The show

Conceived by Jason and Maria Pizzarello in 2021, Off the Trail for Squeak and Squawk is a unique outdoor immersive theatre experience for children K-5 to discover nature through the lens of a play. The audience of young adventurers (and their parents) move through the outdoor forest environment to a series of locations, interacting with mythical and imaginative creatures along the way.

Performers, props, costumes, music—all theatrical elements—are creatively inspired by and rooted in the natural world to enhance each audience member’s understanding and connection.

The inspiration behind this show is to create a theatrical experience that doesn’t need a stage and isn’t limited to the confines of a building and seats. We want to use theatricality and storytelling to reconnect with young audience members and increase appreciation and inspire continued learning of the natural world, especially for young people with limited access, exposure, and resources.

Prepping for our debut at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center - opening September 10th, 2022!

Click the button below for more info on upcoming performances.

NEWS: Off the Trail is the recipient of generous grants from the Stamford Arts Council (SAC) and the Frances R. Dewing Foundation which will allow us to develop and present the show to so many young learners!

See the Show

Education standards

In the development of this immersive experience, we aim to not only entertain children and their families, but also meet specific Arts Education Standards set by CT Core Standards and National Core Standards. Education partners will also play a role in identifying educational standards this project has the potential to meet in the arts and sciences.

Arts Standards we are focused on meeting are:

National Core Arts Standards

Anchor Standard #7—Perceive and analyze artistic work

Anchor Standard #8—Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work

Common Core Standards

Comprehension and Collaboration:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1 - 5.1

Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade K-5 topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1.A - 5.1.A

Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1.B - 5.1.B

Build on others’ talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1.C - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.3

Ask questions to clear up any confusion about the topics and texts under discussion.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.2. - 5.2

Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.3 - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.3

Ask and answer questions about what a speaker says in order to gather additional information or clarify something that is not understood.