Learn with Play!

The Imaginary Theatre Company (ITC) is the resident, professional, touring ensemble of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Through the use of literature, folk tales, fairy tales and new adaptations of classic works, ITC is committed to providing the very finest in theatre for young audiences and strives to bring quality performances to schools and community venues throughout the bi-state area.

2011–2012 Season

Welcome to ITC's 36th season! Invite us to come play with you, and let our literature-based productions introduce your kids to a whole new way to learn.

Season Sponsors:

The Sword in the Stone
by Kathryn Schultz Miller

Recommended for grades 4-6
45 minutes

Available for touring: January 17–April 1, 2012

Public performances: TOURING ONLY

Knights and wizards spring from legend to life to crown a future king in this enchanting medieval tale. Before Arthur reaches the hallowed halls of Camelot, he must learn how to be a successful ruler. Armed with the knowledge of Arthur’s royal destiny, the famed magician Merlin uses all his powers to instruct the young squire on the magic inherent in every living thing. Through Merlin’s lessons, the future king discovers the way to save his country is not only by the power of the sword, but also by the power of the mind and heart.

The Elves and the Shoemaker
by Sarah Brandt
Music and Lyrics by Neal Richardson

Recommended for all grades and family audiences
45 minutes

Available for touring: November 7–December 31, 2011

Public performances: December 17-23 (Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School)

When a kindly shoemaker gives his only remaining pair of shoes to a cold and hungry beggar woman, he finds his good deed rewarded in very unexpected ways. The shoemaker is shocked by the appearance of magic elves who turn his simple shoe shop into a great success, thrilling customers with their special creations. Based on the tale by the Brothers Grimm, this beloved, warm-hearted story is perfect for the holiday season, reminding us that where we find goodness, generosity and hope, anything is possible.

See photos from this production.

Puss in Boots
Book, Music and Lyrics by Brian Hohlfeld

Recommended for grades K-3
45 minutes

Available for touring: October 17–April 1, 2012

Public performances: March 17 (Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School)

Before he was Shrek’s swash-buckling sidekick, Puss was one of Mother Goose’s best-loved story time characters. Find out how this frisky feline’s legend began as he leads his master on a journey to find his way in the world. The clever Puss uses cunning and intelligence to overcome an ogre, befriend a king and win the heart of the fair princess, gaining his master and himself a life of ease and happiness. Combining the spirit of the original tale with a fresh, musical mischief, this classic adventure is a laugh-out-loud treat.

See photos from this production.

Additional Services

Free Study Guides: Each play comes with its own multi-disciplinary study guide. ITC study guides are designed to give teachers direction and concepts for pre-performance and post-performance discussion of the production, and include activities supporting Missouri Knowledge Standards and Illinois Learning Standards. Guides are e-mailed to you at least two weeks prior to the scheduled performance, and are also available for download online.

Free Question and Answer Sessions (Q & A): Q & A's are held immediately after a performance and can be up to 15 minutes in length. Q & A's provide your students with an opportunity to meet the actors, discuss what has just been performed, and to ask questions about life as a professional in the arts.

Workshops: These workshops, presented by ITC's professional cast, are offered as an enhancement to your students' theatre experience and a supplement to your curricular program. Using theatre exercises, your students will explore the discipline and skills used by actors to create characters and communicate meaning. While exercising their "muscles" of imagination, concentration and teamwork, your students will learn to trust their own creative being, expand their emotional freedom and explore the joy of taking risks. The specific activities used in these workshops are chosen based upon the participants' grade level.

Acting Up
Length: 30–60 minutes
Space Requirement: classroom, stage or open space
Group Size: 6 to 70

See below for fees and booking information.

Booking Information

Touring (Same Day Bookings):
One performance starts at $350.00.
Two services start at $630.00.
Three services start at $975.00.

Study guides are included in your cost and will be e-mailed to you prior to the first scheduled performance. An additional educational component at no extra cost is an optional 15-minute Q&A with the actors immediately following each performance.

A service is defined as a performance or a workshop.
Fees vary. Actual cost is determined by distance to be traveled, if an overnight stay is required, the total number of days involved, and the various combinations of performances and workshops.
No workshop can be scheduled without a performance.
A three-performance day must be of the same play.
Services can be delivered in no more than two locations on any scheduled workday.

For statewide touring dates, the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) will grant awards to Missouri-based presenters outside the St. Louis metro area. Grant requests must be submitted to MAC at least two months prior to the contracted performance date(s).

For touring dates outside of Missouri, financial awards may be available through your state arts council. Please ask for more information when booking your date(s).

Contact ITC

For more information or to book the Imaginary Theatre Company, call (collect) (314) 968-7344 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Thank You