The Double Digit Ceremony is a tale of identity, belonging, and the courage to challenge societal norms. Through creative storytelling, and live music join Frankie as they question age-old customs and traditions.
We had a chat with the creators about how The Double Digit Ceremony challenges young audiences to dream big, push past expectations, and celebrate the magic of being true to yourself!
We had a chat with the creators about how The Double Digit Ceremony challenges young audiences to dream big, push past expectations, and celebrate the magic of being true to yourself!
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind “The Double Digit Ceremony"? What motivated you to create this particular story?
"The Double Digit Ceremony" was inspired by a desire to address and challenge gender norms, especially for children at a critical age when they start forming their identities. The creators aimed to provide a narrative that normalises non-binary and any gender non-conforming experiences and empowers young people to embrace their true selves. The motivation stemmed from the recognition of the importance of representation and the need for stories that reflect diverse experiences in a society that often adheres to rigid gender roles.
The synopsis mentions themes of identity and belonging. How does the story of Frankie reflect these themes, and why did you choose to explore them in a theatrical setting?
Frankie's story is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging, as they navigate the challenges of societal expectations and self-discovery. Theatre, with its immersive and emotive nature, provides an ideal setting to delve into these themes, allowing audiences to connect deeply with Frankie's journey. By witnessing Frankie's struggles and triumphs on stage, young viewers can see reflections of their own experiences and feel validated in their own quests for identity and belonging.
Music plays a significant role in the show. How did you integrate live music into the storytelling process, and what emotions or messages do you aim to convey through the music?
Live music is intricately woven into the fabric of "The Double Digit Ceremony," enhancing the storytelling by underscoring emotional moments and highlighting key themes. As actor-musicians, we have utilised instruments to make the narrative more accessible and engaging for children. The music conveys a range of emotions, from joy and celebration to introspection and resilience, reinforcing the message that embracing one's true self is a powerful and liberating experience.
"The Double Digit Ceremony" was inspired by a desire to address and challenge gender norms, especially for children at a critical age when they start forming their identities. The creators aimed to provide a narrative that normalises non-binary and any gender non-conforming experiences and empowers young people to embrace their true selves. The motivation stemmed from the recognition of the importance of representation and the need for stories that reflect diverse experiences in a society that often adheres to rigid gender roles.
The synopsis mentions themes of identity and belonging. How does the story of Frankie reflect these themes, and why did you choose to explore them in a theatrical setting?
Frankie's story is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging, as they navigate the challenges of societal expectations and self-discovery. Theatre, with its immersive and emotive nature, provides an ideal setting to delve into these themes, allowing audiences to connect deeply with Frankie's journey. By witnessing Frankie's struggles and triumphs on stage, young viewers can see reflections of their own experiences and feel validated in their own quests for identity and belonging.
Music plays a significant role in the show. How did you integrate live music into the storytelling process, and what emotions or messages do you aim to convey through the music?
Live music is intricately woven into the fabric of "The Double Digit Ceremony," enhancing the storytelling by underscoring emotional moments and highlighting key themes. As actor-musicians, we have utilised instruments to make the narrative more accessible and engaging for children. The music conveys a range of emotions, from joy and celebration to introspection and resilience, reinforcing the message that embracing one's true self is a powerful and liberating experience.
Frankie's journey of self-discovery involves questioning societal norms and traditions. Can you elaborate on how this journey unfolds throughout the performance, and what messages you hope young audiences will take away from it?
Throughout the performance, Frankie encounters various societal norms and traditions that challenge their sense of self. Through interactions with different characters and experiences in both the Fae Kingdom and Goblin Rock, Frankie learns to question these norms and assert their own identity. The show aims to instil in young audiences the confidence to express themselves authentically and to understand that it is okay to defy other people’s expectations in pursuit of personal happiness and authenticity.
Fae Kingdom and Goblin Rock are two distinct worlds within the story. How did you approach world-building to bring these settings to life on stage, and what challenges did you encounter in portraying them?
