A world-renowned festival of performing arts for young audiences, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival has been educating, entertaining and inspiring young audiences since 1978. Jam-packed with music, theatre, dance, storytelling, puppetry, circus arts and much more, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival embodies the buoyant spirit and endless curiosity of children all over the world. Kids of all ages can try something new or just have some fun at one of many colourful site activities! Performances take place at various locations around Granville Island; see below for a list of shows and visit www.childrensfestival.ca or call 604-708-5655 for more detailed information including locations, age recommendations, and ticket information.

•  May 29  -  June 3  -  Quack Attack!
Clowns in the duck pond? Welcome to Quack Attack!, a one-of-a-kind clown adventure story that takes place in, around, and on the Granville Island duck pond. This hilarious and engaging show features attack ducks, pond sharks and even a heroic rescue attempt.  As the clown sidesteps into dangerous ground, it’s up to the audience to save the day. What will happen? A surprise twist at the end will keep everyone guessing. Rain or shine, so come prepared with your rubber boots and raincoats just in case!

•  May 29  -  June 3  -  Little Red and the Sea Wolf
Climb aboard the Aquabus for a brand new adventure! In this charming adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood, big-hearted Little Red sets out on a journey to her ailing grandmother’s seaside home. The waves are gentle and the ocean is sparkling blue, but Little Red soon discovers that the terrifying Sea Wolf lurks in these waters, looking for his next tasty meal. Be ready to join your shipmates to protect the ship and help Little Red escape from the big, bad Sea Wolf! From the makers of last year’s hit show Pirate’s Cove, Heidi Lynne Weeks’ Little Red and the Sea Wolf brings a seafaring new twist to the traditional tale.

•  May 29  -  June 3  -  Pete the Cat
No matter where he goes, Pete the Cat never stops moving and grooving and singing his song . . . because it’s all good. The wildly popular star of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Pete the Cat, Rocking in My School Shoes and Pete the Cat, I Love my White Shoes, is brought to life in this lively show that’s created especially for preschoolers. Author Eric Litwin is a guitar strumming, book writing, harmonica blowing, banjo picking, song singing, five-time national award winning, folksy fun type of guy. Come celebrate the latest book in the series, Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons, to be released in May 2012.

•  May 29  -  June 3  -  À la belle étoile/Under the Stars
At sunset, Hansel and Gretel find themselves alone in a forest, and they learn that they must work together to face adversity and help each other through difficult times. With humour and simplicity, actors and puppets tell the story of this famous brother and sister duo, as written down by the Brothers Grimm. Known for their ingenious staging and elegant puppets, Under the Stars (À la belle étoile) revisits and adapts this classic tale in an appealing modern-day setting. A stunning production that is not to be missed, performances in French and English.

•  May 29  -  June 3  -  The Happy Prince
High above the city, on a tall column, stood the statute of the Happy Prince. He was gilded all over with thin leaves of fine gold, for eyes he had two bright sapphires, and a large ruby glowed on his sword-hilt.” So begins Oscar Wilde’s classic tale The Happy Prince, brought dynamically to life by one of Taiwan’s most renowned puppet theatre companies. Using delicately beautiful rod marionettes, the skilled puppeteers portray with reverence and grace the haunting story of a royal statue’s touching friendship with a small bird.

•  May 29  -  June 2  -  Kutz and Dawgs
Using the storylines of Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story as inspiration, socially diverse youth cast members created this original hip hop and world musical that’s anti-gang/anti-violence. In this thought-provoking commissioned work, the young performers will portray rivalling Kutz (alley cats) and Dawgs (junkyard dogs) in a cautionary tale that explores the destructive force of gang violence.
Dubbed ‘Glee with grit,’ Vancouver-based MISCELLANEOUS Productions seeks to merge high art, grassroots community development and popular culture, creating innovative artistic opportunities for youth.

•  May 29  -  June 3  -  Kutapira
Vancouver’s own marimba and percussion ensemble Kutapira have seen phenomenal success since they formed in 2005. Born out of an innovative youth music program, it wasn’t long before the five young members had the world music scene buzzing with their ebullient approach to African music. Queen Elizabeth II of England dubbed their music “very clever” and they’ve won accolades from critics around the globe, but their effervescent songs speak for themselves: a non-stop flurry of drumbeats and infectious marimba rhythms that’s simply dazzling to behold.

