David Engel

"Pirate School! was a treasure trove of family entertainment! The show was exactly
what you promised—interactive, funny, engaging, fast-paced, great sets, costumes, sound effects, and music.”

— Jeffrey W. Gabel, Founding Executive Director, The Majestic Theatre, Gettysburg, PA

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Pirate School: Sea Dreams is a madcap, swashbuckling solo show created and performed by veteran New York actor David Engel. Set to an original cartoon-inspired musical score, complete with sound effects, Pirate Professor Billy Bones teaches the finer points of lighthearted mischief and offers up zany lessons on how to stand, talk, sing and laugh like a boisterous buccaneer, all while promoting good manners, polite behavior and social courage.

Children have a natural fascination for adventure and the pirates' life on the high seas. With eye-popping puppetry, eccentric props, and slapstick sword play, Pirate School! is a riotous, interactive variety show suitable for ages 4 and up. Where else can you find a talking skull and the world's only wearable pirate ship?

Pirate School! offers two distinct school shows for today's educator: Pirate School: Follow Your Compass is a pro-kid, character building production where students experience simple solutions to resolving conflict and the important concepts of respect, responsibility, compassion and courage are underscored.

Unlike other science comedy shows on the high seas today, Pirate School: The Science of Pirates pushes the boundaries of science and technology, just like the seafarers of old. Who better to expand children's horizons than a Pirate? Concepts include atmospheric pressure, wind, currents and the aerodynamics of a sailboat (science), simple machines (engineering), navigation (math), and, of course, the flight of a cannonball (technology) all wrapped up in a theater production (art). Combining STEM concepts with the universal dream of a swashbuckling adventure will inspire, encourage and empower. Grades K-5. 

Other shows by David Engel include:

  • Jack Frost: Snow Kidding The world-famous sprite drums up holiday cheer in this engaging variety show that features slapstick antics, cartoon-like sound effects, bubble play, musical bell chimes, adept magic, and eye-popping puppetry.

  • Wizard Academy! Professor Hackensneeze makes a visit from the Realm of Mysteries to teach children ages 4-12 the secrets of their innermost powers.

  • “Captain Nemo's Adventure Academy: 20,000 Laughs Under the Sea!” Dive into this madcap homage to Jules Verne’s' famous maritime hero! Captain Nemo himself will entertain, inspire, and challenge your little guppies’ brains while quenching their thirst for knowledge of the Wonders of the Deep. The cantankerous and ever-curious Captain Nemo lives to excite kids about our watery-blue planet with tales of the Giant Squid, the elusive Angler fish and even how whale poop is part of the Cycle of Life!  This engaging theatrical experience features beautiful sound effects, hilarious slapstick hijinks, magic, bubble-play and full-audience participation.