Don’t Worry Willy with The Ensemble Theatre
Tickets: This is a non-ticketed event provided free of charge to local school districts. Registrations managed by partner school districts' Fine Arts Department.
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TEKS: §110.7: 5.6(A); §117.119: 5.3(A); §115.7: 5.3(A,B), 5.5(D); §113.16: 5.21(B)
A high-stakes test turns a 5th-grade classroom into a whirlwind of anxiety, self-doubt, and support. William “Willy” T. Bear, an imaginative but anxious student, escapes into the Willyverse—a world where his emotions take shape. Struggling with friendships and past bullying, he leans on his twin sister, Jen, while facing pressure from perfectionist classmate Penelope. With a diverse group of classmates—each facing challenges like autism, dyslexia, and grief—Willy must learn to manage his emotions. Guided by their lively teacher, Miss Bovine Longhorn, and the wise Pokey Toes Turtle III, the students discover coping strategies, friendship, and self-acceptance. Through music and storytelling, Don’t Worry Willy explores social-emotional learning, neurodiversity, and self-expression—reminding young audiences that it’s okay to feel, struggle, and be themselves.
This project is supported in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2026 BIG grant.
A high-stakes test turns a 5th-grade classroom into a whirlwind of anxiety, self-doubt, and support. William “Willy” T. Bear, an imaginative but anxious student, escapes into the Willyverse—a world where his emotions take shape. Struggling with friendships and past bullying, he leans on his twin sister, Jen, while facing pressure from perfectionist classmate Penelope. With a diverse group of classmates—each facing challenges like autism, dyslexia, and grief—Willy must learn to manage his emotions. Guided by their lively teacher, Miss Bovine Longhorn, and the wise Pokey Toes Turtle III, the students discover coping strategies, friendship, and self-acceptance. Through music and storytelling, Don’t Worry Willy explores social-emotional learning, neurodiversity, and self-expression—reminding young audiences that it’s okay to feel, struggle, and be themselves.
This project is supported in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance and The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion 2026 BIG grant.
