Acting Up! and Teatriukas in Vilnius

During the month of March, Acting Up! and Teatriukas in Vilnius, Lithuania presented a regular series of early year story and song sessions called Vintage Voices. Essentially an introduction to the theatre experience, this month saw Dalia Mikoliunate adding Lithuanian traditional songs to the programme. Vintage Voices is designed to create an intimate atmosphere of communication in an artistic environment which both baby and adult will enjoy. We are developing an audience that will increase its expectations with regard to early year theatre as they become more familiar with the experience. We are also researching why they come and what words they associate with their experience at the theatre afterwards. Teatriukas translates as Little Theatre and the space is ideal for very young children to experience the theatre for the first time. Despite its size, the theatre has a costume department, props area, lighting box, as well as kitchen and bathroom facilities. Teatriukas was one of the first independent theatre companies formed in Lithuania after 1991 and directors Dalia and Zilvinas pride themselves on their ability to embrace new audiences, new projects and new partnerships in an international context. Acting Up! director Cliodhna Noonan says “Teatriukas was a real gem to find and being able to perform there has changed my whole impression of this posting to Vilnius!!!” In May 2016, the second edition of the Labas! Early Years Festival will be hosted by this very active partnership of Acting Up! and Teatriukas.