JMG’s Spring 2026 Traveling Theatre Show
In Spring 2026, we worked with playwright Claire Derrinnic from the University of Texas at Austin to adapt her show Pen Pals for hospital lobby and bedside audiences. Pen Pals is designed for youth ages 5–10 and uses music, clowning, and puppetry to tell the story of Squiggle and Square, two best friends who move away from each other and find creative ways to stay connected by mailing letters, drawings, and songs.
Claire visited the Fall 2025 Creative Drama class, and we spent a week workshopping Pen Pals and restructuring the audience interaction to fit hospital audience needs, with guidance from the College of Nursing. She returned in Spring 2026 to finish developing the show with the TYA & Communities class, who performed the piece for elementary schools and children in hospitals.
University students and young people gained hands-on experience in new works development and adaptation alongside a professional playwright. The show benefitted from the input of many students, young people, and healthcare professionals. The production of Pen Pals explored themes of friendship and communication while offering a fun theatrical experience for young students and hospital patients.