Welcome to Up Next! This weekly blog post highlights virtual performances and experiences. As we discover new ways of enjoying and producing the arts during the pandemic, we hope that Up Next may help families, theater fans, educators, and community supporters discover something new or reconnect with much loved organizations.

Special Highlight from Synchronicity Theatre
Mirandy and Brother Wind
Adapted by Michael J. Bobbitt and John L. Cornelius
Based on the Book by Patricia McKissack
Music and Lyrics by John L. Cornelius
Streaming March 19 through April 4, 2021 (If you live in Atlanta, in-theater performances of Mirandy and Brother Wind begin March 12!)

Springtime has arrived in South Carolina and 10 year-old Mirandy is preparing for her town’s big cakewalk. After a bitter loss to her rival, Orlinda, the year before, Mirandy is determined to do whatever it takes to win the coveted first place prize. When Mirandy learns about the legend of Brother Wind, she decides to capture the playful spirit to serve as her dancing partner in the cakewalk — and celebrate what it truly means to be free.

Decameron Project: Conversation with Ghost author Jason Reynolds

St. Louis County Library: Listen Up STL

Education Equity Center of St. Louis: An Evening with adrienne maree brown, Mar 10

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis: Virtual Play Date, Fantastic Forms, Mar 13

Big Muddy Dance Company: Blue Roses Falling, Mar 26-28

St. Louis County Library: Write Stuff Contest, Through Mar 31

Kohl Children’s Museum: Oso pardo, oso pardo, ¿qué ves ahí? by Author Bill Martin Jr., Illustrator Eric Carle, and translator Teresa Mlawer

Magik Theatre: Señora Tortuga, Streaming Through Dec 31

North Texas Teen Book Festival: Keynote featuring Dr. Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds on Stamped

Institute for Healing Justice and Equity: Virtual Symposium, Humanizing Equity, April 6

Metro Theater Company: Jacked! by Idris Goodwin, Through Mar 31

Metro Theater Company: Virtual Summer Camp Registration Opens Mar 8