The production of Meet Me at the Fountain at Lincoln Center opens this spring with a site-specific, interactive adventure created especially for children. Presented as part of the LC Kids program, Meet Me at the Fountain is a multi-part immersive experience that guides participants across the Lincoln Center campus to solve a mystery and rescue an opera star. Episode 1: The Canary Flies at Midnight runs the weekend of May 21–22.
Designed for young audiences, the show invites children to step into the roles of an underground league of cultural crime fighters determined to protect the center’s stages and keep the opera diva safe. The production blends storytelling, exploration, and problem-solving to create an engaging, hands-on theatrical experience tailored for kids.
This project is the first original commission for LC Kids and was created and directed by Drew Petersen. Petersen is the associate artistic director of the New York–based Trusty Sidekick Theater Company, which specializes in original work for young audiences. His credits also include Up and Away, a piece commissioned by Lincoln Center Education for children with autism.
Performances are structured as 30-minute adventures limited to small groups. Each session accommodates up to 14 children, ages seven and older. To maintain an intimate and interactive atmosphere, there are 10 separate sessions scheduled for each performance day. Tickets are available online, and advance booking is recommended because space is limited.
The production is designed to be accessible and engaging, with a focus on creativity, collaboration, and playful investigation. Families can expect a mix of theatrical moments and hands-on challenges as children move through different areas of the campus, working together to uncover clues and reach the finale.
Parents and guardians should note the age recommendation and group size limits when purchasing tickets. The format is ideal for small family groups, school outings, and youth organizations seeking an immersive cultural experience that encourages curiosity and teamwork.
By combining a site-specific setting with interactive storytelling, Meet Me at the Fountain aims to introduce children to live performance in a memorable, participatory way. The LC Kids commission underscores Lincoln Center’s continuing commitment to creating original, child-centered programming that invites young audiences to explore the arts up close.