Playtime Poppy Children’s Theatre’s 2025 Summer Theatre Adventure: June 23-27, 2025
Playtime Poppy Children's Theatre’s Summer Theatre Adventure is a free week-long immersive theatre experience for ages 9-14 to engage with theatre, culture, and community. This year’s adventure will be a fun circus themed production, Rascals Under the Big Top Or... The Ring’s Around Miss Rosie by Robert Swift, with about 30 cast members.
A cast of students age 9-14 will be selected at our auditions on June 1, from 1pm-3pm at the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy (EIAA)—2630 B Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402. Auditions will be held in the EIAA gym. Please enter through Door 6 at the back of the building, where the parking lot is located—that’s where the GYM is. Signs will be posted.
The cast will work together 9am-noon, June 23–27 to bring this fun story to life (please note that it is important that all cast members are available to attend every rehearsal and the Friday evening performance).
The public is invited to the free performance of Rascals Under the Big Top, Or...The Ring’s Around Miss Rosie on June 27 at 7pm. The camp and performance will also be held at the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy—2630 B Ave NE.
This show is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Co.
Show overview:
Thanks to an unscrupulous villain and his partner’s dastardly plan, the Pampermouse Circus is stranded, minus many of its star attractions. Our villain wants to marry the granddaughter of the circus owner and become owner of the circus. However, another circus performer is in love with the granddaughter, and wants to help save the circus. Will a sensational new act save the struggling big top or will it be curtains for the greatest little show in town?
Playtime Poppy welcomes donations and sponsors to help fund this camp and free public performance. Those who donate $50 or more before June 9 will have their names or company logo printed on the back of the special theatre adventure t-shirts the students will receive.
“I have memories of attending Playtime Poppy shows as a child, many years later taking my son, and now full circle serving on the board. There is only one Playtime Poppy Children's Theatre in the world, and it's a joy to continue the strong 70+ year history of this integral arts organization.”
Jim Miller, Playtime Poppy Board Vice President