Free Shows for Kids and Families
From award-winning folk singers and zany jugglers, to friendly furry animals and traditional Indian dancing, our popular Kids in the Rotunda series for families is sure to engage, educate and entertain your whole family. Enjoy a diverse lineup of local, regional and national performers selected exclusively for children ages nine and younger and their families
Upcoming Event:
Fete de Marquette
SAT, JUL 13, 11:30 AM – 4 PM | McPike Park
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Wayne the Wizard Magic and Ventriloquist Show
Wayne will wow your family with astonishing illusions, impressive tricks, and a comedy ventriloquist act that will leave you wondering if puppets really can come to life. So pack up your magic wand, unmarked card deck and black top hat and head to Fete De Marquette because this show will have the whole audience making magic!
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM | Duke Otherwise
With his guitar, tap shoes, and distinct baritone, Duke Otherwise performs hilarious, charming and interactive musical programs for all ages. His original songs are bursting with clever wordplay and fun ideas relatable to kids and adults.
2 PM – 2:45 PM | Overture’s Rising Stars
The 2019 showcase of past Rising Stars includes Maddie Mosley (musical theater), Marek Lambert-Conohan (clogging), Tara Harris (baton twirling), Phillip Watters (pop-locking), Lexus Anderson-Carter (violin).
3:15 PM – 4 PM | Underground Aerial
Enjoy high-flying acts by local aerialists Jess Clark, Sandra Newbury and Luv Joy Seamon.
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM | Drum Power
DrumPower is a youth leadership program that provides young people with an opportunity to learn West African Traditional, Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian drumming and their cultural/historical significance in order to build self-esteem and self-confidence through discovering the rewards of discipline, teamwork, creativity, responsibility and self-respect.
11 AM – 4 PM | MSCR Fit2Go
Get active with staff from Madison School and Community Recreation! Fun and games include hula hoops, jump ropes, sports equipment, Imagination Playground, obstacle courses and more.
READ LIKE A BADGER SUMMER CONCERT AND PICNIC
TUES, AUG 6, 7 PM – 8 PM | Olbrich Gardens
Join Angela Puerta from 7 PM – 8 PM for Afro-Colombian rhythms, upbeat music and songs in Spanish & English!
Presented in partnership with Madison Public Library, Madison City Clerk’s Office, Madison Water Utility’s Water Wagon and Olbrich Gardens.
Join the Kids in the Rotunda Community!
There are lots of ways to stay connected with KIR and other families like yours who attend the shows. Follow Overture Center’s Kids in the Rotunda Facebook Page to get notifications, find parent meet ups, family performances, seating updates, special discounts and more. Also, subscribe to our weekly email newsletter for news.
Subscribe to the KIR Email Newsletter Follow the KIR Facebook Page
What to expect
Performer Application
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the upcoming season (which runs October – April) is finalized in February of each year.
Artists interested in performing at Kids in the Rotunda can submit an application at the following link.
Support Kids in the Rotunda
Help bring Kids in the Rotunda to the next generation. Find out why and how you can support the program below.
Funding provided by American Girl’s Fund for Children, Madison Gas & Electric Foundation, Nancy E. Barklage & Teresa J. Welch, the Kuehn Family Foundation, Ian’s Pizza, Dental Health Associates, DiVentures, Metcalfe’s, UnityPoint Health – Meriter and by contributions to Overture Center for the Arts. Help make arts experiences real for hundreds of thousands of people at overture.org/makeagift.
Questions?
Contact Programming and Community Engagement Coordinator Meri Rose Ekberg
kidsintherotunda@overture.org
608.258.4447
