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:
-
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
Easily understood by English and Spanish speakers
Single Performance
$500
Back to Back Performance
$750
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
Spanish-language or dual language option available.
Single Performance
$400
Back to Back Performance
$590
Participant Limit
60
Grade Levels
Age 3 - K
%20Cover_edited.jpg)
Don't Worry Willy
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
When anxiety overwhelms him, William T. Bear escapes to his journal, and the “Willyverse”—a world of imagination and expression. Alongside his quirky friends, he navigates life’s challenges, from loss and self-harm to neurodiversity and autism. He is an introverted bear who finds solace in writing even though his anxiety often feels like a storm brewing inside him. Join Miss Bovine’s class as we take a deep dive into the Willyverse, where emotions take shape, right before the big test at the end of the semester.
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Available beginning August
Single Performance
$1,165
Back to Back Performance
$1,390
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
1-8
_edited_edited.jpg)
The Toys Take Over Christmas
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
When forgotten toys come to life, they teach everyone the true meaning of giving. This festive favorite brings holiday joy with song, dance, and a little toy magic.
Available Late November - December
Single Performance
$1,165
Back to Back Performance
$1,390
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
1-8
_edited_edited.jpg)
Hero: The Boy from Troy
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
While stuck in detention, a student, Jayden, ends up with a book that takes him on an inspirational, entertaining, and musical journey. On his “walk” through the decades, he learns of how a young John Lewis was moved to protest injustice and ultimately become a leader and American hero. As Jayden relives John’s past, he experiences what it was like for John to first meet Rosa Parks and Dr. King, and he eventually comes to realize that he too can take a stand, and help to influence the struggle for social, political, and overall equality and justice among all people.
Available January 20th - February 28th
Single Performance
$1,165
Back to Back Performance
$1,390
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
1-8

Three Pigs (Remix)
PERFORMANCE
The Ensemble Theatre
Step into the spotlight with “Three Pigs Remix,” the hottest play to hit Fairway (that’s Broadway for fairy tale actors)! This musical extravaganza is packed with star-studded fairy tale characters all vying for the perfect role. Mama Polar Bear needs patience as Little Red Riding Hood, the Prince, and Gymnastic Jenny audition to be part of the pig-tastic cast. Will they show the acting chops needed to land their dream roles? There’s no business-like show business in this whimsical and energetic production!
Texas Commission on the Arts Grant Subsidies Available
Single Performance
$1,165
Back to Back Performance
$1,390
Participant Limit
300
Grade Levels
PK-7

The Peaceful Adventures of Pirate Pete
PERFORMANCE
Express Children's Theatre
To make up for his pirating past, Pirate Pete travels the world doing good deeds with the help of kids in the audience. Featuring singalongs, world culture, basic geography and a chance for kids to explore the meaning of apologies and making things right. An interactive experience of the power of peace, generosity and helpfulness.
Single Performance
$375
Back to Back Performance
$600
Participant Limit
100
Grade Levels
PK-4

An Art Class for Kids with Frida Kahlo
PERFORMANCE
Express Children's Theatre
A crack in the space/time continuum brings Frida Kahlo, the internationally renowned artist, from Mexico in the 1940s to present day Houston to lead an art class for kids. Everyone will learn about Frida and make their own self-portraits. Designed for kids of all ages - parents, too!
Single Performance
$570
Back to Back Performance
$900
Participant Limit
60
Grade Levels
K-12

The Santa Suprise!
PERFORMANCE
Express Children's Theatre
The Holly Jolly Man himself brings a sackful of surprises to your students! He’ll lead singalongs of Santa songs, tell fun holiday stories, let every kid in the audience pick their own holiday sticker and tell him what they want for Christmas. You can take class photos, too!
(Available Nov 1-Dec 23, 2025)
Single Performance
$375
Back to Back Performance
$600
Participant Limit
100
Grade Levels
PK-4

