The Rainbow Fish: The Musical Deposit

The Rainbow Fish: The Musical Deposit

Ages 6-10

A production led by ACT's Emerging Arts Leaders Fellowship

Based on the beloved children's book by Marcus Pfister, Rainbow Fish: The Musical tells the story of a dazzling fish who learns that true happiness comes not from standing apart, but from sharing our gifts, building friendships, and contributing to a community where everyone belongs. Filled with colorful characters, heartwarming lessons, and imaginative underwater adventures, this joyful musical introduces young performers to the magic of theater while exploring themes of kindness, generosity, empathy, confidence, and connection. But what makes this production truly unique is not just the story being told on stage; it's how the production itself is created.

Production Information

Family Information Meeting: March 28, 2027
Rehearsals Begin: April 2027
Rehearsal Schedule: Tuesday and Thursdays 3:30-5:30 pm
Performances: June 26, 2027

Tuition

Tuition: $500

To reserve a place in the production, families will pay a $100 non-refundable registration fee at the time of enrollment. The remaining tuition balance is due prior to rehearsals.

As ACT continues to grow, we are intentionally investing in the people, resources, and production elements needed to deliver the level of artistic and educational experience our students deserve. This investment supports additional professional staff, enhanced production values, and expanded opportunities for students to learn, create, and perform at a higher level. Our goal is not simply to produce great shows, but to provide transformational experiences that help young people grow as artists, leaders, and collaborators.

If tuition presents a financial challenge, families are encouraged to contact us at info@arlingtonchildrenstheatre.org to discuss payment plans or other options. ACT is committed to making our programs as accessible as possible, and we never want finances to be the sole barrier to participation.

A Unique Mentorship Experience

What makes Rainbow Fish truly special is the community that surrounds it.

This production is created in partnership with ACT's Emerging Arts Leaders Fellowship, giving young performers the opportunity to learn from both experienced theater professionals and ACT's talented teen leaders.

Throughout the rehearsal process, students will be supported by a team of teen mentors who serve as role models, assistants, and leaders within the production. Working alongside professional artists and educators, these emerging leaders help create a welcoming environment where younger performers can build confidence, develop new skills, and feel a strong sense of belonging.

For many children, learning from an older student can be especially meaningful. Teen mentors offer encouragement, guidance, and a relatable example of what is possible through participation in the arts. They remember what it felt like to perform in a first show, learn choreography, make new friends, and step onto a stage for the first time. This unique mentorship model creates a supportive community where younger performers are encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and celebrate one another's success.

Designed for Young Performers

At ACT, we understand that a child's first experiences in theater matter. Rainbow Fish is specifically designed to help young performers develop confidence, creativity, and foundational theater skills in an environment that is joyful, encouraging, and age-appropriate.

Students will learn:

· Acting and storytelling skills

· Singing and movement techniques

· Teamwork and collaboration

· Creative problem-solving

· Confidence and self-expression

· Responsibility and commitment

Most importantly, they will discover the excitement of working together to create something meaningful and sharing it with an audience. No prior theater experience is necessary. Curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to try new things are all students need to get started.

Content & Themes

Rainbow Fish explores themes of friendship, kindness, generosity, empathy, self-confidence, and belonging. Through Rainbow Fish's journey, young performers are encouraged to reflect on what it means to share their gifts, celebrate the strengths of others, and build relationships rooted in kindness and respect. The story provides countless opportunities for conversations about community, inclusion, and the importance of making sure everyone feels seen and valued.

Why Rainbow Fish?

At ACT, we believe success is measured not only by what students accomplish on stage, but by who they become along the way. The Rainbow Fish tells a story about discovering that our greatest gifts become even more meaningful when we use them to connect with and support others. Those same lessons are woven throughout the rehearsal process as students learn, create, and grow together as a community.

As ACT's culminating summer production, Rainbow Fish offers young performers the opportunity to build confidence, develop new skills, form lasting friendships, and experience the joy of being part of something bigger than themselves. Supported by professional artists and inspiring teen mentors, students will discover that every voice matters, every contribution is valuable, and every member of the ensemble has an important role to play. For many students, this production will be more than a musical. It will be the beginning of a lifelong journey in the arts, the start of new friendships, and a chance to discover talents they never knew they had.

Because at ACT, every child deserves the opportunity to shine.