ABOUT THE SHOW
This world premiere musical for all ages is inspired by multicultural folklore, mixing sea shanties and shadow puppets to tell an original story about a girl whose world has been plunged into eternal darkness. Join our young hero, Celeste, as she sets sail to find new ways of creating light to help Mother Moon. Populated by pirates, sea monsters, and mysterious strangers who could be friend or foe, Lit reveals the ways in which courage, compassion, and creativity connect us all.
Lit was commissioned by the California Center for the Arts in Escondido and professionally filmed in March 2021 for digital streaming. It was developed in direct collaboration with the performers and creative team who brought it to life.
The show is recommended for all ages 6 & up. For school programs, Lit is recommended for students in 2nd-5th grade.
BOOKING
Performances are available for schools and community organizations.
This production is scheduled to tour San Diego County area in May of 2022.
View the School Guide for more information and details about booking.
MEET THE ARTISTS
directed by Desha Crownover
with book & lyrics by Blake McCarty
and music by Ian Brandon
devised & developed in collaboration with the cast from a story by Desha Crownover
Featuring Kailey Agpaoa, Morgan Hollingsworth, Joe Kao,
Dakota Ringer, Sarah Jane Salonga, & Heather Tjalma Barton
Production Design: Jacob Sampson
Lighting Design: Michael Barahura
Production Manager: Ajay Pawaan
Stage Manager: Megan Barahura
Music Director: Ian Brandon
Stage Crew: Lydia Arguello, Marisol Castillo Laborde,
Waylon Haynie, & Brent McDannald
Video Production: Peter Schrock & David Siciliano
Audio Recording & Mixing: Patrick Gates
Produced & Edited for Video by Blake McCarty
Lit was filmed in the Center Theater at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
Special thanks to Rob Collier, Sherehe Hollins, & Monica Paniagua.
This production would not have been possible without additional support from Canyon Crest Academy, The Matthews Foundation, Onstage Playhouse, San Diego Junior Theatre, David Buess, Jeannine Marquie, Kyle Swafford, & Mekala Sridhar.
Click the icon below for more information about how to create your own shadow puppets.
FREquently asked questions
Is this appropriate for my kids?
The production was specifically developed with families and young audiences in mind. Its creators have extensive experience in education and childhood development, and developed the show to meet the specific needs of elementary age youth. Some elements - such as the pirates or deep sea monsters - may frighten younger children, but the themes of the story encourage compassion and understanding for all its characters.
Can I share the show with my school or students?
Lit is available for schools and classrooms and is recommended for students in grades 2-5. The program includes a post-show workshop exploring the themes of the show as well as additional educational resources to extend learning. Click here to learn more.
If it was created for kids, will adults enjoy it?
We hope so! While the story features a young protagonist and is inspired by the kinds of adventurous tales its creators loved as kids, there is plenty of humor and heart (and theatrical magic) to entertain both the young and the young at heart.
How do I access and watch the show?
Audiences purchase access through Ticketleap. All "tickets" are pay what you can, starting at a minimum of $15. As a small nonprofit, we encourage audiences to be generous - especially if watching with a large family or group. Upon completing your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email via the email address you provide during checkout. That email will include a link labeled "View Livestream." Clicking that link will direct you to a website where you can watch the show.
Ticketleap will automatically use the unique access code you were provided at checkout but please note that the access code may only be used one time. If you need to pause the show for any reason, do not close the window as you will not be able to access the show again. If you have any questions or encounter a technical issue, please email us at info@blindspotcollective.org.
For schools and classrooms, access to the show is provided directly via Vimeo, and the post-show workshop may be conducted in person or via Zoom (or whichever digital platform you prefer).
How was Lit developed?
This project is unique because it was devised in direct collaboration with its performers. The story was created by Desha Crownover, who then collaborated with Blake McCarty, Ian Brandon, and the performers to develop the characters, discover new moments, and refine the plot and themes. The team spent two weeks writing, improvising, and even playing with puppets before Blake and Ian spent an additional two weeks independently creating the script and music used in the performance.
How long is the show?
The show runs 55 minutes.
CONTACT US
Lit is presented by Blindspot Collective, a theatre company based in San Diego.
The production is also available for schools and community groups. The program includes a post-show workshop facilitated by a professional teaching artist as well as additional educational resources.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact us directly at info@blindspotcollective.org