Roola Boola Children's Arts Festival
The Roola Boola Children's Arts Festival is set to make a comeback during the winter school holidays in the City of Stonnington. Running from Tuesday, June 27th, to Friday, July 7th, this highly successful annual event offers a plethora of performances, workshops, free events, and unique activities designed to ignite children's imaginations.
Chapel Off Chapel will serve as the main venue, hosting four breathtaking performances, along with 11 workshops and two free events. Catering to children aged 12 and under, the festival promises something for everyone. Notable performances include the Victorian State Ballet, That Science Gang, ARC Circus, and The Wholesome Hour.
At Chapel Off Chapel, children and their parents can choose from a diverse selection of 11 workshops offered by organizations like See Make Play, NICA, Fizz Kidz, Gumnut Music, and Rebel Stepz Arts. The workshops span various artistic disciplines such as magic, puppetry, circus, dance, music, theatre, arts, and crafts, providing an immersive experience that appeals to every child's interests.
The festival also features free events at Chapel Off Chapel, including the highly interactive art installation "Morphology" by the award-winning group The Indirect Object, as well as face painting at Prahran Market.
In addition to the main venue, the festival's "Beyond the Chapel" satellite activations extend to over 10 renowned venues and arts institutions, including Fizz Kidz, The Space Dance Arts Centre, Duldig Studio, Hello Music Studio, Prahran Market, Stonnington libraries, and more.
Among the featured performances, "The Snow Queen" by the Victorian State Ballet stands out as a magical ballet showcasing stunning sets, costumes, music, and enchanting lighting effects. Based on Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairy tale, the ballet tells the heartwarming story of young Gerda and her courageous battle against an evil and icy adversary. "The Snow Queen" offers a mesmerizing blend of magic, intrigue, drama, and suspense suitable for all ages.
For those seeking an exciting scientific adventure, "The Alphabet of Awesome Science" by That Science Gang delivers an explosive, hilarious, and educational journey from A to Z. Presented by Professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge, this tongue-twisting race through the alphabet combines chaos, humor, and scientific experiments. Prepare to be fascinated and entertained.
"A Bee Story" by ARC Circus presents a uniquely Australian physical theater show that incorporates circus, acrobatics, dance, and live music. The performance follows the tale of Queen Bee and Worker Bee, who must collaborate to rebuild their hive after it's destroyed by a bushfire. Join them on their adventurous journey and marvel at their impressive pollen-collecting skills, honey-making abilities, and super-bee strength.
"The Wholesome Hour" brings "Polite Mammals," a fresh and award-winning children's comedy and cabaret show. Packed with singing, dancing, puppets, and plenty of playful humor, this show celebrates animals of all kinds, whether they are stinky, sparkly, real, or imaginary. Prepare to be entertained by a delightful mix of laughter and witty animal-themed antics.
City of Stonnington Mayor, Cr Jami Klisaris, describes the Roola Boola Children's Arts Festival as a must-attend event for children and families during the winter school holidays. The festival's diverse program of performances, workshops, and interactive activities takes place at the iconic Chapel Off Chapel and various locations across Stonnington.