Lighthouse Studios & Dog Ears Team Up

Lighthouse Studios and Dog Ears are co-producing Stage Struck!, set to be introduced at the upcoming Cartoon Forum and MIPJunior markets.

For kids 5 to 7, the series is based on Tor Freeman’s book Showtime for Billie and Coco. The show sees creatures large and small, including Coco Crocodile and her friends, as they are welcomed to Showtime School, where everyday classes present extraordinary performance challenges.

Lighthouse Studios’ head creative, Gilly Fogg (El Deafo, Bug Diaries), is to direct the series, with a screenplay by Sian Ní Mhuirí (Royals Next Door). Lighthouse Studios’ managing director, Claire Finn, serves as executive producer alongside Dog Ears’ creative director, John McDaid, as co-producer.

“We are excited to work with the immense talent of Dog Ears to create this effervescent series that introduces kids to the performing arts from around the world,” stated Finn. “It promises to not only entertain but inspire creativity, and we look forward to introducing Stage Struck! to our industry at Cartoon Forum and MIPJunior.”

McDaid added: “With Stage Struck!, we are on a mission to spark a keen interest among children worldwide with all types of performing arts, which will hopefully encourage a love and passion for creativity in the years to come. We look forward to working with Claire, Gilly and the Lighthouse team, as well as our own amazing in-house talents to deliver a wonderful new series.”

Fogg said: “Everyone remembers the first time they stepped on stage to deliver their line in a school concert. Sian, Claire and I have all worked in the theatre and we know from experience that the performing arts can play a transformative role in a child’s life. Tor Freeman’s world of Showtime School is full of humor and kindness, and I’m excited that kids everywhere will see the fun and friendship of the performing arts in Stage Struck!“