2017 Golden Teddy Awards — Out + About

Winner: Seattle Children’s Theatre

Now in its 42nd season, the award-winning Seattle Children’s Theatre is known not only as one of the best children’s theaters in the region (and country), but also as one of our best all-around theaters. Under artistic director Courtney Sale, the 2017–18 season should be excellent, with productions of Go Dog Go, The Little Prince and The Lamp Is the Moon.

Finalists

Schoolteacher band Recess Monkey has been a favorite of Puget Sound–area families for years, but in 2017, the group made advances on the national stage by garnering a Grammy nomination. Readers love the band’s goofy energy, singable lyrics and rocking shows. 

Xakary the Magician, who specializes in birthday parties, puts on one magical show! Readers rave about his rapport with the kids (the birthday kid gets to pull a rabbit out of a hat), his magical feats and his sense of fun. 

Another local birthday party favorite is Evan the Great Magician, who also puts on variety shows that feature jugglers, dancers, hula hoopers and more kid-friendly acts. He will also perform at fundraisers, other types of parties and many other events. 

The largest community theater in the Northwest, Tacoma Musical Playhouse specializes in musical theater, with a main stage season of six Broadway-style musicals per year with orchestral backing. Kids love the family shows and the classes, camps, workshops and productions offered CampTMP.