the power of perseverance.
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Single Performance
$1,295
Back to Back Performance
$1,595
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
4-12

The Aztec Princess
PERFORMANCE
Express Children's Theatre
Experience Aztec Princess, a Bilingual Classic Mexican fable told by a time-traveling Princess. Join the Aztec Princess as she tells two classic fables about Making Good Choices and Stranger Danger, while teaching English and Spanish vocabulary along the way. Fun for all ages and sparkling with educational values and social/emotional skills!
Single Performance
$375
Back to Back Performance
$600
Participant Limit
75
Grade Levels
K-5