Asian Festival of Children's Content's 2015 Singapore

Asian Festival of Children's Content's 

Sixth Iteration Sees Many Firsts

30 May to 6 June 2015, 9am to 6pm

Central Library (NLB) Plaza, Victoria Street

The Asian Festival of Children's Content (AFCC) returns for the sixth iteration this year with an expanded programme engaging creators, producers, distributors, and end-users of children's content under one roof. 

This year's AFCC will host a total of 111 speakers, including 57 local speakers and 54 international speakers from 14 different countries around the world including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Australia, Hong Kong, France, Malaysia, the Philippines, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Syria, Korea and Japan. 

AFCC will also be offering several public and ticketed programmes for the first time. One of such programmes is Fun with Languages, which has been especially curated to enhance children's learning of their mother tongues. This free-for-public, family-oriented programme features interactive activities in Singapore's four official languages, English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil, in the form of performances, skits, story-telling and cross talks.

China is AFCC's country of focus this year, with 10 Chinese speakers including Wang Quangen, Professor of Chinese Language and Literature School at the Beijing Normal University, author Wang Yimei, and Zhao Wuping, Vice President of the Shanghai Translation Publishing House who have been invited to present topics as varied as "Integration and Development in Children's Literature in Asia", "Cultural Differences Between Chinese and Western Children's Stories" and "Publication and Translation of Children's Literature in China".

Dr Myra Garces-Bacsal and Dr George Jacobs will join a stable of 20 local and international speakers at the Parents Forum which is expected to hit record attendance this year. 

AFCC Preschool & Primary Teachers' Congress, 30-31 May: Conferences and workshops for exploration of books and media for early literacy targeted at parents, librarians, primary, preschool and kindergarten teachers and principals as well as language specialists.

AFCC Parents Forum, 31 May: Conferences and workshops for exploration of books and media for early literacy targeted at parents, librarians and primary, preschool and kindergarten teachers and principals.

AFCC Writers & Illustrators Conference, 3-5 June: Conferences and workshops for professionals working with children's content such as writers, translators, illustrators, literary agents, distributors and retailers.

AFCC Media Summit, 5-June: Conferences and workshops for professionals working on developing children's content for different media platforms such as commissioning editors, screenwriters, authors, publishers, producers, television and movie executives, animators, and app and game developers.

More information from:

Website: www.afcc.com.sg

Credits: AFCC and NBDCS

Note: For information only

ACT 3 International’s ‘Children-for-Children’ project - AFCC Singapore 2015

ACT 3 International’s ‘Children-for-Children’ project Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2015 

3 to 5 June 2015 
National Library Building

ACT 3 International, Singapore’s leading Arts company dedicated to the young, is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural ‘Children-for-Children’ project, an ongoing initiative to present theatre by the young for the young in public spaces. Officially incorporated in May 2015, it focuses on collaborative work among experienced ACT 3 International Drama Educators, and primary and secondary school children.

Kicking off the series are six short works based on stories written by Singaporean authors and adapted by ACT 3 International to incorporate various theatrical styles such as Chinese opera, dramatic readings as well as choral and dance movement.

All are welcome to watch the six pieces that will showcase different facets of Singapore culture on stage. Excerpts will also be showcased during the official opening of AFCC 2015 on 30 May 2015.

1. Fun at the Opera by Susanna Goho-Quek Presented by Zhonghua Secondary School 4 and 5 June 2015, 11am and 4pm, 10 minutes, English and Mandarin

A heart-warming tale about a little boy and his family going to the opera to watch his brother perform, the piece will involve masks and movement inspired by Chinese opera.

2. Emma’s Elephant by Dave Seow Presented by Commonwealth Secondary School 4 and 5 June 2015, 11am and 4pm, 10 minutes, English

This story touches on themes of friendship and animal conservation as Emma and Ella the elephant embark on an adventure together. The cast will be using choral speaking as a key dramatic technique.

3. Juno by Lynette Wan Presented by Greendale Secondary School 3 June, 11am, 10 minutes, English

This piece of physical theatre with plenty of body improvisations is about the fictitious seed- collecting tree people or kummies and Juno, the kummy that stands out for his ability to think out of the box.

