Hey you: Let’s Go Exploring! This season, Saturday Morning Live! is all about broadening horizons. From space travel to time travel, international music to homegrown favorites, we want you to discover something new. Read on for a complete breakdown of the season, a peek at what parents have to say about our shows, and a special announcement about our new timeslot.
“Saturday Morning Live! is such a fantastic offering. Free, fun, and creative performances for children in the historic National Theatre. A wonderful way to introduce kids to the arts!”
Parent Who Attended Selections from Don Quixote (September 2024)
2025-26 Season
Rick Spacey, Space Detective
Presented by Only Make Believe
September 13 and 27 at 10am in the Helen Hayes Gallery
The Great Frump has lost his golden key, that unlocks all the kingdom’s currency! The citizens want their money; to them, this loss is not that funny. So, to help save the day Rick Spacey, Space Detective, is summoned right away! But will he find this all important golden key by searching strange planets and distant galaxies?
Jennie the Cat: A Halloween Adventure
Created and Performed by Ingrid and Mollie
October 11 and 25 at 10am in the Helen Hayes Gallery
When Jennie the cat receives a Halloween card that calls her a scary cat, she feels like she’s been put in a box. Does she have to be scary? Join Jennie as she meets new friends with some spectacular tricks and treats to share, like skateboarding, shadow puppetry, and pumpkin carving. Who will Jennie choose to be? This show features cuddly puppets, audience interaction, and original music.
Capoeira with EducArte
Presented by EducArte
November 8 and 22 at 10am in the Helen Hayes Gallery
Summary: Experience the vibrant Afro-Brazilian tradition of capoeira, a blend of dance, music, gymnastics, and martial arts. Through interactive play, EducArte’s instructors introduce you to capoeira’s dynamic movements, drumming, and call-and-response songs, fostering creativity and cooperation in a fun, inclusive environment.
Selections from The Nutcracker
Performed by Virginia Ballet Company and School
December 13 at 10am in the Helen Hayes Gallery
Summary: Embark on an abridged version of The Nutcracker, the magical holiday tradition following Clara’s journey to defeat the Mouse King with the brave Nutcracker prince, travel through the snowy enchanted forest, and meet the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Kingdom of Sweets.
The R.E.M.I.X.
Presented by Sole Defined
January 10 at 10am and 11:30am on the Main Stage
Summary: The R.E.M.I.X is more than just an immersive performance experience. It’s a rhythmic rollercoaster that creates a safe and inclusive space for students to become both dancers and musicians. Let SOLE Defined R.E.M.I.X your school and experience the joy of rhythm and creativity in a secure environment.
Words, Beats & Life
February 14 and 28 at 10am in the Helen Hayes Gallery
Organization Information: We are Words, Beats & Life (WBL) is DC’s longest running, dopest Hip-Hop based arts educational non-profit. Our goal is to invest in Washington, DC’s creative eco system to employ our extensive list of artists and creators to be living examples of what our city’s creative youth can accomplish with the right tools and the best role models. We achieve this goal through our many workshops, after school programs, concerts and festivals. We are Unapologetic advocates for the transformative power of hip-hop culture in all its forms.
Adventures in Time – The Ultimate Time-Traveling Series for Kids!
Created by Gale Nemec
March 14 and 28 at 10am in the Helen Hayes Gallery
Travel back in America’s and Washington, DC’s history with this extraordinary extravaganza as five best friends discover the First Lady of the American Theatre, Mrs. Helen Hayes, and Mr. Benjamin Banneker, who built a clock out of wood that lasted forty years! In this Award-Winning interactive musical show, see how they made a difference, and how You Can Make A Difference, too!
Good Morning, Good Night
Presented by Imagination Stage
April 25 at 10am and 11:30am on the Main Stage
In this brand-new show, very young children will discover the beauty of the world during daytime and nighttime. They will watch–and help–Winnie and August work the “day shift:” waking the birds, putting dew in the grass, and baking fresh clouds; and the “night shift:” releasing the fireflies, shining the stars, and banishing nightmares. Using gentle, multi-sensory storytelling and incorporating audience participation.
123 Andres
May 9 and 23 at 10am in the Helen Hayes Gallery
Summary: Billboard calls GRAMMY winners 123 Andrés “rock stars for little language learners.” Andrés and Christina perform lively concerts in Spanish and English on stages across the US and Latin America, and are even co-hosts of the award-winning PBS podcast Jamming on the Job. 123 Andrés has released three bilingual books, published by Scholastic, and their YouTube channel has over 4 billion views.
Taiko Adventure!
Presented by Mark H. Rooney
June 13 and 27 at 10am in the Helen Hayes Gallery
Summary: Mark H Rooney – the world’s most dangerous half-Japanese/half-Scottish solo improvisational taiko artist – studies, performs, and teaches taiko, a dynamic form of full-body drumming based in Japanese tradition. Mark combines this traditional foundation with a modern sensibility to create performances and classes that emphasize connection, reaction, and interaction.
“I am so proud to expose my children to theatre and for them to see people like them in the performances. This is the highlight of our month. Thank you!”
Parent Who attended SIlly Smarts (May 2025)
Our New Schedule
Saturday Morning Live! is shifting to one 10am performance on the second Saturday of the month. This new schedule will give you more options when it comes to planning, plus it gives us time to expand your show-going experience. Keep an eye out for special Main Stage engagements in January and April, featuring special encore performances at 11:30am in our historic venue.
For More Information…
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