Love That Dog
Love That Dog
For Ages 8+ and their Families
Presented at the CPAS Black Box
Located in Centennial Park
October 9—October 18
Fridays at 7pm
Wed, Sat, & Sun Matinees at 2pm
Adapted by Andrew Frank and Jason Howard from the book “Love That Dog” by Sharon Creech
Based on the book by award-winning author Sharon Creech, Love That Dog follows Jack, a boy who resists his teacher’s poetry assignments until, prompt by prompt, he discovers he has a lot to say, especially about his dog.
Woven through with the poetry of Robert Frost, William Carlos Williams, and Walter Dean Myers, Love That Dog is a story about a young person finding his own voice in the very form he’s sure isn’t for him.
Scroll down to meet our fabulous artists, FAQs, and learn what to expect with a Social Story.
Built For The Big Kids
Love That Dog follows Jack, a reluctant poet who discovers, assignment by assignment, that he has a lot to say. It's funny, it's got real heart, and part of what Jack is working through is the loss of his dog, Sky.
There are no graphic depictions of Sky's death, and the show doesn't dwell there. Jack finding his voice is what carries the story.
This show is for anyone who likes poetry (even reluctantly), and for any family who wants to see a kid work through big feelings by writing them down.
All shows, Sensory-Friendly
Designed from the ground up to be gentle on the senses - with no startling sounds or sudden surprises. Audience members are welcome to move, vocalize, and experience the show in whatever way feels comfortable.
Pre-show Activities
Before the performance, the room will be open for families to arrive and settle in gradually. Quiet activities like coloring and books will be available, snacks are welcome, and children may sit or move in ways that feel comfortable to them. We honor each child’s pace as we begin the show together.
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Performance Dates:
October 9—18
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Times:
Fridays at 7pm Wed, Sat, Sun at 2pm
Doors Open 30 mins before shows
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Ticket Rates:
$18 - Grown Folk (18+)
$12 - Small Folk
Know Before You Go
Parking and Arrival
- Doors open 30 minutes before the performance.
- Free parking is available next to the theatre and along the street near the Parthenon.
- Families are welcome to enjoy the nearby playground and open field before or after the show.
- Inside, fidget tools, toys, and coloring materials will be available to explore as you settle in.
Seating and Space
- There is no assigned seating.
- Chairs are arranged in rows with an accessible space down the middle.
Needs and Comfort
- Bathrooms are next to the theatre with changing tables in both restrooms.
- A vending machine with snacks is available (prices ranging from $1.00-$2.50).
- Bottled water will be available at each performance. Families are welcome to take water as needed. A QR code will be available for those who wish to make a $1 suggested donation per bottle, with all proceeds benefiting the Native American Indian Association of Tennessee.
Performance Experience
- Families are welcome to enter or exit the performance as needed.
- Children are welcome to move, make noise, or take breaks as needed.
Social Story
A Social Story is a visual, step-by-step guide to what your visit will look and feel like, from arrival to the end of the show. It’s designed to help kids and adults to know what to expect, and includes information about the space, sensory environment, and supports available during your visit.
Additional FAQs can be found below.
Artistic Team
Maya Riley (she/they)
Jack
Maya (Nashville native) is a performer, writer/director, and teaching artist. Credits include Charlotte in Charlotte's Web and Ella C in Hip Hop Cinderella (Nashville Children's Theatre), Aida in Aida (Studio Tenn), Nettie in The Color Purple and Macy in The Cake (Nashville Rep), and Joan in Fun Home (Street Theatre Company). In New York she performed new works at the New Ohio Theatre, Urban Stages, and the Public Theatre Gala. BFA in Drama (NYU), with training in Chekhov under Slava Dolgachev and Beijing Opera at the Shanghai Theatre Academy.
Kyle Odum (he/him)
Sound/Projection Design
William Kyle Odum (Harlem, GA; based in Nashville) is a director, sound designer, video/projections designer, and theatre technician. He holds a BFA in Directing (Belmont) and an MS in Nonprofit Administration (LSUS). A founding member of Woven Theatre Company, he also leads Live Audio/Video at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music. Recent credits include Elijah Rock!, She Kills Monsters, and original productions include Death Drop! and Magical Journey. Member: TSDCA + ASD.
Colin Peterson (he/him)
Director
Colin Peterson, an Autistic self-advocate, director, and facilitator, is Producing Artistic Director of Little Blue Theatre Company, which in its founding year earned 2026 Nashville Scene and Nashville Parent "Best of" awards. During his 15 years at Nashville Children's Theatre, he opened the nation's first inclusive sensory room. A 2025 Nashville Business Journal Diversity Award honoree, he lives in Madison, TN with his neurodivergent family and young, energetic dog.
FAQs
How long is the performance?
Is the show appropriate for neurodivergent children?
Is the show ONLY for neurodivergent children?
Are siblings outside the age range welcome?
Does the show deal with loss?
What if my child has big feelings during the show?
Is this a “sensory-friendly performance” in the traditional sense?
Do you offer refunds?
Additional Questions?
info@littlebluetheatre.org
Because play is serious work.
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