Beijing’s performing arts scene abounds with such immense talent from the international community, including the schoolkids who are continuously wowing our team with their stage productions. As someone who’s been covering school events, seeing the glow and glee from performing pupils just gives me – and perhaps all of the audience – a euphoric sense of youth!

This springtime, several international schools in the city are opening their halls for recitals and stage productions organized and performed by students of various grade levels.

BWYA Annual Musical: The Sound of Music, Apr 13-14
Sing along to The Sound of Music at Beijing World Youth Academy’s (BWYA) annual musical on the weekend of April 13-14! The show is set to be BWYA’s biggest student-led musical in its history yet, with pupils and members of the BWYA Theatre Troupe taking up roles in acting, directing, costume and set design, stage management, music, and more.

All ages. RMB 100 (standard ticket), RMB 120 (VIP ticket). 7-9pm. BWYA Performing Arts Centre, 11 Xinshengcun, Chaoyang District.

Seussical Jr. at Dulwich College Beijing, Apr 18-19
With a cast of over 40 and a live onstage band, Dulwich College Beijing’s (DCB) Junior School is bringing to life all your favorite Dr. Seuss characters in Seussical Jr., a musical perfect for the whole family, from age 3 to 300! Scan QR code for tickets.

All ages. RMB 50-80. Starts 7pm. Dulwich College Beijing. (RSVP: rsvp@dulwich-beijing.cn)

CISB StageCats Presents: Godspell, Apr 26-27
The CISB StageCats are back and better than ever with an electrifying performance of the world-famous musical, Godspell. From the legendary Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz, Godspell is a highly energetic musical-comedy that retells stories and lessons from the Book of Matthew. While inspired by a religious text as its source, this show is for people of all ages, backgrounds, and tastes. Songs include the worldwide hits “Day by Day”, “Bless the Lord”, and many others. And even better – this will be CISB StageCats’ first musical production with a live band onstage!

All ages. RMB 50 (adults), RMB 30 (students). Tickets can be purchased in advance at the CISB front desk or from a member of the cast/crew. Showtimes: Apr 26 (Fri) at 7pm, Apr 27 (Sat) at 2pm (matinee) and 7pm. Canadian International School of Beijing. (RSVP: patrick.connolly@cisbeijing.com, www.cisbtheatre.com)

Professional Performances

But wait, there’s more! Besides school performances, there are also family-friendly productions happening all throughout the second quarter. Bookmark this page or book ahead of time to get great seats for the whole family.

TNT Theatre Britain: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Apr 18-20
Shakespeare’s most popular comedy deserves its reputation, for here the “lunatic, the lover and the poet” combine with a magical world to create a perfect mix of comedy and romance. This production by the TNT Theatre Britain blends music, dance, and song with a powerful conflict that demonstrates not just the joy but also the pain and madness of love.

All ages. RMB 80-380. Starts 9.30pm. Nine Theater 9个剧场.

Samajam: Kids Show 2, Apr 19-21
Dubbed as a “200 percent participatory musical show”, Samajam Kids Show returns to Beijing. Young audience members will join in with the performing musicians as they will receive several musical instruments during the show, helping them learn music while having fun. There will also be a live interactive video game!

All ages. RMB 180-380. 10.30am-7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center.

Four Seasons and One Vivaldi Puppet Show, May 4/5 and May 11/12
Introduce your little one to the world of classical music with this fun puppet show. Little Vivaldi is fascinated by the story his father tells him about young Petrolino the shepherd, interwoven with details about the four seasons. This award-winning English language play is suitable for children 3-8 years of age.

Ages 3-8. RMB 80-220. 10.30am-3.30pm. Qinglan Theatre. (400 610 3721)

Broadway Classic Musical: The Wizard of Oz, Jun 16-22
This production of The Wizard of Oz is a spectacular celebration of that classic 1939 MGM film. It’s a new, refreshed and lavish rendition of the beloved classic. Audiences young and old, seeing it for the first time or the fifth, will be dazzled by the brightly colored sets, charmed by its timeless score and enthralled with its breathtaking special effects. The language of the event is English with Chinese subtitles.

All ages. RMB 100-980. For more information or for tickets, visit this page. Starts 7.30pm. Beijing Tianqiao Performing Arts Center.

If you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings, let us know by submitting event information here. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Photos: courtesy of event organizers