Established in 1995, Childrens Playtime Productions (“CPP”) is entering its 27th season of expanding growth and development of CV youth. We are the longest established and largest educational youth organization that uses theatre as its primary teaching tool. Most come to CPP to learn acting, singing, and dancing; yet, they reap proven benefits that include discovering new forms of self-expression; realizing talents previously unrecognized; feeling safe to step outside of the box; finding passion and enthusiasm in what they undertake; gaining self-esteem and confidence, taking pride in work well done, and, in turn, understanding the importance of commitment, responsibility, dedication, integrity, teamwork, support, respect, and appreciation for others.

For 22 years (from 1997 – 2019), schools in every CV school district and beyond looked forward to bringing students to see peers bring to life a new classic story. With 7 shows over two days, over 7,000 youth can benefit from attending and seeing the cast of 60-90 peers do what many of them would never have dreamed was possible for them. The pandemic brought this to a complete halt for 3 years now while depleting reserves to reboot. This 2022 - 2023 ACF grant affords CPP the opportunity to re-establish this flagship program.

The dates are set – May 22-24, 2023 - for a return to the McCallum Theatre with a BANG! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, that is! Replete with operational “flying” car, a period motor bike, a Bulgarian boat, a Child-Catchers vehicle, and, large-scale toys that include a working human music box, this show is expected to wow all audiences. Through this grant, youth cast can once again get the above-stated benefits - while making lasting friendships. Youth audiences receive a 20-30 page educational materials package that supports reading & comprehension, critical and creative thinking, writing, planning and artistic skills, and, even math!

Contact: Richard De Haven

Contact: cppontheweb@aol.com

Established in 1995, Childrens Playtime Productions (CPP) is entering its 25th season of expanding the growth and development of the youth of the Coachella Valley. As the longest established and largest educational youth organization that uses theatre as its primary teaching tool, CPP has produced over 33 main stage productions and dozens of touring shows, workshops, and custom programs on-campus, in class, after-school, and at senior facilities all across the valley.

While many come to CPP, first, to learn and hone theatrical skills (acting, singing, dancing, etc.), they immediately begin to realize the many other benefits that are proven to come from participation in our programs. These benefits include: discovering new forms of self-expression; realizing talents previously unrecognized; feeling safe to step outside of the box; finding passion and enthusiasm in what they undertake; gaining self-esteem and confidence, taking pride in work well done, and, in turn, understanding the importance of commitment, responsibility, dedication, integrity, teamwork, support, respect, and appreciation for others.

This 2019-2020 ACF grant affords CPP the opportunity to put forth their first program from its new Youtheatre Players offshoot. This program, Youth Take The Stage (YTTS), is a unique and innovative celebration of the extraordinary extent of talent among youth of the Coachella Valley. The goal of this new program is simple – ensuring that youth in the valley have ample opportunities to do what they love – perform to the public! In addition to the many benefits described with other programs above, YTTS will be educational in its own original ways. Participants will learn what it takes to create their own audience-ready performance pieces, as well as gain an understanding of what it takes to get them before the public and allow themselves to shine!

The YTTS program is open to ANY youth or group of youth, whether currently associated with CPP, or a different youth group, or no group at all. If they have the desire to perform, and have an audience-ready performance piece, this program will provide them with the opportunity to perform. In its initial embodiment, the YTTS program will offer an ever-changing variety show for the viewing public through once-a-month performances at the Thursday VillageFest in Palm Springs. A full stage, backdrop, green room, sound and lighting, along with an MC, will lend the air of professionalism to enhance the experience for participants. As time and popularity increase, additional Thursdays and additional venues will be added.

One of the most thrilling things about this programs is that it offers the chance for youth from all of the different valley programs (or no program at all) to come together and do what they love. Theatre companies, dance companies, school performance groups, after-school programs, and, even the self-taught independent artists (solos, bands, group acts, etc.) are welcome. As well, this program will span a variety of disciplines – acting, singing, dancing, playing instruments, or performing any of a multitude of other entertainment forms (magic, juggling, comedy, and more). The limits are set only by the talents of our valley youth which, of course, have no limit when given the right opportunities.