Reader's Theatre

What is the Reader's Theatre Project?

The Reader’s Theatre Project (RTP) began in 1993 as a literacy program at the Children’s Museum of Los Angeles.  Feeling a strong responsibility to introduce children to the joys of books and reading but, realizing that we could not teach them to read in a single visit, the Museum staff created a unique blend of theatre, music, story-telling and books which is called the Reader’s Theatre Project.

Each of these 35-minute musical productions brings four or five children’s picture books to life with professional actors, dancers and musicians from Los Angeles performing arts community.  Each book’s  (link to book samples “books from our current show”) text is presented exactly as it is written and its illustrations are projected on screens above the stage. All costumes and props are quoted from the illustrations and an original musical score is composed for each book by award winning composer, Scott Nagatani.

The Reader's Theatre Project has been very successful in exciting children about reading. It continues to be a favorite of teachers and parents, as well as the pre-school and elementary school audience for which it is created.

Click here to read quotes from letters

Where can I see a performance?

Reader's Theatre Project performances tour the Greater Los Angeles area. Productions have been mounted at Storyopolis, the Los Angeles Times' Festival of Books, Santa Monica Place, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, and many area schools. Our events calendar which list Reader's Theatre Project performances is posted on our website.
To receive a schedule of performances or touring information, please call Frank Pittarese at 818-686-9280 extension 131.

Who is the audience?

The primary audience for the Reader's Theatre Project is 3-9 year old children and their grown-ups (teachers, parents, grandparents, care-givers).