•  May 29  -  June 3  -  ZooZoo
Masterful performers don amazing masks to become penguins playing musical chairs, a cat trapped in a giant paper bag, hippos with insomnia, anteaters as waiters and more in a madcap revue of Cirque du Soleil-esque acrobatics, illusion, comedy and fun.

•  May 29  -  June 2  -  L’Elefantino
Inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s The Little Elephant, this inventive, surprising show from Italy features a young boy named Bubu, who transforms the job of washing his family’s socks into a jungle adventure. With only a clothesline, a few clothespins and a basket of laundry, Bubu tells the story of the first elephant ever to have a trunk. As he transforms each sock into a jungle animal he sings simple, sweet songs about the natural world and animals around him. Italian theatre company La Baracca Testoni Ragazzi has won acclaim around the world for their intensely imaginative work, created specifically for young children. Performances in English, French or Italian.

•  May 29  -  June 3  -  Medicine Bear
Inspired by two traditional Iroquois stories about natural medicine, Medicine Bear celebrates Iroquois song, dance, storytelling, imagery and philosophy. “How the Bear Clan Became Known as the ‘Keeper of the Medicines’” and “The Young Hunter Who Discovered the Gift of Medicine” are woven together in a playful way that’s also rich in culture. Themes of compassion, respect, caring, healing, and generosity infuse this gorgeously uplifting performance.

•  May 29  -  June 2  -  Élage Diouf
Singer and percussionist Élage Diouf has toured as a musician with Cirque du Soleil and won accolades galore. Most recently, he won the 2011 Juno Award for World Music Album of the Year for his current album Aksil, which means “welcome” in Wolof, his native Senegalese language. With warmth and exuberance, Élage spins stories through music in French, English and Wolof. Known as one of the finest performers of contemporary African music out there today, his songs are beautiful, triumphant, and utterly contagious. Kids and adults alike will be bopping in their seats and clapping for more. Performances in English and French.

•  May 30  –   June 3  -  Will Stroet and his Backyard Band
Get ready to boogie! Award-winning entertainer Will Stroet and his Backyard Band connect with kids through high-energy, interactive and educational music in English and French. From folk to rock to pop songs about active living, sports, animals and the environment, Will’s guitar-driven music appeals to kids of all ages. This show features music from Will’s latest albums, Walk ‘n’ Roll and Ensemble, en cadence that will have kids doing actions, singing along and dancing. Will’s appearance at the Festival also marks the release of new music videos of some of Will’s most popular songs. Performances in French and English.

•  May 31  -  June 1  -  The Itch of the Golden Nit
11-year-old Beanie’s boring life changes forever when he must save his parents from Evil Stella and return the Golden Nit to its rightful place at the heart of the sun, thereby saving the universe. Created for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad by the Tate Modern with Aardman Animation (who brought us Wallace & Gromit, Creature Comforts and other incredible claymation), this remarkable project involved more than 34.000 UK school children to create the artwork and conceive the storyline for this 30-minute animated film.
We’re thrilled to present the North American premiere of this delightfully funny – not to mention groundbreaking – film that’s made with kids, for kids.

•  June 1  -  June 3  -  Journey through Sound
With its lightning-fast moves and breathtaking physicality, street dance has the power to instantly mesmerize any onlooker. Vancouver-based street dance crew Project Soul specializes in inspiring as many communities as they can they reach with hip hop dance, locking, popping and breakdance. Founded by Kim Sato, a traditionally trained dancer turned street dancer, this awesomely talented crew hopes to share their love and passion for hip hop and funk styles, and the power that street dance has to connect today’s youth.

FESTIVAL SITE ACTIVITIES
•  Come to see a show but stay for the whole day! The show ticket includes access to all three Activity Zones, which feature 15 exciting interactive and creative arts activities. Have a look at the site activity hours to plan your day.
•  Check out the handy site map.
•  FREE PARKING! Click here for details.