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The Lee and Diane Brandenburg Theatre and The Cadence Amphitheatre
Performance Schedule
Performance Spaces
CDM’s two performance spaces are forums for authentic performing arts, including, dance, theatre, music, film, and cultural festivals. Children can be inspired by watching performances by their peers, interact with professional artists, and explore their own self-expression through a variety of experiential opportunities. Almost all of our theatre performances are free with Museum admission (exceptions will be noted in the performance description).
CDM supports community performing groups and fosters the development of student artists by providing a venue for community and youth performers. Performances celebrate the rich diversity of culture present in Silicon Valley and have included Mexican folklorico groups, Vietnamese musicians, Tahitian dancers, and Japanese taiko drumming.
Childhood is the perfect time to reinforce the value of artistic processes as young children are more able than adults to express non-censored emotions. Theatre experiences teach creative problem-solving skills, new ways of thinking and using one’s body, and pre-literacy skills. In short, participation in the performing arts can enhance children’s self-confidence, improve their academic abilities, and give them valuable life skills.
Interactive performances and workshops at CDM encourage children to stretch their imaginations and explore the ways in which they can use their voices and bodies to communicate. Acting allows children to transform life from how things really are to how they want them to be and gives them a different way to process their thoughts and emotions. When children improvise together, they practice taking another’s perspective; cooperating as they share ideas; and negotiating roles and use of props.
The Lee and Diane Brandenburg Theatre
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The Lee and Diane Brandenburg Theatre is an intimate 40 x 40 square foot fully-equipped black box space that fosters connections between children and performers.
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Because of the flexibility of the space, seating can be arranged to provide optimal viewing – or even to put children within the performance. The space is also ideal for workshops and film presentations.
On days when scheduled performers are not using the dressing room, children can step into the room to try on a new character of their own.
The Cadence Ampitheatre
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This beautiful outdoor venue within an 8,600 square foot courtyard provides two stages and state-of-the-art audio/lighting capabilities to host performances. It can accommodate large audiences and festivals in an informal environment. In the warm weather months, CDM offers its visitors a lunchtime concert series.
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Many thanks to Lee & Diane Brandenburg and Cadence for their generosity.
Special Theatre Performances
“Our Favorite Builder’s Favorite Adventure”
Summer of Service Striped Team
Thursday, July 15th, 11:00 a.m. –11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Children’s Discovery Museum’s own Summer of Service Striped Team participants are presenting an original interactive performance featuring everybody’s favorite builder and his adventures in our “Run Jump Fly!” exhibit. Check out the exhibit and then swing by the Theatre for a live show created by these imaginative tenthgraders... especially for you!
Bring your healthy lunch and join us in the Museum’s outdoor Cadence Amphitheatre for a live lunchtime musical experience.. Amphitheatre opens at 12:00 p.m. and concerts begin shortly thereafter.
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Backyard Shenanigans
Saturday, July 31st
The Backyard Shenanigans, formerly known as the Swing Kids, play alternative and swing music that will have you dancing in the aisles!
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Gordy The Banjo-Ologist
Tuesday, August 3rd
Join us for a toetapping, lively performance by Gordy, the Banjo-ologist. Gordy is recognized as the only musician accomplished in all banjo styles from the instrument’s 19th century African/Yankee roots to the present.
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Sadza Marimba
Saturday, August 7th
The danceable, joyful rhythms of Zimbabwe make it hard to sit still. This upbeat band features a blend of soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass marimbas, drums, gourd shakers, and vocals . . . and appeals to people of all ages!
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The Papahugs Band
Tuesday, August 10th
Party with David Sharpe, Wonder the Kangaroo, Robbie the Robot, Scary Bug, and the Papahugs crew as they play heart–warming songs infused with rock, blues, and country.
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Dulcet-Tones
Thursday, August 12th
Autoharps, dulcimers, and banjos are uniquely North American adaptations of musical instruments known around the world. Enjoy a program of music celebrating the history and spirit of America and California, showcasing these instruments.
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Oren And The Hiccups
Saturday, August 14th
These four dads from Santa Cruz play upbeat, lighthearted, rockin’ music that inspires toddler “mosh pits” at every performance.
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Sunday Matinees
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bob the Builder™: Digging for Treasure
Sunday, 2:00 p.m. – 2: 30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., except July 4th
Enjoy an animated film featuring “Bob the Builder,” then visit the exhibit that brings his world to life.
John, Paul, George, and Ben
Sunday, July 4th, 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
This humorous and factual history of five lads who grew up to become Founding Fathers brings the early days of American history to life with sass and substance through an animated version of the awardwinning children’s book written and illustrated by Lane Smith.
Drop-In Theatre Workshops
No experience necessary. Please check at the Theatre for program availability during your visit.
Let’s Improvise!
Experiment with your voice, body, and creativity in a variety of short (20-minute) performing arts improvisation activities led by trained Museum staff.
Move to the Music
Move your body and express yourself to a variety of exciting rhythms, just like Salsa, our dancing Tomato!
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