Many people love autumn because it’s back-to-school time or the start of seasonal holiday displays in stores, but some of us love autumn because it’s the start of a new season of exciting theater for young audiences. This November, we’ll celebrate the 48th season of the beloved Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series, and in December, we welcome back the EQT Bridge Theater Series, now celebrating its third season.

With so many great family shows, you may wonder which theater series is best for your family. Luckily, we’ve put together some options to help you choose! Find the profile below that describes your family to learn about what your theater experience could look like. Also, don’t miss our show recommendations based on your child’s interests!

Family Profile #1

All of my kids are under seven years old.

Check out the Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series! With an exciting mix of book-based musicals, juggling and clowning, and exceptional circus, there’s a little bit of everything on this series great for all ages.

Where are the Children’s Theater Series performances?

The Children’s Theater Series makes it easy for you to experience theater downtown and in your town by giving you the option to find the location most convenient for you. In addition to performances in the Byham Theater in the Cultural District, we bring many of these performances to suburban locations in the North, East, South, and West of the city as well as in Butler. This year in particular, our friends in Greensburg will enjoy shows closer to home thanks to our new East location at Greensburg-Salem High School.

What if my child is interested in more than one performance?

That makes sense – we are too! You can purchase individual tickets to each performance, but you could also simplify and purchase a subscription package to the whole season. Subscriptions are $42, and you get tickets for all five performances of the Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series, including The Rainbow Fish, which is also part of the EQT Children’s Theater Festival in May 2018. Check out the schedule below to see all of our dates, times, and locations.

Pro Tip: Plan ahead and arrive early to make your show experience as simple as possible! At suburban locations, look for our signs to help you find your way. Seating is general admission so you can find the best seats for your family.

Family Profile #2

I have kids above and below the age of seven.

In addition to all of the great, family-friendly shows on the Children’s Theater Series, the EQT Bridge Theater Series offers seriously adventurous theater for the older kids looking for something a little different. To enjoy shows on both the Children’s Theater Series and Bridge Theater Series, we recommend our unique Flex Subscription, which allows you to pick and choose what shows you attend on both series. Flex subscriptions are $60, and you can also redeem Flex Subscriptions for performances on the EQT Children’s Theater Festival in May!

Family Profile #3

I have older kids who are ready for more adventurous theater.

Why not explore performances on the EQT Bridge Theater Series? Tickets start at $10.50, and subscriptions are $36. All performances take place downtown at either the August Wilson Center or the Trust Arts Education Center, so it’s the perfect opportunity to explore the Cultural District with your older kids.

Pro Tip: Find parking in advance using the ParkPGH app that can show you available spaces in garages in the Cultural District!

No matter what profile fits your family best, there are ways to make your theater experience a little more special.

In addition to your ticket purchase, you can join a membership level of $100 or more and receive amazing benefits to make your trip to the theater even more unique. Enjoy exclusive meet-and-greets with performers at most performances on both the Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series and EQT Bridge Theater Series. You can also get the best seats in the house, with preferred seating at all Children’s Theater Series, Bridge Theater Series, and EQT Children’s Theater Festival performances.

Still not sure which show to pick? Find the best fit for your child based on their interests!

Show Recommendations:

• Does your child like to read and have favorite storybook characters?
  Check out Skippyjon Jones Snow What, Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories, and The Rainbow Fish.
• Does your child have an active imagination? Are they always creating things out of ordinary household objects?
  Come to the Trash Test Dummies or The 13-Story Treehouse.
• Does your child like adventure stories or fairytales?
  Come see Feathers of Fire: A Persian Epic or The Young King.
• Is your child always climbing trees, dancing, or being active?
  Check out Water on Mars or Carnival of the Animals.