COCA Expands Its Theatre Series to Thrill the Entire Family

It’s hard to plan a night at the theater that everyone in the family can enjoy. There’s not enough slapstick for the kids, not enough action for dad, and not enough Justin Timberlake for mom.

However, with the Center of Creative Arts’ new COCA Presents series, debuting October 19, you’ll discover an enchanting theater experience that will keep every member of the family glued to his or her seat. COCA Presents has taken COCA’s popular Family Theatre Series of the past and expanded it to offerings that appeal to all ages.

Explained Shawna Flanigan, director of arts education programs and curator of COCA Presents, “We had heard from audiences that their children were aging out of the series very quickly. In their evaluation forms, there were asking for more options in the series for their older children.

"One goal in creating a broader series was in response to that feedback," she continued, "so you see work like H+, Nearly Lear and Trick Boxing that wouldn’t have been formerly included but that are attractive offerings for ‘tweens’ and ‘teens.’”

In addition, by expanding the series to run year-round, COCA has been able to meet the schedules of innovative and international touring companies who can bring their exception offerings to a St. Louis stage as well as shine a spotlight on COCA’s own student dance, theatre and vocal ensemble companies. The series includes:

• Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, October 19-20, ages 3-10: Family-friendly recording artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo brings his positive storytelling and hip-hop beats to excited audiences.
• The Turn of the Screw, October 25-26, ages teen to adult: Flanigan directs Henry James’ creepy thriller – are there ghosts haunting a group of orphans or is it their governess’ imagination?
• John Cabrera: H+, November 2, ages teen to adult: The popular apocalyptical digital web series hits the COCA stage and includes a Q&A with creator, John Cabrera.
• Pinocchio, November 16-17, ages 5- 12: Théâtre Tout à Trac debuts the English-language premiere of its artful retelling of the classic children’s tale.
• The Little Dancer: Through a New Lens, December 14-15, all ages: A stunning ballet brings to life Degas’ famous statue, accented by works from St. Louis photographer Stewart Halperin.
• Cleo Parker Robison Dance Ensemble, January 11-12, ages 5+: An incredible collaboration between the professional dance company and COCA’s own COCAdance and The Hip-Hop Crew.
• Swallows and Amazons, January 25-26, ages 5+: Featuring teens from the COCA Theatre Company, this action-packed musical follows an exotic and imaginative adventure.
• Samba, February 8, ages 5+: Featuring African drumming, puppets and ornate costumes, Samba explores West African folklore through a unique and imaginative theater experience.
• Nearly Lear, February 22, ages teen to adult: Actress Susanna Hamnett turns Shakespeare on his head with a humorous twist on one of the bard’s most beloved tales.
• Snail and the Whale, March 22-23, ages 3-10: Based on the beloved children’s book, this fun-filled, music-tinged tale follows the adventures of a world-traveling little snail.
• Love, May 3-4, ages 5+: Terrapin Puppet Theatre combines live action with traditional and digital puppets to share the story of a young boy who rallies his community in a catastrophe.
• Trick Boxing, June 7 and 14, ages teen to adult: The relationship between a struggling boxer and a professional dancer is told through energetic dance, puppetry and dialogue.
• Ragtime, July 25-26, ages teen to adult: McNally’s much-loved turn-of-the-century musical starring COCA students caps off the series and sets the scene for COCA Summer Musical’s 10^th anniversary.

Single tickets for COCA Presents shows are currently available, or purchase a series subscription package to make sure your family doesn’t miss a moment of the excitement. Visit www.cocastl.org or call the Box Office at 314-561-4877 for more information.

COCA Presents is an incredible way to introduce kids to theater or keep the passion of current theater fans going strong.

Remarked Flanigan, “I hope that audiences leave the series with an expanded interest in the arts – many of these shows happen at the intersection of multiple art forms and with wildly different approaches to storytelling. I hope that they challenge our audiences to step outside of their comfort zone and engage their imaginations in new ways.”

^{Photo courtesy of COCA}