HOLDEN & ARTS ASSOCIATES
SHARING STORIES AND CREATING PARTNERSHIPS SINCE 1983
EDDIE & VINNIE
Produced by Childsplay
From Tempe, Arizona
At its heart, Eddie and Vinnie is a buddy comedy about Eddie, a boy with dyslexia, and his best friend/sidekick, a wise-cracking gecko named Vinnie. Eddie is a skilled artist and creates beautiful, complex puzzles, but he struggles with schoolwork. When faced with summer school if he can't get his grades up, Eddie teams with the overly helpful new girl in class to write an end-of-the-year report on MC Escher. It seems like Vinnie is always there to distract him…or is she challenging Eddie to lean into his uniquely beautiful mind? Through their journey, students will discover the importance of empathy, understanding, and recognizing that there is more than one way to learn.
Designed to resonate with educators and students, this play raises awareness about dyslexia, which affects one in five people. By showcasing the unique strengths and qualities of individuals with dyslexia, Eddie & Vinnie dispels misconceptions, reduces stigma, and encourages meaningful conversations about the topic.
With its relatable characters and powerful message, Eddie & Vinnie is an excellent addition to any school's educational programming. Students will want to experience this comedy that celebrates the power of creativity and imagination!
Curriculum Connections
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Fine Arts: Performance, Sound Design, Set Design
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Language Arts: Storytelling, Character, Creative Writing
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Science: Lizards and their environment
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Emotional/Social Development: Self Awareness, Self Management, Identifying Emotions, Empathy, Respect for Others, Perspective-Taking, Relationship Skills, Social Engagement, Relationship-building, Teamwork, Ethical Responsibility
Outreach and Workshops
Sensory Friendly Performances
This performance is available as a “sensory friendly” or “relaxed” performance if arranged with the company in advance and with specific direction as to what adjustments are necessary for your venue.
Minimum Technical Requirements
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Load in: 4 hours
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Crew Needs: 4 minimum to load in (carpenters/electricians/sound), 1 crew member to run the show, show crew to strike.
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Min. Stage Size: 25 feet wide by 25 feet deep by 11 feet high
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Soft goods: 3 sets of legs and borders, 1 full black US
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Sound: Sound reinforcement with six (6) available inputs and four (4) minimum outputs, two (2) monitors
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Lighting: Theatrical Lighting required. Childsplay will provide the plot and gobos
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Load out: 1 hour
Artistic Team
Production Team and Cast information coming soon!
Company Background
Past Tours: Go, Dog. Go!, The Cat in the Hat, Schoolhouse Rock Live!, Rock the Presidents, and Tómas and the Library Lady
Since 1977, Childsplay has been committed to its mission: “To create theatre so strikingly original in form, content or both that it instills in young people an enduring awe, love, and respect for the medium, thus preserving imagination and wonder, those hallmarks of childhood that are the keys to the future.”
Childsplay is a resident professional company of adult actors who teach and perform for young audiences and families. The internationally respected theatre company believes that young people deserve to experience theatre of the highest artistic quality. Childsplay has performed for more than 5 million children and adults and has grown to serve an average annual audience of 250,000 children, teachers and families. Childsplay's recent national tours include Tomás and the Library Lady in the 2007-2008 and 2013-2014 seasons, Peter and the Wolf in 2009-2010, Ferdinand the Bull in 2010-2011, Rock the Presidents in 2012 – 2013, 2016-2017, Schoolhouse Rock Live in 2014-2015 and Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat in 2015- 2016, 2016 - 2017.
In addition to Childsplay’s professional productions, it’s educational programming has expanded dramatically in response to the needs of school partners. Over 1,500 young people attend classes each year in the Childsplay Theatre Academy and nearly 5,000 students experience drama directly in their classrooms through Childsplay’s Education Outreach programs. These programs emphasize experiential learning, language acquisition and literacy competency – essential precursors to overall academic achievement and long-term success across all subject areas. Childsplay believes that by continuing to create strikingly original theatre and connecting to young people’s learning potential, we can build a generation of creative learners, innovative thinkers and dynamic leaders.
Visit the company's website!
Gallery of Past Productions
