Childrens Literature

The Old Globe Theatre was the original home of San Diego Junior Theatre. In 1948, resident director Craig Noel established a junior theatre wing as the headquarters for this community program that allowed students aged eight to 18 to participate in productions for children. Irma Fraser McPherson led the group and was assisted by instructors provided by the Old Globe Theatre. By 1951, San Diego Junior Theatre had new sponsorship and would later become the independent, non-profit organization it is today. The Old Globe Theatre has continued to serve young audiences. In 1974, it established the Globe Educational Tour (GET) program, which enabled the theatre to bring the works of William Shakespeare to school children in San Diego and Imperial Counties. The theatre continues to offer educational opportunities to local students. Besides outreach programs, the Old Globe Theatre has presented productions appropriate for children throughout its history, including performances of Cheaper by the Dozen and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Scene from the 1950 Old Globe Theatre production of Mary Poppins: (left to right) Bear (Barbara Moore), Jane (Rosemary Faukhauel), and Michael (Richard Coutts). Photograph. (Old Globe Theatre Records)

Rehearsal of an unidentified Old Globe Junior Theatre production, 1940s. Photograph.
(Old Globe Theatre Records)

Cast of the Old Globe Theatre production of The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker, 1956. Photograph.
(Old Globe Theatre Records)

Once Upon a Time…: Fairytales through the Ages
The Abracadabra Kid: Sid Fleischman
About a Boy…or Girl: Stories Featuring Children
Those Amazing Animals
Theatre for Young People at San Diego State University
The Old Globe Theatre and Children’s Lit.
From Book to Stage and Screen
Dr. Seuss and Maurice Sendak

Virtual exhibit created by Edo Williams and Mana Ghodsian