UNDER THE CANOPY, BLOSSOM'S RAINBOW and More Set for Arts on the Horizon's 2014-15 Season

Arts on the Horizon, the first dedicated theatre company for very young children in the United States, is proud to announce its programming for the 2014 - 2015 season, which will reach over 3,500 children under the age of six across the DC metro area. Arts on the Horizon's shows are interactive, inclusive, and intimate -- adhering to a completely nonverbal performance style making each piece accessible to children whose first language may not be English, children who are deaf or hard of hearing, and children at any stage of language development.

As Arts on the Horizon enters its third full season of original work for very young audiences, founder and producing artistic director, Michelle Kozlak, says, "We are thrilled to be offering such a diverse season -- visually, thematically, and even stylistically. This upcoming season transports families from the tropical rainforest to the mountains and villages of Japan, and from a young child's wonder and amazement upon discovering a fresh snowfall to the nervous excitement of two orangutans who become friends in spite of their differences."

Blossom's Rainbow, created by Margot Greenlee, an Associate Artist with Liz Lerman Dance Exchange, will premiere in the spring. It will feature modern dance, traditional Japanese dance, and whimsical movement that is underscored by music and sound effects created by Taiko drummer Mark H. Rooney. Arts on the Horizon's new holiday show, Snow Day, created and directed by Rex Daugherty, will combine movement, charming physical comedy reminiscent of Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, and will be accompanied by a violinist.

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ARTS ON THE HORIZON 2014 - 2015 SEASON

Under the Canopy

Returning to the Athenaeum after a sold out run!

Created and Directed by Matt Bassett and Tia Shearer Bassett

The Athenaeum: September 25 - October 5, 2014

Local Tour: October 6 - 10, 2014

Imagine a theatrical world designed especially for babies and young toddlers to explore-a world inspired by the wonders of the rainforest! That's what's in store for our very youngest audiences and their caregivers when the innovative, wordless style of Arts on the Horizon targets our very youngest fans. Featuring objects and props designed by Wit's End Puppets.

Best for children ages 0 - 2 (and their 3 - 4 year old pals).

Snow Day

Written and Directed by Rex Daugherty

The W-3 Theatre at the Workhouse Arts Center: December 3 - 14, 2014

Atlas Performing Arts Center: December 18 - 22, 2014

One cold December morning, a young child named Skip wakes up to find the entire neighborhood covered in a thick, dazzling blanket of white snow. A playful (if not a little mischievous) winter elf shows her all of the fun one can have on a snow day. Join Skip and her magical new friend as she experiences all the excitement, joy, and wonder of her very first snow day! This nonverbal world premiere production features live music and lots of wintertime fun, just in time for the holiday season. Best for children ages 2 - 6.

Sunny and Licorice

Back by popular demand!

Written by Miriam Gonzales

Directed by Kate Debelack

Local Tour: February 13 - March 5, 2015

Atlas Performing Arts Center: February 27 - March 7, 2015

Presented as part of Theatre for the Very Young @ the Atlas INTERSECTIONS Festival

Sunny, the zoo's sole orangutan, is delighted to get a new roommate, but things don't go smoothly when Licorice first arrives. Sunny likes to be loud, but Licorice prefers to read the newspaper. And Licorice likes to keep things tidy, but Sunny keeps making a mess! When the zookeeper leaves behind a radio, a curious thing happens -- toes start tapping and arms start swinging. Could music bring this "odd couple" together? Featuring live music and a special tap finale inspired by movie musicals of the 1930s & 40s!

Best for children ages 2 - 5.

Blossom's Rainbow

Created and Directed by Margot Greenlee

Music Composed and Performed by Mark H. Rooney

The Athenaeum: March 11 - 29, 2015

Atlas Performing Arts Center: April 3 - 11, 2015

A painter's brush sets a young cherry blossom's world into motion. Infused with whimsical dance, vibrant colors, and dynamic live music, join Blossom on her journey from the red mountains down to the indigo city in this new piece that celebrates Japanese culture.

Best for children ages 2 - 5.

ABOUT ARTS ON THE HORIZON - Arts on the Horizon, founded in 2009, is a non-profit theatre with a specific focus of providing performances and education programs for the very young. Our performances are designed to take place in an intimate setting where children not only feel comfortable to learn and explore, but are also an integral part of the performance. We have the utmost respect for children and want what may be their first theatrical performance to entertain them, challenge them, spark creativity and enhance the imaginative play in which many children this age engage. Since 2011, our non-verbal productions have been performed on the Kennedy Center's Millennium Stage, Atlas Performing Arts Center, Workhouse Arts Center, The Athenaeum and other venues and schools in the DC metro area. In May 2013, the company performed at Cleveland's PlayhouseSquare as part of the national One Theatre World Festival. In addition to our performances, we also offer education programs, which provide targeted exploration of themes and ideas in order to help children enhance their language development, socialization, and fine and gross motor skills; all within a meaningful, nurturing environment where children can develop their sense of self and increase their knowledge and understanding of the world around them.

Tickets start at $5 for children and adults and can be purchased online at www.ArtsOnTheHorizon.org or at the door on the day of the performance.

Arts on the Horizon offers a military family rate for all performances in Virginia. Active duty military personnel and their family can purchase these discounted tickets directly on the website and will need to show a current military ID when picking up their tickets on the day of the performance.

Pictured: Nora Achrati in Under the Canopy. Photo by Donnie Biggs.

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