Elmo, Cookie Monster, and their furry friends are leaving 123 Sesame Street for a tour around the United States and Canada – including a stop at the Berglund Center in Roanoke! Mark your calendars and gather all your friends for an evening of singing, dancing, fun, and surprises with your favorite Sesame Street muppets.
What Is Sesame Street Live! Say Hello?
Sesame Street Live! Say Hello is an interactive evening of singing, dancing, games, and excitement with some of the favorite characters from Sesame Street. Think of it as child-friendly, interactive theater. Cookie Monster, Elmo, Abby Cadabby, and other muppets will lead dances, songs, and games from the stage while you and your little ones participate in the audience.
The 2024 Sesame Street Live! Say Hello tour is the first time Sesame Street Workshop has partnered with Round Room Live, a production company known for creating innovative shows targeting younger audiences.
Round Room Live has a strong track record of turning popular shows like Sesame Street into memorable live events. This 2024 tour strategically targets smaller cities and venues so children (and their adults) can get up close and have more interactive experiences with their favorite Sesame Street characters.
What to Expect at Sesame Street Live
The Sesame Street Live show is about an hour and twenty minutes long, including an intermission. While the show is geared toward children ages 1 to 7, Sesame Street Live! Say Hello will surely be a fun evening for the whole family.
Merchandise will be available for purchase before and after the show and during intermission. Though not necessary to fully enjoy the show, it's an opportunity to pick up a souvenir or early Christmas presents.
Photography will be allowed during the show (within reason) so you can capture your kiddo's smile and epic dance moves. However, professional photography is strictly prohibited. If your camera equipment looks professional, be prepared to leave it at home or contact Round Street LLC for prior consent.
What Is the Photo Experience Add-On?
The Photo Experience add-on is a post-show opportunity to meet the characters of Sesame Street Live and take photos. Your little Sesame Street fan will love this meet-and-greet opportunity, and you'll be able to take pictures and capture every moment. This experience will begin shortly after the main show ends.
The Photo Experience does require an additional purchase. Each adult and child must have a Photo Experience ticket to attend and participate in the post-show event.
Dates, Tickets, and Pricing
Sesame Street Live! Say Hello will be at the Berglund Performing Arts Theatre on Wednesday, November 13, 2024. Tickets are required for children ages two and up.
The Berglund Center doors open at 5 pm, and the show will begin at 6 pm.
Tickets are on sale now, and prices range from $30.50 to $70.50 per ticket, depending on seat location. Parking is $10.
*This article is sponsored by Berglund Center.
Preparing Toddlers for Sesame Street Live and Photo Experience
Live events and meet-and-greets are fantastic memory-making opportunities. Yet, it can be challenging to predict how toddlers (especially young ones) will respond when seeing their favorite Sesame Street characters in person.
If you are excited to take your toddler to Sesame Street Live but aren't sure how they'll respond, you can do a few things before and during the show to help them have a blast.
Talk about what the characters will be like: Sesame Street characters are almost always bigger in person than kids envision. After all, they're used to seeing their favorite characters on the television or as friendly stuffed animals.
Take the time to talk about Cookie Monster or Elmo's height and other characteristics. A little comparison comment like, "Did you know Elmo is as tall as Daddy?" can help a child reframe their expectations.
Consider bringing their favorite Sesame Street stuffie: Having something for your toddler to hold during the show can be calming. If you plan to participate in the additional photo opportunity, having your little one introduce their stuffie to the characters can take the focus away from your child so they feel less pressure.
Let your kiddo watch others meet the characters first: Seeing positive interactions with other children can help your little ones feel more confident when it's their turn. Don't be afraid to let a few people go ahead in line and point out how they say hi to the Sesame Street characters and smile.
Children like to know exactly what to expect. Narrate what's going on for your child. Gently describing what is happening as it happens can help ease tension.
It can also be helpful to explain to the character what's going on as you approach. "Elmo, you are Danny's favorite Sesame Street character. He's been so excited to meet you but is a little nervous now." The characters are highly trained to take these cues from kids and their adults.
