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Bookworms

Kerfuffle’s Bookworms

A Play for Very Young Children

  • Written by Jeff Sachs
  • Directed by Jamie Macpherson

Running time: 45 minutes

Step inside a library like no other, a space of wonder and imagination where every story that ever was and ever will be lives. But what happens Beyond the Bookshelves?

In Bookworms, a Storyteller arrives with books to share, only to discover that the stories have been mixed up. When two mischievous bookworms appear from beyond the shelves, the audience must help decide how the stories unfold.

This interactive play blends traditional storytelling with live music, movement, puppetry, and problem solving. Children and caregivers are invited to celebrate the joy of storytelling and the creativity that lives in us all.

Best enjoyed by children ages 3 to 6 with their caregivers.

A pre-show coloring activity begins 15 minutes before each performance.

Synopsis

Kerfuffle

Kerfuffle is an award-winning Chicago-based theatre and dance company devoted to creating aesthetically and emotionally engaging performances for children ages 0-6 years old. Founded in 2015, Kerfuffle centers young children as major creative partners in the development of new work and shares playful, multi-sensory performances in museums, libraries, parks, and other nontraditional spaces. Children’s imagination is at the center of Kerfuffle’s process. In order to understand what engages, delights, and surprises children, Kerfuffle’s plays are developed through creative drama workshops where young people create stories, characters, and worlds in collaboration with adult artists. Kerfuffle is a registered 501(c)3 organization and is the 2020 recipient of the Zeta Phi Eta-Winifred Ward Outstanding New Children's Theatre Company Award through the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. Visit www.kerfuffletvy.com for more information.

Performance Schedule

Field Trip Performances

Available for schools and groups. Fill out the Field Trip Request Form or contact WT's Education team at education@writerstheatre.org with inquiries.

  • Thursday, November 13 at 9:30 am and 11:00 am
  • Friday, November 14 at 9:30 am and 11:00 am

Public Performances

Tickets available through the Box Office/Online

  • Saturday, November 15 at 9:30 am and 11:00 am
  • Sunday, November 16 at 9:30 am and 11:00 am

Theatre for the very young

What is Theatre for the Very Young?

  • A professional performance created specifically for children ages 0 to 6 and their caregivers/families
  • An artistic experience that transcends age, development, and language barriers
  • An opportunity to nurture focus, imagination, and creative thinking
  • A cultural experience designed on the young audience’s own terms
  • An inventive approach to high-quality art experiences
  • A fun and inspiring adventure for both children and grown ups

Cast

Michael-Ellen Walden

Storyteller

Yongwoo Park

Musician

Josh Bernaski

Bookworm

Serena Collins

Bookworm

Nic Russo

Performance Facilitator/Puppeteer Understudy

Linnaea Groh

Performance Facilitator Understudy/Musician Understudy

Creative

Jeff Sachs

Author

Jamie Macpherson

Director

Amy Gilman

Scenic & Properties Designer

Jade Zhang

Costume Designer

Haleigh Kent

Storyteller's Costume Designer

Rich Goss

Puppet Designer

Michele Stine

Dragon Puppet Designer

Kalyssa Montoya

Music Consultant

Kelly Joyce Fielder

Poster Art

Miranda Taylor

Stage Manager

Miranda is a type one diabetic, Chicago-based theatre artist. Miranda studied at Gordon College, specializing in Theatre, Psychology and Management and received her Master’s from Adelphi University in Educational Theatre Production Management. She has worked at Skyline Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, Proboscis Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Kerfuffle Productions, and been a part of a number of New Works projects. They are passionate about developing new works, supporting young artists, creating safe spaces for artists of all abilities and provoking empathy.