The UIS Performing Arts Center is expanding its programming to include Theatre for the Very Young — performances created specifically for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers.

Our inaugural production, All Smiles, invites families to discover the joy of theatre through play, movement, and imagination.

The Story

It’s time to clock in at the Smile Factory, where making smiles is easy and fun! The Smile Machine keeps everything running smoothly—until one day, it breaks. Join the two factory workers, Sense and Mo, as they discover how to create their own smiles and explore their emotions through movement, silliness, and music.

We will be bringing this production to Springfield Urban Legue Head Start sites for performances in November as part of the Grow Up Great grant from PNC Bank. We are also excited to offer 3 free performances in the community. See below for more information!

The Play

All Smiles is an interactive theatre experience for children ages 0–5 and their families, produced by the UIS Performing Arts Center’s Local Arts and Education team. Performed by two local actors, the show invites kids to laugh, move, and play along with the story, though participation is always optional. With playful movement, gentle storytelling, and audience interaction, All Smiles celebrates the many ways we share emotions and connect through a smile.

All Smiles was created by Samantha Provenzano and commissioned by Alliance Theatre. The play is produced through special arrangement with the Alliance Theatre, a division of the Robert W. Woodruff Arts Center, Inc.

What to Expect

• A 45-minute performance produced by the UIS Performing Arts Center and performed by two local actors with little to no dialogue.
• Seating is available, but children are encouraged to sit on the floor close to the action
• Actors will engage directly with children, inviting movement and playful responses at key moments in the show
• Unlike traditional children’s theatre where the audience stays seated and quiet, this experience encourages (but does not require) kids to actively participate while still following a clear story from beginning to end

Cast

Chrissy Mauck and Travis Wiggins