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Our next play is in the works…
The Reluctant Dragon
Adapted by Kathryn Shultz Miller
Directed by Paulette Gilbert
March 24, 25, 26 / Marisa Funk Theater
Hear ye! Hear ye! The inspiration for blockbuster movies, books and TV shows comes to our stage! Kenneth Grahame’s beloved dragon classic is now an exciting play for kids. Two friends discover a dragon lurking in a cave. Their secret is exposed by a gang of bullies. Soon the entire village is whipped into a frenzy and the cry goes up: “The Dragon Must Be Slain!”
The Monarch of the land summons the Dragon Slaying Knight to do the deed. The only problem is, Mortimer is a friendly dragon who writes poetry. Our heroes love him and are desperate to save his life. So they travel to the Great Guru on the Mountain, who teaches them how to train their dragon for battle. Old Folks of the Valley tell the story and keep the action flowing as a series of events lead to the climactic battle, an exciting scene where performers and audience join in the fun. It’s a hilarious story that will have you cheering for the dragon and his pals!
The story of a dragon who is reluctant to fight has inspired books, movies and animations. In this version, our hero is a young underdog, who, along with his sidekick, overcomes doubters and bullies to become heroes! Mortimer is lovable and very funny as he learns to become a real dragon. Gentle as the original story, yet fast-paced… don’t miss this exciting dragon play!
The Main Stage Playmakers aims to provide a theater experience for children *ages 7-15, and will have 3 productions a year.
The Center is thrilled to bring live theater to our stage for the first time since the building remodel that was completed in March of 2020. In 2021, The Center for the Arts received a generous gift of $25,000 from EventHelper.com that directly funded the launch of our Children’s Theater Program.
*Age range may vary depending on each production throughout the year.
Paulette Gilbert has worked with children for nearly 30 years as a teacher, actor and director. She holds a BA in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Theatre from Louisiana Tech University. Her extensive experience with professional companies across the country includes a national tour with the Missoula Children’s Theatre. For the past 15 years she has taught and produced theatre for young people in Nevada County. She directed seven Children’s Theatre Ensemble productions for Center Stage Dance Studio, performed at the North Star House. Paulette is also a professional Costume Designer, primarily for the B Street Theatre in Sacramento and locally for Sierra Stages.
"Theater is so impactful because it encourages and enhances a child's capacity for self-expression and their sense of self-esteem. To make this possible, the most important thing about being in a play- is that it should be fun! Beyond it being fun, it is exciting and rewarding for kids to be part of creating something memorable while working closely with others. Every child has something special to add to a theatrical production, and it is deeply fulfilling to explore possibilities and find out what those special things will be. As a director, I love to work on plays with children of all ages and levels of experience, and am always searching for the rich rewards that theater can provide to children and their families."
Thank you to EventHelper.com for their generous gift of $25,000 that directly funded the launch of our Children’s Theater Program.