Magic Tree House On Stage: Bringing Literacy and Wonder to Young Audiences
The team behind Magic Tree House On Stage (MTH On Stage) is redefining youth theater, not just through captivating productions, but through a deep-seated commitment to fostering a love of reading and accessibility for all children. As 2012, this personally funded initiative led by Mary and Will has gifted over 1.2 million books, intertwining theatrical experiences with literacy initiatives.This powerful combination is demonstrably impacting young audiences, particularly those from Title 1 schools.
The core beliefs revolves around providing students with the corresponding book a month before attending a performance. Cindy Mill, director of Mary Pope Osborne’s Classroom Adventures Program and Magic Tree House Worldwide, explains the meaning of this practice: “it might not seem like a big deal to us, but for a child to receive a brand-new book who maybe does not have access to that at all times, maybe never owned thier own new copy of a book, creates a really meaningful moment. We’ve watched that experience going into schools.” this proactive approach cultivates engagement and instills a sense of ownership and pride, as students enter the theatre already familiar with the narrative.
But MTH On Stage’s success isn’t solely rooted in generosity; it’s built on remarkable adaptability. Their theatrical portfolio boasts five titles tailored for regional TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences), encompassing diverse styles. These range from the commercially triumphant musical Christmas in Camelot, which toured to over 50 cities, to the jazz-infused A Night in New Orleans, a collaboration with renowned creators, and the high-energy showtime With Shakespeare. Furthermore, four additional titles are available for licensing through MTI, offering adventures with dinosaurs, pirates and knights. A particularly accessible offering is Jack and Annie’s Literacy Show, a 30-minute mini-musical ideal for smaller venues and tours, designed to maximize audience participation.
This flexibility extends to a collaborative spirit. Jacqueline Stone, an artistic contributor and theatre consultant for MTH On Stage, emphasizes the team’s commitment to tailoring scripts to meet the unique needs of individual productions. This willingness to adapt, combined with the creation of original “classroom adventures” and customizable educational materials, underscores their dedication to partnership.
MTH On Stage maintains a strong commitment to accessibility, actively working with theatres on issues of affordability and inclusivity. As Cindy Mill emphasizes, “We’re not doing that big price tag.” The team prioritizes removing barriers to participation, ensuring that more children can experience the joy of theatre and the power of storytelling.
The impact of these efforts is evident in the countless inspiring anecdotes shared by the team - from audiences swept away by the magic of Pirates Past Noon to a young aspiring author declaring their own creative ambitions. For Mary,Jenny,Will and the entire team,the heart of their work lies in recapturing the wonder of childhood. It’s a place where anything seems possible, and where the shared experience of theatre reignites a youthful joy, ultimately allowing them to “just play.”
Keywords:
* Primary Topic: Magic Tree House On Stage & Youth Theatre
* Primary Keyword: Magic tree House On Stage
* Secondary Keywords: youth theatre, literacy programs, educational theatre, theatrical productions, children’s theatre, Mary Pope Osborne, accessibility in theatre, Title 1 schools, theatre education, book gifting, Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA)