ROCKLAND — The Strand Theatre announces its 2023-24 Season of Family Series shows, a series of top-quality live arts programs from around the globe, according to the Stand, in a news release. As part of the Strand Education Program, the shows are offered at no cost to schools, and at a Pay-What-You-Can ticket structure for the community. Some of the shows are appropriate for younger children, while others are suitable for older children and adults. Some programs will be available for live streaming. 

Opening the series on Friday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m., is Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part I from Theater at Monmouth, a repertory company of professional theatre artists that present innovative approaches to Shakespeare and other classic plays. The show is suitable for ages 11 and up.

On Dec. 2, award-winning poet and musician Darian Dauchan presents Voice Power! a vocal odyssey through rhymes, beat-boxing, and acapella melodies. The show is recommended for ages 4-12, and a Livestream option is available.

A stage production of Charlotte’s Web, a tender story of friendship, love, life, and loss based on E. B. White's beloved Newbery Honor Book, will be presented by Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine on March 16 at 11 a.m. Recommended ages are 5 and up.

Families can experience the captivating rhythms and rich cultural heritage of Mexico with Caña Dulce y Caña Brava, a traditional son jarocho group that features women musicians in an art form generally dominated by men, on April 12 at 6:30 p.m. This show will appeal to all ages, and a Livestream option is offered.

In a co-presentation with the Rockport Opera House, Mélissa Smith and Brittany Parker will debut their undersea adventure DIVE IN! on May 18, with shows at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This immersive, interactive theatrical experience will take place at the Opera House and is designed for children ages 3-10 and their families.

Plus, the Strand’s new monthly Family Film Matinee series will show favorite family films from yesterday and today, screened on the last Sunday of every month at 1 p.m. The series opens with Shrek (2001) on Sept. 24. Tickets are $5 for all.

The Strand Family Series presents live arts programming with its signature Pay-What-You-Can ticket structure, so that economic status is not a barrier to accessing these opportunities for enrichment. Additionally, the Strand Education Program includes in-school and after-school workshops with performing artists, special screenings of educational films and HD broadcasts, historic tours of the theater led by House Manager Liz Mcleod, livestream options and videos-on-demand for the classroom, and collaborations with other community organizations to provide further arts learning and family engagement activities. Educators and administrators who are interested in registering for any of the free education programs can find more information under the Education tab on the Strand Theatre’s website.

“The Strand Family Series is made possible thanks to our supporting sponsor, the Rockland Harbor Hotel, and grant funds from the Maine Arts Commission,” said Strand.

Tickets for the Family Series shows are available at www.rocklandstrand.com, by calling 207-594-0070, or at the lobby box office when the theater is open for shows. Tickets for the film screenings will be available at the lobby box office, 30 minutes prior to each show time.

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main Street, Rockland.