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Grades K - 6
Fall: December 1- December 18, 2026
Spring: January 20 – May 14, 2027
Dates and Times based on YOUR schedule
Up to 3 performances per day
Location: Your School! Your Community Venue!
Price: Starts at $725 per performance
(additional charge for out of Maricopa County)
By Esther Almazán
Tilin loves his older sister’s spooky bedtime stories, but he never really believes them. Never, that is, until on one fateful night his sister is whisked away by the Duendes and Tilin – very reluctantly -- finds himself on a quest to save her. With the help of a wise-cracking Jackalope (they’re real – who knew?!), Tilin encounters a not-so-lost Dutchman, a Mogollon Monster with a sweet tooth, the Chupacabra, and more! With live-action sound effects, puppetry, and plenty of theatrical magic, this funny, fast-paced adventure celebrates Arizona’s greatest legends and fantastical tales. Commissioned in honor of Childsplay’s 50th year of making theatre for Arizona’s young people, Don’t Look at the Duendes supports learning about fables and tall tales, Arizona history, mythical story structure and more! This delightfully spooky story is best enjoyed by 2nd grade and above.
BIG IDEA: Legends
Don’t Look at the Duendes connects to Arizona Studies by inviting students to explore Arizona folklore, regional identity, and the ways stories help communities understand place, history, and culture. The production supports inquiry-based learning about Arizona through connections to historical narrative, change over time, and the use of multiple sources to explore the state’s unique stories and traditions.
Discounted in-school performance fees are underwritten by Susan Goldsmith.
Don't Look at the Duendes is produced by special arrangement with the author.
Contact Us at CEducation@childsplayaz.org
