Review of Arts on the Horizion Theatre for Young Children

by Sarah Erdman

Arts on the Horizon prides itself on providing "high-quality theatre for young audiences and their families at an affordable rate" and their focus on the 0-6 year old crowd comes out with their funny, engaging, interactive shows. Clocking in at around 30 minutes, the shows are mostly non-verbal but incorporate music and movement. The professional actors know how to draw in the young audiences and aren't phased by exclamations, wiggly bodies or occasional tears.

Performances are staged all over Northern Virginia, but they keep the set-up similar no matter the venue. Before the show the waiting area has toys and books, so young audience members don't use up their "quiet bodies" before the show begins. You can opt to sit on the floor or there are chairs at the back of the theater. After the show, there are activities and information that you can take home with you to extend the fun.

Waiting Area before the Show

On stage right now, Arts on the Horizon is performing "Point A to Point B" a new show inspired by the America on the Move exhibit at the National Museum of American History. As they describe it:

"It’s just another day at the Lab, but today’s particular assignment has the two employees scratching their heads: a ball keeps appearing from a spot labeled “Point A” and needs to travel to “Point B.” The catch is that the ball can never travel the same way twice!"

All the kids in the audience were laughing and pointing and calling out suggestions to the two scientists as they built different contraptions to move the ball from "A" to "B." You also saw the scientific method at work as they tried different methods and recorded the results. My 3 year old couldn't take his eyes off the stage, and even my 3 month old watched with serious intent, before falling asleep (another thing I like about their shows, they are younger sibling friendly and I could care for the baby without having to leave the theater).

"Point A to Point B" is on stage at the Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA. A great venue with a lot of artist studios and plenty of space to run around or picnic. There is some road construction in the area, so if you are driving in from Fairfax/DC, pay attention to the detours. Performances are running October 14th-18th and there is a $5 "Flash Sale" for tickets on the 14th!

If you miss this run, don't worry! The show will return at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in November and they will also be doing "Snow Day," "Space Bop," (for kids 0-2!) and "Blossoms Rainbow" during this season. Enjoy the show! For more info, visit http://www.artsonthehorizon.org/


About the Author: Sarah Erdman is a museum professional, early childhood educator and Mom in Northern Virginia.  She owns Cabinet of Curiosities LLC and hopes to bring the wonder of museums to young children throughout the Washington, D.C. area.




Disclosure: The author received complimentary tickets for her review. No other compensation was received.