Having a Ball with Balloons!

My family and I recently attended The Alliance Theatre's Theatre for the Very Young production of “Waiting for Balloon, ” which is an ideal first stage experience for children ages five and younger. 

Fifteen minutes before the show began, each audience member was given the task of drawing their very own balloon to be used in the play.  There were plenty of crayons and paper available on each table as the kids let their imaginations go wild.  My little girl had a great time coloring her balloon pink and purple!  Once it was time for the play to begin, everyone lined up and received a piece of yarn or “ticket” and followed the “conductor” to the black box theatre.  Upon entering, each child turned in their ticket and rang the bell.  After everyone was seated the show began. 
Immediately the kids were drawn in as the play swung into action with rhythmic beats and clapping.  Throughout the play, the audience laughed hysterically along with the friendly clown-like characters leading the action as they took the kids on a search for “balloon.”  The characters didn't know what a balloon was, so we investigated many things on our journey, like a beach ball, a huge dog bone, an alien, butterflies, and even kids!  The actors mistook all of these for “balloon,” which really gave the crowd something to laugh about.  The play also included counting and vocabulary words in English and Spanish.It was a morning of high energy, drama and suspense – everything that kids love. Based on the laughs, smiles and excitement in the room, this play is definitely kid-approved!

– Caren Davis Lightfoot