A unique outdoor immersive theatre experience for children grades K-5 to discover nature through the lens of a play.
The audience of young adventurers (and their caregivers) move through the outdoor forest environment to a series of locations, interacting with mythical and imaginative creatures along the way. They must quickly learn about the natural world to find clues and solve the mysterious whereabouts of Squeak and Squawk - two mice children.
Performers, costumes, music — all theatrical elements — are creatively inspired by and rooted in the natural world to enhance each audience member’s understanding and connection. Produced by Stage Partners of Stamford.
Tickets for Members - $10
Tickets for Non-Members - $15
Children and families participating in this program will be hiking along the trail. This program is for children in Kindergarten - 5th grade only. Due to the nature of this production, it is not recommended for children under age 5. Children are encouraged to interact with the actors and their caregivers must be present on the trail with their cell phones silenced. You cannot have strollers on the trail. This is not a drop-off program. Late arrivals will not be able to join the production on the trail.
What Ticket Holders need to know
Off the Trail for Squeak and Squawk is an interactive theatre piece that happens on the nature trail. Make sure you are prepared. Like any nature hike, be sure you have comfortable shoes, some bug spray, and your sense of adventure. Audience members will have the chance to interact with the characters in the play. We still must be respectful of their personal space and the progression of the performance.
Please arrive 15 minutes before the show starts at the Overbrook Nature Center to check in and meet your guide. Late arrivals will not be able to join the program on the trail. You cannot have strollers on the trail. This show is specifically for children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade and their caregivers. This is not a drop-off program.
Conceived by Jason and Maria Pizzarello in 2021, Off the Trail for Squeak and Squawk is a unique outdoor immersive theatre experience for children K-5 to discover nature through the lens of a play. The audience of young adventurers (and their parents) move through the outdoor forest environment to a series of locations, interacting with mythical and imaginative creatures along the way.
Performers, props, costumes, music—all theatrical elements—are creatively inspired by and rooted in the natural world to enhance each audience member’s understanding and connection.
The inspiration behind this show is to create a theatrical experience that doesn’t need a stage and isn’t limited to the confines of a building and seats. We want to use theatricality and storytelling to reconnect with young audience members and increase appreciation and inspire continued learning of the natural world, especially for young people with limited access, exposure, and resources.
Currently in development through Summer 2022, set to debut at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center in early September 2022.
NEWS: Off the Trail is the recipient of generous grants from the Stamford Arts Council (SAC) and the Frances R. Dewing Foundation which will allow us to develop and present the show to so many young learners!
EDUCATION STANDARDS
In the development of this immersive experience, we aim to not only entertain children and their families, but also meet specific Arts Education Standards set by CT Core Standards and National Core Standards. Education partners will also play a role in identifying educational standards this project has the potential to meet in the arts and sciences.
Arts Standards we are focused on meeting are:
National Core Arts Standards
Anchor Standard #7—Perceive and analyze artistic work
Anchor Standard #8—Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work
Common Core Standards
Comprehension and Collaboration:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1 - 5.1
Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade K-5 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1.A - 5.1.A
Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1.B - 5.1.B
Build on others’ talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges.
