We live in a community where theatrical programming is often missing from early education. At Tallgrass Theatre Company, we’ve recognized this gap and remain deeply committed to enriching the lives of young people through accessible, high-quality arts education.
Our Children’s Program continues to expand to meet community needs. We now offer eight full weeks of summer camps as well as weekend workshops throughout the year, providing a space for children to explore theatre in all its forms—both on stage and behind the scenes.

Some of our specialized camps include:
- Playwriting Workshops, where kids create and stage their own original stories.
- Technical Theatre Boot Camps that introduce students to the fundamentals of lighting, sound design, props, costume creation, and set construction.
This investment in youth is already showing lasting impact. Several students who began in our camps are now returning as interns and mentors, helping guide the next generation.
At Tallgrass, we believe in building not just future performers—but confident, creative individuals who understand the value of collaboration, storytelling, and community.
The Seedlings program is led by experienced theatre professional, Maranda Turner. Maranda has a wide range of children’s theater, education, and performance experience.

Summer 2026 Camps
All campers should wear clothes they can easily move in and tennis shoes (no crocs or flip-flops). They should bring a bottle of water and a nut-free snack (lunch for full-day camps) every day. Camps may have additional requirements; more information will be emailed approximately one week before the start of camp.
Week 1: June 8-12
M-F, 9:00-12 noon
Intermediate Improv and Sketch Comedy (ages 10+) $110
Get ready to laugh, create, and take risks! Our Intermediate Improv & Sketch Comedy Camp is perfect for kids ages 10 and up who love being creative, silly, and collaborative. Campers will build on improv and comedy fundamentals while exploring how to create their own original sketches—from first ideas to final product. Though this camp is meant to challenge and help grow skills, all experience levels are welcome, and fun is guaranteed!
M-F, 9:00-12 noon
Backstage Ninjas: Dungeons and Dragons Design (ages 10+) $110
Step behind the curtain and into a world of dragons, heroes, and epic battles! This Backstage Ninja Camp is a hands-on, design-focused camp inspired by a Dungeons & Dragons theme that complements this year’s mainstage production. Campers will explore the magic that happens offstage, focusing on costume and prop design while also getting a peek into other theatrical design elements. Using imagination and practical skills, campers will help bring a fantasy world to life and possibly have their work showcased in our fall mainstage production. Perfect for creative kids who love art, theater, and fantasy worlds, this camp celebrates teamwork, problem-solving, and finding new friends.
M-F, 1:00-4:00 pm|
Dungeons & Dragons Acting Camp (ages 10+) $110
Step into an epic world of heroes and adventure! This Dungeons & Dragons–themed acting camp helps young performers create big, bold characters while building confidence and taking creative risks. Through theater games, scenes, and character work inspired by fantasy archetypes, campers will explore voice, movement, and physical storytelling. This camp is a great fit for students who want to grow as actors and for those interested in being involved with or auditioning for our fall mainstage production. No D&D experience required—just imagination, bravery, and a love of storytelling!
Week Two: June 15-19
M-F, 9:00-12 noon
Stars of the Sea (ages 3–5) $110
Calling all Stars of the Sea! Dive into a magical under the water theatre adventure with mermaids and jellyfish. Little performers will swim through a week of creative play, theater games, music, and movement—all inspired by magical sea creatures and the joy of a sunny day at the beach. Campers will explore their imagination, make new friends, and start building early performance skills. From dancing like dolphins to pretending to be playful starfish, every day is an exciting ocean adventure!
Camp M-F, 9:00-12 noon
Performances Sat. 6/20, 10:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.
Big Bads (ages 7+) $115
What happens when the villains take center stage? Find out in this fractured fairy tale–style camp, campers will dive into classic storybooks and explore the world of the big bads! This Play-in-a-Week camp is designed to help young performers grow their skills, build confidence, and celebrate their creativity.
