by Max Marbut
Staff Writer
Any time there are yellow school buses parked in front of and on the streets around the Florida Theatre on Forsyth Street, chances are there’s a “Theatreworks” show advertised on the marquee.
Friday, more than 3,700 elementary school students from public and private school field trips were joined by home-schooled students, parents and teachers for two performances of “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Story Books.”
The show was sponsored by Lender Processing Services, one of 15 corporations, foundations and individuals who are lending their support to Theatreworks this season to help provide a cultural experience for young people in the community. More than 30,000 children will attend shows this year.
“All of the shows have an educational theme, particularly in terms of literacy. We want to promote a love of reading,” said Theatreworks Jacksonville Executive Director Rita Kent. “Our mission is to offer quality educational children’s theater.”
Kent said the Florida Theatre is the perfect venue for the shows because of its history and central location.
“For many of the children, it’s the first time they’ve ever seen live theater. It can be a ‘first-in-a-lifetime’ experience. We hope it instills a love of art and culture that can last all their lives,” she said.
In terms of atmosphere and location, Kent said, “we’re always hearing children say the theater is a palace and since it’s Downtown, it’s centrally located, so all the schools have a short distance to travel to get here.”
For the rest of the 2010 Theatreworks season, visit www.theatreworksjax.com. Reservations are suggested but walk-ups are welcome based on availability.
356-2466