Friday, March 20
Bender JCC of Greater Washington
6125 Montrose Rd, Rockville, MD 20852

19:00
21:00

Opening Ceremony

The performance "Édith Piaf"

Youth theater studio Terra Incognita, director Edward Jefarsky.  (Philadelphia, PA)

“I do not sing for everyone—I sing for each person.”

Her voice sounded like the very soul of Paris—fragile, passionate, and untamed. She was more than a singer; she was an episode of her time, the breath of the streets, a cry of love, and a whisper of pain.

Édith Piaf is not just a performance. It is a revelation. It is an attempt to look behind the curtain of the fate of a great woman whose life became a song—bitter, beautiful, and real.

Based on her memoirs, the production leads the audience along the winding path of her soul—to where the spotlight meets the shadow of loneliness and where every note is born from the heart.

Saturday, March 21
Bender JCC of Greater Washington
6125 Montrose Rd, Rockville, MD 20852

9:00
11:00

Festival EVENT preparation

11:00 12:00

Performance: “Commedia: Masks and People”

(Rossinca Heritage School Theater, California)

“Commedia: Masks and People” is a musical performance for children and adults about traveling performers who journey across Italy and play commedia dell’arte.

From an improvised stage and an old wagon to magnificent palace halls, they step out to perform as if each show were the most important of their lives.

Like bright nesting dolls, the scenes unfold one after another; masks change, play and reality intertwine, and laughter and delightful confusion are born.

This is a performance about how behind every role there is always a person, and beneath every mask lives a beating human heart.

12:00 13:00

Master class

We invite you to a unique master class.
You will find:
🎭 Acting training—practical exercises that reveal emotions, voice, body.
🎤 Communication with jury members—valuable advice, analysis of performances, inspiration from professionals.

Don't miss the opportunity to learn from the experience of stage masters, ask questions, and hone your skills!
The number of places is limited. Registration is required.

12:00 13:00

A Creative Gathering with "Yeralash" Director and Screenwriter Artur Groys

Artur Groys — one of the directors and screenwriters of the legendary *Yeralash* series, as well as a children's author, playwright, and actor in both dramatic and puppet theater; he is a member of the Union of Children's Writers and an honored guest of our festival.
Artur will discuss his creative work, share insights into working with young actors, and talk about his current theater and film projects in the United States, as well as his creative plans for the future.
Currently, Artur serves as an Artist-in-Residence at Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY) and is a grant recipient of Ithaca City of Asylum (NY).

13:00
14:00

Performance: "The Flying Ship"
Splash Theatre, directed by Lana Mokilev (Philadelphia, PA)

Some songs and images settle in our minds forever from early childhood. And the most amazing thing is that, for several generations now, we have continued to sing these songs and love these characters.

We invite you to see our version of this story!
Alongside familiar songs and beloved characters, there will be new twists, new songs, and plenty of humor.

“The Flying Ship” is the story of Princess Zabava, who refuses to marry for convenience and falls in love with Ivan the chimney sweep, who dreams of building a "Flying Ship" so they can fly away together. The fairy tale teaches that honesty and love triumph over deceit and greed—and that dreams are worth fighting for!

Believe it or not, it’s going to be a lot of fun!
Come and see for yourself! ✨

15:00 16:00

Meeting with Ekaterina Tretyakova—Editor-in-Chief of the children’s magazine "Kot v Meshke".

A meeting with readers and parents of "Kot v Meshke"

https://www.kotvmeshke.org/

https://www.facebook.com/kotvmeshkeorg/

This is a conversation about our children and about reading without pressure.
About how children’s interest in books works, why some texts captivate while others don’t, and what adults can do so that a child wants to read voluntarily, without persuasion or force.

We will talk about how children read today, which formats and themes truly resonate, how a magazine can become a friend rather than a “required assignment,” and how to turn reading into a joy instead of a duty.

The meeting will be interesting for both children and adults:
children can look forward to live interaction and behind-the-scenes stories from the magazine,
while parents will enjoy an honest and inspiring conversation about how to raise a child who loves reading.

📚 A conversation about books, childhood, and trust.
🐱 Kot v Meshke will open slightly—and perhaps you’ll find your answer inside.

16:00 17:00

Performance: "The Bandits of Cardamom"

Alma Mater Youth Theatre, directed by Katya Kerov (Boston, MA)

The Alma Mater Youth Theater presents the play
“The Robbers of Cardamom” — a warm, funny, and kind story about how even the most fearsome robbers may turn out not to be so scary after all.

In the sunny town of Cardamom live quiet, law-abiding people, but nearby — in an old tower — hide three famous robbers: Kasper, Jesper, and Jonathan. They love stealing sausages, pies, and — just in case — even more pies! But one day, fate leads them to an important discovery: to be truly happy, it’s not enough just to take — you also need to know how to help one another.

The production is based on the famous play (and book) by Thorbjørn Egner and is filled with music, humor, vivid characters, unexpected adventures, and playful transformations. Young audiences laugh at the robbers’ antics, adults recognize themselves in the characters, and the entire hall discovers together that kindness and friendship can change the world.

This is a story for children and parents about compassion, responsibility, and the magical power of good deeds.

Who’s sneaking off with something here
And a little something there?
It’s Kasper, it’s Jesper,
It’s Jonathan!

Star Ball of the CONSTELLATION festival

We invite children and parents to a magical Fairy-Tale Characters Ball! On this day, beloved heroes from fairy tales, cartoons, and legends will come to life, and every guest will be able to become part of the festive story. Young participants can look forward to dancing, games, contests, theatrical performances, and meetings with real fairy-tale characters.

A special tradition of the ball is that costumes are encouraged! Princesses, knights, fairies, superheroes, pirates, wizards, and many other characters will be able to shine in their outfits and take part in a costumed parade.

This is a bright, kind, and interactive event that creates an atmosphere of celebration and creativity for children and the whole family.

Dress code: evening dresses and suits; masquerade accessories are welcome.

all day

Charity Book Fair

We invite you to a charity book fair, where you will have the opportunity to find new stories, give your books to others, and contribute to a good cause!

📚 At the fair, you can buy books that were donated by caring readers. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the festival fund for prizes and gifts for participants.

📖 Bring books that you have already read and give them a new life in the hands of another reader!

Sunday, March 22
Bender JCC of Greater Washington
6125 Montrose Rd, Rockville, MD 20852

11:00 14:30

FESTIVAL CONSTELLATION GALA

We invite you to the Gala Concert of the festival—the main event of the festival, which promises to be unforgettable!

🎤 Bright performances of our stars;
🏆 Award ceremony of the winners;
🎶 An atmosphere of inspiration, music and talent!

Don't miss the grand finale of the festival! We will be glad to see you among the guests of this magical event!

11:00 14:00

Charity Book Fair

We invite you to a charity book fair, where you will have the opportunity to find new stories, give your books to others and contribute to a good cause!

📚 At the fair, you can buy books that were donated by caring readers. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the festival fund for prizes and gifts for participants.

📖 Bring books that you have already read and give them a new life in the hands of another reader!

Sunday, March 22
Bender JCC of Greater Washington
6125 Montrose Rd, Rockville, MD 20852

16:00 18:00

Literary and musical salon

# Confession in Rhythm

Chamber melodeclamation

Voice. Music. Revelation

You will be able to hear beautiful beloved and new romances in original arrangements, as well as classical, contemporary and original songs performed by Evgeny Borovikov, Pyotr Slutsky and Anna Kusner.

In the second part, you will have a meeting with local authors and performers in a friendly, friendly, creative atmosphere.