What If Wilhelmina
Department of Theatre
What If Wilhelmina
Department of Theatre
Book and Lyrics by Dionne O’Dell
Music by Chelle Peterson
Based on the critically acclaimed children’s book ‘What If Wilhelmina’ by author and illustrator Joseph Belisle
Directed by Dionne O’Dell
Adapted from the award-winning children’s book by Joseph Belisle, this true story features the character of Faith, a nine-year-old girl who is full of dread and “what ifs” when her cat, Wilhelmina, goes missing. Faith learns about the futility of worry and develops coping skills through music, movement, and the assistance of some friendly puppets. Highlighting the power of diversity and ability, What If Wilhelmina is an innovative, multi-sensory, and interactive performance for audiences that are neurodiverse and neurotypical.
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Engagement Activities
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ALL PERFORMANCES
- PRE-SHOW ACTIVITY STATIONS
Starting 45 minutes prior to each performance, audiences can join us in the lobby and adjoining rooms for face painting, art making stations, photo stations, activity books, coloring pages, and artwork displays from What If Wilhelmina author and illustrator Joe Belisle!
- POST-SHOW MEET & GREET (note: there will not be a meet & greet following the March 16, 6PM performance)
After each performance, audience members will have the opportunity to meet the cast and their puppets in the lobby. Feel free to take pictures!
- SENSORY-FRIENDLY
Throughout each performance a quiet space will be available nearby. Our student ushers will be trained to welcome and assist with mobility needs. Audience members are invited to bring their own sensory supports, but we will have some available as well, including noise-cancelling headphones.
FRIDAY, MARCH 15
- POST-SHOW TALKBACK
Following the performance on Friday, March 15, What if Wilhelmina author and illustrator Joe Belisle will join director Dionne O’Dell on stage for an audience talk back.
SATURDAY, MARCH 16 @ 2PM
- SCHULER BOOKS DRAW-ALONG WITH AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR JOE BELISLE
Head to Schuler Books at the Meridian Mall (1982 W Grand River Ave, Okemos, MI 48864) at 2PM to draw with ‘What If Wilhelmina’ author and illustrator Joe Belisle
MARCH 15 – 17 PERFORMANCES
- MEET & GREET WITH AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR JOE BELISLE
Scott Harris from Everybody Reads will be in the lobby selling Joe Belisle books while audience members have an opportunity to meet Joe and have him sign your book!