THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT Performers weave magic out of elastic in Stretch.

Normally run in conjunction with the Chicago Humanities Festival in the fall, the Children’s Humanities Festival ventures out on its own this year by rolling out its programming in the spring. In its second and final week, the festival runs through Saturday 10. Unless otherwise noted, events cost $5 for adults and are free for kids under 17, students and teachers. Go to chfestival.org to create and share your festival itinerary or call 312-661-1028 for more info and to purchase tickets.

Thursday 8
Crying Out Loud Productions: Stretch
British performance artists Crying Out Loud Productions weave together a show that blends dance, live music and performance art with the help of hundreds of strands of fine elastic pulled across the stage. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, Downstairs Mainstage, 2257 N Lincoln Ave between Webster and Belden Aves. 10–11am, 7:30–8:30pm.

Mirah and Spectratone International Present: Share This Place
Inspired by the writings of French entomologist Jean Henri Fabré, this presentation combines original songs and music with stop-motion film to examine the lives of insects. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Vittum Theatre, 1012 N Noble St between Milwaukee Ave and Augusta Blvd. 10:30–11:30am, 12:30–1:30pm.

Teatro Luna: Surface Day
An original short work by Teatro Luna cofounder Tanya Saracho tells the story of a future where Spanglish is the national tongue in an underground territory called Amexica. Recommended for ages 13 and up. Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theater, Upstairs Mainstage, 2257 N Lincoln Ave between Webster and Belden Aves. 10:30–11:30am.

Friday 9
Crying Out Loud Productions: Stretch
See Thu 8.
10–11am, 12:30–1:30pm. Exhibition only (without live performance), 2–7pm, free.

Mirah and Spectratone International Present: Share This Place
See Thu 8.
7:30–8:30pm.

Teatro Luna: Surface Day
See Thu 8.
7:30–8:30pm.

Saturday 10
Crying Out Loud Productions: Stretch
See Thu 8.
11am–noon, 3–4pm.

Lelavision: Physical Music
The husband-and-wife team of Ela Lamblin and Leah Mann stage a performance combining art, music and dance to showcase what they describe as “musical sculptures.” Recommended for ages 5 and up. Vittum Theatre, 1012 N Noble St between Milwaukee Ave and Augusta Blvd. 5–6pm, 7:30–8:30pm.

Mirah and Spectratone International Present: Share This Place
See Thu 8.
10:30–11:30am.

Teatro Luna: Surface Day
See Thu 8.
5–6pm.