Each year, The REP provides a multitude of entertainment options geared toward children and families. These performances are more than a sideshow, a break from the beach or temporary distraction. Performance art inspires creativity in all ages and brings communities together at a central space: the stage. An elementary bedtime story or fairytale springs to life and makes something unreal, real.
Audiences of all ages can learn from the arts. Performance art allows patrons to sense different perspectives and even gather a sense of good judgment as protagonist and antagonist characters develop. The arts make us dig deeper to find words that convey emotion felt through vivid imagery. They make us truly feel and construct a sense of belonging amongst spectators. Reminisce on an audience clapping along to a song. That is a cohesive action brought on by group participation in performance and it feels good! Society needs more moments like this. It fuels the need to exist as humans together, and public art crosses all bounds.
This wonderful community recognizes the need for connection in shared spaces. Visitors and locals should all be so lucky to be a part of it. As The REP enters into its 18th year of performance in Seaside, cast members seek out new ways to engage young and old. From a Shakespeare themed rap over Snoop Dogg’s “Drop it Like it’s Hot” to King Arthur’s “Fair and Gracious Guinevere” to the tune of the Backstreet Boys “I Want It That Way,” it might all seem silly on first glance. But many do a double take. Infusing familiar tunes and pop culture references are fun song and dance for the kids, but they grasp adult attention. Suddenly they think, “What just happened? Did I really just hear them rap about Othello and Jello?” Now, they are into it and following the story for the remainder of the show, bringing their children up for autographs from the cast, tacking a sticker on their white linen shirt. Sure, it is for the kids, but theater is much more.
This spring you can catch The REP’s professional cast as they stage free performances in public spaces throughout Seaside — Mondays at 6 p.m., “The Prince & The Pauper” on the Seaside Amphitheater stage; Mondays through Fridays at 3:30 p.m., Stories by the Sea storytelling sessions with audience participation for all ages at 45 Central Square (Solomon Square). Be a part of the silly fun at The REP’s infamous Improv Boot Camp for Kids each Tuesday & Thursday at 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. (drop off) for ages 5 to 14, $25.
For a full schedule of events, tickets or more information visit LoveTheREP.com or call (850) 231-0733.
Visit us online at The Rep.