2nd Sunday Storytime @ The Ave 2024

LOCATION:

AVENUE BLACKBOX THEATRE

780 JOSEPH AVE

ROCHESTER, NY 14621

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A lively interactive family and community storytime for all readers ages! Families and reading buddies will enjoy bonding together over beautifully written and read cultural stories and fun folktales performed by professional storytellers. This lively event for all ages includes an art project, brand new book giveaways and sometimes, weather permitting -- a lively parade across to our outdoor space MUSE on the Ave where we "Get Lit" with our instruments and positive chants to encourage a love of reading and books throughout the Joseph Avenue neighborhood!

SAMPLE PROGRAM:

Our featured children's books are always BIPOC authors, illustrators, characters and have inclued I Am Enough by Grace Blyers, Sylvia and Marsha Start a Revolution by Joy Michael Ellison (Author), Teshika Silver (Illustrator), Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan, My Rainbow by DeShanna Neal and Trinity Neal, Illustrated by Art Twink! Our Storytellers & Readers have included Almeta Whitis, Gwenn Glenn, D'lores Simmons, Djed Snead, Javannah Davis (WAVE Women), Roc Social Butterfly, Drag Kings; Nigel Lestat and Valentino, who performed for us and told us their stories of how they became the dynamic performers and individuals they are!

We've even featured Nfasi Theatre company who shared an excerpt from their play, Anansi Tales for the Holidays. Young readers were invited to join the show to retell traditional African folktales about that clever spider, Anansi we all love! Our feature book was Anansi and the Golden Pot by Taiye Selasi.

All families in attendance receive a FREE copy of the featured book of their choice thanks to our generous Book Angels who donate brand new books and funds to purchase brand new books. We are so grateful!

*Anyone interested in becoming a book angel, please email us ([email protected]) or visit to see our book wish list, visit Hipocampo Bookstore for suggestions or donate books at checkout here in the box office!

So much fun and totally FREE -- just bring a smile, sense of adventure, warm heart, and your listening ears! Reading help available for those who need more practice and one on one coaching to become enthusiastic readers! Healthy snacks provided through our partnership with Foodlink and the Avenue Children's Theater (A.C.T.) Healthy Living Initiative. Shout out to our monthly donors who keep snacks, bus passes and workshop supplies in stock at The Ave!

FREE ADMISSION. Donations welcome and appreciated here in the box office, at the door or at for more options. RSVP & masks required for all (provided if needed).

*This program is supported by the Leah Lozano Memorial Endowment for the Avenue Children's Theatre Project, NYS Senate Initiative of Sen. Samra Brouk, LGBT+ Giving Circle, Rochester Area Community Foundation, the Avenue OWLs and book angels, and private donors like you. Special shout out to Tokeya Graham and Beverly Gold, our very first Book Angels. Thank you!

SPECIAL NOTE:

As many of you know on January 10, 2024, our building was struck by a Rochester Police Department patrol car, damaging the front structure and front door. As a result we have closed the front entrance and lobby. The repair process will be lengthy and has already caused several delays, postponements, snowball effects so please bear with us while we try to keep pressing forward to bring the community theatre and the programming you have come to love. We will be using the rear entrance for this show and until further notice.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTE:

We recommend accessing rear door using the Berlin street sidewalk. At the back door we have a portable wheelchair ramp and volunteers are happy to assist upon request and with guidance on how you or your guest(s) would like assistance navigating the ramp. We truly apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you to Center for Disability Rights for loaning and consulting on how to best resolve this temporary challenge. Also Luticha Douchette for her invaluable consulting, knowledge and wisdom!

Host or Publisher Avenue Blackbox