Angel in the Nursery Mara McEwin

By: Ashley Erwin

Treehouse Shakers: Nurturing Young Minds Through Immersive and Inclusive Theater

For nearly three decades, Treehouse Shakers has been a pioneering force in creating high-quality, immersive theater and educational programming for young audiences. Artistic Director and Co-Founder Mara McEwin, has remained steadfast in her mission: to craft thoughtful, imaginative, and accessible work that centers the child’s experience, fosters community, and inspires lifelong learning.

Since co-founding the company with creative partner Emily Bunning, the company has created 20 original productions that span a wide age range, from infants to teens. At the heart of each performance lies a deep respect for the intelligence and emotional wellbeing of young people. “We believe children deserve to see themselves reflected on stage,” McEwin shares. “Our work is built to be gentle, beautiful, and meaningful—true performance experiences that families remember for years.”

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Performances such as Hatched, The Littlest Cove, Flutter, Sail Away, and Olive & Pearl, break traditional theatrical boundaries by placing the audience members directly into the world of the play. Children might pretend to feed baby animals, pull toy boats through sand, or engage with sea creatures in interactive set pieces. These sensory-rich, immersive elements are crafted to support early developmental milestones, ignite curiosity, and create moments of wonder.

Treehouse Shakers is also deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion—both on stage and in the communities it serves. The company prioritizes casting and collaborating with artists who reflect a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and who understand the importance of meaningful performance work for young audiences. Furthermore, Treehouse Shakers works extensively throughout New York City in partnership with nonprofits, public schools, and community centers to bring its performances to underserved and economically challenged communities.

“Through our NYC performance seasons and school partnerships, we are able to reach children who otherwise may not have access to live theatre,” McEwin explains. “We want every child—regardless of income, background, or ability—to have the opportunity to engage with the arts.”

At its core, Treehouse Shakers envisions a world where performance is fundamental to the development of the whole child. Theater is a space for empathy, joy, curiosity, and shared discovery—and Treehouse Shakers is helping build that space, one production at a time.

In a time that often feels uncertain, Treehouse Shakers’ work reminds us of the power of the arts to connect, uplift, and heal. For children and their families, these performances are more than entertainment—they are a joyful invitation to imagine, explore, and grow together.