Bringing Fae Kingdom and Goblin Rock to life involved a lot of consideration regarding how the communities worked together and what differentiated them. The initial world building I believe came from figuring out the roles each community took on and working from there. For example, the Fae being the healers of the lands and the Goblins being primarily builders started to inform our choices in creating the distinctions between the worlds. Combining this with imaginative costume designs helps to visually bring to life these lands. The distinct characteristics of each world were emphasised further through auditory cues, creating a vivid contrast between the whimsical, magical elements of the Fae Kingdom and the earthy, grounded atmosphere of Goblin Rock. One challenge was ensuring that the transitions between these worlds with only three actors still maintained the audience's immersion in the story and were as seamless as possible.
The show is described as inviting young minds into a vibrant world. How did you ensure that the performance would resonate with its target audience, and what aspects of the story do you believe will particularly captivate young viewers?
To resonate with its target audience, the performance incorporates vibrant visuals, lively music, and dynamic performances designed to capture the imagination of young viewers. The themes of self-discovery and acceptance are presented in a way that is both entertaining and educational, ensuring that children can both enjoy and learn from the experience.
Throughout the performance, Frankie encounters various societal norms and traditions that challenge their sense of self. Through interactions with different characters and experiences in both the Fae Kingdom and Goblin Rock, Frankie learns to question these norms and assert their own identity. The show aims to instil in young audiences the confidence to express themselves authentically and to understand that it is okay to defy other people’s expectations in pursuit of personal happiness and authenticity.
Fae Kingdom and Goblin Rock are two distinct worlds within the story. How did you approach world-building to bring these settings to life on stage, and what challenges did you encounter in portraying them?
Bringing Fae Kingdom and Goblin Rock to life involved a lot of consideration regarding how the communities worked together and what differentiated them. The initial world building I believe came from figuring out the roles each community took on and working from there. For example, the Fae being the healers of the lands and the Goblins being primarily builders started to inform our choices in creating the distinctions between the worlds. Combining this with imaginative costume designs helps to visually bring to life these lands. The distinct characteristics of each world were emphasised further through auditory cues, creating a vivid contrast between the whimsical, magical elements of the Fae Kingdom and the earthy, grounded atmosphere of Goblin Rock. One challenge was ensuring that the transitions between these worlds with only three actors still maintained the audience's immersion in the story and were as seamless as possible.
The show is described as inviting young minds into a vibrant world. How did you ensure that the performance would resonate with its target audience, and what aspects of the story do you believe will particularly captivate young viewers?
To resonate with its target audience, the performance incorporates vibrant visuals, lively music, and dynamic performances designed to capture the imagination of young viewers. The themes of self-discovery and acceptance are presented in a way that is both entertaining and educational, ensuring that children can both enjoy and learn from the experience.
Collaboration seems integral to the creation of “The Double Digit Ceremony," with a trio of actor-musicians working together. Can you share insights into your collaborative process and how each member contributed to shaping the final production?
Collaboration was indeed at the core of this project, with each of us involved bringing unique talents and perspectives to the production. Emily Haldane's direction provided the visionary framework, while George Patria, Tom Gibson, and Scarlett Foley contributed their musical expertise for the songs and music in the show. All four members of the team contributed to the writing and creating of the story. After working together on one of Kaleido Theatre’s previous projects “Goblin Rock”, the four were keen to build on the work they had done there and tackle another issue they were passionate about. The outline of “The Double Digit Ceremony” was created together back in October 2023. Writing of the show took place over the next few months, around busy schedules, with regular meetings over zoom to keep on track with the construction of “The Double Digit Ceremony”. Since February of this year, there have been regular rehearsals for further devising and constant dedication to adapting the script and songs to make a really well constructed piece of children’s theatre. This collaborative dynamic allowed for a rich and multifaceted production, each member's contributions having been woven together to create a cohesive and compelling narrative.
What do you hope audiences, both young and old, will take away from experiencing “The Double Digit Ceremony"? Are there any specific messages or lessons you aim to impart through the performance?
The primary message of "The Double Digit Ceremony" is the importance of being true to oneself and embracing your unique identity, regardless of societal pressures. The show aims to inspire both young and old audiences to challenge gender norms and celebrate diversity. The hope is that viewers leave feeling confident to support and express themselves authentically, in addition to bringing more awareness to non-binary identities.
