EQT Children's Theater Festival @ Home FAQ and Resources

We're so excited to share this year's virtual performances at the EQT Children's Theater Festival @ Home with you. Use this page as a resource to help answer your questions and prepare for your performance in advance.

FAQ

Aesop Bops! and MacHomer

What do I need to attend?

  • A good internet connection
  • A video/screen display so you can see the performers
  • Headphones or Speakers so you can hear the performers

I’m attending from home with my kids and family! What’s the best way for us to watch? You can use a laptop or a desktop computer. ​​Note, the show will sound best on headphones or external speakers but laptop speakers will work in a pinch. It is possible to watch private, password protected videos on your Smart TV or Apple TV, but there are some steps you have to take in order to do that. Here is a ​helpful article​.

I’m sharing the show with my whole classroom at school. How should we prepare? You can use a laptop, desktop computer or a big smart TV or screen to share the video on (please see notes above.)

If your students are learning remotely and will not be watching the video together in-person, the students will get the best video quality if they watch the video directly on Vimeo rather than through screen sharing off their teacher’s computer (screen sharing is possible but there may be some lag issues. Please see below for some tips that might help.)

When will I get the link? The link and password will be emailed at least one day in advance to the email address provided with the reservation. Don’t forget to check your junk mail!

How long will I have access to the video? The access period is ​May 1-16, but you are welcome to watch the video as many times in that period as you want. We’ll provide a chapter guide with recommended stopping points if you plan to spread viewing over multiple days.

What happens if I need to screen share? Things that would help on the viewer's end:

  • Using the strongest internet connection possible and close all additional programs and tabs. Using a wired connection instead of WiFi.
  • If you use ​Google Meets on a Chrome browser​, then you can "present a Chrome tab" which should help.
  • If you use Zoom, there is a setting you can click to ​optimize video when sharing.
  • Lowering the video resolution should also help with timing/lagging.

A Kids' Play About Racism

How long is the show? 30 minutes

How many times can I view it? Once you gain access, as many times as you wish!

What is the last day I can view it? May 31, 2021

Can I preview the show? What is the show like? While we cannot grant preview access to the show, it stays loyal to the subjects covered by the book. We suggest you watch the book here before watching the show.

You can also watch clips and previews of the show here.

Do you have any supplemental material to accompany the show?Yes! We have an Active Audience Guide with activities for Pre K - 5th grade students, and tools to help you continue the conversation around racism.

We also have interviews, recorded workshops, and clips of the show here.

The University of Wonder & Imagination

What do I need to attend?

  • A good internet connection
  • A Zoom Account
  • A video display so you can see the performers
  • Headphones or Speakers so you can hear the performers
  • A microphone so the performers can hear you
  • A video camera so the performers can see you

What is it about? This interactive show is broadcast live over Zoom and into your home or classroom! It takes place in a magical University where nothing is quite as it seems. You will meet the mysterious Professor Bamberg, choose your subjects of study, enter themed rooms, encounter problems and puzzles and unlock your magical powers. In this ambitious immersive virtual event, decisions made by the audience shape each unique experience.

Who might like it? The University of Wonder & Imagination will appeal to family audiences. Age guide: 7+. We ask that there is always an adult present with children throughout their entire The University of Wonder & Imagination experience.

How long is the show? Approx. 1 hour with no intermission

I’m attending from home with my kids! What’s the best way for us to watch? You can use a laptop or a desktop computer as long as it has all the components above. You can also use a big smart TV or screen to share the video on, with speakers and an external video camera and microphone. Note, the show will sound best on headphones or external speakers but laptop speakers will work in a pinch.

How do I download Zoom? You can download Zoom from this link. For a guide on how to use Zoom, click here.

We recommend downloading Zoom in advance of joining the performance, as this can sometimes take a few minutes. If you already have Zoom, please make sure it is the most current version.

What’s the best way to test my setup? You can test your speakers, camera, and mic inside of Zoom! Check out this link to join a test meeting

When will I get the access link? The access link will be emailed on the day before your event to the email address provided with the reservation. If you buy your ticket within 24 hours of your performance time, the link will be included in your order confirmation email. Don’t forget to check your junk mail!

What happens if I have technical problems? If you experience any technical issues during your performance, please contact your presenting venue’s Box Office at 412-456-6666 or use WhatsApp to message or call Cahoots NI directly at +44 743 466 1671 and we will be able to advise you.

