Black Rock Center for the Arts in Germantown has performances, classes and camps for kids of all ages. The intimate theater space is a great venue for children to get up close to live action theater and dance. My family had the pleasure of taking in their performance Fancy Nancy and Other Story Books last Saturday and really enjoyed our first trip to this “new for us” theater space.
Fancy Nancy and Other Stories was a one hour musical performance centered around making books come to life for a reluctant reader. Kid favorites such as Duck for President and Pirates Don’t Change Diapers came alive in brief 10 to 15 minute vignettes with a whirlwind of costume and scenery changes to keep the show flowing. The 5 actors played multiple roles and did a great job of keeping both kids and parents entertained. My kids especially liked how one actor would remain on stage in between books and do a silly dance while the other actors changed costumes and got ready for the next scene. Though Fancy Nancy got top billing, all of the books featured shared the spotlight equally.
The main stage theater at Black Rock is set up in a horseshoe shape with 6 rows of seating on the ground level and an additional 4 rows of balcony seating. There are no bad seats here. Seating for our show was general admission and all seats were only $12. The quality of the performance was on par with other local children’s theaters and delighted the audience of kids and adults.
Black Rock is located right in the heart of the Germantown Town Commons which means there are great options for extending your trip to the theater into an afternoon outing. Family friendly eateries surround the theater space (Baja Fresh, Corner Bakery, Elevation Burger) and there is a beautiful branch of the Montgomery County Public Library next door. There is plenty of free parking for the theater in the lot behind the building.
Family programming at Black Rock varies by month but generally one or two music, dance or theater performances are dedicated to the youngest theater goers. Find a full list of upcoming shows on their website.
The Center also offers a full slate of classes for kids including drama, acting, musical theater, visual arts, ceramics, instrumental music and dance. Summer Arts camps are available for preschoolers through grade 8 with extended care available. Tickets for all performances and registration for all camps and classes may be purchased through their website.
Explore a new theater and take in a performance at Black Rock Center for the Arts.
