What began in March 2021 as a creative solution to entertain families during COVID social distancing has become one of the Deptford Mall’s most cherished attractions, the Kid’s Mini Theater.
Over the past four years, it has been called a tremendous success and is a popular venue for families with small children. The theater’s once under-utilized space on the mall’s first floor in front of JCPenney is now a lively hub of entertainment that draws an audience with its free monthly shows.
Held on the fourth Thursday of every month with three performances at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon, the Kid’s Mini Theater offers a mix of music, dance and storytelling that features iconic characters from children’s storybooks like “Curious George,” “Pete the Cat” and “Paddington Bear.” Children are taken on a journey where the stories come alive and they can meet and take photos with characters.
The theater celebrated its grand reopening last June with new features, including fresh paint, plush carpeting and more décor and a series of animal graphics created by renowned local artist Frank Zampino. The Somerdale artist specializes in a number of creative disciplines, including illustration, animation, painting, murals, album art and graphic design.
His most recent project for the Kid’s Mini Theater was particularly rewarding, he said, an opportunity to design and bring to life an entirely original cast of characters that now grace the theater’s interior.
A graduate of the University of the Arts with a BFA in animation, Zampino has leveraged his expertise to incorporate cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) technology into his work.
The innovation brought to life the theater’s show-stopping centerpiece: Parker the Panda, an interactive, “living” mural that doubles as a unique photo and video opportunity. Zampino’s creative vision not only adds an element of wonder to the theater, but also provides guests with a special experience. To explore more of his work, visit Instagram.com/zampino_frank or Artstation.com/frankzampino.
“Creating this experience fills me with joy, watching families enjoy our monthly shows and creating lasting
memories is truly uplifting,” noted Lori L. Belsito, the mall’s senior marketing manager. “It reminds us that Deptford Mall is at the heart of a vibrant, joyful community.”
Parents and caregivers continue to praise the Kid’s Mini Theater for its ability to delight preschool-age kids while providing a welcoming, inclusive space to learn and play and becoming a community hub.
For more information on registration for upcoming shows, visit
www.DeptfordMall.com/Events.
