Family Fun Day takes you behind the scenes at Auditorium Theatre

The Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress, is hosting a behind-the-scenes “Family Fun Day — Making the Magic” on Nov. 13. Kid-friendly activities include architectural activities led by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, dancing lessons with a former Joffrey Ballet dancer, vocal workshops, and writing activities with a dance critic. In addition, there will be scavenger hunts, crafts, singing, dancing, and so much more for kids of all ages to enjoy. And it’s all free.

According to the official announcement, the day includes:

Dance Like the Pros with The Joffrey Ballet’s Erica Edwards (1-3PM)

The Joffrey Ballet’s Director of Community Engagement (and a Joffrey Ballet dancer for 15 years) Erica Edwards will lead dance classes for families. During her time dancing with The Joffrey Ballet, Edwards was named a Black History Maker by the Chicago Sun-Times, nominated for the Princess Grace Foundation Award, and featured in Ebony magazine as a Young Leader of the Future in the Arts. She has performed in productions including “The Nutcracker” and “Cinderella.”

Raise Your Voice with Too Hot to Handel’s Rodrick Dixon (1-3:30PM)

Explore your artistic voice and learn to sing like a star when you join Rodrick Dixon, star of the Auditorium Theatre’s annual production “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz Gospel-Messiah.” Young people will warm up their vocal instruments and then create their own short performance. (The 12th annual performance of “Too Hot to Handel” runs Jan. 14-15, 2017 at the Auditorium Theatre.)

Be the Critic with Zachary Whittenburg (2-4PM)

For aspiring writers in the middle and high school range, former Time Out Chicago dance editor and regular contributor to Dance Magazine Zac Whittenburg will lead four 20-minute writing workshops. Culture critics-in-training will learn critiquing tips from a pro as they watch a filmed dance performance and get the chance to write their own reviews.

Be the Choreographer with DanceWorks Chicago (3-5PM)

Choreographers from the contemporary dance company DanceWorks Chicago will be on hand at the Auditorium to lead choreography workshops.

Families are encouraged to pre-register here (you can also register on-site).