TYKEs
(Theatre Young Kids Enjoy)
Welcome to TYKEs' 21st Season!
Are You My Mother?
January 17–25, 2026
Ten years in the making, the world-premiere musical adaptation of the beloved and heartwarming P.D. Eastman book Are You My Mother? takes flight! Written and composed by TYKEs’ own artistic team, the classic story of a newly hatched baby bird in search of its mother bursts on stage with a parade of colorful and endearing characters, an outstanding score and plenty of hilarious antics. Based on one of the top 100 books of all time, this heartwarming, high-energy production celebrates curiosity, courage and the unbreakable bond between caregiver and child. Ages 3+
Run Time: About an hour long, plus a 15-minute intermission.
Saturday, January 17, 11am
Saturday, January 17, 2pm
Sunday, January 18, 2pm
Saturday, January 24, 11am (ASL Interpreted)
Saturday, January 24, 2pm
Sunday, January 25, 11am
Sunday, January 25, 2pm
A Bad Case of Stripes
April 11–19, 2026
In this fun musical adaptation of David Shannon’s beloved book, Camilla thinks she must choose between her favorite food – lima beans – and the acceptance of those around her. But the harder she tries to conform to other people’s opinions, the more miserable (and colorful) she becomes. With infectious energy and a heartfelt message, A Bad Case of Stripes reminds audiences of all ages that embracing your true colors is the key to self-discovery and acceptance. Ages 4+
Run Time: About an hour long, plus a 15-minute intermission.
Saturday, April 11, 11am
Saturday, April 11, 2pm
Sunday, April 12, 2pm
Saturday, April 18, 11am
Saturday, April 18, 2pm
Sunday, April 19, 11am
Sunday, April 19, 2pm (ASL Interpreted)
The Jungle Book
March 23–28, 2026
Our Missoula Children’s Theatre show-in-a-week is BACK by popular demand!
Our 21st partnership with Missoula Children’s Theatre brings us to the jungle! We’ll meet young Mowgli, who is adopted by wolves, taught by a bear, befriended by a panther and chased by a tiger as he explores what it means to be human and learns a lesson from the brave mongoose Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. Original music and rollicking humor give new life to the classic tale by Rudyard Kipling.
Aspiring young thespians can enjoy the epic adventure in two ways: as an audience member or as a performer! Fabulous on-stage roles for kids in Kindergarten and up in this full-scale musical complete with sets, props and costumes! No prior acting experience necessary.
The Golden Goose
Mondays, January 26 to March 16
5 to 6pm
Note: no class on Feb. 16
Final performance for family and friends in the Aud on March 16 at 6pm
A brand new class for aspiring thespians in Kindergarten and first grade! A gentle child named Sprout discovers a magical goose, setting off a chain of silly surprises! As curious villagers try to sneak a touch of the sparkling feathers of the goose, they find themselves hilariously stuck together, creating a parade that winds its way through the kingdom. Meanwhile in the castle, a princess who never laughs is waiting for something extraordinary to happen and the King has promised a special reward for whoever can brighten her day.
Fee: $175
Hansel & Gretel: The Sweet Escape
Tuesdays, January 27 to March 17
5 to 6pm
Note: no class on Feb. 17
Final performance for family and friends in the theatre on March 17 at 6pm
Step into a magical, laugh-filled adventure: a brand-new twist to Hansel and Gretel in a playful, imaginative class full of puzzles, surprises, and delightful witchy mischief. In this modern retelling, siblings Hansel and Gretel wander off the forest path and stumble into the Enchanted Escape Room, a candy-trimmed smart house run by two whimsical witch sisters: Gilda and Hilda. What begins as a tricky tangle of clues soon turns into a hilarious adventure as the kids outsmart riddles and decode magical puzzles.
Perfect for performers in grades 2 through 5 who are ready to solve mysteries and play big characters! Designed for children who are able to read at a second grade level or higher.
Fee: $175
Gift Cards Available
Give the gift of theatre this holiday season!
Choose our own amount, send via e-mail or print yourself, or contact us for a personalized gift certificate.
About TYKEs
TYKEs is honored to rank as the #1 children’s theatre, #1 in arts education and one of the TOP 5 favorite places in town to bring kids.
Now in its 21st season, TYKEs captivates families with beloved plays and musicals brought alive on stage by adult professional actors.
TYKEs strives to inspire an appreciation of the arts, literary awareness, and social skills while teaching key life lessons.
Performances, school field trips, after-school classes and summer camp take place in the warm, welcoming Hart Theatre at the JCC in Brighton.
Join us for one of our exciting field trips this season:
Cirque Us – Friday, September 26
Wizard of Oz – Thursday and Friday, October 16 and 17
Are You My Mother? – Thursday and Friday, January 22 and 23
A Bad Case of Stripes – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 15, 16 and 17
Email fschneider@jccrochester.org to reserve your visit! Study guides supplied in advance.
Ticketing Information
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This account is not associated with your JCC membership account, and your credit card information is not stored.
Promo Codes
If you have a promo code, it must be entered before selecting seats. After applying a promo code, you will receive additional pricing options when selecting seats, indicated by a star.
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Ticket Delivery
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“Will call” tickets will be available for pickup up at the door starting 1 hour prior to showtime.
We can always print your tickets at the door regardless of delivery method – just ask at the box office when you arrive!
Auditions
TYKEs’ announces auditions for the Spring musical A Bad Case of Stripes, based on the famous book by David Shannon.
TYKEs KidStage at the JCC
A fabulous month of theatre for kids entering 3rd to 6th grade!
KidStage campers sing, dance, act, imagine and collaborate to create exuberant on-stage performances. It’s the best of both worlds: theater experience at Rochester’s #1 ranked children’s theatre PLUS fun in the sun including daily swimming and outdoor games. KidStage offers your budding thespian individual attention from our team of professionals, bolstering self-esteem, confidence and individual expression in a fun and nurturing environment.
History
TYKEs has been entertaining audiences for 21 years!
Group Sales
Come enjoy your birthday party, scouting event or family get-together at TYKEs! We welcome groups of all sizes.
Groups of 10 or more save $1 per ticket with promo code GROUP10
Groups of 20 or more save $2 per ticket with promo code GROUP20
Enter codes after selecting your show time from the calendar, before clicking “select seats from map.”
Contact us with any questions!
School Groups
School performance tickets are $9 each and a study guide will be included for discussion!
Join us for one of our exciting field trips this season:
Cirque Us – Friday, September 26
Wizard of Oz – Thursday and Friday, October 16 and 17
Are You My Mother? – Thursday and Friday, January 22 and 23
A Bad Case of Stripes – Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, April 15, 16 and 17
Email fschneider@jccrochester.org to reserve your visit! Study guides supplied in advance.
Volunteer
To learn more about volunteer opportunities, including backstage, front of house, and ushers, contact us.
Contact Us
Freyda Schneider, Director of TYKEs, Theatre Young Kids Enjoy
Elaina Bachmann, Box Office, Patron Services Coordinator
Crafted from the actual testimonies of Rochester-based Holocaust Survivors, CenterStage Theatre and the Louis S. Wolk Jewish Community Center of Greater Rochester commissioned this new play to put a human face on this important time in history. A cautionary tale on the risks of normalized hate, this inspirational and uplifting play ensures that the voices of our Survivors will never be silenced.
SURVIVORS is available for tours to middle schools, high schools, colleges, and community organizations.
The play is also available for licensing.
TYKEs is a proud member of TheatreROCS.