Whether you are trying to have your child develop their confidence or just trying to find them a hobby that can also help them understand our world on a deeper level, the upcoming theatrical production, Constellations: Reimagined by Kids, will be for you. The original Constellations production revolves around the theme of mortality, illness, and infidelity, while this adapted version is an interactive play directed by comedy and drama tutor Donnie Fan, along with professional drama teachers, and revolves around the theme of friendship, family, and adapting to a new environment, making it suitable for teen actors and actresses.
Donnie Fan is a professional stand-up comedian, director, screenwriter, and playwright who is experienced in both adult and children’s theatrical productions. He directed the Pride and Prejudice high school production, was part of the iQiyi International Comedy Special, and directed the ART (children’s production) this year, and also directed multiple children’s theatrical productions in previous years.
Q: Tell us about Constellations and how it relates to children’s growth and development.
A: Constellations is a story that takes place across multiple timelines, exploring how small choices can completely change outcomes. While the original play is written for adults, we’ve adapted it to reflect the pre-teen and teenage experience. For children, this becomes a powerful metaphor: their everyday decisions shape who they are becoming. It’s a playful yet meaningful way to show young people how choices and consequences are part of their growth and development.
Q: How do you think dramatic productions like Constellations show the audience the charm and psychological side of the development of children and teens?
A: Theater allows us to see children at their most vulnerable and most resilient. In Constellations, we’ll watch young actors stumble, make mistakes, and then learn to recover — just as kids do in real life. Their peers in the audience may think, “that’s exactly how I feel right now,” while parents will recognize echoes of their own adolescence. This dual perspective creates empathy and understanding, shining light on the psychological journey of growing up.
Q: What kind of kids should get involved in this project? What if they don’t have any previous experience?
A: Any child who enjoys theater, storytelling, or simply has a strong imagination should get involved. Kids don’t need prior stage experience. In fact, some of the best performances come from those who bring fresh, uninhibited perspectives. In our last production of Yasmina Reza’s ART, one actress had almost no theater background, yet gave a fantastic performance. This project offers kids a chance to take on meaningful roles that they may not otherwise get in a school play. The only requirement is an open mind and a willingness to explore.
Q: What will the experience be like for kids?
A: Each week, students will dive into different characters and scenarios, exploring motivations and emotions while building confidence in performance. They’ll collaborate with peers, experiment with improvisation, and gradually shape their scenes for the final production. By the time we reach show week, with costumes, makeup, and stage lights, the kids won’t just feel prepared, they’ll feel like they’ve grown through every step of the process. It’s designed to be fun, fresh, and full of discovery.
Q: Finally, what roles do students get to take on in the production process of Constellations, and how do they sign up for it?
A: We have a maximum of ten spots, and about half are already filled. Each young actor will have an equal share of stage time. Because Constellations explores the dynamic between two characters, every student will perform a unique scene within one of the timelines. These scenes stand alone but also connect to the larger themes of the play. Families can sign up by contacting me directly at Donniefancomedy.
If you want to sign your child up to be part of this production, the Early Bird payment is RMB 18,998 for August and September, with a non-refundable deposit of 20% to secure the payment.
Curious what the experience is like for kids? Check out what these past students have to say about it.
“Doing “Art” with Donnie and the cast was a very immersive and engaging experience. Everyone did their part and worked really hard, and the final performance of the show was a reflection of the outstanding hard work the team put together. Overall, it was a memorable time.” says 14-year-old Wei Yafei. 
“My experience as an actor for the play “Art” by Yasmin Reza, reimagined by kids, was pretty good. I have a distinct memory of forgetting some of my lines (other people too), and still having a lot fun.”, says Arthur Legarand. 
Images: Donnie Fan
