The Theatre of Youth (TOY) and Talking Leaves Books are teaming up to create a Theatre of Youth Book Club for Buffalo’s younger audiences and their families. The concept is to give children the full experience of a story by teaching them about the themes of selected books and then letting them watch these stories come to life on stage.
“Educators have been making the connection between the books their students read and the live performances we give onstage for years,” said Eva-Marie Edukonis, TOY marketing manager. “The combination of reading and seeing the stories come to life offers a unique teachable moment for teachers and now we want to offer that experience to parents as well. By joining the Theatre of Youth Book Club, parents and children can make reading a fun way of spending time together while exploring the themes and characters of favorite books. They can then join other parents and children to discuss those topics in an engaging and entertaining way, while enjoying treats inspired by the stories themselves! The experience culminates with the chance to enjoy the story that they have been reading performed live, on our stage. What better way to introduce our young people to the theatrical experience?”
Book club members will have the chance to participate in book club meetings with refreshments provided. They will also receive a 15% discount off their book purchase at Talking Leaves Books, $5 off ticket prices to this season’s TOY performances, and discounted tuition to TOY’s Summer Theatre School.
The first book club meeting will take place on Saturday, March 12 at 1 p.m. at the Talking Leaves Bookstore located at 3158 Main Street. This meeting will center on the Theatre’s first installment, “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing.” The meeting is recommended for children ages 6 through 10 years and their parents or guardians. The on-stage performance of “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing” will open on March 25.
The second installment will be “How I Became A Pirate,” which will be coming in May. This story is recommended for ages 4 and older. The stage performance will take place on May 13 at 7 p.m.
Children who wish to participate in the TOY Book Club should have their parent or guardian email bookclub@theatreofyouth.org with their name, age, the name of the adult joining them, and their phone number.
All performances take place at the Time Warner Cable Family Stage at the Allendale Theatre, located at 203 Allen Street. Tickets for both plays are already on sale for $20 per person and group rates are also available. These tickets can be purchased online at the TOY website or by calling the box office at 884-440 ext. 304.
Sarah Maurer
I moved to Buffalo to attend Canisius College in 2007 and began writing for Buffalo Rising as a journalism intern in 2010. Working with Newell and meeting numerous entrepreneurs, activists and everyday folks who were working to make their city better made a huge impact on my decision to stay here. After witnessing all the positive development and grassroots initiatives happening in neighborhoods throughout the city, I was inspired to pursue a term of service in AmeriCorps and a career in Buffalo's non-profit sector. I currently work in the housing department at the Lt. Col. Matt Urban Human Services Center of WNY and am excited to be a part of their ongoing efforts to revitalize the Broadway Fillmore neighborhood. I also volunteer as the project coordinator for Artfarms Buffalo. I continue to write for Buffalo Rising because I love having the opportunity to stay connected to those working toward positive changes for the Queen City.