Sometimes in the world of performance, much like literature, we forget that works of art created for children require just as much artistry as those for us grown-ups.

As a new parent, I remember being stunned by all of the incredible children’s books and illustrations that were, until then, mostly invisible to me.

This week on May 5 and 6 at the Chocolate Church Arts Center, we had a great example of a gifted performer whose focus is on young audiences when Jack Golden performed his EnviroGanza to students from Brightfield, Dike-Newell, Fischer Mitchell and Woolwich Central schools.

Golden brought his years as a professional clown to the stage with a rollicking blend of mime, comedy, song and circus skills. And our generous event sponsor, Casella Waste Systems, hyped the audience up on their way into the theater with their raccoon mascot welcoming everyone with high fives.

Have you ever attempted to hold the attention of 300 elementary school kids? Aside from some skilled teachers and performers, for the majority of us it’s a nonstarter. Jack Golden kept his audience enthralled while also teaching them about recycling, litter prevention and water conservation. There was plenty of call and response, laughter, and vocal amazement as Golden performed magic tricks, dance routines and invited a couple of lucky students up to the stage for a wild round of sorting recycling. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention his Polar Ice Cap, consisting of a stuffed polar bear and two ice cube trays, fashioned into a stylish headpiece.

Casella Waste Systems provided the funding to make these performances free to the students of Bath and Woolwich. Theresa Galvin, Casella’s municipal account manager for southern Maine was at both performances and said, “Waste and recycling are a team effort and we’re happy to support educating our youth about being part of the solution.”

We love the energy and creativity that children bring to the Chocolate Church Arts Center, and it was a thrill to have the seats of our main theater filled with so many wiggling, joyful humans. Jack Golden demonstrated that entertainment for children is as important as any art form and did so expertly.

Catherine Gleason is the marketing and communications director at the Chocolate Church Arts Center.

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