ImaginOn was proud to host this year’s Southwest Region 6 Competition of Battle of the Books on April 19. Battle of the Books is a statewide competition for middle school students which is sponsored by the North Carolina School Library Media Association. Participants read from a list of 27 books and compete as a team in answering very challenging questions addressing details found in the books. Eight teams from Mecklenburg and neighboring counties faced off over literary trivia, and after a day of fierce competition, West Lincoln Middle School took home the trophy. They will advance to the State competition held at UNCG in Greensboro on May 4. Way to go, West Lincoln!

For 10 days in April, the Library’s Teen Loft and Children’s Theatre of Charlotte explored The Realm of Possibility. The series of programs was inspired by David Levithan’s book of the same name, which explores the inner lives of teenagers. The week included a visit by David Levithan, performances of The Wrestling Season followed by facilitated discussions, a community outreach fair, and a teen art exhibit. The goal of the series was to instigate conversations about self-awareness, coming of age, identity and self-expression from a teenage perspective.

April 21st kicked off prom season at ImaginOn for 350 girls! The Prom Project, co-presented by the Loft and Girl Talk Foundation, collected new and gently used formal dresses and accessories…and gave them away! ImaginOn’s rehearsal room was transformed into a stylish boutique, where girls could try on and choose a prom dress. The day also included workshops on etiquette, hair, makeup and fashion. We wish all the Prom Project participants a safe and memorable prom!

ImaginOn kicked off the national Week of the Young Child with the Association for the Education of Young Children’s Healthy Fun Fair on April 21. Representatives from child care and health service agencies provided a fun-filled day of activities for kids, and information for adults about pediatric health. For the full Week, ImaginOn welcomed every early childhood and day care teacher who brought a group to visit with a bag filled with goodies, ideas, and a big thank you for service to the youngest members of the community. Thank you, teachers!

There’s something for everyone coming up this season, and productions are selling quickly! Purchase tickets online or by calling the Box Office at (704) 973-2828, or by visiting us at ImaginOn (M-F, 10-5).

The Commedia Robin Hood
May 4 - 20
By Lane Riosley
Don’t miss the last production of our 2006-07 MainStage season! The classic legend of Robin Hood and his merry men is retold in the slapstick, fun-filled acting style of Commedia dell’arte. Performed by Tarradiddle Players, CTC’s touring company, this is a delightfully silly introduction to a classic tale. For ages 5 and up.

Registration for Children’s Theatre’s popular week-long summer camp programs is filling fast! Don’t miss out on the fun going on in classroom spaces at ImaginOn and convenient satellite locations in Ballantyne, South Charlotte, University, Davidson, and Pineville.

Get more information or register online..

Students from CTC’s year-long School of Theatre Training will perform three exciting productions in one jam-packed weekend of theatre. The Wiz, The Martian Chronicles, and Henry 4 are on the lineup this year.
May 18-20
McColl Family Theatre

Children’s Theatre provides intensive pre-professional training to high school actors who possess theatrical talent and a strong commitment to theatre work. Come see the culmination of a year of intensive training as these talented actors put on Euripedes' Alcestis, translated and adapted by Ted Hughes, in the Wachovia Playhouse from May 24-26.

Purchase tickets online, by calling the Box Office at (704) 973-2828, or by visiting us at ImaginOn (M-F, 10-5).