Sydney Opera House unveils fun-filled kids and families program for spring

Sydney — Thursday 15 August 2024

An invigorating line-up of three stage shows and 24 creative workshops will run from September to November 2024 for Sydney Opera House’s kids and families spring season.

Highlights of the program include Bangarra’s first performance made for children, Waru - Journey of the small turtle, Monkey Baa’s stage adaptation of the beloved children's book, Edward the Emu, and Big Sky, an exciting Sydney premiere from Australia’s very own made by-kids-for-kids Flying Fruit Fly Circus.

Spring offers an abundance of workshops where kids of all ages can participate in creative experiences including music playtime, costume design, and free pirate portrait and rock lobster dancing workshops for ocean-loving littlies! 

Sydney Opera House Head of Children, Families and Creative Learning, Tamara Harrison says: "This spring season we are in for a lot of fun, whether you decide to join us on an interactive and immersive journey to Torres Strait Islander culture with Waru, follow Edward the Emu on his grand adventure of self-discovery, be captivated by the phenomenal circus skills of Big Sky, or be inspired through our various creative workshops, we can’t wait for you to experience the magic and excitement that awaits beneath our sails.”

Spring program highlights include:

All ages

• Big Sky || 28 September – 5 October: This Sydney premiere of a new performance by world-renowned Flying Fruit Fly Circus follows 12 unforgettable characters who take audiences on a journey across regional Australia unfolding over a single night. Performed by kids, the work will showcase dazzling up-close circus stunts as they get caught up in mischief.

Children and families (3 – 11 year olds)

• Edward the Emu || 27 September – 6 October: Based on the timeless Australian classic by Sheena Knowles, this Monkey Baa stage adaption is a magical retelling of Edward and Edwina the Emu's heartwarming and hilarious adventure. Featuring inventive design, exceptional puppetry and original music, this is the perfect theatrical experience for audiences aged 4+.
• Waru - Journey of the small turtle || 9 – 10 October: Bangarra’s first dedicated children’s work, created by former Bangarra Artistic Director Stephen Page, together with Hunter Page-Lochard and Bangarra alumni dancers and choreographers Sani Townson and Elma Kris. This interactive and immersive introduction to Torres Strait Islander culture and dance sees audiences aged 3+ joining heroine Migi, a small turtle, as she navigates her way back to the beach where she was born.
• Sydney Rock Lobster Shake || 13 October: Inspired by the art of fan dancing and synchronised swimming, this free Sunday workshop with Western Sydney artist Anney Bounpraseuth guides participants aged 7 - 11 in making and decorating their own choice of wearable rock lobster claws or pearly clammy hands before choreographing and performing a group dance routine.
• ARRRGHTY Pirate Self Portraits || 24 November: Transform into a pirate in this step-by-step makeup art play workshop with Western Sydney artist Anney Bounpraseuth, where participants will be taught how to get into character and create the illusion of a bandana, stubble, scars, moustaches and eye patches in. This free event is suitable for children aged 7 – 11 years.

Young people & adults (17+ years old)

• Stagecraft Studio: Costume Design || 14 October:  Participants aged 17+ will delve into the world of creating designs for set and costumes with award-winning designer Isabel Hudson. Hudson will walk audiences through the entire theatre design process, unveiling her creative process from brainstorming ideas to the final production.

Babies (0 – 2 years)

• Kids Music Playtime || 20 September – 6 December: An interactive introduction to music for babies aged 0-2 and their carers, this Sydney Youth Orchestra workshop helps toddlers discover the glorious world of song and dance through different music styles; classical favourites, folksy blues and catchy nursery rhymes for everyone to move, dance, wobble, spin, shout and sing along to.