What happens if I’m booking tickets for people outside of my household? An email address is needed for every device booked, so we can send you important information. This will be your TrustArts.org login email address used when booking. Please do not share your individual link with anyone else. Your ticket link only covers those watching from your device. Please make sure your Zoom name or email address matches the ticket buyer’s name and login email address on your account, so we know to admit you into the correct session! Please ensure that only email addresses belonging to adults and not children are shared.

What do I do once I’ve followed the link? Please note that the link will only be active 30 minutes before the show. When joining the Zoom meeting, you will see a Zoom window showing the time and date of the performance. If you can see this, then you’re in The University Foyer! Please wait for us to admit you. We endeavor to start the performance right on time, so please try to be prompt; however, there’s a small possibility that the performance will not begin at the exact time stated on your reservation to give latecomers a chance to join.

What else should I know? Once in the University Foyer, you can change your name in your Zoom settings to reflect how you would like to be called when the performers speak to you. Examples: Mrs. Hernandez’s class, or The Dombane Family or Noah, Stacy, and Clarke... You can change your name by going to the three dots in the upper right hand corner of your Zoom video window and selecting “Rename”.

Will I be seen by others during the performance? Yes, and that’s part of the fun! If you do not wish to be involved in this way, you may switch your camera off.

Who controls the sound? If you are asked a question by one of our University Professors, they will unmute you so you can just sit back and relax!

What safeguarding measures are in place? We ask that there is always an adult present with any children throughout their entire University experience and that only email addresses belonging to adults and not children are used to book tickets to participate in the performance. We also ask that the device you are watching the performance on is in a communal area such as living/kitchen room, and not in a bedroom. If you choose not to turn your camera off, you will see other audience members, and they will see you. Please ensure everyone in the household is aware the performance is in progress and is mindful of what they say and do on-camera.

We Cover The Universe

Where is this event happening? This interactive event is completely online on Zoom. One ticket allows one household to take part on one computer.

How do I attend this event? This is a ticketed event that you must book in advance. Tickets are limited to one per household. Once you've booked a ticket, you'll be sent instructions by email on how to join the Zoom call ahead of the event.

When will I get the access link? The access link will be emailed no later than 24 hours prior to the event to the login email address used at time of purchase. If you buy your ticket the same day of the performance, the link will be emailed up to 20 minutes before the performance starts. Don’t forget to check your junk mail!

What age child is this show suitable for? We Cover the Universe is aimed at under-fives but it's suitable for the whole family to enjoy. This is a participatory experience to be shared between young audiences and their parents/carers; an adult must be present at all times.

Does everyone in my house need their own ticket? No. One ticket is needed per household, for example one family watching the show around one computer.

What do equipment will I need?We will ask you to bring some objects with you to the show. Crayons, pencils or pens and some paper. We will also ask you to bring some simple household objects including; a bottle with water, and something soft to touch, such as a cushion or a soft toy. If you don't have any equipment with you, that's no problem, you can still join in. We will contact you before the show with a full list of items.

What is Zoom? Zoom is free to use video conferencing software. When you make an account you don’t have to hand over personal information or any payment information. It’s really quick and simple. The event on Zoom will be a private event, you won’t be broadcast online. Other guests will be able to see you (which is wonderful in this time of isolation) but you have the option to turn video off.

What technology will I need?

  • A computer (laptop or desktop). Due to the participatory nature of this event we recommend that you don't use a mobile device such as a phone or iPad.
  • Zoom application installed https://zoom.us/
  • Speakers
  • Camera (optional, but it’s always nice for the performers to see an audience responding)
  • Microphone (optional)
  • Headphones (optional)

  

Study Guides and Curriculum

Aesop Bops! with David Gonzalez
MacHomer Study Guide
MacHomer - Animated Shakespeare Modules
MacHomer - Animated Shakespeare Videos

  

Pre-Show Discussion with MACHOMER Creator and Performer, Rick Miller

Rick Miller joined Trust Arts Education on May 5 over zoom for a short discussion to learn about his one-man vocal spectacular, MacHomer.

This conversation was hosted by the Trust’s Senior Arts Education Program Manager, Seth Laidlaw, and moderated by three students from Albert Gallatin High School: Allyson Chapman, Sydney Larew and Kaelyn Rozgony.