Throughout the week, campers will rehearse, learn how to memorize lines, follow stage blocking, and work together as an ensemble. With guidance and encouragement, students will take creative risks and bring larger-than-life characters to the stage. The week wraps up with fun, celebratory performances where campers show off everything they’ve learned—bad guys, big laughs, and all! Each camper will receive two complimentary tickets to use at performances; other tickets can be purchased through the website during the week of camp.
Camp M-F, 1:00-4:00 / In-camp performance Fri 3:00)
Sprouts Showcase (ages 6–10) $110
The stage can be exciting but scary for our younger Seedlings. This week-long camp, geared towards our 6- to 10-year-olds, will help them grow into strong performers, learning all the basics of theatre and the tips and tricks that will make them bloom out on stage. Family and friends are invited to join our little sprouts for a showcase at 3 pm on the final day.
Week Three: June 22-26
Camp M-F, 9:00-3:00
Performances Sat. 6/27, 10:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.)
Mystery Theatre (ages 7+) $250
Our popular Mystery Theatre Camp is expanding to a full-day experience! Campers will crack the case through character development, script sleuthing, and scene memorization. With a mix of classic mysteries, age-appropriate who-done-its, theatre games, and investigating new friends. Actors will sharpen performance skills while having clue-filled fun. Each camper will receive two complimentary tickets to use at performances; other tickets can be purchased through the website during the week of camp.
Camp M-F, 9:00-3:00
Performances Sat. 6/27, 10:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.)
Backstage Ninjas: Cue the Chaos (age 10+) $200
Ever wanted to learn about the ins and outs of stage management and how the backstage crew runs? Join us as we cue the chaos by diving deep into creating deck sheets, preparing prop tables and calling a show. Ninjas in this camp will assist with running the performances for Mystery Theatre on Saturday, 6/27. Each camper will receive two complimentary tickets to use at performances; other tickets can be purchased through the website during the week of camp.
Week 4: June 29 – July 3
M-F, 9:00-12 noon
Seedlings Radio Hour (ages 7+) $110
Your family will love tuning into “Tallgrass Radio” to hear your favorite actors tell their tales. The Seedlings Story Hour will have you hanging on every word and footstep as the actors do all the sound effects and create commercials for our sponsors. Don’t worry about missing the show; you will receive a link to share with loved ones or host a listening party. Kids will learn all about historic radio theater while making friends and trying out different voice acting strategies.
M-F, 1:00-4:00
Writing for the Stage (ages 7+) $110
Through fun exercises, collaborative writing, and playful brainstorming, students will learn about the elements of storytelling that engage audiences. Instructors will help campers find their voice and the voices of the characters they create while giving them organizational and literary tools. Students that already have scripts in process are invited to bring their work in to be workshopped and to help them dive deeper into the story they are building.
M-F, 1:00-4:00
Improv and Games (ages 7+) $110
Through playful games and creative exercises, campers will learn the basics of improv while building confidence, imagination, and teamwork. No experience is necessary—but if this isn’t your first improv camp, we promise you won’t be bored. We have lots of tricks up our sleeves and new challenging games to keep everyone on their toes!
Week Five: July 6-10
Camp M-Th 9:00-3:00 / Fri. 9:00– 2:00
Performances: Fri. 7/10 6:00 p.m. / Sat., 7/11 10:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.
Musical in a Week Camp: Tut, Tut (ages 7+) $250
Travel back to ancient Egypt in our Musical in a Week Camp! Campers will tell the story of young King Tut, inspired by The Prince and the Pauper, as they learn lines, lyrics, and dance moves. It’s a fast-paced, creative week full of music, movement, and new friendships—ending with performances to celebrate it all! Each camper will receive two complimentary tickets to use at performances; other tickets can be purchased through the website during the week of camp.
Camp M-Th 9:00-3:00 / Fri. 9:00– 2:00
Performances Fri. 7/10 6:00 p.m. / Sat. 7/11 10:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.
