Free Summer Theatreworks is back at the Florida Theatre for the 29th season, starting July 7 with three different shows. Each show is about 45-50 minutes. And the best part is all seats are free! Free Summer Theatreworks is sponsored by CITI and is also made possible by The Kirbo Charitable Foundation.
To reserve your free seats and get out of the summer heat, go to www.theatreworksjax.com or call 904-353-3500.
Theatreworks provides the best national touring children’s theatre to school-age children on the First Coast. Founded in 1979, Theatreworks was an independent organization until it merged with the Florida Theatre in 2019. Introducing children to the world of theatre by providing community programs for local students has been an integral part of the Florida Theatre’s mission to provide memorable arts and entertainment experiences for all ages.
Here’s a look at the shows.
“Wizard of Oz”
11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 7 at the Florida Theatre
In 1900, L. Frank Baum published what would become a literary classic with his children’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” In this two-person adaptation, we follow comic duo Lenny and Mabel down the yellow brick road to the Land of Oz and meet all of your favorite characters along the way! Gain courage with the Cowardly Lion, take heart with the Tin Man, and find your wits with the Scarecrow in this fun interactive retelling of the L. Frank Baum classic.
“Tortoise and the Hare”
11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at the Florida Theatre
Aesop’s fable is given a fun, updated twist in this musical. Bunni Hare wins every race, so how will Thomas Tortoise be able to compete? The famous sports reporter Howard “Crow”-sel will be there to call the play-by-play. (For grades K-5)
“Zak Morgan: The Wonder of it All”
11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Monday, July 20, at the Florida Theatre
With humor and his trademark wordplay, Zak points out the wonder of the natural world and shows how he uses technology to bring his ideas to life on stage. Children learn about pitch, frequency, magnetic fields and electric amplification in this celebration of science. The audience will see electrons in action with Zak’s hilarious plasma ball and Van de Graaff generator demonstrations. Children will be encouraged to be kind, curious and confident in this fun and memorable introduction to the science of sound. (For grades K-5)
The Florida Theatre is located at 128 E Forsyth St. Unit 300, Jacksonville. Learn more at floridatheatre.com.