4. Where is My Home? by Nur-El-Hudaa Jaffar Presented by Horizon Primary School 3 June, 11am and 4pm, 10 minutes, English and Malay

Callie the cat gets lost but finds herself as she encounters different animals in the forest and learns to appreciate the value of home. Verses will be chanted in dikir barat style – a traditional Malay musical form, while movements will be in the style of wayang kulit, or traditional Malay puppetry.

5. The Forest Fable by Gelyn Ong Presented by Bukit View Primary School 4 June, 11am and 4pm, 10 minutes, English

An enchanting fable about Mother Nature and conservation that will be presented on stage through verse and soundscapes that use different objects, as well as the voice and body.

6. The Snail Who Didn’t Want His Shell by R Chandran Presented by ACT 3 Drama Academy 3 and 5 June, 11am and 4pm, 10 minutes, English and Tamil

Senthil Snail loves to race and forgoes his shell in order to move quickly. He will soon learn that his shell is much more valuable than he first believed it to be. The cast will adopt a storytelling style of presentation with props.

For more information, please visit www.afcc.com.sg and http://act3international.com.sg/

Credits: ACT3 International and AFCC

Note: For information only

The Three Billy Goats Gruff, April - May 2015 Singapore

The Three Billy Goats Gruff 

2 April - 10 May 2015

DBS Arts Centre – Home of SRT

The grass is always greener on the other side! Don't be greedy and be content with what you already have! 

Musically presented, The Three Billy Goats Gruff is one of our favorites by SRT's The Little Company. From costumes to lights to sets to characters, we loved every bit of it. The best part is that there is always a moral of the story for kids as well as a good reminder for adults too. The three goats could not find food/grass due to dry-season / drought and it seemed to them as if the grass was greener on the other side of the bridge. They set upon a journey and came across a dangerous troll with hunger for goats. As soon as the goats managed to cross the bridge and escape the dangers, they realized the grass was painted by troll for prey and in reality there was still no food for them over there. Meanwhile, it had already started pouring on the other side where they left from and could have avoided the pain and waited for the right time. On the other hand, troll looked greedy too and fell into the trap eventually.

Funny, Musical and Interactive, this show is a must to go with kids.

-----------------------------------------

Perfect for kids aged two to six, The Three Billy Goats Gruff is part of a trio series written by award-winning musical writers Anthony Drewe and George Stiles (Broadway’s Mary Poppins, Just So, and Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure). The musical is based on the classic Norwegian fairy tale, De tre bukkene Bruse, and tells the tale of three male goats that must find a way to escape the clutches of an evil troll in order to reach the other side of a river to find food. 

The hugely successful Goldilocks and the Three Bears enjoyed sell-out houses with its English production in 2013. Now, TLC is introducing the Mandarin version of this classic story for bilingual children and budding linguists.

Featuring music and lyrics by the same dynamic duo, Anthony Drewe and George Stiles, this rendition of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is as classic as it gets, reminding the little ones of the importance of respecting the privacy and property of others. 

Tickets and more information from:

T: +65 6348 5555 

W: www.sistic.com.sg

Credits: DBS Arts Centre - Home of SRT

Note: For information only

Tulipmania at Gardens by the Bay Singapore

Tulipmania returns for third year

with largest variety of tulips at 

Gardens by the Bay

More than 40 varieties to be featured over the next few weeks amidst a fairy tale setting!

Singapore’s annual tulip festival, Tulipmania, blooms amidst a colourful setting of fairy tales at Gardens by the Bay. Back for the third time, this year’s edition sees the largest variety of tulips being brought in from the Netherlands for the public in Singapore to enjoy.

Some 75,000 tulips in 43 varieties will be featured in the Flower Dome over the next few weeks of the festival, which runs till 10 May. Visitors young and old can delight in a myriad of blooms including the “Red Riding Hood”, the “Purple Prince” and the “Orange Princess”, against a backdrop of familiar fairy tale scenes such as Cinderella‘s carriage and the gingerbread house from Hansel and Gretel. This year, Gardens by the Bay has also brought in a purple tulip cultivar named “Tulipa cv. Singapore”.

