Every year, Dallas Summer Musicals programs its season to appeal to the broadest audience possible. So, while some of the shows lean toward adults, many of them are ones the whole family can enjoy.
For those family-friendly shows, there's a bonus feature: The DSM Kids Club. These are chances for children to learn a bit more about the show they're going to see, do some fun activities, and even get a chance to meet cast members of that particular musical.
During the 2013 season, children have two chances to participate in Kids Club — Saturday, March 23, prior to the matinee of Mary Poppins, which runs March 20-30 at Music Hall at Fair Park, and Saturday, October 5, prior to the matinee of The Lion King, DSM's choice to run concurrent with this year's State Fair of Texas.
Anyone can attend the Kids Club sessions, even those without tickets to the matinee. You must, however, fill out a form beforehand. Forms can be found on the DSM website under the For Kids section or can be requested by calling 214-421-5678.
Kids Club is one of several DSM youth initiatives. The DSM also donates tickets and educational material to low-income, at-risk and special-needs children through their Seats for Kids program.
The Stage Right program is a summer camp aimed at at-risk kids to give them a positive experience and expose them to the arts. And the annual Dallas Summer Musicals Academy offers in-depth theater training and even need-based scholarships.