The biggest and most colorful place in the East Bay to enjoy children’s community theater is Aesop’s Playhouse, Fairyland’s exciting new main stage.

The playhouse is the first structural upgrade to Fairyland’s famed children’s-theater program in more than 50 years. Not only is it home to Fairyland’s own troupe of child performers, but it also hosts productions from other local performing-arts groups.

And if you’re looking for a magical setting for a wedding or other celebration, Aesop’s Playhouse is available for after-hours rental!

Six years in the planning and building, Aesop’s Playhouse is named for the author of classic fables such as “The Tortoise and the Hare” and “The Fox and the Grapes.” Whimsical sculptures of Aesop and his characters ring the canopied bleacher seats, which can accommodate nearly 200 people.  Ample backstage space allows for costume changes and prop storage. Behind the curtain is a second stage, where audiences can watch performances while seated festival-style on a gently sloping lawn.

Aesop’s Playhouse was funded entirely by Oakland’s Measure DD, a $198.25 million bond measure passed by voters in 2002. Oakland-based Ace Architects designed the structure; Scientific Art Studio of Richmond created the fanciful sculptures.

The playhouse is new, but Fairyland has a long history of live children’s theater. In 1956, we introduced our Fairyland Personalities program, in which children ages 8 to 10 portray storybook characters for a full year in our stage productions, in community events and in special appearances at senior centers and schools.

On weekends from June through October, Aesop’s Playhouse presents three plays in rotation, one each weekend. Each play is an original production written and directed by our Children’s Theater director. One play is adapted from a classic American or European story such as “The Wizard of Oz” or “Thumbelina,” and the other two are tales from cultures around the globe.

The children wear costumes designed by professional costume makers. Sets and props are created with the enthusiastic help of parents, staff, and volunteers. All of the productions are filmed by a professional videographer, and families have the opportunity to buy DVDs of the entire performance season.