Free, Whimsical Shows for Vermont Communities
The Playing Fields Project is a back-to-school celebration that travels to school districts around Vermont. The project invites communities to gather together for joyful and awe-inspiring performances on school fields. Everyone is invited to join the fun!
In September 2022, the first Playing Fields performances featured live music by the energetic world-music band Red Baraat with an interactive performance by the mysterious, luminous Birdmen, a large-scale street theater exhibition from the Dutch company Close-Act. In September 2023, the B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ· welcomed French troupe Compagnie Des Quidams and their 12-foot tall, luminous horses for a presentation of Proud Horses at six Vermont schools. In 2024 we travelled to 9 schools around the state with Cirque Kikasse, a breathtaking mobile circus from neighboring Quebec. We travelled to even more Vermont schools in 2025 with Compagnie OFF and their street show: Les Girafes.
Playing Fields 2026
Dates Announced
- September 8– Barre City Elementary & Middle School
- September 9– Rutland Intermediate/Middle School
- September 10– The Sharon Academy High School
- September 11– Hazen Union School
- September 12– Hartford High School
- September 13 at 12 pm– Downtown Burlington as part of Burlington Pride
- September 15– J.J. B´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ· Elementary School
- September 16– Georgia Elementary Middle School
- September 17– Grand Isle School
- September 18– Middlebury Union Middle School
- September 19 & 20 at 1 pm & 6 pm– Vermont Statehouse Lawn
All performances begin at 6 pm unless otherwise listed.
Playing Fields 2026
FEATURes...
plasticiens volants
Sea Fantasy- The Pearl
Plasticiens Volants, founded in Paris in 1976, presents Sea Fantasy— The Pearl, a mesmerizing street show adapted for school fields featuring a menagerie of giant sea creatures accompanied by music and special effects. The show is perfect for family members of all ages and will be a night that children and parents alike will remember and talk about for the rest of the school year.
Without a snorkel or a mask, audiences are invited to dive into an underwater world where a lonely pearl dreams of exploring beyond her shell. As she embarks on her journey, an entire aquatic community rallies around her, helping her brave crashing waves, powerful winds, and swirling tides before finding a welcoming new home. This specially adapted daytime production surrounds audiences with playful sea creatures, including squid, hermit crabs, and seahorses that weave through the crowd, alongside floating jellyfish and fish overhead, a giant octopus, a gleaming pearl nestled within its shell, and even a surprise visit from a giant eel. Performed among the audience, Sea Fantasy: The Pearl creates an immersive experience that delights children and adults alike while transforming familiar school fields into an unforgettable undersea adventure.
Help Keep Playing Fields Free!
Playing Fields opens the school year with a jolt of wonder and excitement.
Playing Fields has appeared at:
- Burlington High School
- Champlain Valley Union High School
- Winooski Middle School
- Lyman C. Hunt Middle School
- Danville School
- Vergennes Union High School
- Crossett Brook Middle School
- Williamstown Middle and High School
- Chester Andover Elementary
- Thetford Academy
- Browns River Middle School
- Georgia Elementary and Middle School
- Chester Andover Elementary
- Lyndon Institute
- Sharon Elementary School
- Lamoille Union High School
- Hazen Union School
- Essex High School
- U-32 Union Middle & High School
- Middlebury Union High School
- Edmunds Elementary and Middle School
- Burlington Pride Parade
- State House Lawn, Montpelier, VT
Playing Fields has appeared at
21
Vermont Schools
PLAYING FIELDS IS SUPPORTED BY
