Introduce Your Kids to a Little Culture

It’s time once again for a little Mom Talk. Patch takes the chance to inform our readers – moms, dads, grandparents and family friends alike – of something new each week.

This week, we take a question from a reader in Norristown.

Dear Patch,

I want my kids to have a little bit of culture in their lives. I don’t think they are quite ready for a Broadway show, but I’d love to work more live theater into their routine.

Do you know of any good spots in Montgomery County to have them experience that? I feel like a trip downtown might be too much, and at their ages (6 and 10) I am not sure what levels would be best.

Any suggestions?

Sincerely,

Janet M., of Norristown

Thanks for the question, Janet. There are a number of great alternatives to the city in the area for some theater and whatever their age, there are plenty of shows to take kids to in and around Montgomery County. It is a great way to entertain them in a new way and introduce the arts into their lives.

Norristown-based Theatre Horizon is a great place to bring the arts into your children’s lives. Besides various shows scheduled seasonally throughout the year (many of which are great for all ages), Theatre Horizon also runs a summer camp to teach children more about performing arts. The organization also sponsors an afterschool drama program, in addition to an Autism program.

But that's not the only theater game in town. Norristown is also home to the and Iron Age Theatre Company. The two are key resources for live theater.

In Abington, there is Storybook Musical Theatre. The group has a varied schedule, bringing a touch of the musical theater world into children’s lives. Their mission is to bring “cultural enrichment and entertainment of children and their families by introducing to and developing a life-long appreciation for musical theater through original adaptations of folk tales and children’s literature,” according to the organization’s website.

Storybook Musical Theatre performs at both the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in Bryn Athyn and at the Bluett Theatre at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

For more on the schedule, which offers a number of productions each year, visit the site.

Another great local resources is the Keswick Theatre. This iconic venue not only has shows for all ages, but great choices like the upcoming “Bunny Party” staring Nick favorites Max and Ruby on Sunday, April 30. “Bunny Party” is guaranteed to appeal to the youngest in the family, while a show like Clay Aiken on Sunday, Feb. 27 may appeal to the 'tweens.

On March 6, the Keswick will play host to the Peking Acrobats at 3 p.m. with 20 “mind-bending acrobats, contortionists, jugglers and more” to entertain those of all ages, according to the Theatre’s website.

There are plenty of arts right here in our own county – especially for children. Check out the resources above by clicking on the blue links. If you think we’ve missed one, please add it here in the comments section! We’d love your feedback about additional arts programs in the area.