14 Philly Fringe Shows You Can Actually Bring Your Kids To
Philly Fringe Festival returns every year in September. With tons of independent productions exploding with talent and unique ideas, it's such a wonderful time to check out theatre, dance performances, and more in Philadelphia. If you have kids, it can be quite the challenge to find the right Fringe show. Many shows in the festival feature adult themes and content, and ocassionally even nudity, so just how do you navigate this amazing festival with children? Don't worry, we've made it easy by rounding up tons of great Fringe shows that are safe to bring the kiddos to. So get ready to see some spectacular shows like nothing you've ever seen before.
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A Billion Nights on Earth
Presented by Thaddeus Phillips + Steven Dufala at FringeArts
September 14-17, 2017
Intended for ages 3 and up, watch as a father and son duo find themselves on an adventure through space and time. Objects on the stage appear to come to life as if from a giant pop-up book and the show itself pulls inspiration from children's stories and kabuki stagecraft, and includes spellbinding theatrics.
A Period of Animate Existence
Presented by Pig Iron Theatre Company at Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts- Zellerbach Theatre
September 22-24, 2017
Three generations of choirs, a chamber orchestra, and actors all come together to create this unique performance. Over 80 performers are involved with the production of this show, including the Philadelphia Boys and Girls Choirs.
Follow Me Through the Gates
Presented by Dragon's Eye Theatre at Independence Library
September 16, 23, & 30 2017
Taking place at the Independence Library, this one is specifically intended for kids age 5-10 and their adults. If you check their Facebook page, you can even visit the library while they're rehearsing to help them create the show!
Note: The September 30 show is not part of Fringe festival dates. Visit the theatre's website for tickets and information for this date.
Lost In The Woods
Presented by A Moment for Music at German Society of Pennsylvania
September 17, 2017
The story of Hansel & Gretel is reimagined with original music and more.
Aunty Ben
Presented by ReNew Theatre Company at William Way LGBT Community Center
September 15-18, 2017
Appropriate for kids 8 and up, Aunty Ben is about a 9 year-old girl and her favorite Uncle Ben who also happens to be a drag queen.
The Edge of the Rock
The Rock School for Dance Education
September 23, 2017
Watch the young talent from Rock School of Dance perform during this 45-minute show- perfect for budding ballerinas!
#DogsofFringeArts
Presented by FringeArts at La Peg
September 14-19, 2017
Visit La Peg Beer Garden to meet some of the dogs of Fringe at this pay-what-you-wish event! This one isn't really a show, but who can resist petting some adorable pups while enjoying some "Yappy Hour" specials?
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Movemakers Philly
September 15-23, 2017
Movemakers Philly is a hip-hop dance school presenting this performance of movement and sound for all ages.
Life Lines
Presented by Tangle Movement Arts at Neighborhood House
September 6-9, 2017
During this 90-minute circus-theatre show watch acrobats from Tangle Movement use trapezes and aerial silks to soar above the stage.
Roll Play: An Improvised Adventure
Presented by Roll Play at The Adrienne Theatre
September 8, 10, & 17, 2017
Perfect for kids 10 and up who love Dungeons and Dragons, this improvised show is facilitated by a Dungeon Master and the players' fates are decided by a roll of the dice.
*The FREN BANKLIN Experience!*
Presented by Fren Banklin at your home
Find out the Revolutionary history of your own Philadelphia home when Fren Banklin, the notoriously unreliable cousin of Ben Franklin comes for a visit.
Mistress of the Maze
Presented by WeftWorks at CHI Movements Art Center
September 16 & 17, 2017
Masks, movement, and music fuel this new/ancient story of a Minoan goddess.
PRIDE PARADE!
Presented by Wesley Flash at Rittenhouse Square
September 8-17, 2017
This interactive walking tour features music, dancing, and more.
I, Peaseblossom
Presented by Curio Theatre Company at the Woodlands
September 13-17, 2017
Get a new perspective on Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream as told by one neglected fairy. This is a free outdoor production hosted by The Woodland Cemetery. Bring your own chairs and blankets!
Photo of A Period of Animate Existence by Maria Barinova for Pig Iron Theatre Company
Places featured in this article:
Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts
Independence Library
German Society of Pennsylvania
William Way LGBT Community Center
The Rock School for Dance Education
Movemakers Philly
Neighborhood House
Adrienne Theatre
CHI Movement Arts Center
The Woodlands