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The Conductors

All aboard the magic train!

 

Where should we go? Who shall we visit? The conductors are on a search for treasure in this play specifically designed for very young children. Featuring playful audience participation, The Conductors features original music and celebrates themes of community, friendship and new experiences - while exploring everywhere a train may take you and everyone it may connect you with. A perfect first theater experience for the very young, our whimsical show encourages audiences to “find their treasure” in everyday adventures, whether it be in blanket forts with grandma or meeting new friends in outer space. 

 

The Conductors is best enjoyed by children ages 2-5 with their families.

 
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

February 2-5, 2026
 
Early Childhood Center Tour
Presented by Des Moines Performing Arts

February 16, 2026
10:30am 
Glencoe Public Library
320 Park Ave
Glencoe, IL 60022

​Free performance
Walk up only, no registration needed

Frequently Asked Questions about The Conductors & Kerfuffle

Q: What is a shush-free zone? A: Kerfuffle is a shush-free zone, meaning we don't expect very young children to be quiet throughout our plays! Caregivers need not worry about their child yelling out or making noises, because all responses are welcome at a Kerfuffle show! Q: What is the pre-show coloring activity? Do we have to do it?  A: When you arrive, you'll receive a train ticket to color. Audience members are invited to color wherever they'd want to travel on a magic train. When the play begins, the conductors will hole punch each audience member's train ticket to indicate they are ready for a trip on the magic train! Q: What if my child doesn't want to sit still? A: Kerfuffle's work is created with the social and physical developmental needs of 2-6 year olds in mind. If your child wants to move about the space, jump up and down, yell out during the show, that is absolutely fine! We ask that they remain in the delineated audience area for their safety. Q: What if my child cries during the show? A: That is totally fine with us! You may soothe your child however you see fit. Crying children are by no means required to leave the room. Q: My child is 18 months old - can they still come see The Conductors even though it is recommended for 2-6 year olds? A: Yes, absolutely. We recognize that all children will participate and engage with the show differently, so just because your child doesn't fall within the 2-6 year old range does not mean they won't enjoy the show! We celebrate that every child's participation and engagement level looks different. There is no one "right" way to experience a play for the very young.

PRODUCTION HISTORY

2024 Presented in partnership with The Connecting Routes Project & Illinois Art Station, Bloomington-Normal IL ​The Conductors: Madison Hill, Samie Jo Johnson, Shea Lee​ Tour Manager: Josh Bernaski Director: Ashley Laverty​ 2023 Presented in partnership with Night Out in the Parks Chicago ​The Conductors: Marianna Gallegos, Madison Hill, Samie Jo Johnson, Shea Lee​ Stage Manager: Amelia Seidel Director: Ashley Laverty ​2022 Presented in partnership with Night Out in the Parks Chicago ​The Conductors: Madison Hill, Samie Jo Johnson, Shea Lee​ Stage Manager: Amelia Seidel Director: Ashley Laverty ​2021 Co-created and co-produced with The Connecting Routes Project​ Cast:​ The Conductors: Madison Hill, Samie Jo Johnson, Shea Lee Production Team: Tour and Stage Manager: Josh Bernaski Costume Designer and Coordinator: Ashley Laverty Costume Stitcher: Izumi Inaba  Production Designer: Mariah Bennett Director: Ashley Laverty ​The project was partially supported by an Individual Artists Program Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, as well as a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency through federal funds provided by the National Endowment for the Arts.

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Kerfuffle is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Chicago, IL

 

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