Backstage Ninja Crew for Tut, Tut (ages 10+) $200
While all that singing and dancing is going on, someone has to make the backstage magic happen… is that you? Join our crew of ninjas, help design and run the show. The show will be in your hands under the watchful eyes of our Ninja Director and staff. Learn to stage manage, build props, choreograph a flawless scene shift and take a bow with the cast after the show! Backstage Ninjas will work backstage for the three performances on July 10 and 11 noted above. Each camper will receive two complimentary tickets for friends or family to use at performances; other tickets can be purchased through the website during the week of camp.
Week Six: July 13-17
Camp M-Th 9:00-3:00 / Friday 9:00– 2:00
Performances Sat. 7/18 10:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.
One Act in a Week (ages 11+) $250
Join us for the first ever One Act in a Week Seedlings Camp! This camp is specially designed for our older participants who would like to focus on their acting skills. We are excited to dive deeper into what it takes to perform a play, memorization, and character development skills. Cast bonding is a must, so be prepared to have fun getting to know your fellow actors! Each camper will receive two complimentary tickets to use at performances; other tickets can be purchased through the website during the week of camp.
M-F, 9:00-12:00 noon
Backstage Ninjas: Scenic Design and Props (ages 10+) $110
Campers will explore the art of scenic painting and props creation while learning how visual design helps tell a story on stage. Campers will experiment with color, texture, and scale as they paint scenery and build props inspired by theatrical worldThrough guided projects and creative exploration, students will learn basic design techniques, problem-solving skills, and teamwork—no prior experience required. This camp is perfect for creative kids who love art, theater, and bringing stories to life from behind the scenes!
M-F, 1:00-4:00
Preschool: Seeds of Music Camp (ages 3–5) $110
A joyful introduction to music and musical theatre for our youngest performers, ages 3–5, this camp invites children to explore sound, rhythm, and movement while building early theater skills. Campers will sing, move, play simple instruments, and participate in creative musical activities that spark imagination and confidence. Through musical exploration and basic theatre games, students will begin to understand how music and storytelling work together on stage. This camp focuses on fun, discovery, and growth—helping young artists plant the seeds for a lifelong love of music and theatre.
Week Seven: July 20-24
Camp M-Th 9:00-3:00 / Fri. 9:00– 2:00
Performances Fri. 7/24 6:00 p.m. / Sat. 7/25 10:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.
Musical in a Week Camp: Hatshepsut: Queen of Denial (ages 7+) $250
Step into ancient Egypt in this exciting Musical in a Week Camp featuring the story of Queen Hatshepsut! Campers will work together learning lines, songs, choreography, and blocking while building confidence and teamwork. This camp is fast-paced and challenging, but incredibly rewarding. Students will make new friends, strengthen their performance skills, and experience what it’s like to rehearse and perform a musical. Each camper will receive two complimentary tickets to use at performances; other tickets can be purchased through the website during the week of camp.
Camp M-Th 9:00-3:00 / Fri. 9:00– 2:00
Performances Fri. 7/24 6:00 p.m. / Sat. 7/25 10:00 a.m. / 1:00 p.m.
Backstage Ninja Crew for Hatshepsut: Queen of Denial (ages 10+) $200
While all that singing and dancing is going on, someone has to make the backstage magic happen… is that you? Join our crew of ninjas, help design and run the show. The show will be in your hands under the watchful eyes of our Ninja Director and staff. Learn to stage manage, build props, choreography a flawless scene shift and take a bow with the cast after. Note that Backstage Ninjas will work backstage for the three performances on July 24 and 25 noted above. Each camper will receive two complimentary tickets for friends or family to use at performances; other tickets can be purchased through the website during the week of camp.
Week Eight: July 27 – 31
Camp M-F, 9:00-12:00 noon
Performances Fri. 7/31 6:00 p.m. / Sat. 8/1 10:00 a.m.)
You’re the Next Contestant on the Tallgrass Game Show! (ages 7+) $110
Step into the spotlight for a high-energy, vignette-style theatrical experience inspired by classic and modern game shows kids and parents love! You’re the Next Contestant! brings the excitement of buzzers, challenges, and surprise twists to the stage—with a Tallgrass theatrical spin. This performance features a series of short, comedic scenes from game show brought to life by our young performers. Expect big personalities, bigger laughs, and plenty of audience-pleasing fun as contestants compete for prizes and bragging rights. Each camper will receive two complimentary tickets to use at performances; other tickets can be purchased through the website during the week of camp.
