Behind the Mole Hill: Children's Theater From Page to Stage

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Dive into the enchanting world of "The Mole Hill Stories" with director Jesse Pyle as she unveils the creative journey behind Chino Community Theater's latest production. This magical bilingual adaptation transforms three beloved children's tales by Lois Ehlert into a celebration of friendship, nature, and cultural diversity.
What makes this production truly special is its focus on developing new talent. Half of the twelve-member cast are making their theatrical debuts, while student directors Sebastian Olguin and Maya Mansour guide individual segments under Pyle's mentorship. The production features a vibrant, interactive set inspired by the original book illustrations, with creative solutions like slides and climbing elements that bring the stories to life for performers and audiences alike.
Behind the scenes, the show represents a beautiful intersection of generations. Four-year-old Jasper Pyle performs alongside experienced young actors, while student designers create lighting that transforms the moon and sun with the flip of a switch. The collaborative nature of community theater shines through as families work together both onstage and off—designing costumes that capture character essence rather than literal representations, building innovative set pieces, and crafting ambient soundscapes that enhance the storytelling.
"The Mole Hill Stories" offers the perfect introduction to theater for audiences of all ages. With three interconnected tales presented in bite-sized segments, the production creates an accessible, engaging experience that celebrates both English and Spanish language traditions. Whether you're bringing children to their first live performance or seeking a unique Father's Day outing, this production runs for just two weekends (July 13-22) and promises to be a feast for the eyes and imagination.
Experience the magic for yourself! Grab tickets at ChinoChildrensTheater.org, follow @CCCTbuzz on social media, or support these emerging artists by calling the box office at 909-590-1149.

June 13-21

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Chapters

1. Introduction to The Mole Hill Stories (00:00:00)

2. Origins and Vision for the Production (00:02:11)

3. Student Directors and Mentorship Opportunities (00:06:51)

4. Set Design and Creative Collaboration (00:10:09)

5. Casting Process and First-time Performers (00:14:30)

6. Costumes and Family Involvement (00:17:48)

7. Technical Elements and Student Designers (00:20:56)

8. Show Details and How to Get Tickets (00:23:56)