AROUND HOME : Junior Theater

JUNIOR PROGRAMS OF California is a nonprofit organization that has been presenting live theater for children for the past 35 years. Begun at UCLA by Dorothy Allen, the chancellor’s wife, in 1955, the program has branched out so that this year a series of children’s shows is offered in Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Glendora, La Mirada, Lakewood and Fontana.

Each theater offers a variety of performances during the season, which runs generally from fall through spring. Although the series is not identical at each theater, most are offering “Chuck Jones’ Magical Circus,” “Teddy Bear Tales” (children are encouraged to bring their favorite bear), “The Adventures of Frog & Toad” and “Are You Ready?”--a story-time, concert, sing-along, movement program.

Performances last about an hour and are geared to children in grades one through six. One of the goals of Junior Programs is to acquaint the young audience with theater etiquette and help them initiate a lifelong theatergoing habit. Because preschoolers often interfere with the enjoyment of the performance by the target audience, there is a firm policy that children under 4 are not admitted. Children between 4 and 5 are admitted only at some locations.

Parents can purchase a subscription for the entire five- or six-show series or buy tickets for each show individually. Prices for a subscription vary, depending on location and number of shows in the series, and they range from $8 to $20 for children and from $9 to $20 for adults. Single tickets are $3 to $3.50 for children and $3.50 to $5 for adults. Subscription sales are brisk, however, and single-ticket purchases might not be available except on the day of the performance.

For information about Junior Programs live theater for children, telephone (213) 271-6402, or request brochures from Junior Programs, P.O. Box 24572, Los Angeles 90024.