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How to Get the Most "Fun" out of
Big!World!Fun!

Maximize your enjoyment of the Ford’s family series

Starting July 3 parents and grandparents with kids in tow will troop into the Ford Amphitheatre Saturday mornings for music, dance, stories and kid-friendly activities for ages
4-10. There will be circus magic, Japanese drumming, Celtic jigs and reels, Afro-Brazilian dance and more. Ford staffers Bill Berry (Event Services Manager), Ragen Carlile
(Big!World!Fun! programmer), Breanna Keeter (Box Office Manager) and Katy King (Public Events & Operations Assistant) share their tips on how make the most of your Big!World!Fun! (BWF) experience.

Plan to bring lots of kids

Bill: Kids are free! And adults pay only $5. Bring your kids, your neighbors’ kids, your scout troop. I leave the parent-to-kid ratio up to you.

Ragen: Big!World!Fun! is the best way to introduce children to the theatre experience. The Ford is the perfect blend of a theatre and a park. We present quality, professional art, out of doors. It’s casual.

Kick start the fun with your own story time

The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen, is one of the reading selections for the kick off Big!World!Fun! event Troupe Vertigo.

Katy: Before you come to BWF, look at our online booklists.* Our BWF partner, the Los Angeles County Library, has provided reading suggestions for each of our 8 shows. For our opening circus-themed event there’s “Olivia Saves the Circus” — Olivia steps up to fill numerous roles—tattooed lady, lion tamer, trapeze artist. There’s a Filipino version of Cinderella, a book based on a traditional Scottish ballad, a story about a Cuban girl and her favorite singer, Celia Cruz. The lists are a treasure trove.

*Go to www.FordTheatres.org, click on Family under Events, then click on More Info for the event that interests you. The booklist will be on the event page.

Dress casual

Ragen: The Ford is a theatre surrounded by green space and it’s on a hillside.

Breanna: Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the entryway stairs, or taking the gently sloped meandering path up to the theatre.

Bring a hat, water, $1 and a camera

Ragen: About 80% of the audience area is shaded by a parachute, so you may need a sun hat. It can get hot, especially near the end of the show [at 11:00 a.m.] so water’s a good idea. Parking is only $1, so if you have a buck in your pocket, the parking process goes faster. And don’t forget a camera — and an autograph book if your child has one. The performers come out on Edison Plaza at the top of the entryway after the show so you can meet them and take pictures.

Arrive early for the pre-show

Kids enjoy a pre-show activity at the Ford.

Bill: Shows start at 10 but the pre-show activities start at 9:00 a.m., when the gates open.

Katy: In July we’re having live music and storytelling during the pre-show. In August, there will be craft activities presented by our Big!World!Fun! partner, The Autry.

Use the stroller valet service

Bill: You can easily wheel a stroller up the gently sloped meandering path, then take the elevator to the theatre level. Once you’re up there, a member of the house staff will take your stroller and store it in a secure place until you’re ready to leave.

Feel free to snack in your seat

Bill: You can eat in our theatre. We have concessions where you can buy muffins, animal crackers, fruit cups, juice boxes, hot dogs, popcorn and other snacks and drinks. Or you can bring your own.

Remember the rest rooms are one level down from the theatre

Ragen: Don’t wait until the last minute. BWF events are casual so you can go in and out of theatre whenever you please.

Bill: The easiest rest room access is from aisles A and D down the sides of theatre. There are side doors on those aisles leading to stairs down to the second level.

Stop on Edison Plaza on your way out and meet the artists

Meet and greet with artists after a performance.

Ragen: This is your chance to say hi and thank you. Ask questions. Have your picture taken. See costumes and instruments up close.

Get a coupon for discounted entry to the Autry

Katy: The Autry, which is not far from the Ford in Griffith Park, has given us coupons good for a free child admission to the museum. House staff will be handing them out as you exit through the Ford gates.

Buy tickets for the next show

Breanna: When you purchase tickets in person at the box office, there’s no service charge. Also, if you have your tickets in hand, you’ll avoid the pre-show ticket line. So, look at what’s coming up. The schedule is listed in your program. We’re right outside the entry gate on your way to the parking lot. We’re happy to help you.