Family Guide

Parent's of all kinds can enjoy theatre to foster constructive conversations

This page is entirely devoted to helping you enjoy theatre with your whole family. Theatre, like most art, is a great way to provoke thoughts and emotions, which can be a fantastic opportunity to start a conversation. This resource is aimed at doing just that!

Theatre is an incredible tool to build and strengthen empathy, and sometimes, it can be challenging for the whole family to navigate. We hope to help answer the question, “Is this show appropriate for children?”

On this page, you will find information about the theatre in general, the show the mountain play is producing this year, what to expect, and how to manage being in an outdoor venue.

2024 Mountain Play
Kinky Boots is a high-energy, heartwarming musical that tells the story of Charlie Price, a young man who inherits his family’s struggling shoe factory. In a twist of fate, he partners with the fabulous Lola to save the business by creating a line of high-heeled, thigh-high boots for drag queens. This heartwarming and inspiring story has unforgettable characters and catchy music.

Theatre Etiquette

It’s a great idea to talk with your family what to expect at the theatre and what’s expected of them. Here are some great ideas that apply to all theatre in addition to Mountain Theatre!

  1. Most Important: Feel free to laugh, applaud and enjoy – your honest reactions to what’s happening on stage is appreciated. Parents, please feel free to participate in this way too!
  2. Please enjoy your program to learn more about the play, creative team and actors.
  3. There will be a 20 minute intermission for snacks and bathroom breaks
  4. Please keep all aisles and stairs clear for emergencies and maybe actors, too.
  5. Photos, audio and video recording of any part of the performance is strictly prohibited.
  6. If you do need to leave your seat during the performance, please walk up the theatre steps and out behind the audience to avoid disrupting someone’s view
  1. Listen to announcements during the day – we share important information to make your day a safe and enjoyable experience
  2. There will be a 20 minute intermission for snacks and bathroom breaks
  3. One of the advantages of our beautiful theatre is that crying/disruptive children (and adults) can move from the performance area to other parts of the theatre village for a break.
  4. Respect the space of others: Please help everyone’s enjoyment by not moving the blankets or possessions of others. Please don’t use the stones behind you as a backrest so others have room for their feet.
  5. Enjoy the entire performance! Please avoid leaving early to “beat the crowd” since you’ll be inhibiting others from enjoying the end of the show.

Mountain Theatre Environmental Consideration

In Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre, we get to watch theatre AND be out in Mount Tamalpais State Park. For a parent, it’s good to know what to expect in the world of the theatre.

Enjoy Mount Tamalpais State Park!

Enjoy a beautiful day and PLAY outdoors. Take a hike and go out to see some of the beautiful sights and animals around Mount Tamalpais – it’ll be worth it!

Stay Hydrated

Water, water, water!

Drink plenty of water and if consuming alcoholic beverages drink even more water.

Sun Protection

Stay Cool in the Sun

Please enjoy sun protection: sun screen, sunglasses, hats, lip balm and even a light shirt to throw over your shoulders are all great ideas! Remember, even when it is foggy, the sun can still burn.

Leave No Trace

Respect the Environment

Please remember that we are in a state park and to always clean up after you picnic and carry out what you bring in.

Recycle Vs Landfill

Organizing Picnic Waste

Please recycle and deposit all trash into proper receptacles. Here is a guide for what to recycle in Marin: Marin Sanitary Service

First Aid Info

FIRST AID is located in the theatre village past the concession booths. In case of an emergency, please notify staff.

Ticks and Other Insects

Please stay out of grass and brush to avoid ticks. It’s a great idea to shake out all clothing and blankets to avoid hijacking critters. Here’s some information about ticks and other insects on Mount Tamalpais from Marin Mommies!

Reptiles in the Parks

Snakes, Lizards, and You, OH MY

All kinds of reptiles are warming up in the sun on Mount Tamalpais, including rattlesnakes.  If you see one, back away slowly and alert staff of snake’s location.  Baby rattlesnakes may look cute but can be even more dangerous than their elders. Reptiles can carry salmonella on their skin, so please observe them from a distance.

Is KINKY BOOTS Suitable for everyone?

We want to thank you for joining us in the exhilarating world of KINKY BOOTS. As we embark on this theatrical journey together, it’s essential to acknowledge and provide notes regarding some subject matter encountered during the performance.

Themes

KINKY BOOTS is a vibrant and uplifting musical that celebrates the power of self-discovery, acceptance, and the beauty of diversity. It explores themes of identity, tolerance, and the journey to self-acceptance in a heartwarming and sometimes provocative way. While the show’s primary focus is on empowerment and inclusivity, it touches on subjects that may be unfamiliar or sensitive to some members of our audience.

  • Gender Identity and Expression: The musical revolves around transforming a traditional shoe factory into a producer of high-heeled boots for drag queens. It delves into the world of drag culture, gender identity, and self-expression.

  • Sexuality: There are moments in the performance that touch on various aspects of sexuality, including discussions of sexual orientation and desire.

  • Language and Humor: The show contains occasional use of strong language and humor that may be considered risqué, intended to reflect the characters’ personalities and the world they inhabit.

We encourage you to approach KINKY BOOTS with an open mind and heart, recognizing that its themes are meant to foster understanding, acceptance, and love for oneself and others. This musical is ultimately a celebration of diversity and the human spirit, and its intention is to spread a message of inclusivity and positivity.

Questions about the word kinky?


The use of the word “kinky” in the title of KINKY BOOTS describes the “unconventional” wearers of these particular boots and how people view them. In this context, it’s not about adult-themed activities. Instead, it’s all about embracing uniqueness, self-expression, and celebrating individuality. In the musical, ‘kinky’ represents the fabulous and extravagant world of drag culture, where people express themselves by wearing glamorous and sometimes unconventional clothing, including high-heeled boots. It’s a term used to describe the exciting and extraordinary fashion choices made by the characters in the show. So, in KINKY BOOTS, the word “kinky” is all about embracing one’s true self and expressing it with confidence and style!

Other definitions

Resources

LGBTQ+ Support and Resources:
  • GLAAD: GLAAD is a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization that provides resources, news, and information about LGBTQ+ issues.
  • The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.
Gender Identity and Expression:
  • National Center for Transgender Equality: This organization advocates for policy changes that advance the rights of transgender individuals.
  • PFLAG: PFLAG supports LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, including resources on understanding gender identity and expression.
Sexuality Education and Resources:
Mental Health Support:
Anti-Bullying and Inclusivity: