January 7—Squeals on Wheels: Education Safari

Old McDonald brings the barnyard to the kids when Washington’s award-winning miniature petting zoo comes to the National for an exciting and educational adventure. An experienced handler will teach the kids about caring for animals while providing an opportunity for “hands-on” visits.

January 14—Revision Dance Collaborative

Kids are encouraged to watch, listen and participate while they explore what it would be like to live in a perfect world. Utilizing their own creativity, kids will use elements of the performance and choreograph their own dance to celebrate the world they would like to live in.

January 21—Rosalie Calvert and the War of 1812

The British are lurking on the outskirts of Washington preparing to invade our capital city, and Mary Ann Jung as Rosalie Calvert is here to take the kids on an eyewitness adventure to all the excitement! Everyone helps tell today’s story, ending with a rousing tribute to Francis Scott Key and the Star Spangled Banner!

January 28—Chris Davis “Greek Myths”

Renaissance Man Chris Davis tells timeless and wonderful tales of the Olympian gods. Kids participate in recreating heroic adventures of fearsome monsters and fair maidens, making history entertaining and enjoyable for audiences of all ages!

February 4—The Fisherman and His Wife

A poor fisherman’s wife urges her husband to go catch a legendary magical fish that will make her dreams come true. After her first wish is granted, her desire for more things overwhelms her ability to know what truly made her happy. The entire family will enjoy this modern spin on a classic fairytale from Acting for Young People!

February 11—Theatre IV: Jack and the Beanstalk

This lively musical recounts the classic exploits of a young boy who trades the family cow for three magic beans. The beans, tossed out the window by Jack’s disappointed mother, grow into a giant beanstalk that leads to fabulous treasure, an ill-tempered giant, and more adventures than you can shake a stalk at!

February 25—Short Stories Brewed from African Pots

Long before children heard Mother Goose rhymes, stories were told in Africa about wise lions, wily snakes and how the world began. Storyteller Anna Mwalagho will enchant and delight kids with interactive tales full of spice and merriment that teach important lessons on life and empowerment.

March 3—Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe

Ancient Chinese dances are magically recreated by the amazing performers of the Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe. Children of all ages will be mesmerized by the colorful costumes and dynamic dance patterns in this cultural exploration of ancient China.

March 10—Stories from Around the World
Lynn Ruehlmann’s cheerful stories about childhood delights, historical figures, and delicious fairytales resonate with young and old. No matter what the subject matter or the kind of story she’s telling, Lynn’s joyous anecdotes are filled with energy, intelligence and most importantly, FUN!

March 17—Treasure Quest: Pirate Comedy and Magic

Captain Nobeard is a no good, lying, scoundrel of a pirate who has misplaced a treasure. Until he finds the true map, he is cursed to search the waters where the treasure was lost. Can a pirate use a little magic and some help from the audience to find the truth and restore the treasure? Swashbuckling Matthew Pauli leads this comical misadventure!

March 24—Banjos and Juggling and Art—Oh My!

Anything can happen this morning when three dynamic performers—Banjo Man Frank Cassel, Jazzy Juggler Nathan Bynum, and face painter Painted by T’eao—come together in an artistic storm to delight and entertain both young and old alike! Banjos are strummin’, jugglers are jugglin’ and artists are hummin’ in a magical performance full of down-home merriment and fun.

March 31—Nana Malaya: A Song, A Story, A Dance

An adventure into the cultures of the African continent through oral traditions such as storytelling, songs, music, and dance! This lively performance also provides interactive opportunities for the audience: call and response, playing instruments, and learning a dance!

April 14—“Bop Goes the Weasel”—Jazz for Kids

Christiana Drapkin’s jazz quartet makes it easy for kids to catch the melody, tap their toes, and snap their fingers! Everyone is invited to sing along to Swinging On A Star, Ella Fitzgerald’s joyful A Tisket, A Tasket, and other jazz standards while discovering instrument names and the fun of making music together.

April 21—Coyaba Dance Theater

Coyaba Dance Theater specializes in dance and music from the Mali Empire (Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso). These traditions of West African Dance are passed on to the children with love and reverence to maintain the cultural fluidity of the cultures and traditions of the African diaspora.

April 28—Bright Star Theatre: We Can Do It!

Celebrate the lives of notable American women whose courage and determination shaped our country. From Amelia Earhart and Laura Ingalls Wilder to Helen Keller and Susan B. Anthony, kids will discover their own sources of perseverance and integrity in this powerful and entertaining production.

Saturday Morning at the National has been sponsored exclusively since its inception by Marriott International, Inc., and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation. The National Theatre is a not-for-profit 501.c.3. organization

The performances are best appreciated by children four years and older.