Arts-Integrated Education
Playtime Poppy Children’s Theatre offers arts education programs to children in classroom and community settings throughout each season. Playtime Poppy is dedicated to supporting a lifetime love of theatre.
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Book Adventures
An interactive storytelling program for kindergartners, Book Adventures promotes reading comprehension and prepares students to engage with story, characters and emotions.
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One Great Line
One Great Line brings theatre into your 5th grade classroom. Students learn how to use the design process and explore the technical and dramatic aspects of theatre. From one sentence of classroom literature, students create their own productions in One Great Line.
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Operation Backstage
Looking to encourage your 3rd grade students to explore, ask questions, and learn through creative expression? Operation Backstage gives students the chance to experience life behind-the-scenes and see how a play is brought to life on stage.
Community Programs
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Summer Theatre Adventure
Summer Theatre Adventure is a free week-long immersive theatre experience for ages 9-14 to engage with theatre, culture, and community. Watch for more information about our 2025 program, here and on Facebook.
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Matinees and Imagination Guides
Playtime Poppy offers matinee performances (by reservation only) to kindergarten through 5th grade classrooms. Teachers are given an Imagination Guide, which is also available on our website, filled with information about the play and its playwright, activities with curricular connections and resources for additional learning. This is a great opportunity for students to engage with the production!
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College Scholarships
Playtime Poppy Scholarships in the amount of $1,000 are awarded annually to Cedar Rapids Community School District high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, commitment to their community, and enthusiastic dedication to theatre. The 2025 Scholarship Application is due March 1, 2025. If you have questions about Playtime Poppy Scholarships, please contact us.
“Introducing students to the wonder of theater, inviting them in to grow and learn through play in the arts is a great privilege. I love to see the moments when creativity and collaboration come together and spark joyous learning. Playtime Poppy's education programs make that possible.”
Darrin Crow, Playtime Poppy Summer Theatre Director
“One of my favorite Poppy programs is ‘One Great Line.’ I enjoy helping the students work together to bring their scene alive.”
Brian Smith, Playtime Poppy Board Past President