Van Wezel Schooltime Performances

Van Wezel Schooltime Performances

Teach beyond the classroom! Van Wezel Schooltime Performances present high quality, nationally and internationally renowned artists and performances for area students. 

Each Schooltime Performance connects to Florida Standards through engaging, awe-inspiring performing arts.

2025 Make-A-Day of It! options are:

GRUFFALO'S CHILD
Suggested for Grades PreK through 3
Wednesday, January 22 at 10:00 AM and 11:45 AM
Length: 60 minutes

The Gruffalo said that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood…
Follow the Gruffalo’s Child on her adventurous mission in Tall Stories’ enchanting adaptation of the much-loved picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.  One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s Child ignores her father’s warnings about the Big Bad Mouse and tiptoes out into the night.  She follows snowy tracks and encounters all sorts of woodland creatures, including a debonair snake, eccentric owl and a cunning fox.  But the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist, does he?  And what will the Gruffalo’s Child do when she finds him?

Three performers use Tall Stories’ distinctive style of physical storytelling combined with humor and catchy original music to create this lively performance. A wonderful follow-up to the original Gruffalo production but also perfect for anyone new to the deep dark wood…  Join the Gruffalo’s Child on her brave adventure and let your imagination run wild with songs, laughs and scary fun for everyone!

LIGHTWIRE'S MOON MOUSE
Suggested for Grades PreK through 5
Monday, February 10 at 10:00 AM and 11:45 AM
Length: 60 minutes

Marvin the Mouse wants to be popular. Constantly bullied and picked on by the “cool” rats, he is labeled as a loser and a geek. As respite from the continuous badgering, Marvin retreats into his science books and a world of fantasy. He longs to have adventures and to be the hero. Join Marvin on the space adventure of a lifetime: a trip to the surface of the moon on his homemade rocket where he meets a strange cast of misfit creatures, learns of infinite peril, and views awesome beauty.

Will Marvin make his dreams come true and experience the glory and acceptance he craves? Lightwire Theater is proud to present Moon Mouse, a cosmic adventure about celebrating differences.

MISTER G'S SENORITA MARIPOSA
Suggested for Grades K through 5
Tuesday, March 11 at 10:00 AM and 11:45 AM
Length: 60 minutes
Bilingual Show in Spanish and English

MISTER G (Ben Gundersheimer) is a Latin GRAMMY Award-winning artist, author, and educator. Hailed as “a bilingual rock star” by The Washington Post, and “irresistible” by People magazine, he tours internationally playing everywhere from Lollapalooza and Lincoln Center to climate change rallies on Capitol Hill. An official partner of the United States Forest Service and the author of four multicultural picture books published by Penguin Random House, MISTER G’s stories and songs performances aim to help children see each other across borders and foster cross-cultural connections.

WBBT'S BRER TIGER AND THE BIG WIND
Suggested for Grades K through 5
Thursday, April 3 at 10:00 AM and 11:45 AM
Length: 60 minutes

A heartwarming musical re-telling of the William J. Faulkner classic tale. Playfully reimagined by Jim Weaver and his talented artists at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe, this musical will sing, dance, and growl its way into your heart!