Saturday Morning Live! Presents: Taiko Adventure!

About the Show

Discover taiko—full-body drumming based in Japanese tradition—in this high-energy, highly interactive program featuring traditional and contemporary songs, dynamic rhythms, and BIG drums! Instructor Mark H Rooney combines this traditional foundation with a modern sensibility to create performances and classes that emphasize connection, reaction, and interaction. Please note that taiko drums can be quite loud but Mark will prep you for changes in volume as the program goes.

Books from Birth Signups

We're delighted to partner once again with the DC Public Library to host signups for the Books from Birth program! This initiative partners with Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to provide free books to little learners across the District. We'll also be sharing information about similar programs in Maryland and Virginia.

Time and Place

Performances will take place at 10am on June 13 and June 27 in the Helen Hayes Gallery of The National Theatre, located at 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004.

Tickets and Donations

Registration is FREE but donations are welcome. In the event of a sellout, please feel free to join the waitlist; we also accept walk-ups, pending the availability of space. Please reach out to education@nationaltheatre.org if you have any questions.

Audience

This performance is ideal for children ages 3-6 but all are welcome!

Accessibility

This performance will be ASL-interpreted; seating is available for patrons requiring access to this service. The space is wheelchair accessible and space is designated for wheelchair seating.

About the Artists

Mark H Rooney began his taiko career in Boston, MA as a performing member of Odaiko New England in 1998. He has since performed with a number of groups in Japan as well as performing widely in Europe and the United States as a touring member of Taikoza. Mark has also collaborated with other artists and groups including Tiger Okoshi, Opera unMet, UpRooted Dance, Arts on the Horizon, and ilyAIMY . Mark is a dynamic and talented performer, but his true passion lies with teaching taiko. In addition to serving as Odaiko New England’s Artistic Director from 2008 – 2010, Mark was the principal architect and instructor for their widely successful classes and workshops. He has also taught in after-school programs and colleges, as well as the Mark H Rooney Taiko School for his growing number of students in the DC area. Learn more at www.markhrooney.com.

About Saturday Morning Live!:

Saturday Morning Live! is a program of The National Theatre Foundation made possible by The Jacqueline Badger Mars Next Generation Fund. A small donation goes a long way to helping us grow this program while keeping it accessible. Visit nationaltheatre.org/saturday-morning-live to learn more.