THE MAGIC LANTERN CELEBRATION
ON PASEO

Photo taken from a previous Magic Lantern celebration. Photo c. by Nancy Condit

In a time of light instead of fright, children of all ages, their parents and friends are invited to descend upon the streets of the Paseo Arts District to enter a world of their making on Sunday, October 28^th by Theatre Upon a StarDanceSwan.  Children can jump into their own creativity with a different twist to the Halloween tradition in the annual Magic Lantern Celebration. Community artists are offering children hands-on costume-making workshops from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., followed by a “Spin and Sparkle” where children can parade in their costumes from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

“This is a unique experience where children can be part of a multi-layered arts event involving wearable art, creative movement and a touch of theatre.  I am delighted to watch the children who attend become immersed in the creative process, their faces glow from inside out,” says Lorrie Keller of Theatre Upon a StarDanceSwan who designs the celebration.  “If you are wondering how this even found its name, come observe the children and parents who participate and you will see.  Our celebration is inspired by a verse from a past StarDanceSwan performance . . . We are all Magic Lanterns, lit by the light of imagination.”

All that children need to do is bring their active imaginations, wear everyday clothing, and be ready to find wonder in paper and bits of glitzy possibilities.   Discovering and Doing are the main ingredients needed to make the most of this event.  Awaiting children are all kinds of paper that can be twisted, crumpled, folded, ruffled, and embellished into fantastic sculptures to be worn over their clothing.  Children and parents can walk from studio to studio to build original costumes that include hats, make-up, a glowing surprise and a pumpkin friend. 

This is an opportunity for parents to be involved in the problem solving aspects of their child’s constructions.  Helping hands and brainstorming are important and engaging parts in this process.

The celebration will culminate in a grand finale when children can display their costumes during a street dance.  A giant winding pathway painted on the street in the shape of a pumpkin by artist Elizabeth Muller provides the setting for the spectacle of costumes.  The StarDanceSwan dancers and Steve McLinn of Ojas Music join children in generating spinning wishes and sparkling energy to awaken the dance in all.

From the press release