Hip Hop Puppet Show: I'm Not Playin' With You

The Hip Hop Puppet Show brings its playful production “I'm Not Playin' With You” to Dallas, presented by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters. This kid-focused show, performed by adult actors and singers, centers on the repetitive slang expression kids use when they're upset, turning it into a fun exploration of language, literacy, and learning. Designed for kindergarten through middle school audiences, it blends hip-hop energy with educational themes in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.

As part of TBAAL's extensive programming—the organization hosts over one hundred performances each year—this event reflects its long-standing mission to support African Americans in the visual and performing arts. TBAAL, originally founded as the Junior Black Academy in 1977 and renamed in 1997, has deep roots in Dallas's cultural scene. Attendees can expect a vibrant show that entertains while encouraging young audiences to engage with words and expression in a creative way.