TRYPS Children's Theater is a not-for-profit in Columbia, MO, and the very first and only year-round theatre company in the area devoted to theater for children and youth with programming for children from cradle through college.

Our mission is to teach children about the performing arts, to reach children who would not normally see live theatre, and to inspire children to find their own creative voices.

We are focused on building character through characters. We believe in using theatre as the medium for life-changing experience.

Children in our classrooms learn reading and public speaking skills, practice voice and articulations, learn to follow directions and to use their imaginations, build confidence and the foundational skills to move into more challenging programs.
Children in our audiences learn life lessons through the characters on stage - Aladdin teaches children to be themselves. Belle teaches them to love reading, to look for adventure, to see people for who they are and not what their exterior seems. Annie teaches them to look for the positive - "the sun will come out tomorrow."
Children in our plays learn leadership, confidence, teamwork, work ethic, creative problem-solving, trust, risk, respect, and collaboration.

TRYPS annual calendar includes:

• A season of full productions including 2-3 family friendly shows, and one teen production suitable for older audiences.

• Satellite plays in the Fulton Brick District Playhouse

• Theater, dance, and music classes for young people 3 years old through 12th grade

• After-School Arts Enrichment for grades K-5

• Single day, One-Week, and Two-Week camps for grades K-8

TRYPS also offers an abundance of free outreach programming:

• Princess characters at the Family Fun Fest and Unbound Book Festival

• A free theatre workshop at the public library on the first Saturday of each month

• Free audition workshops

• Free technical theater internships for grades 6-12

• Shadow Teacher training for grades 6-12

2026 Spotlight Soirée: How the West was Fun

Team Members