Enjoy a Wild Swan Theater experience virtually!
Wild Swan Theater is Michigan’s premiere professional theater performing for young people. And while we are unable to come to you, we offer our Virtual Theater Experience of selected archival recordings of our productions from recent seasons for classrooms everywhere. Contact our booking manager, Kathy Pawlicki, at kathy@wildswantheater.org for more information or to book a show!
Coding to the Moon: Margaret Hamilton and the Apollo Missions
For Grades 3 – 8 | Length: 55 minutes
Fee: $350
Coding to the Moon is a gripping drama of the Apollo space missions. This production celebrates the life and work of mathematician and computer scientist Margaret Hamilton whose brilliant work as a young scientist broke new ground as she led the team that navigated the Apollo missions to the moon. Enrich your experience with additional curriculum-aligned materials developed in collaboration with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, Leslie Science & Nature Center, Michigan Science Center, and UM Museum of Natural History.
The Wizard of Oz
For Ages 6 | Length: 52 minutes
Fee: $350
Adapted for Wild Swan by our resident playwright Jeff Duncan and with original music by Brian E. Buckner, our version of L. Frank Baum’s beloved story is a treat for the whole family. Join Dorothy and her little dog Toto as they set out on the Yellow Brick Road with their new friends the Scarecrow, the Tinman, and the Cowardly Lion on their way to the fabled land of Oz.
A Thousand Cranes
For ages 8 | Length: 45 minutes
Fee: $350
This very beautiful and moving play tells the touching story of a young Japanese girl’s experience after the bombing of Hiroshima. The play recounts her illness from radiation poisoning and how children from all over Japan began to fold paper cranes to help Sadako get well.
Shipwrecked!
For ages 8 | Length: 60 minutes
Fee: $350
Shipwrecked! is a stirring coming of age drama set during a fierce winter storm on Lake Huron in 1893. Twelve year old Aaron Buchanan, sailing with his parents on their small schooner loaded with Christmas trees from Sault Ste. Marie, is tested in ways he never dreamed possible when a ferocious gale suddenly materializes in Thunder Bay’s infamous “Shipwreck Alley.” Inspired by the desperate circumstances, he finds the sailing skills, bravery, and physical strength to help effect the daring rescue of his family. This original drama, written by long-time Wild Swan playwright Jeff Duncan, is based on historical accounts of the period and provides older students with a fine opportunity to explore the Great Lakes and Michigan’s history, geography, music and maritime heritage.
A Honey Pot of Pooh Stories
For ages 3 – 8 | Length: 40 minutes
Fee: $350
Dip into our honey pot of stories featuring children’s all time favorite bear, Winnie the Pooh. Little theater goers will love joining Pooh as he hums his way through the Hundred Aker Wood. Whether he’s pretending to be a cloud to trick bees out of their honey, hunting Heffalumps with Piglet, or stuck in the doorway of Rabbit’s house, Winnie the Pooh is just about the best friend a child could have.
“The cleverness of the costuming, the perfect match of the scripts with intended audience, and—above all—the skill and enthusiasm of the performers ALL combine to create performances no child should miss.”
– Youth Librarian, Saline District Library
Little Women
For ages 8 | Length: 75 minutes
Fee: $350
Wild Swan Theater brings this classic novel by Louisa May Alcott to the stage. The March sisters, Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth, are growing up in Civil War-era New England. When their beloved mother Marmee must leave them to visit their ailing father at the front, the sisters must face life together.
A Christmas Carol
For ages 8 | Length: 60 minutes
Fee: $350
Based on the novel by Charles Dickens and adapted for Wild Swan by Co-Artistic Director Hilary Cohen, our version of this wonderful holiday classic has been especially created for family audiences and is appropriate for children in 3rd grade and older. A Christmas Carol tells of the astonishing transformation of miserly old Ebenezer Scrooge after he is visited by three spirits on the night before Christmas. It has a lovely musical score of seasonal music performed by the entire cast.
Strega Nona and the Magic Pasta Pot
For ages 3 – 8 | Length: 45 minutes
Fee: $350
Strega Nona is a story that will satisfy your appetite for laughter and fun. Strega Nona has a magical pasta pot which only she can control. Come see what silliness ensues when Big Anthony does not listen to her, causing the streets of their small Italian village to fill with pasta. Nationally renowned artist Chris Roberts-Antieau has designed the sets, costumes, and props for this not-to-be-missed production.
“We had parents in attendance this year; they loved the performance as much as the kids. Thanks for another great show!”
– Teacher, Sturgis Schools
The Tale of the Mischievous Bunny
For ages 3 – 8 | Length: 40 minutes
Fee: $350
When Peter Rabbit ventures into Farmer McGregor’s garden, despite his mother’s warning, his adventures begin. From the moment Peter loses his little blue coat to Farmer McGregor’s scarecrow until he arrives safe and sound at home, this classic tale is brought charmingly to life.
“The highlight was seeing how the students were swept away by the story—all 200 of them!”
– PTO Enrichment Chair, Haisley Elementary
Under the African Sky
For ages 4 – 10 | Length: 55 minutes
Fee: $350
A delightful collection of African tales performed through storytelling, acting, dancing, and drumming. Colorful costumes, masks, and traditional music will delight and teach our littlest fans, with lots of opportunities for audience participation!