Youth playwrights debut at NDNU Labor Day Children's Theatre Festival

The Notre Dame de Namur University Labor Day Theatre & Dance Festival, now in its 18th year, produces original, often locally written, plays in two separate series geared for adults and children, along with an original dance performance by New Ground Dance Company.

Conceived by Robin “Dutch” Fritz, the Technical Director and Production Manager of the Notre Dame de Namur University Theatre Department, the Festival features casts and production staffs from all over the Bay Area and also include current students, alumni and staff of the NDNU Theatre Department.

In addition to directing her own work, “Baba and Me” and “Jacqueline Kennedy” by Leslie Goddard, Associate Producer Karen Byrnes directs the Children’s Festival featuring works that address justice, race, environmental, social and other children’s issues targeted for elementary and middle school aged audiences. To help generate material for the Festival, Ms. Byrnes launched the “What’s your Story?” writing contest.

Stories were submitted by youth in three age categories: the winner in the 5-7 year-old division was Autumn Sanders with “The Mystery of the Balloon” ; “The Haunted Theatre” by Claudia Haines won in the 8-10 year-old category; and Axel de Vernou won in the 11-14 year old division with “The Trouble With Hunting”.

These stories adapted into plays will be performed along with 4 other original works:

“Sing and Dance & Meet the Sporteenies” is based on Sporteenies created by Donna Imsand (an NDNU alumna). Ms. Imsand, a very talented athlete turned artist and author, created the Sporteenies, a sports brand to inspire girls to pursue active sports and uphold sportsmanship and meaningful values. Director Karen Byrnes wrote music and added choreography to Ms. Imsand’s words and “cheers” to create these real life scenarios about having heart and being in the game.

“The Girl Who Believed in Unicorns,” a short play by Karen Byrnes and Ari Wayne, tells the story of a young girl who stands up for her beliefs and conveys a charming message about being steadfast.

“Baba and Me” written by Karen Byrnes is a personal narrative about a young girl’s relationship with her Russian grandmother. The play is set in San Francisco from 1952-1963 and illustrates the importance of appreciating our grandparents, our family traditions, and leaving a legacy.

“The Legend of the Secret Knight” a play with music by Karen Byrnes portrays a young girl aspiring to be a knight like her father who ultimately discovers a power far greater in herself than knighthood. A powerful message to conserve our resources, end violence and promote critical thinking underscores the play’s theme.

The Children’s Theatre Festival runs Saturdays, 8/23 and 8/30 at 1:00 pm. For more details visit http://www.ndnu.edu/arts-events/theatre-dance/