Lights, Camera, Purim is our movie-themed Purim Carnival at Congregation B’nai Tikvah, and it’s basically a blockbuster morning for the whole family. We kick things off with the Purim Play, then the carnival fun begins with costumes, paparazzi-style photos and silly interviews, carnival games with prizes, character meet and greets, free popcorn and cotton candy, and hands-on activities like hamantaschen making. Check back on this page each week for updates, new surprises, and special guest announcements.
9:15AM: PURIM PLAY
Get ready to cheer, laugh, and boo the villain! Our Purim Play features many of our amazing kids bringing the story of Purim to life with costumes, humor, and plenty of spirit. It’s a fast, fun retelling that’s perfect for all ages and the perfect kickoff to the carnival fun. Come support our young stars — they’ve been rehearsing like Broadway pros!
9:45AM: INSIDE OUT EMOTIONAL OVERLOAD
Inside Out: Emotional Overload is an 8-player, high-energy action attraction that drops guests into a full-scale emotional meltdown in progress. The control center has gone into overload mode, warning lights are flashing, systems are unstable, and only the quickest thinkers can stay on their platforms.
Set inside a movie-themed meltdown arena, players stand on individual podiums and must jump, dodge, and react fast as sweeping obstacles roll through the space. It’s a test of stamina, agility, and split-second reactions as the “emotional surge” tries to knock everyone off balance. Last one standing proves they can keep it together when everything else is falling apart.
9:45AM: THE GREAT MOVIE BACKLOT TOUR
This immersive fun-house style experience winds through a large 35' x 40' movie backlot environment (about 1,400 square feet — roughly the size of a full house floor), designed as a series of themed cinematic hallways filled with bold character walls, creative set designs, and interactive moments around every turn.
Guests move through the backlot in small studio groups and become the directors of their own film. Along the way, they’ll make key creative choices — selecting their movie genre, choosing their hero scene, adding sound design elements, and locking in their ending sequence. Each section of the journey builds their story as they go, guided by live tour hosts who keep the production moving and the energy high.
Lights on. Camera ready. Director — that’s you. 🎬
10:00AM & 11:00AM: STOP MOTION ANIMATION
Taylor Wells, better known as the moniker Taymations is a Chicago-based Stop Motion animator who specializes in Claymation with a humorous, cartoon inspired style. In the 5 years he’s been in the Stop Motion game, he’s partnered with brands such as Coca Cola and Squanch Games. His quirky animations have garnered him a following online and won him awards like 1st place in Guldie’s 2021 Animation contest and the “People’s Choice” award at Big Teeth Small Shorts Chicago film festival in 2022.
https://www.taymations.com/
10:00AM & 11:00AM: MOVIE SPECIAL EFFECTS
Get ready to step behind the scenes of Hollywood magic at the Movie Special Effects Workshop presented by Mad Science of Northern Illinois! This hands-on experience invites 4th–7th graders to explore the science that makes movies unforgettable — from snow that really looks real to sound tricks that fool your ears and optical effects that dazzle your eyes. You’ll learn how film wizards create awesome visuals and cool audio, try out real special effects techniques, and discover the science behind the movies we love. Come make your own movie-magic memories and see what it takes to bring big-screen wonders to life!
https://northillinois.madscience.org/
Also check out other Entertainment events in Deerfield, Workshops in Deerfield.
