Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on April 2014
By adults for kids or by kids for everyone—here are some of the groups doing theater with the metropolis’ young people in mind.
TIP Youth
The TIP Youth program is divided into two groups: one for 8- to 12-year-olds and one for 13- to 17-year-olds. Workshops and rehearsals run from October to April, culminating in two full-theater productions. This year’s shows are Captain Louie Jr. (younger group) and Once On This Island (older group). Apr 24-27 at Theatre Bonbon, Nakano. For reservations, mail tipyreservations@gmail.com. All tickets ¥2,000. www.tokyoplayers.org
YTG Kids’ Ensemble
Professionals from the Yokohama Theatre Ensemble work with kids aged 8-16 to create their own play from scratch. Fifteen sessions starting in May, with a final performance Aug 17 at World Peace Theatre, Kawasaki. http://ytg.jp/
Tokyo Theatre for Children
Tokyo Theatre for Children (TTFC) offers shows targeted at children of all ages. This year’s production is Dick Whittington, an original pantomime adapted from the classic British children’s tale. Nov 28-30 at Theatre Bonbon, Nakano. http://tokyotheatreforchildren.wordpress.com
Drama Collaboration
St. Mary’s International School, Seisen International School and the International School of the Sacred Heart collaborate to produce a show every April at St. Mary’s in Futakotamagawa. Get tickets from students or at the door, ¥1,000 for adults. (This year’s show was Apr 11-12.)
The British School
The British School presents an original musical production at the end of March each year, performed at the Yoyogi National Youth Centre Building. For information and reservations, e-mail comms@bst.ac.jp (payment must be mailed in advance). Tickets ¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,000 for concessions. www.bst.ac.jp
ASIJ
The American School in Japan (ASIJ) has two impressive student productions each year. The junior high school show runs in November, while the high school show is in April. This year’s high school show is Legally Blonde, which runs Apr 18-19 & 25-26. The school doesn’t really advertise, so you need to know someone involved to get a ticket!
Saint Maur International School
Saint Maur International school has an annual middle school show in March (free) and a high school production in November (¥2,000 for adults, ¥500 for students). E-mail ngregoriades@stmaur.ac.jp for information. www.stmaur.ac.jp
Yokohama International School
Yokohama International School has various student performances throughout the year: elementary school in early March, junior high school in October and high school on the last weekend of January. Tickets ¥1,500 for adults, ¥500 for students, available online and at the door. Check out their events calendar for details. www.yis.ac.jp
