Big experiences for little audiences.

Introduce your child to the magic of live performance at the historic Bijou Theatre!

The Bijou Theatre’s Imagination Series brings professional touring children’s theatre, music, puppetry, dance, and storytelling to Knoxville throughout the year. Created especially for young audiences, these performances give children and their families the opportunity to experience extraordinary artists from around the country and the world, right here in East Tennessee.

Whether it’s their very first trip to the theatre or the beginning of a lifelong love of the arts, we want every visit to the Bijou to feel welcoming, exciting, and memorable.

UPCOMING SHOWS

WHAT IS THE IMAGINATION SERIES?

Theatre made especially for young audiences.

The Bijou Theatre created the Imagination Series to give more East Tennessee children the opportunity to experience the performing arts.

Each season, we welcome professional touring artists to the Bijou for performances created especially for children. From beloved stories brought to life onstage to music, dance, puppetry, and innovative theatrical experiences, every production is selected to spark imagination, encourage curiosity, and introduce young people to the joy of live performance.

During the school day, thousands of students experience these productions through educational field trips. On the weekend, Family Performances are open to everyone, giving parents, grandparents, caregivers, and children the chance to experience the magic together.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR FIRST BIJOU SHOW

Kids are welcome here!

Bringing a child to the theatre for the first time? Don’t worry about knowing all the rules. Imagination Series performances are created with young audiences in mind.

Come as you are
There is no dress code. Wear whatever makes you comfortable!

Wiggles happen
Our youngest audience members may laugh, react, whisper, or need a quick break. That’s okay.

Arrive a little early
Give yourself time to find your seats, explore the theatre, and get settled before the show begins.

Ask us anything
Our staff and volunteers are here to help make your family’s visit easy and fun.

MORE THAN JUST A SHOW

Their imaginations don’t have to stop when the curtain closes.

A visit to the Bijou can introduce children to new stories, cultures, ideas, and ways of expressing themselves. Imagination Series performances are selected not only because they’re fun, but because they can encourage creativity, empathy, curiosity, and learning.

Families can also take home Bijou Kids activity sheets to explore the history of the theatre, discover how a stage works, learn some theatre vocabulary, and keep imagining long after the performance ends.

FOR EDUCATORS

Looking for a school field trip?

Every Imagination Series production also includes a weekday performance created especially for school groups. Field trips include affordable student tickets, educational resources, and opportunities for qualifying schools to receive ticket subsidies and transportation assistance.

EXPLORE IMAGINATION SERIES FIELD TRIPS

ACCESSIBILITY

We want every family to feel welcome.

The Bijou Theatre is committed to making live performance accessible to children and families throughout our community. If your family has accessibility needs or questions about attending a performance, our team is happy to help you plan your visit. More information is available on our Accessibility page.