We're Making a Play!

St. Louis, MO - October 2024

We are happy to announce that Ava + Mommy is partnering with Metro Theater Company under Artistic Director, Jacqueline Thompson, to adapt our book, BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO? A Story for Kids about Perseverance and Positive Thinking into a play!

Metro Theater Company (MTC), a Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) organization, and St. Louis heritage theatre company since 1973, is poised to present a season brimming with imagination, inclusivity, and bold storytelling.

In a vibrant city like St. Louis, where creativity and culture thrive, MTC has long been a beacon of innovative theater for young audiences. This season, MTC productions will explore the limitless possibilities of the human spirit, weaving together narratives that resonate deeply with young audiences. "Taking on this role at Metro Theater Company is an incredible honor," says Jacqueline Thompson, the newly appointed MTC Artistic Director. "This season is about exploring new narratives and creating a space where every child and family can see their experiences reflected on stage. We’re telling stories that inspire, challenge, and ultimately, bring us closer together."

Season Highlights

In the spring of 2025, MTC will adapt But What Can You Do? Written by local authors and mother-daughter duo, Arika Parr and 3rd grader Ava Johnson, this heartfelt story encourages young audiences to recognize their unique abilities and understand the profound impact they can make in their communities. "This adaptation is an exciting extension of Metro Theater Company’s vision to collaborate in meaningful ways with community partners," shares Managing Director Jessie Youngblood. "To take a book for young people, written by local authors, and let the story come to life on stage is a celebration of the powerful stories that emerge from our own community."