Summoned to the land of O, 11 year-old Susan learns that she alone has the power to save the planet from the creeping darkness spread by cruel Otis Claw and the Halfies, who have lost every trace of human goodness. With a Bloodcat on her trail, she must restore the balance of Good and Evil before Claw's Deathguards catch her. Adapted from Maurice Gee's popular novel, this play for ages 8 and over was first performed by 70 young performers in a co-production with Napier Operatic Society.

In a future world, Nem and Jax embark on a dangerous journey into virtual reality. Their mission: to destroy the electronic network of a powerful enemy. But Nem has a secret agenda and Jax jumps to some chilling conclusions about his loyalties. When the team is trace-tagged by the enemy, escape depends on the strength of their friendship. This gripping sci-fi drama for ages 10 to 14 explores themes of trust and misunderstanding, and takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride into the imagination.

Taciturne and Plum are new neighbours. They want to be friends, but Plum is lively and inquisitive and Taciturne is shy. Plum loves to make people laugh, but is terrified of dogs. Taciturne loves making music, but is a little bit intimidated by Plum. As they discover each other's likes and fears, they start to have fun together, despite their differences. Scary things, like shadows and mice and new neighbours, turn out to be nothing to be afraid of at all. A gentle comedy for young children by Suzanne Lebeau.

Tyro, apprentice MatheMagician, can't get his spells right. So, when Fire Chief Fleet arrives with a MONSTER mathemagical problem, the pair asks the audience for help. Riotous comedy, audience participation and a spectacular transforming set. After sell-out tours, this show was presented at Brisbane's Out of the Box festival and later remounted for Canadian schools by Vancouver-based Axis Theatre. Written by Calico's Jenny Wake in consultation with Teacher Support Services maths advisers.

What's the harm in one teensy little white lie? Vanilla Bland finds out when her quiet life explodes into hilarious slapstick crisis after a seemingly harmless fib snowballs out of control. Up to her neck in Big Trouble, Vanilla must rescue Professor Snowtex from notorious jewel thief Sandra Shark, leading to a suction showdown between Sandra's octopus and Vanilla's vacuum cleaner. Can Vanilla be saved by courage, romance and the Absolute Truth? Written for Calico by Michelanne Forster.

When Kay is kidnapped by the Snow Queen, his best friend Gerda sets out on a perilous journey to rescue him in this heartwarming story about the power of true friendship. Calico's first production of Hans Christian Andersen's timeless tale was performed by 35 children at Downstage Theatre. It broke box-office records and was described by critics as "pure magic" and "a visual stunner". The script, along with costumes, music and scenery, is now available for large-cast school productions.

Fuatia is in a hurry to be born. But what kind of world will she come into? A wise elder replies: "Ask the people who will make the future..." This play explores young people's visions of the future; their dreams, fears and expectations. What kind of future are we creating for ourselves? How can we help shape the future we want? The whimsical, insightful and provocative words and ideas of Wellington students aged 10 to 14 have been developed into dynamic physical theatre by American director Charlie Oates.

A strange blue alien emerges from a mysterious pod and tries to fit in with the crowd. Met with fear, prejudice and misunderstanding, the lonely creature fails to make friends until she meets an everyday kind of kid who is very much on the outer like her. With a colourful mix of puppets and live actors, Tomorrow's Friend explores the experience of being on the outside, whether because of cultural differences, language barriers, physical appearance or personality conflicts. For ages 7 to 12.

Clayton has everything going for him: good looks, top grades and star potential. Annie and Terk pooh-pooh his self-doubts and fail to notice that he is spiralling into depression. When Clayton goes missing, their relationship with him is thrown into question: they may be best mates, but are they good friends? Speed of Light, by Angie Farrow, blends comedy, despair and the urgent rhythms of the athletics arena to highlight issues of friendship, communication and emotional isolation. For ages 15+.