Set Sail on a Treasure Hunt of Early Learning!

Ahoy, parents! Imagine a world where colors swell and swirl like pirate ships on the open sea, sounds sparkle like shiny golden doubloons, and stories unfold like a map leading to hidden chests overflowing with wonder. Welcome to Theatre for the Very Young (TVY)—a treasure trove of early learning experiences for our tiniest explorers!

Our current TVY adventure is called Yo, Ho, Ho! Let’s Go! and follows our friends Pirate, Crabbers the Crab, and Parry the Parrot as they follow a treasure map in search of hidden loot. Highly interactive, this theatre experience includes music, puppetry, participation, and lots of hearty laughs.

Think of TVY as a secret pirate map crafted just for your little crew. Babies and toddlers are invited to dive into a sensory-rich world where music, movement, and vibrant visuals captivate their curious minds. TVY creates an experience that is not only just right for our youngest explorers but also provides an opportunity for parents to join in the adventure! Ready to set sail? Let’s uncover the treasures TVY has in store for your child!

Preparing for the Voyage: Tips for a Smooth Sail

Before we hoist the sails, here are a few things to make your journey smoother and get your pirates excited. 

• Concerned your little pirate might not last through the entire show? Fear not! Most young adventurers stay captivated for the full 30 minute voyage. If a break is needed, you are welcome to step in and out of the theatre as needed. There is ample space on the sides of the room for a pirate who just needs a bit of a stroll. Bringing along a comfort item, like a trusty pirate’s toy or blanket, can also make the voyage smoother and more enjoyable.
• When you arrive, check in at the front of the theatre where little pirates will receive a telescope to spot pirate treasures on their way to the performance. Outside and inside the building, you will find a variety of pirate-themed activities including a treasure dig sandbox, coloring sheets, and a photo op for capturing your swashbuckling memories.
• You can park your stroller in the lobby or bring it into the theatre. The best seating for your pirate adventure is on the floor, but there are chairs available for those who prefer a more comfortable perch.
• If you wish to capture the magic of your little buccaneer enjoying the performance, feel free to snap away or record the moments! Just be mindful of your fellow sea travelers who are also there to treasure these memories with their young scallywags.
• During the grand adventure, your little pirate will be given items to aid in their quest and bring the tale to life. These precious trinkets should be left behind or returned to the performers as you disembark the theatre. Let’s ensure no swiped or misplaced booty on this grand voyage!

What treasures await?

Language Development: The Gold Coins of Communication

As you and your little one embark on the TVY adventure, you will discover that these performances are more than just captivating shows—they are linguistic treasure hunts! Through catchy sing-alongs, repetitive phrases, and engaging characters, Yo, Ho, Ho! Let’s Go! introduces young minds to new vocabulary and language patterns. Research shows that children exposed to language-rich environments develop stronger language skills. Since nearly 90% of your child’s brain develops before kindergarten, every new word and phrase is like finding a gold coin on a treasure map! 

Emotional Development: The Rare Jewels of Understanding and Empathy

Arrr, mateys! On this quest, your child will also uncover the precious gems of emotional understanding. As characters in Theatre for the Very Young performances navigate a range of feelings and adventures, your little one learns to recognize and empathize with different emotions. In Yo, Ho, Ho! Let’s Go, Pirate experiences emotions such as joy, surprise, confusion, and fear. Young adventurers see Pirate manage these emotions and begin to understand they have that power as well. Studies reveal that engaging with emotional content helps young ones develop empathy and better emotional regulation. These jewels will serve them well as they grow and navigate their own emotional seas.

Motor Skills and Coordination: Valuable Trinkets of Interaction

Get ready to join the crew in some swashbuckling fun! TVY performances often involve movement— such as grabbing a scarf to make waves in the ocean, picking up a seashell for the sandcastle, squawking like a parrot, or using their hands to make a telescope and spot items on the map. Just like a pirate battening down the hatches, your child’s physical activity during these performances aids their growth and development. Research highlights the vital link between physical activity and cognitive advancement in young adventurers. These fine and gross motor skills are not just about physical capabilities—they support cognitive functions, including problem-solving, memory, attention, spatial awareness, and social-emotional skills. 

The Ultimate Treasure: A Happy and Engaged Child

X Marks the Spot! This creative adventure promises to enrich your child’s early development and, at the end of this treasure hunt, you will find the ultimate prize—a happy, engaged child brimming with curiosity and joy!

Attending a Theatre for the Very Young performance is not just about the treasure for your child; it is also about strengthening the bonds between you and your little matey. Shared experiences create lasting memories and deepen the parent-child relationship. Engage in creative play inspired by the performance before and after you go. And don’t set sail for home without checking out our TVY at Home page or signing up for other parent-child experiences such as Baby and Me (0-24 month olds) or Story Stroll (2-3 year olds)—all opportunities to spend quality creative time together building a strong crew!

They grow up so fast—do not miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience. Make theatre a life-long tradition right from the start! Orlando Family Stage is the only professional theatre dedicated to young audiences in the state of Florida! We are so fortunate to have this treasure in our community. This unique programming for children 0-5 years old is unlike anything else in town. 

Your adventure awaits! Get your tickets here!