(UNION, NJ) -- Kean Stage’s Family and Children’s Film Series offers much more than just films. They include different movie-themed crafts, activities, snacks and in some cases, contests. At Kean Stage, it’s not just a movie – it’s a party! The series begins on Sunday, October 28 at 3:00pm with Disney Pixar’s Academy Award–nominated film, Coco. 

Coco is  the tale of an aspiring musician who, confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer. Children are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and will be entered into a costume contest where they can win fun prizes, including tickets to future shows. In the theme of the film, kids can create edible sugar skulls and assemble a paper skeleton with moving parts. There will also be Halloween-themed tattoos, masks and coloring activities. And did we mention trick-or-treating? No Halloween event would be complete without it!

Coming up on Saturday, December 8 at 11:00am, The Muppet Christmas Carol kicks off the holiday season. This 1992 movie is the Muppets’ version of the Charles Dickens holiday classic. Children will have the opportunity to create paper bag Muppets before the show, and then meet afterward for refreshments.

Sunday, December 16 at 3:00pm brings a White Christmas Sing-Along, where moviegoers can sing along with the lyrics embedded on the screen in this beloved 1954 film starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. Songs include The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing, Snow, Sisters, and, of course, Irving Berlin’s iconic White Christmas.  There will be a contest to see who has the most festive/creative Christmas outfit. Take pictures with Santa Claus and have some holiday refreshments after the show. Guests may also bring a new, unwrapped toy for our Toys for Tots drive.

The 2018 blockbuster Black Panther hits the screen on Saturday, February 9 at 11:00am. In the film, a superhero known as Black Panther defends Wakanda, a technologically advanced country in Africa that has hidden itself away from the rest of the world. Come early for crafts and other activities and stay for post-movie goodies.

On Saturday, April 13 at 11:00am, Kean Stage presents the movie Hop. Blending state-of-the-art animation with live action, Hop tells the comic tale of Fred, an out of work slacker who accidentally injures the Easter Bunny, voiced by comedian Russell Brand. Put on your bunny ears for this event, which includes crafts, snacks and an Easter egg hunt.

All of the Kean Stage Film Series are in Kean University’s new North Avenue Academic Building auditorium, located at the corner of Morris and North avenues in Union, N.J. Admission is $10. For more information, call 908-737-7469 or visit www.keanstage.com.