TRYPS is building confidence and talent in mid-Missouri’s kids through the magic of live theater.
The lights dim, and the pit orchestra begins to play. Nerves, excitement, and adrenaline run high as a young actor takes a deep breath before stepping into the spotlight.
There’s nothing quite like it.
The audience is settling in, waiting for the show to begin. But for that young performer, it’s a moment that will become a lifelong memory — one that may help shape who they become.
For more than 25 years, Columbia-based TRYPS Children’s Theater has been creating moments like these, producing outstanding performances while helping young people discover confidence, creativity, friendship, and a sense of belonging.
TRYPS? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN, ANYWAY?
Founded in 1999 by Jill Womack, TRYPS stands for Theater Reaching Young People and Schools. The organization began as a theater company of adult actors introducing children to the magic of live performance. It didn’t take long to realize children didn’t just want to watch the stories unfold — they wanted to tell the stories themselves.
Today, TRYPS fulfills its mission “to teach, to reach, and to inspire through the magic of theater” by giving students hands-on experience in every aspect of a production. Young people can perform on stage, build sets, operate lighting and sound, stage manage, and learn countless other skills that bring a production to life.
Since its founding, TRYPS has produced more than 115 full-scale productions and serves thousands of children each year through classes, camps, productions, and educational outreach.
Parents often enroll their children because they enjoy acting or singing, but TRYPS offers much more than performance opportunities. Students attend camps and classes that strengthen their skills while growing as artists, leaders, and teammates. Along the way, they work alongside professional directors, choreographers, costume designers, lighting designers, stage managers, and teaching artists from across mid-Missouri who mentor the next generation of performers.
“As a drama teacher and TRYPS parent, I’m grateful for the incredible work TRYPS does for my students and my own children,” says Chelsea Otten. “My daughter participated in Alice in Wonderland, and I believe that will be a core memory that ignites a lifelong passion for theater.”
Not every child dreams of becoming the star of the show — and that’s perfectly OK.
Some discover they love lighting or sound design. Others find joy painting scenery, creating costumes, or helping productions come together behind the curtain. Every role matters, and every student contributes to something larger than themselves.
“Theater is what we create, but what we do is provide a safe space for kids to be their authentic selves and help them build confidence and community,” says Corey Dunne, executive artistic director. “TRYPS kids speak frequently of their TRYPS family and how they know they’ll always be accepted in our world. Being on stage isn’t for everyone, but there’s so much we can learn from engaging in the performing arts that isn’t about performance — communication, empathy, and learning that taking risks doesn’t have to be scary. When challenges arise, we discover we can do hard things. We learn teamwork and how to work through disappointment.”
The impact reaches well beyond theater. Children gain confidence. Families discover community. Audiences enjoy exceptional performances. And our city benefits from another generation of creative thinkers, collaborators, and compassionate leaders. The performing arts build confidence, discipline, communication skills, and creativity while complementing a student’s other interests and activities.
Sean and Andrea Cox and their three children have all participated in TRYPS, the kids performing and the parents volunteering. “The impact of TRYPS on our family has been immeasurable,” says Andrea. “It has been a place where our children grew as performers, leaders, and people. Years later, they still feel connected enough to come back and help because TRYPS gave them so much.”
That says everything about the community it creates. The Coxes moved to the East Coast last year, but their daughter Kaelyn was recently back in town to help run tech for Anything Goes, which was performed in July.
PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY THEATER CLOSE TO HOME
Even if you don’t have a child involved, TRYPS deserves a place on your live theater calendar.
The productions feature polished choreography, imaginative sets, vibrant costumes, and talented young performers whose commitment rivals that of actors in many adult community theater companies. The performances are energetic, heartfelt, and genuinely entertaining for audiences of all ages.
Although TRYPS operates with just three full-time staff members, nearly 25 professional guest artists — including directors, choreographers, designers, teaching artists, painters, and costumers — contribute throughout the year. Their expertise helps create productions that consistently exceed expectations while mentoring the next generation of artists.
For some students, the lessons learned at TRYPS extend far beyond childhood. Several alumni have gone on to impressive professional careers, including Leslie Walker (Funny Girl), Julius Williams (Some Like It Hot and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), Kyle Sherman (Shucked and Girl From the North Country), and Shelby Ringdahl, Miss Missouri 2013, who appeared in Disenchanted and co-created Merry Ol’ Missouri. Many others have built careers as directors, designers, producers, musicians, dancers, audio engineers, and visual artists.
TRYPS students also regularly perform with the professional regional theater company at Arrow Rock’s Lyceum Theatre. This year’s casts of Annie and A Christmas Carol include numerous TRYPS students.
AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY
TRYPS is a nonprofit organization supported through ticket sales, tuition, grants, and community donations. That support allows the organization to continue offering educational programming, outreach events, workshops, camps, and performances that introduce more young people to the performing arts each year. TRYPS scholarships are available for any student who applies, ensuring every child has the opportunity to participate.
Whether you’re searching for a meaningful activity for your child, introducing your family to live theater, or simply looking for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, TRYPS offers something special.
Because sometimes the greatest performance isn’t the one happening on stage.
It’s the transformation taking place in the young person standing in the spotlight.
