Having worked professionally in Children’s Theatre the past few years I know how valuable it is. I know the power of providing a space of joy and discovery. We are, of course, building future artists and audience members but more than that we are engaging their creativity, their love of telling stories, and the desire to learn and explore in wondrous ways.
There are greater themes in this play about problem solving, not giving in or giving up…but, for me, this play is about the magic, wonder, and joy of the imagination. This play serves as a reminder (for myself) to not take things too seriously and to find time to be a little bit silly and a little bit strange.
-Matthew R. Olsen
There are a lot of reasons why I wanted to work on this production, but a big one for me was being able to create a space for kids to experience the joy of theater.
Growing up, some of my favorite memories were from being in or watching theatre. I may not be able to tell you every detail from a production I saw when I was 9 years old, but I can remember the joy and excitement I felt while watching it. Without those experiences as a kid, I can honestly tell you I would not be where I am today.
This website is a space not just to share research on topics related to the script (though I promise there will be plenty of that!), it is a space to get to know every unique person working on this project. Theater is a community; a space where we can all come together and celebrate the parts of ourselves that may not otherwise be celebrated.
So with that... explore, learn, and have some fun getting into the world that is UMD's Dragons Love Tacos!
- Katherine Warmka
Dragons Love Tacos is a message to any anxious kid that it’s okay to be quiet and have energy and fun at the same time. Boy finds his voice later on in the play, but it wasn’t required for him to enjoy the world the Suits and Dragons are creating.
Children’s theatre helps foster creativity and imagination in young minds. Throughout grade school, kids have to spend all day sitting down and being quiet. We need children’s theatre because it teaches kids that it’s okay to be energetic and creative in a structured space.
-Kimberly Hodgman