The Blue Sky Puppet Theatre Comes to Annandale

Catch one of the Blue Sky Puppet Theatre’s award-winning shows Saturday morning at the amphitheater as part of the Arts in the Parks summer concert series. The company has been one of the finest touring children’s theatres on the East Coast since 1974. They perform 1,000 shows a year and are truly dedicated to excellence in theatre, art, education and fun.

Learn more about the unique children’s theatre in this Q&A with performer Gina Campbell, who will be performing tomorrow morning with Kat Schadt.

What does the Blue Sky Puppet Theatre have in store for their Saturday morning performance?

Our family-friendly show, "Rufus The Red-Nosed Raindog." There will also be a sing-along before the show and a meet-and-greet after. Lots of photo ops for the shutterbugs in your family.

Can you give us a sneak peak of any special characters or moments in the show?

Rufus is a lost, little dog who looks different than other dogs. Through audience interaction Rufus is able to overcome his differences and we are all reminded that "different is special." Before the show the "out-front" performer will teach a song and children will be encouraged to take the stage and sing along.

What age group do your performances appeal to? How do the performers interact with the kids to keep them engaged in the show?

Our performances appeal to preschool, primary, and intermediate school-aged children. All of our shows are interactive to keep the children engaged. This particular show focuses on early literacy and, with the help of the children, characters sound out words and letters. Children fall in love with the main character and are dissuaded from excluding those who are "different.” There is also a sing-along before and during the show.

What makes the Blue Sky Puppet Theatre unique in children’s entertainment? 

BSPT has been performing in the Metro-DC area for almost 40 years. We've built a reputation and folks keep coming back. We are excellent storytellers and puppet builders and we take our job seriously. We all truly love what we do. We rely on that final character---the audience---to make our shows complete. We value our audiences and appreciate their warm reception.

What do you love most about performing with a children's theatre? 

Children are an honest, free-spirited audience. They will sit still and listen when they are engaged. And they will interact when they are encouraged. They will also explode with laughter. They don't hesitate to vocally participate and they (almost always) help our characters to make the right ethical decisions.

For last minute performance cancellations due to inclement weather, call 703-324-SHOW (7469) one hour prior to the program start time.

Click here for more information on the Blue Sky Puppet Theatre.

Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m.; Free
6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA; (703) 324-SHOW