The Raleigh Little Theatre is gearing up to introduce its youngest audience yet to the wonderful world of theater with its first-ever Theatre for the Very Young (TVY) production, “All Smiles.” Crafted with care by Alliance Theatre and under the expert direction of Terra Hodge, “All Smiles” promises to be an interactive exploration of the myriad ways we express our emotions, particularly joy, through our smiles. This special production, scheduled to delight audiences from September 4 to 15, 2024, at their cozy venue on 301 Pogue Street, Raleigh, NC, is conceived especially with two to five-year-olds in mind.
Through the universal language of smiles, the show embarks on a journey to celebrate the uniqueness of every grin, giggle, and beam. With a rich tapestry of music, movement, and drawing integrated into its format, “All Smiles” isn’t just a passive viewing experience; it’s an invitation for children to participate actively in crafting and sharing moments of happiness. This approach not only entertains but also serves an educational purpose, supporting the development of language and communication skills, and guiding young ones through the complexities of emotions and the fundamentals of forming friendships. It is crafted to be a sensory-friendly affair that fosters a safe environment for emotional expression and cognitive growth, making it a perfect introduction to the arts for tiny patrons.
- Production photo of ‘All Smiles’ bringing to life the magic of expressing emotions through smiles – engaging young audiences at Raleigh Little Theatre. Source: raleighlittletheatre.org
Theatre for the Very Young (TVY), as introduced by “All Smiles,” focuses on engaging children from birth to five years in a form of theater that is primarily non-verbal and highly interactive. The philosophy behind TVY is to nurture an early appreciation for storytelling and creative play, thereby laying the groundwork for cognitive and emotional development within this critical age group. Supported by Triangle Family Magazine, as part of RLT’s Family Series Media Sponsorship, the production promises an enriching experience designed to pull the very young into the magical world of theatre.
By offering this pioneering TVY production, the Raleigh Little Theatre is not just filling a gap in the cultural landscape for Raleigh’s youngest inhabitants; it’s also investing in the future of arts appreciation and empathetic citizenship. Through “All Smiles,” RLT aspires to foster a generation of youngsters who are not only more in tune with their emotions and those of others but also deeply connected to the transformative power of the arts. In this way, “All Smiles” stands as a testament to the theatre’s commitment to community, inclusivity, and the nurturing of the human spirit from the tenderest of ages.
