Edward Tulane is an expensive toy rabbit made of china. He is loved by a little girl named Abilene, but Edward doesn’t care. He is vain and self-centered. He has no interest in anyone other than himself. On an ocean voyage, Edward is accidentally thrown overboard and sinks to the bottom of the sea. So begins his journey—a journey over which he has no control, for he is a toy rabbit. He can neither move nor speak. As years pass by, Edward meets many different people in many different situations: an older grieving couple who find comfort in Edward’s presence, a hobo and his dog who introduce Edward to a whole community of homeless wanderers, a farmer in need of a scarecrow, a sad little boy and his very ill sister, and finally a doll mender and an old doll who teach Edward an invaluable lesson. Through this miraculous journey, Edward learns what it is to love, what it is to lose that love, and how to find the courage to love again. Based on Kate DiCamillo’s beautiful novel of the same name, the play is a theatrical tour de force.

“So captivating—such an enchanting show for every age (whether you happen to be accompanied by children or not).” —Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

“Beautifully written story … far more profound exploration of human (and canine) loneliness than you find in most works for children.” —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“A testament to the (non)human spirit … an allegory of survival and hope.” —Chicago Reader

Our Youth Acting Workshops will introduce you to the basic techniques of acting through scene work and games.

Come play with us!

Students will learn the basics of acting, using emotion, physicality, and character work to develop skills for auditioning and acting for the stage.

We have two sections available for this workshop. Our ages 7-12 students will meet from 9am until noon. Our ages 13- 18 students will meet from 1pm until 4pm. Solid focus and listening skill are a MUST. Please dress comfortably and bring a water bottle.

Please make sure you are registering your child for the correct age group, and use their name when registering.

Questions? Email scott.grinstead@cloverdaleplayhouse.org

Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have literary masterpieces like Romeo and Juliet. But without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever! After the death of their friend and mentor, the two actors are determined to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives. They’ll just have to borrow, beg, and band together to get it done. Amidst the noise and color of Elizabethan London, The Book Of Will finds an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter, and sheds new light on a man you may think you know.

“THE BOOK OF WILL…unequivocally announces Gunderson as a playwright with whom to be reckoned. It is, quite frankly, one of the best plays I have ever seen. It will bring tears of both laughter and sorrow to all but the most jaded audience member’s eyes. It is, in a word, a triumph.” —Boulder Weekly (CO).

“[Gunderson] has peopled the stage with lively, historically based characters…She paints a vivid portrait of the times in language sometimes formal, sometimes poetic and often…contemporary…She also gives a real feel for theater life and what it means to be an actor; you sense this is a work of both scholarship and love…[THE BOOK OF WILL] serves as homage to those who sacrificed to make the first folio happen and to Shakespeare’s magnificent words.” —Westword (CO)

For tickets or information about upcoming auditions and classes, 

call (334) 262-1530 OR email info@cloverdaleplayhouse.org.