Debbie Rothstein, Creator and Producer of A Faery Hunt, LA’s Immersive, Interactive Musical Experience that has Enchanted Families for over Two Decades
With a diverse background as an actress, singer, dancer, voice actor, choreographer, and composer—as well as extensive behind-the-scenes experience in casting, management, production, promotion, and entertainment law—Debbie brings a rare breadth of talent to her work.
In 2003, Debbie conceived A Faery Hunt as a way to merge storytelling, music, and nature into a joyful theatrical adventure for children and families. Since then, she has written and produced more than a dozen original musical scripts and composed over 60 songs, several of which have been published. She continues to oversee all creative content, ensuring that each show is imaginative, age-appropriate, and grounded in positive values and role models.
A Faery Hunt has performed almost every weekend year-round for over 20 years, appearing regularly at parks and cultural centers throughout Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. The company has also been invited to perform at prestigious venues including Descanso Gardens, the L.A. County Arboretum, South Coast Botanic Garden, the LA Zoo, libraries across Los Angeles County, theaters, festivals, schools, and hospitals. During its run, the production has gently entertained thousands of children, including special bedside performances for young patients at Northridge Hospital and Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Beyond the performances themselves, Debbie has created a collaborative artistic home for performers—one that encourages creativity, professional growth, and joyful play. For her, success means the freedom to create meaningful work and share it with others, while nurturing imagination, connection, and a little everyday magic.
How has the arts changed your life?
The arts have shaped every part of my life. In kindergarten when asked “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I drew a picture of a girl on a stage. The picture was entitled “I want to be a star”. For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to entertain. Focused on that goal, my life was shaped through the arts. Dance, music, and acting were my everyday life through childhood and young adulthood. After training at USIU, and graduating with a musical theater degree, I was ready to tackle Los Angeles. Through performing, writing, music, and storytelling, I learned how to connect with people, express emotion, and see the world through a lens of possibility and joy. The arts gave me confidence, empathy, and a lifelong sense of play—and ultimately led me to create a world where others could experience that same enchantment.
Tell us about A Faery Hunt.
A Faery Hunt is an interactive, outdoor, musical adventure where families step into a story and help the faeries on a gentle quest. About 70% of our performances take place in botanical gardens, nature centers, and public outdoor venues, while roughly 30% are private shows, including birthday parties, schools, libraries, and special events. We absolutely cater to both. Whether it’s a large public audience or an intimate private gathering, each show is tailored to the space and the children attending.
Take us through the experience from a child’s point of view.
From a child’s perspective, it feels like stepping into a magical, hidden, and beautiful world. Suddenly, the forest transports us to another place, where faeries appear who are eager to be our friends. The children become part of the story. They help solve problems, search for hidden clues, use their imaginations, and talk directly with the characters. The adventure unfolds around them, and by the end, they’ve had fun, proud that they’ve helped on a quest, and enjoyed the outdoors with family and friends.
How do you keep the adventure fresh? Take us through the creative process.
I keep the adventure fresh by listening—especially to children. Their reactions, ideas, and imaginations constantly inspire the way the story unfolds. I write musical stories that are flexible, allowing for improvisation and audience interaction, so no two shows are ever exactly the same. The performers bring their own personality as well, and together we allow the story to evolve organically with each audience.
What has brought you the most joy?
The greatest joy comes from watching children light up—seeing shy kids find their voices, families laughing together, and parents reconnecting with their own sense of wonder. Hearing that a child believed in faeries again, or that a family made a special memory together, reminds me why I created A Faery Hunt in the first place.
How much fun are the kids’ parties?
The kids’ parties are pure magic—and a lot of fun! We bring the full Faery Hunt experience to birthdays and private celebrations, complete with live actors, music, interactive storytelling, and imaginative play. Each party is customized for the age group and setting, and the birthday child often gets a special moment in the story. It’s joyful, immersive, and unforgettable.
Why is A Faery Hunt an opportunity for busy families to reconnect?
A Faery Hunt invites families to slow down, unplug, and step into nature together. Parents and children share the same adventure, laugh together, and collaborate to help the characters. In a world filled with screens and schedules, it offers something simple and rare: shared imagination, presence, and connection. A special note: A Faery Hunt just had its 22nd year anniversary. I am so lucky to have found a vehicle where I can create music, stories, and regularly perform them. I do believe I will be retiring after this year. I am hoping to find someone to take over the business. Are there any takers out there? If yes, please contact me at deb@afaeryhunt.com. www.afaeryhunt.com