More information from:

W: www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/tulipmania

Note: For information only

Credits: Gardens by the bay

The Big Bully, 25 - 30 May 2015

The Big Bully

25 - 30 May 2015

For 8 years and below

Hungry Brush is a Big Bully. He is always hungry and bullying kids by snatching their food away without asking politely. One day, Pan and Sponge decided to go picnic and met Hungry Brush on the bridge that they were crossing. The Big Bully, Hungry Brush, extorted money from Pan and Sponge before letting them crossed the bridge. Pan and Sponge decided to stand up for themselves and defy Hungry Brush’s order. Will Pan and Sponge succeed? Is Hungry Brush going to learn his lesson and stop being a Big Bully?

Join us in this little fun and creative musical adventure were you get to see how the daily household items come to life! Children will be given an opportunity to let their imagination run free and parents can learn how to transform recycle materials at home to props that they can use to share meaningful stories with their children.

For more information:

Ticketing: http://thebigbully.peatix.com

Website: http://papermonkey.com.sg/shows-big-bully.html 

Note: For information only

Credits: Paper Monkey Theatre Singapore

ACT 3 International presents ‘Jelly, Wobble!’

ACT 3 International presents ‘Jelly, Wobble!’ 
ION Art Gallery, Level 4, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn 
30 May to 7 June 2015 (For 4 - 8 years old)
Daily 10.30am to 12pm or 4pm to 5.30pm 

Interactive art exhibitions, show, drama workshop and visual arts activities!
Taking inspiration from ‘The Jelly That Wouldn’t Wobble’ by Angela Mitchell, a light-hearted tale of Princess Lolly, who is holding an 89th birthday banquet and is presented with a stubborn jelly that refuses to wobble! The story’s underlying theme of challenging status quo and stereotypes is depicted through wacky situations, funny anecdotes as well as descriptive language. Its vivid text also serves as a perfect backdrop to create a myriad of arts-related adventures, making it a conducive setting for children to play, dream, create and make believe. 

T: +65 6735 9986
E: act3int@act3international.com.sg
W: www.act3international.com.sg 

Note: For information only
Credits: ACT3 International

Singapura: The Musical, 19th May - 28th June 2015

Singapura: The Musical

19 May 2015 – 28 June 2015

7.30pm (Tuesday – Friday) 

2.30pm & 7.30pm (Saturday - Sunday)

Capitol Theatre 

17 Stamford Road Singapore 179907

The Musical takes audiences on a journey of love, hope, and new beginnings while exploring the strength of the human spirit during the formative years of Singapore’s history from 1955 to 1965. Through the eyes of ordinary men and women, audiences will witness how hope and youthful determination transcend the struggles of everyday life during this time period as Singaporeans strive towards a better future for themselves and their loved ones. Their passion and drive sees them dreaming, hoping and creating – against all odds – a place where they can.

More information from:

T: +65 66029900

W: http://singapurathemusical.eventclique.com/

Credits: 4th Wall Theatre Co. Pte Ltd / Singapura: The Musical

Goldilocks and the Three Bears, 11 - 29 March 2015 (Mandarin)

Goldilocks and the Three Bears 
11th to 29th March 2015 (Mandarin)
DBS Arts Centre – Home of SRT

Review:

It was our first time, we had ever been to any play in Mandarin. Thanks to DBS Arts Centre - Home of SRT for inviting us and making it an interesting storytelling. It was a great musical show and we were really happy to see our 5 year old (who's been taking Mandarin lessons) translating dialogues for us. 

Nice costumes, brilliant acts and a perfect ambiance on-stage made it really easy for us despite of having not much understanding of the language. Overall, the story revolved around Goldilocks, Mr. Locks and the three bears. Goldilocks goes for a walk in the forest and finds a house with nobody inside. She goes in to the kitchen and finds three different bowls of porridge and eventually eats the one she likes. As she walks in, she finds the three chairs and three beds in the house. While she takes a nap, the three bears, who are the real occupants come back and find about her and the mess she had made in the house. Upon waking up, she gets scared to see them standing in front of her. She screams and tries to run away. She had not known that the house belonged to the three bears. Moral of the story was to tell children not too fiddle with the belongings of others, otherwise there are consequences to face. 

If you have a love for Mandarin and you want your kids to have fun and a laugh then this musical - interactive show is a must to go. The crowd was cheerful and happy.