The title “The Double Digit Ceremony" suggests a significant event within the story. Without giving too much away, can you provide insights into the significance of this ceremony and its role in Frankie's journey?
The Double Digit Ceremony represents a pivotal moment in Frankie's life, symbolising the transition into a new phase of life, which can be quite daunting especially while still young. It is during the lead up to this ceremony that Frankie confronts societal expectations head-on and has to battle with understanding how they fit into this world. This event serves as a catalyst for Frankie's growth and underscores the show's message about the importance of self-affirmation and courage.
Lastly, how do you envision the impact of “The Double Digit Ceremony" beyond the stage? Are there any initiatives or discussions you hope the performance will inspire within communities or educational settings?
Beyond the stage, "The Double Digit Ceremony" aims to spark conversations about gender identity and inclusivity within communities and educational settings, while also considering how the reactions of those around young people can impact their sense of self. We at Kaleido Theatre Company hope the performance will inspire initiatives that support LGBTQIA+ youth and promote understanding and acceptance. By reaching a wide audience, the show aspires to contribute to a more inclusive society where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels empowered to be their true selves.
The Double Digit Ceremony runs 29th July - 3rd August 2024, tickets: https://app.lineupnow.com/event/the-double-digit-ceremony
Collaboration was indeed at the core of this project, with each of us involved bringing unique talents and perspectives to the production. Emily Haldane's direction provided the visionary framework, while George Patria, Tom Gibson, and Scarlett Foley contributed their musical expertise for the songs and music in the show. All four members of the team contributed to the writing and creating of the story. After working together on one of Kaleido Theatre’s previous projects “Goblin Rock”, the four were keen to build on the work they had done there and tackle another issue they were passionate about. The outline of “The Double Digit Ceremony” was created together back in October 2023. Writing of the show took place over the next few months, around busy schedules, with regular meetings over zoom to keep on track with the construction of “The Double Digit Ceremony”. Since February of this year, there have been regular rehearsals for further devising and constant dedication to adapting the script and songs to make a really well constructed piece of children’s theatre. This collaborative dynamic allowed for a rich and multifaceted production, each member's contributions having been woven together to create a cohesive and compelling narrative.
What do you hope audiences, both young and old, will take away from experiencing “The Double Digit Ceremony"? Are there any specific messages or lessons you aim to impart through the performance?
The primary message of "The Double Digit Ceremony" is the importance of being true to oneself and embracing your unique identity, regardless of societal pressures. The show aims to inspire both young and old audiences to challenge gender norms and celebrate diversity. The hope is that viewers leave feeling confident to support and express themselves authentically, in addition to bringing more awareness to non-binary identities.
The title “The Double Digit Ceremony" suggests a significant event within the story. Without giving too much away, can you provide insights into the significance of this ceremony and its role in Frankie's journey?
The Double Digit Ceremony represents a pivotal moment in Frankie's life, symbolising the transition into a new phase of life, which can be quite daunting especially while still young. It is during the lead up to this ceremony that Frankie confronts societal expectations head-on and has to battle with understanding how they fit into this world. This event serves as a catalyst for Frankie's growth and underscores the show's message about the importance of self-affirmation and courage.
Lastly, how do you envision the impact of “The Double Digit Ceremony" beyond the stage? Are there any initiatives or discussions you hope the performance will inspire within communities or educational settings?
Beyond the stage, "The Double Digit Ceremony" aims to spark conversations about gender identity and inclusivity within communities and educational settings, while also considering how the reactions of those around young people can impact their sense of self. We at Kaleido Theatre Company hope the performance will inspire initiatives that support LGBTQIA+ youth and promote understanding and acceptance. By reaching a wide audience, the show aspires to contribute to a more inclusive society where diversity is celebrated and everyone feels empowered to be their true selves.
The Double Digit Ceremony runs 29th July - 3rd August 2024, tickets: https://app.lineupnow.com/event/the-double-digit-ceremony
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