BIll Edwards Foundation for the Arts

HOW TO SURVIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL | Class Acts
2026-02-09 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | The Mahaffey, 400 1st St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, United States
Comedian Robert Post barely survived Middle School. Struggling because of various learning disabilities, he found that making people laugh saved him. In this brand new multimedia performance, kids talk to kids in a compelling, funny and educational show. Dealing with real issues affecting students today including social media, testing, bullying and peer pressure these video testimonials by kids and their advocates (along with a generous dose of Post’s signature humor) is sure to resonate with school and public audiences alike.
One of Robert Post’s childhood report cards in Columbus, Ohio, gave a hint as to how his future might unfold. Not amused by Robert’s antics, his teacher created a whole new column of categories describing maladaptive behavior. Happily for audiences around the world, Post stuck with antics. The result: a dazzling performance career that continues to defy categories.

BAM! FEST | Cirque Du BAM! : A Carnival of Creativity and Learning
2026-02-11 10:30 - 13:30
A FREE field trip experience at the Mahaffey Theater in Downtown St. Petersburg.​
The thrill of the circus meets the wonder of the arts! From juggling and acrobatics to clowning and movement, students get to try it all in this high-energy festival. They’ll explore teamwork, coordination, and creativity while discovering that performance is more than a show—it’s an adventure.

THE LIGHTNING THIEF : TYA Edition
2026-04-06 11:00 - 12:30, 2026-04-07 11:00 - 12:30
Based on the bestselling novel by Rick Riordan, this electrifying musical brings The Lightning Thief to life in a thrilling, one-act adaptation perfect for young audiences.
Percy Jackson is a 12-year-old with a knack for getting into trouble—until he discovers he’s actually a demigod, the son of Poseidon. When Zeus’s lightning bolt goes missing, Percy has just ten days to find it and restore peace to Mount Olympus. Along the way, he battles monsters, navigates mythological challenges, and discovers the true meaning of courage, friendship, and identity.
With a high-energy rock score and fast-paced storytelling, this show is a dynamic introduction to Greek mythology and a great companion to classroom reading.

DON’T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS | Class Acts
2026-04-15 11:00 - 12:30
Whatever you do, don’t let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!
It’s not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping.

THE BOY WHO GREW FLOWERS | Class Acts
2026-04-22 11:00 - 12:30
Treehouse Shakers’ The Boy Who Grew Flowers is a stunning visual performance suitable for Grades K-3. Adapted from the picture book by Mara McEwin and choreographed by Emily Bunning, it is the story of a young boy, Rink Bowagon, who lives on top of Lonesome Mountain with his unusual family of rattlesnake tamers and shape-shifters. The townspeople agree that Rink’s family are quite strange, but they are unaware of Rink’s spectacular gifts. Whenever the moon is full, Rink sprouts beautiful flowers all over his body. When a new girl, Angelina, moves to town, Rink’s life truly begins to grow.
Incorporating shadow puppetry, original music, and movement into the play, The Boy Who Grew Flowers is a thoughtful story that lends itself to themes of diversity, creating empathy & celebrating individualism.

HONK! Jr. | Class Acts
2026-05-06 11:00 - 12:30
A heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages with its sparkling wit, unique charm and memorable score. Witty and hilarious, but also deeply moving.
Ugly looks quite a bit different from his darling duckling brothers and sisters. The other animals on the farm are quick to notice and point this out, despite his mother’s protective flapping. Feeling rather foul about himself, the little fowl finds himself on an adventure of self-discovery, all the while unknowingly outwitting a very hungry Cat. Along the way, Ugly meets a whole flock of unique characters and finds out being different is not a bad thing to be.
