Audiences may already know Ms. Poly and Ms. Ester, the wacky Gabardine Sisters and their super-duper star puppet Bartlet. These longtime entertainers performed for several years at the former Kazoom Children's Theater in downtown Raleigh, and now they're making regular appearances at the Renaissance Centre. Storytelling, music and puppetry are used to make these fast paced, interactive shows full of mayhem, a delightful experience for young children and you never know who might visit their stage! Each month boasts a different show theme.

These shows are geared to children ages 3-7. Tickets are $5 per person (plus tax) and can be purchased online or at the Parks and Recreation window in the lobby of the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. On the day of the event, tickets may also be purchased at the door. 

Writer's Night in the Forest is designed to promote local authors and their works. Each month the Renaissance Centre invites a different author to discuss a particular book and answer questions from the audience. The program typically concludes with a book signing by the featured author. 

On Sept. 4 the Renaissance Centre welcomes Bruce Ham, author of 'Laughter, Tears and Braids.'

Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Bruce Ham lives in Raleigh with his three daughters. He is the Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of the Triangle Area. Bruce lost his wife, Lisa, to colon cancer in February 2010 after only a six month battle with the disease. His storybook life in shatters, he had little time to mourn. The responsibilities of raising three daughters, ages 7, 9 and 12 at the time, simply wouldn't permit it. Bruce had to find a way to give Lisa's life meaning and purpose while preserving his daughters' connection with their mother.

The result is "Laughter, Tears and Braids," a book which poignantly reveals the epic struggle of a husband and wife raising their daughters even as the darkness of death dominated their lives. Intimate, disarmingly humorous, sincere and profound, it is a true story of pain and sorrow that could not blemish the devotion of a husband, the loyalty of a mother and the hope of the next generation. 

Writer's Night in the Forest is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Cathy Gouge at 919-435-9567. 

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre hosts free movie showings on the first Friday evening of each month at 7 pm. Concessions, including popcorn and soft drinks, are available for purchase.

Our featured film on Sept. 5 will be the PG-rated, computer-animated comedy 'Madagascar 3.' 

For more information, contact Renaissance Centre Manager Pamela Stevens at 919-435-9566.

The Wake Forest Renaissance Centre hosts free family-friendly movie showings on the second Monday morning of each month at 10:30 am. 'Flix4kidz' screens only G or PG-rated children's and family films. Concessions, including popcorn and soft drinks, are available for purchase.

Our featured film on Sept. 8 will be the PG-rated, computer animated film 'Walking with Dinosaurs.' 

For more information, contact Renaissance Centre Manager Pamela Stevens at 919-435-9566.

Forest Moon Theater will present 'The Little Red Hen' at the Wake Forest Renaissance Centre, 405 S. Brooks St., on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m.

Talented and energetic, Forest Moon Theater's acting trio of Beth Martin, Jennifer Schulz and Mitzi Bissette create original and innovative children's plays using literature, improvisation and pure interactive fun where children are cast right out of the audience into the show! No two shows are ever the same and adults have as much fun as the kids.

These shows are geared to young children ages 3-7. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased in advance or at the Parks and Recreation window in the lobby of the Wake Forest Town Hall, 301 S. Brooks St. On the day of the event, tickets may also be purchased at the door.

Cinema at the Centre is an evening of film and discussion - by movie lovers for movie lovers. The series is also a community event that invites participants to watch and discuss films in a manner that encourages critical thinking while considering different worldviews, truths, faiths and meaningful questions about life, relationships and the purpose found in each film.

Cinema at the Centre will feature a wide range of films from Oscar winners to classics to documentaries, but all with an emphasis on meaning and significance found within each film. 

So bring your friends and come on out to the Renaissance Centre for popcorn, great films and interesting discussion.

Our featured film on Sept. 11 will be 'Silver Linings Playbook.'

For more information, contact Renaissance Centre Manager Pamela Stevens at 919-435-9566.

Scrap Happens & Open Craft Night

Friday, Sept. 12 ~ 5 pm

Gather with friends and get tangled up with the project of your choice during this unstructured evening of fun and crafty magic! This is the perfect time to finish a project, expand on a current one or experience something new with our optional 'make and take' project.

Please RSVP to Cathy Gouge if you are interested in taking part in the optional 'Make & Take' project.

Tickets are $10 per person plus tax. Seating is limited.