Book-It Repertory Theatre facts for kids
The Seattle Center House (now the Seattle Center Armory)
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| Formation | 1987 |
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| Type | Theatre group |
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Book-It Repertory Theatre (often called "Book-It") was a special theater group in Seattle. Their main goal was to turn amazing books into exciting plays. They wanted to inspire people to read more!
Book-It started in 1987. It was led by Jane Jones and Myra Platt for a long time. They even won awards for their great work in the arts.
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History of Book-It Theatre
The story of Book-It Repertory Theatre began in 1986. Jane Jones, who would later lead Book-It, started experimenting with performing short stories on stage in New York City. She worked with a group of actors to see how books could become plays.
In 1987, Jane Jones moved to Seattle. There, she and other actors formed a group called The Collective. They continued to explore how to adapt literature into theater. They started by performing short stories.
Book-It officially became a nonprofit organization in 1990. This meant they could get donations to help their work. At first, they mostly traveled to schools and libraries to perform. This helped them share their love of books and theater with many people.
In 1995, Book-It found its first permanent home. It was a small theater with 50 seats. Later, in 2000, they moved to their main location at Seattle Center. This building was first called the Center House, but it is now known as The Armory.
In 2019, the founders Jane Jones and Myra Platt announced they would step down. Sadly, in June 2023, Book-It announced it would close. Their last show was in July 2023, and the planned shows for the next season were cancelled.
What is "Book-It Style"?
Book-It Repertory Theatre had a very special way of performing stories. It was called "Book-It Style." This style meant that the actors used the author's exact words from the book. They didn't change them to fit the stage.
Imagine reading a book and hearing the words come alive! In Book-It Style, even descriptions or a character's inner thoughts were spoken by the actors. This helped the audience understand the story and the characters better, just as if they were reading the book.
Arts and Education Programs
Book-It Repertory Theatre had a wonderful program called "Arts and Education." This program aimed to help children and young people love reading and theater. They received a grant from the Hearst Foundation to make this program even bigger.
Touring Shows for Kids
Book-It had a touring series that brought plays to schools, libraries, and community centers in Seattle. These plays were based on books for children and young adults. After the show, students often received a book and could join a fun workshop. One popular show was "Danger: Books!" It featured readings from books that had been challenged or banned.
Family Fun Series
This series took place at Book-It's main theater. It usually had about three shows each season. These events included a short play based on a children's book. Families could also enjoy book-themed crafts and workshops after the performance. It was a great way for parents and kids to enjoy theater together.
Student Matinees
Like many theaters, Book-It offered special student matinees. These were daytime performances of their main shows, suitable for school groups. It made it easier and more affordable for teachers to bring their students to see a play.
Residencies for Schools
Book-It also worked closely with schools through "teacher residencies." These were longer programs designed with teachers to fit their specific lessons. They helped students learn about books and theater in a fun, hands-on way. These programs often included a touring show.
Training for Teachers
Book-It offered workshops for groups of teachers. They also took part in a five-day summer program. This program, called "Bringing Theatre into the Classroom," helped teachers learn how to use theater in their lessons.
Mainstage Productions
Over the years, Book-It Repertory Theatre performed many plays based on famous books. They brought stories to life from authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and John Irving. Some of their popular shows included Pride and Prejudice, A Tale of Two Cities, and Owen Meany's Christmas Pageant. They performed a wide variety of stories, from classic novels to modern tales.
Circumbendibus Series
In 2012, Book-It started a new series called Circumbendibus. These shows were different from their main stage plays. They explored non-traditional texts, meaning they adapted things that weren't always novels. For example, they created shows based on food writing, cookbooks, and even graphic novels. This series allowed them to experiment with new kinds of storytelling.
