Heron & Crane
an original children's production
ages 3 and up
(DA! - that means you!)

Written by Kirk German
Directed by Kirk German and Heather Huggins
Choreographed by Lisa del Rosario
Set Design & Artwork by Kerrill Brandt
Costumes by Pam Fletcher-Friday
Jude Hickey - Crane
Lisa del Rosario - Heron



DA! Theatre Collective is proud to present Heron & Crane as part of the 14th annual New York International Fringe Festival -- FringeNYC. FringeNYC is the largest festival of its kind in North America and will include the productions of 200 companies this August.


Heron & Crane is DA!'s hilarious and dynamic adaptation of a beloved Russian folk-tale about two strong-willed swamp-birds who discover that becoming friends requires a little give-and-take... or maybe a lot. The hour-long show includes an interactive 30-minute show (created with 80% re-used and recycled materials), a post-show discussion where the audience helps decide the fate of the two rambunctious birds, and a new and different final scene every time! The show explores issues about diversity, ecology, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and friendship through original music, choreography, and audience interaction.



Since 2008, DA! has taken the traveling version of Heron & Crane to a diverse sampling of elementary schools in four different central Texas school districts. Over 7,500 area students have seen the show, half of them for free through our matching program, created specifically to bring arts programming to Title One schools in our region.

Heron & Crane also enjoyed a successful three-week run in the Yard at The VORTEX in April 2009, garnering two B. Iden Payne Nominations for Best Production for Youth and Best Actor, Jude Hickey.

DA!'s dazzling Michelle Brandt originated the role of Heron and has performed the show in dozens of different locations on the Elementary School tour, as well at The VORTEX. Due to a scheduling conflict with another production, though, Michelle won't be able to travel to New York with us, so we've welcomed the luminous Lisa del Rosario, DA!'s resident choreographer, to the join the cast and play Heron for our trip to the Big Apple!
Recommendations from local professionals:

"The show was beautiful!!!! (A.K.A. I loved it!)"

Caroline, A.I.S.D. student, age 10

"DA!'s production of Heron and Crane did the best job of integrating children's theater and child education I've seen in quite some time. Their production has done an excellent job of targeting the interests, captivating the attention, and aptly teaching the developing minds of elementary school-aged youth. DA!'s approach uses color, music, repetition, and pure energy to take children on an educational journey. DA! also uses audience participation techniques specific to the enhancement of retention and comprehension."

Dr. Jonathan Hoyle, licensed child psychologist

"The actors were stimulating and energetic, walking the fine line of comedy and content beautifully. The performances were memorable; the students in my classroom were imitating the actors days after the performance. I think that the production of Heron and Crane should be showcased in all Austin area schools. I think that it is appropriate, educational, and accessible for students between Pre-K and Fifth grade. I highly recommend the interactive production of Heron and Crane and the socially conscious DA!. This is a company that should be supported by our community and our schools."

Kyla Welch-Rubin, educator

Want to know more about bringing Heron & Crane to your local elementary school? Paid productions for as low as $1/student! Donated performances for qualifying campuses! Contact DA!'s Artistic Director to find out more.