M-F, 1:00-4:00
Acting Auditions: Everything from Cold Reads to Audition Tapes (ages 7+) $110
Everything you need to know to show off your talent and stand out from the crowd. This camp is geared towards current audition practices and addressing participants’ concerns or nerves about the process and questions. We will be sure to leave plenty of time in the schedule for networking and hanging with new friends and old.
Week Nine: August 3-7
M-F, 9:00-3:00
Mainstage Ninjas (ages 10+) $200
Want to see your work in a mainstage production while you up your technical game? This is the camp for you! Work with Tallgrass Theatre’s mainstage designers and our ninja director to bring the production team’s vision to life while infusing your creative DNA. Props, scenic painting and design, set construction, and more will be included.
M-F, 9:00-3:00
Story Alchemy: The Art of Storytelling (ages 7+) $200
In Story Alchemy, students become storytellers, transforming raw ideas into bold characters and original stories. Through journaling, vision boards, ensemble games, improv, and voice work, campers explore how stories are built—and how a narrator brings them to life.
Students will experiment with character, plot, perspective, and vocal presence while learning to tell stories both on the page and in the moment. By reimagining and performing each other’s work, they’ll discover how to hold an audience’s attention, make confident creative choices, and stand out as a storyteller.
Week Ten: August 10-14: “Skinnies” One-Day Camps
These day-long camps can be taken as stand-alone sessions or as a full week for $200.
Mon. 8/10, 9:00-3:00
Once Upon a Remix (ages 7+) $45
Do you love Robin Hood and Snow White? Great—mix them together and create your own twist on a classic fairy tale! Want to invent a brand-new fable explaining why the sky is blue? Perfect. Campers will write original stories, bring them to life through acting, and help each other perform their creations. Through games, improv, and playful exploration of storytelling, campers will stretch their imagination and learn how to tell bold, creative stories together.
Tue. 8/11, 9:00-3:00
Readers’ Theatre and Choral Reading (ages 7+) $45
Readers’ Theatre and Choral Reading are popular forms of storytelling that allow the actors to work and perform collaboratively without having to memorize lines. A popular category in Thespian and Speech competitions, this camp will help you better understand what makes for a strong piece and the techniques needed to excel. If you enjoy working with other actors and thinking outside the box, this is the camp for you.
Wed. 8/12, 9:00-3:00
Behind the Mask (ages 7+) $45
Comedy and Tragedy aren’t the only masks in the theatre! Explore how masks have been used throughout history and across cultures—from ancient storytelling to modern theatre—while learning about the craftsmanship and traditions behind them.
Participants will create their own masks and explore movement and performance techniques to bring their masks to life. This camp is perfect for those interested in costuming, props, or unique performance skills.
Thu. 8/13, 9:00-3:00
Seedlings Shake It Up Movement (ages 7+) $45
Seedlings Shake It Up Movement Camp is all about getting physical! Campers will learn to follow and create choreography, explore exciting and visually engaging movement, and play high-energy games that keep everyone moving. It’s the perfect chance to make new friends—or wrap up the summer reminiscing with the ones you’ve made. This camp is fast-paced, joyful, and packed with nonstop fun!
Fri. 8/14, 9:00-3:00
Theatre Mash-Up Lab (ages 7+) $45
Campers become actors, directors, designers, and composers as they create totally original scenes—and even write their own mini-musicals! Using scavenger hunts for prompts, bobbing for props, and other playful challenges, kids will mix characters, genres, and ideas in unexpected ways. Through improv, games, movement, and storytelling, they’ll build scenes, create songs, and bring their wildest ideas to life. Our day will end with a pop-up theatre festival where campers perform their imaginative creations for family and friends.
Please email seedlings@tallgrasstheatre.org if you run into issues with registration or if you have any questions about our upcoming camps.