For the past two weeks, participants in the Eden Prairie Players Children’s Theatre Workshop have been practicing their lines, finding their marks and learning the steps to dances as they rehearse this summer’s production of “The Princess King,” a children’s play by Jeff Fluharty.
On Thursday, July 20, they added costumes. With one week left before the performances, their energy and excitement was palpable.
Now in its 18th year, the Children’s Theatre Workshop is open for children ages 9 to 15. With auditions held in March, the workshop is an opportunity for children to have fun and work together as they bring to life a play to be enjoyed by all ages. According to Gina Light, the play’s director, this year’s production will teach everyone that “girls can do anything.”
Rayanne Al-Gharaibeh, Mya Cornforth, Frankie Iannone and Aria Cornforth rehearse a dance for the Eden Prairie Players Children’s Theatre Workshop at the Riley-Jacques Barn on July 20. 
Evan Cook in dance rehearsal. 
Oak Haynes and Elizabeth Schoenecker during rehearsals for the Eden Prairie Players Children’s Theatre Workshop at the Riley-Jacques Barn on July 20. 
Sally Wilken, Linnea Haynes, Isabella Wu and Sophia Penning rehearse a dance. 
Gina Light (right) offers direction to the actors. 
Haedyn Monsrud and Ella Post rehearse. 
Frankie Iannone and Sophia Penning during rehearsals.
Now that the costumes are on, the only element they need is an audience. Performances will be on Friday, July 28, and Saturday, July 29, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and on Sunday, July 30, at 2 p.m. at the Riley-Jacques Barn (9100 Riley Lake Road). Tickets for ages 4 and older are $5 at the door.
This year’s production is dedicated to the memory of Liz Michaelson, who began the Children’s Theatre Workshop in 2005.
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