Wagonstage Theatre

Wagonstage brings theatre to children

Alumnus Clem Martini's* children’s play, Shooshoo and Vlum, is back on tour in Calgary this summer and it may be coming to a park near you.

It’s presented by U of C’s Wagonstage Theatre, a travelling children’s theatre company made up of third-year U of C drama students. Directed by Braden Griffith, Shooshoo and Vlum is a gentle comedy about eccentric fraternal twins who are getting used to a new addition in their world, a baby brother named Libby.

Clem, BFA'82, is the head of U of C’s Department of Drama and he wrote Shooshoo and Vlum about 20 years ago and updated it for Wagonstage's 2010 summer season. “We also revived it to celebrate Wagonstage’s 40th anniversary in 2011,” says Clem. “The play is great fun and the kind of production where the whole family will laugh.”

Wagonstage exposes children to live theatre, many of whom experience theatre for the first time at a Wagonstage performance. “Kids are a great audience and you know when you’re engaging with them because they laugh and participate,” says Clem. “Children’s theatre provides (U of C drama) students with a great opportunity to learn, but it’s also a time for them to hone their craft.”

Shooshoo and Vlum promises to be a comedy for the entire family, so bring a blanket and picnic for 50 minutes of laughter and slapstick comedy with Wagonstage.

Aug. 3, noon, Olympic Park

Aug. 13, 11 a.m., Riley Park

For further information, please click here.

*To learn more about Clem and his work, please visit his website.