Tickets and more information from:
T: +65 6348 5555 
W: www.sistic.com.sg

----------------------------------------------

The Three Billy Goats Gruff 
From 2nd April 2015

Two great shows for the whole family to enjoy Singapore Repertory Theatre’s The Little Company (TLC) is launching their 2015 season with a smorgasbord of five musicals and plays, promising a colourful array of classics for the family to choose from. We are proud to present the season’s two first exciting upcoming productions Goldilocks and the Three Bears (in Mandarin) in March followed by The Three Billy Goats Gruff in April.

Having trouble deciding what to watch? Great news! We are now offering a TLC Season Ticket with discounts up to 20% enabling our young audiences to catch several shows of their choice without bursting the budget. 

Perfect for kids aged two to six, The Three Billy Goats Gruff is part of a trio series written by award-winning musical writers Anthony Drewe and George Stiles (Broadway’s Mary Poppins, Just So, and Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure). The musical is based on the classic Norwegian fairy tale, De tre bukkene Bruse, and tells the tale of three male goats that must find a way to escape the clutches of an evil troll in order to reach the other side of a river to find food. 

The hugely successful Goldilocks and the Three Bears enjoyed sell-out houses with its English production in 2013. Now, TLC is introducing the Mandarin version of this classic story for bilingual children and budding linguists.

Featuring music and lyrics by the same dynamic duo, Anthony Drewe and George Stiles, this rendition of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is as classic as it gets, reminding the little ones of the importance of respecting the privacy and property of others. 

Tickets and more information from:
T: +65 6348 5555 
W: www.sistic.com.sg

Credits: DBS Arts Centre - Home of SRT
Note: For information only

DORA AND FRIENDS: INTO THE CITY!

NICK JR. TAKES THE WORLD’S MOST LOVED EXPLORER, DORA, ON HER GREATEST ADVENTURE YET WITH THE NEW PRE-SCHOOL SERIES 

DORA AND FRIENDS: INTO THE CITY!

Premieres in Asia on Monday, 16 March at 8.45am (HK/SG) and Monday, 23 March at 11.35am (HK/MY/PH/SG) on Nick Jr.

Nick Jr.’s global phenomenon, Dora embarks on her greatest expedition yet, with new animated pre-school series Dora and Friends: Into the City! Premiering in Asia, the half hour series centres around Dora and her new group of friends living in a city, attending school and setting out on new adventures that service the community.

Developed with the support of educational experts, the show is based on a new, interactive curriculum that focuses on community service, problem solving, emotional skills, language and culture. 

“Dora and Friends: Into the City! expands on Dora’s legacy of being a compassionate leader, friend and role model, in a setting where she can have dynamic peer relationships and experience the world around her in new and exciting ways,” said Teri Weiss, Executive Vice President, Nickelodeon Pre-school. “Pre-schoolers will explore with their favourite pal Dora and her new friends while developing interpersonal skills and a sense of community that will help them navigate new social situations like starting school and making friends. And, of course, learning Spanish along the way.”

Set in the fictional city of Playa Verde, Dora and her friends set off on magical and real-life adventures. During each expedition, Dora uses Map App on her smartphone and her magical charm bracelet to navigate the city and overcome obstacles. Dora continues to be a good friend, leader, and problem-solver with a group of new friends – Kate, Naiya, Emma, Alana and Pablo – who share her passion for learning and exploring.

Dora’s new friends are: • Kate – an avid reader who is dramatic and artistic • Naiya – an intellectual who excels at maths and science • Emma – an accomplished musician with a drive to be the best • Alana – an athletic, confident soccer player and animal lover • Pablo – a smart, playful, energetic athlete and explorer

For more information about Nick Jr. in Asia, visit www.nickjr.asia.

Credits: Nick Jr.

It is for information only

March School Holidays 2015 Singapore

Barbie in Princess Power Dress Up Party!

Monday, 16 March 2015

GV Grand, Great World City (Level 3)

This school holiday, your little princesses deserves the royal treatment! 

