A cornerstone of its programming is the family series, which ensures that theater is not only accessible but also educational and enriching for young audiences. With productions designed for children, the family series aims to foster a love of theater while teaching important lessons.
A theater for everyone
Zach Theatre isn’t just a space for adults to enjoy; it's a welcoming environment for families, including young children.
"Our goal is to make sure we’re offering the same high-quality, professional theater as we do on our mainstage, but with content that is specifically designed for children and families," Director of Youth Programming Nat Miller said. "We offer a mainstage series that’s primarily for adults, but our family series is designed for children starting in preschool, and we’re even adding a series for the very young—ages six months to 5 years old."
This dedication to serving young audiences, along with the addition of theater camps and community outreach programs, underscores Zach Theatre’s commitment to arts education and engagement.
"The content in our family series is carefully chosen to align with what’s suitable for children," Miller said."While our mainstage productions may involve adult situations and language, our family shows are crafted to focus on different educational aspects, such as literacy, social-emotional learning and positive life lessons."
The family series is particularly significant in the post-pandemic era, with the goal of reaching 30,000 children annually. These performances not only introduce young minds to the magic of live theater but also tackle important social themes—such as empathy, friendship and responsibility—in a relatable and accessible way.
Diverse productions for every child
Zach Theatre is dedicated to offering a variety of productions that cater to diverse audiences, ensuring all children and families feel included and represented. The family series feature performances that are bilingual, accessible and tailored to different needs. These productions not only provide high-quality entertainment but also reflect the cultural diversity of Austin and ensure accessibility for all children, regardless of background or ability.
“We want to make sure that every child—no matter their race, socio-economic status or any other factors—can fully participate in the magic of theater,” Miller said.
The 2024-25 family series includes a variety of engaging and educational productions. For instance, the beloved “Holiday Heroes,” a holiday tradition that has been running for over 20 years, continues to warm the hearts of Austin families with its festive music and positive messages.
Another highlight is “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!,” a musical adaptation of Mo Willems' popular children's book. Aimed at pre-K audiences, this show brings the beloved character to life in an energetic, fun and educational way. The production emphasizes literacy and social-emotional learning, key components of the family series.
"We want kids to connect with the stories and the themes they explore—whether it's about finding your purpose or learning how to be a good friend," Miller said.
The theater offers study guides and enrichment materials to help families engage more deeply with the shows. The goal is to spark meaningful conversations and help children and parents reflect on what they’ve seen and deepen their understanding of the themes presented.
Starting this season, Zach Theatre’s Family Series introduces a Pay-What-You-Will Program, offering over 300 seats per season to ensure all families in the Greater Austin community can experience live theater. Tickets are available at any price, starting at noon on the first Tuesday of each show’s run, while supplies last. This program, made possible by Michelle and Eric Natinsky, helps make theater accessible to families of all backgrounds.
Building community through live theater
The importance of live theater for young people cannot be overstated. Theater fosters empathy and appreciation for literature, while building a shared cultural experience.
"Theater is an art form that tells stories about the human experience, and when we make it accessible, we’re saying that everyone belongs here," Miller said.
By reaching children from all backgrounds, Zach Theatre hopes to inspire the next generation of theater lovers and ensure the art form continues to thrive.
The family series at Zach Theatre is a wonderful way for families to experience the magic of live performance together. With its emphasis on high-quality, educational and accessible programming, it’s clear that Zach Theatre is dedicated to nurturing young minds and building a more inclusive, compassionate community. Whether you’re bringing a child to their first show or enjoying a classic with your family, the family series offers something for everyone.
To explore all the exciting productions in the family series, visit Zach Theatre’s website for more information and tickets.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
