Q & A with the Elves behind KidZ Connect

As a mom with 2 kids and the editor of a daily blog, how I wish I had some elves who would come and do all my chores in the night while I was asleep just like the elves in the story ” The shoemaker & the elves”. Only if wishes came true….

But there are some elves who are working really hard to bring us a play this Christmas, so our kids could rejoice and enjoy the festivities even more. What I love most is the medium. Theatre!!!

So we caught up with the three elves Shilpi Mehta, Samiksha Toprani and Bhavisha Shah from Kidz Connect( KC):

1. Tell us about Kidz Connect!

Kidz Connect Entertainment was established in Early 2012 with a vision to provide a broad spectrum of qualitative entertainment for kids. We aspire to create an opportunity for kids to experience their imaginations which gives them something to smile and laugh about.

2. What was your inspiration behind KC?

The young Indian parent today is looking at everything almost world-class for their child, be it international food, games, education. Parents like to provide their kids with the best of resources for their mental and physical development. They would certainly like to get the child involved with creative concepts rather than spending too much time watching television. And so they look forward to qualitative and educative recreational activities with wholesome entertainment as well. We aim at filling this huge gap of quality entertainment through KC

3. What do you wish to achieve with KC?

We wish to bring a direct emotional connect with kids by bringing their favourite stories and characters alive through Theatre.  Theatre  connects to the importance of reading. A play has the ability to jump a story off the page and bring it to life. This can be a revelation to regular bookworms, but also a real boon to reluctant readers. “Part of it is that what’s happening on stage is very similar, in a way, to the play acting and role playing all children do. To achieve this we will collaborate with various theatre groups who can work with us in the production of any children related story or concept.

4. What are your views on theatre for kids in India and the challenges that lie ahead?

There is some inspiring work being done for children by some theatre practitioners in India. Still there’s a lot of scope for introducing entertaining and enriching theatre experiences for children here. In our views, the ideas for theatre for children should be simple yet interesting, providing them with an experience that stimulates their imagination and entertains them. It’s heartening to see more awareness being generated among people in India about theatre in Education and its impact on the young audience. But the biggest challenge will be to get more and more parents bring their children to the theatres to see shows specifically created for the young audience

5. What’s the difference that you wish to bring in the kids entertainment scene in India?

The general tendency while working for the young audiences is that anything will go for a children’s production or that children will love anything – and that is totally wrong and unacceptable. It’s totally the other way round. Any work for children should be one’s best work. A lot of thought, content and visualization should go into any production for the young. Children are the best and the most smart audience, they are clear and usually vocal about what they like and what they don’t like. There’s no chance of presenting a mediocre content for children. Nowadays with children spending more and more time in front of TV watching violent content there is a strong need for better children’s entertainment, something that’s not passive, something that engages them and makes them a participant rather than just an observer. We wish to bring that change and provide such sort of content that has a fresh approach towards kid’s entertainment.

6. Tell us more about the first play?

Elf for a day is one of its kind play being produced for the first time in India. This unique Christmas puppet play has elements of humour, the music is great and is stunning to watch. In this Enchanting Christmas story Annie gets chosen to be an Elf for a day and travels to Santa’s secret world. The children will be thrilled to experience Annie’s magical journey to the North Pole and feel the true spirit of Christmas.

7. Why the use of puppets?  

Puppets since time immemorial have entertained and given wings to the imagination of children. We always say that we have all played with toys as children, made them act like as if they were alive beings, puppetry is just that: making an inanimate object alive. So, we all have an innate connect with puppets and puppetry. For children it’s almost like their favourite toys have come alive! With our experience of over 6 years with puppetry, we can say that when puppets talk children listen. And that makes puppetry a very strong medium to communicate with children, to entertain them, to tickle them and to bring forth a message. With ‘Elf For A Day we are creating lovable puppet characters that children will relate to and take with them even after the show ends.

P.S. The play is by the Puppetarians and if you haven’t already read about them then read here 

8.How do you juggle between the three of you? 

While we all three overlook the production of the play in various areas, Bhavisha manages the operations, Shilpi and Samiksha take care of marketing and finance. We share a good chemistry between us to understand, distribute and contribute towards our roles. Elf for a day has given a great opportunity to enjoy our friendship in a professional a way too.

 9. In one word:

– Christmas to kids is –  JOY

– Come for the play because its ENTERTAINING

–  Plays teach kids TO IMAGINE

Parents this one is should be on your calendars so here is the schedule and the booking details. Make sure you make your bookings before its SOLD OUT. Recommended for kids 4 years and above. Length of play 1 hour 15 mins

Booking Details:

1. www.bookmyshow.com or for home delivery call 3895050.

2. Tickets also available at Venue and Rhythm House one week before the show.

For other inquiries please call 9833083002

See you there!