Join Golden Village for world of fun with Barbie in Princess Power Dress Up Party

GV Grand, Great World City (Level 3)
$22 (Members) |  $26 (Public)

Includes one movie ticket, a BARBIE premium, a kiddie popcorn combo (32oz Popcorn and 350ml Minute Maid® Pulpy™ ) and admission to the dress up party

Activities include:

·         A “Barbie Princess” makeover & hairstyling booth

·         Instant photo booth

·         Tiara making craft station

·         A chance to win attractive prizes at our beauty pageant

Advance ticket sales starts on Thursday, 5 March 2015. 
For more information:

W: http://www.gv.com.sg/GVMovieDetails#/movie/0001

---------------------------

March Holidays Carnival @ United Square Mall

Friday, 13 March – Sunday, 5 April

Peppa Pig’s First ‘LIVE’ Meet & Greet in Singapore 

Tuesday, 17 March to Wednesday, 25 March

17 – 22 March: 1pm, 3pm & 7pm 23 – 25 March: 7pm

United Square Shopping Mall, the kids learning mall, has lined up an array of fun and exciting activities this March School Holidays. Usher in the holidays with Cartoon Network’s Toonfest, where kids can shake it up with their favourite Cartoon Network stars from Adventure Time, Regular Show, Amazing World of Gumball, Ben 10: Omniverse, Steven Universe and many more. 

Experience a different kind of buzz with some exciting games and fun activity booths. Plus, Toonfesters will also get a chance to take home awesome prizes. The fun continues with Peppa and George, the two lead characters from Peppa Pig. Get close up with Peppa, a loveable, cheeky little piggy, and her little brother George at their first appearance in Singapore. Kids can also take part in fun activities.

More information from:

W: http://www.unitedsquare.com.sg/

---------------------------

Saddle Up for a Magical Time

13th March - 12th April 2015

City Square Mall

My Little Pony Party Surprise ‘Live’ On Stage

Date: 14–22 March 

Time: 2pm & 7pm (Mon – Fri); 1pm, 4pm & 7pm (Sat & Sun) 

Venue: Level 1 Atrium 

Catch familiar characters like Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Applejack in exciting song-and-dance action live on stage and take a snapshot with them during the Meet & Greet sessions!

Interaction with Live Ponies (Pony Rides / Pony Feeding Sessions / Photo Taking Opportunities) 

Date: 14–22 March, 28-29 March, 4-5 April, 11-12 April 

Time: 1pm – 8pm 

Venue: Level 1 City Green

Get up close and personal with ponies brought in from Gallop Stable! For a package price of $15, you’ll be able to go on a pony ride around the City Green Park, hand feed the ponies and even take a photo with them to capture the moment. Be sure not to miss this opportunity! 

More information from:

W: www.citysquaremall.com.sg 

F: www.facebook.com/citysquaremall

---------------------------

Pyjama Party for Primary Students

14th March 2015

Lot 1 Shoppers' Mall Roof Garden

More information from:

W: www.thepillowpolice.com

---------------------------
ACT 3 DRAMA ACADEMY MARCH HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS 

Velveteen Rabbit and other Bunny Tales 

For 2 to 7 year olds

16 March to 5 April 2015

ACT 3 Drama Academy, recognised for its highly educationalyet entertaining programmes for children, is thrilled to present its March Holiday Workshops – Velveteen Rabbit and other Bunny Tales. The three workshops are based on tales of fuzzy, funny and furry bunnies adapted from much-loved children’s literature.

One-day workshops for 2-year-olds run on selected dates from 18 March to 5 April 2015 while five-day workshops for 3 to 7-year-olds will take place from: 16 to 20 and 23 to 27 March 2015. 

During the workshops, children will get to know more about a funny baby bunny from The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown, fuzzy toy bunny based on Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems and the furry toy rabbit from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. 

To register for a week of dramatic creativity, imagination and play:

ONE-TWO-SIX Cairnhill Arts Centre, 126 Cairnhill Road at least two weeks in advance. 

T: +65 6735 9986

E: act3int@act3international.com.sg 

W: www.act3international.com.sg

---------------------------

Goldilocks and the Three Bears

DBS Arts Centre - Home of SRT

11 - 29 March 2015

Tickets from Sistic www.sistic.com.sg 

More information from:

W: http://www.srt.com.sg

---------------------------

Robots VS Zombies

Lego Robotics Workshop (For Ages 5 - 12 years)

March 2015 @ Wonderswork

More information from:

T: +65 63334088
E: enquiry@wonderswork.com.sg
W: www.wonderswork.com.sg / http://wonderswork.com.sg/holidayworkshop.php

---------------------------
Credits: Wonderswork Singapore, ACT3 Drama Academy Singapore, Singapore Repertory Theatre, The Pillow Police, City Square Mall, United Square Mall, Golden Village.
Note: For information only