Community Calendar

Citizens interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the Springfield Police Department’s practices and policies can apply now for the 2026 Citizens Police Academy beginning in August.

The program curriculum covers a variety of topics including police policies, organizational structure, investigative processes, and policing tactics. Participants complete 33 hours of instruction over 11 weeks, meeting every Tuesday beginning August 12.

The academy’s goal is to give citizens a better understanding of how the police department functions and an inside look at the challenges officers face when working to serve the community.

Applications must be received by July 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. Late applications will not be considered. Interested Springfield residents can apply online.

Applicants MUST be Springfield residents who are at least 18 years of age. Applicants must pass a basic background investigation to be eligible.

Camp Claw is back for Summer 2026
Registration is open March 2nd until May 30th
Rock climbing, pool parties, sports, games, and so much more
From June 8 to July 31 MSU Campus Recreation hosts week long day camps where your camper (ages 6-12) can make life long friends and memories. Find out more on their webpage: https://www.missouristate.edu/Recreation/camp-claw.htm

Dream Big is an original, family-friendly musical tale —made possible by a $25,000 grant from the Missouri Humanities Council. It's a story that brings to life the inspiring story of Missouri’s own giantess, Ella “Kate” Ewing.

This heartfelt tribute is inspired by the remarkable life of Ella Kate Ewing — “The Missouri Giantess” — a towering 8’4” woman who defied the odds to become a beloved star of the Barnum and Bailey Circus in the early 20th century. Based on the award-winning children’s book "Stand Straight, Ella Kate" by acclaimed Missouri author Kate Klise, Dream Big blends storytelling and original music to honor Ella’s story of resilience, courage, and self-acceptance. Klise will pen the libretto, with music by Ruell Chappell of the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, . At its heart, the production ensures schools and communities nationwide can share Ella’s legacy for years to come.

Run time 80 minutes
FREE KIDS TICKET WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN ADULT TICKET - must redeem by calling the box office at 417-863-9491

Home Education Series The Claw
The Claw
By DENVER CASADO, JESSICA PENZIAS, KERRY KAZMIEROWICZTRIMM, CHRISTYN BUDZYNA, & JACK MITCHELL

THE CLAW is presented through special arrangement with Beat by Beat Press. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Beat by Beat Press. • www.beatbybeatpress.com
THE CLAW is a part of Springfield Little Theatre Education Department’s Education Series, a learning lab for live productions.

RUNTIME: 45 minutes

AUDIENCE: THE CLAW is rated G

LOCATION: The Reynolds Auditorium, The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts for Springfield Little Theatre
237 S. Florence Avenue
Springfield, MO 65806

Springfield Little Theatre’s Education Series presents THE CLAW

The local pizza arcade’s mysterious claw machine has a mind of its own—selecting random kids and whisking them away to a strange new world! With quirky characters, hilarious misunderstandings, and a toe-tapping score, THE CLAW is a musical comedy adventure that proves even the most ordinary kids can rise to extraordinary challenges.

Citizens interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the Springfield Police Department’s practices and policies can apply now for the 2026 Citizens Police Academy beginning in August.

The program curriculum covers a variety of topics including police policies, organizational structure, investigative processes, and policing tactics. Participants complete 33 hours of instruction over 11 weeks, meeting every Tuesday beginning August 12.

The academy’s goal is to give citizens a better understanding of how the police department functions and an inside look at the challenges officers face when working to serve the community.

Applications must be received by July 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. Late applications will not be considered. Interested Springfield residents can apply online.

Applicants MUST be Springfield residents who are at least 18 years of age. Applicants must pass a basic background investigation to be eligible.

Camp Claw is back for Summer 2026
Registration is open March 2nd until May 30th
Rock climbing, pool parties, sports, games, and so much more
From June 8 to July 31 MSU Campus Recreation hosts week long day camps where your camper (ages 6-12) can make life long friends and memories. Find out more on their webpage: https://www.missouristate.edu/Recreation/camp-claw.htm

Citizens interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the Springfield Police Department’s practices and policies can apply now for the 2026 Citizens Police Academy beginning in August.

The program curriculum covers a variety of topics including police policies, organizational structure, investigative processes, and policing tactics. Participants complete 33 hours of instruction over 11 weeks, meeting every Tuesday beginning August 12.

The academy’s goal is to give citizens a better understanding of how the police department functions and an inside look at the challenges officers face when working to serve the community.

Applications must be received by July 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. Late applications will not be considered. Interested Springfield residents can apply online.

Applicants MUST be Springfield residents who are at least 18 years of age. Applicants must pass a basic background investigation to be eligible.

Camp Claw is back for Summer 2026
Registration is open March 2nd until May 30th
Rock climbing, pool parties, sports, games, and so much more
From June 8 to July 31 MSU Campus Recreation hosts week long day camps where your camper (ages 6-12) can make life long friends and memories. Find out more on their webpage: https://www.missouristate.edu/Recreation/camp-claw.htm

Citizens interested in a behind-the-scenes look at the Springfield Police Department’s practices and policies can apply now for the 2026 Citizens Police Academy beginning in August.

The program curriculum covers a variety of topics including police policies, organizational structure, investigative processes, and policing tactics. Participants complete 33 hours of instruction over 11 weeks, meeting every Tuesday beginning August 12.

The academy’s goal is to give citizens a better understanding of how the police department functions and an inside look at the challenges officers face when working to serve the community.

Applications must be received by July 5, 2026, at 5 p.m. Late applications will not be considered. Interested Springfield residents can apply online.

Applicants MUST be Springfield residents who are at least 18 years of age. Applicants must pass a basic background investigation to be eligible.

Camp Claw is back for Summer 2026
Registration is open March 2nd until May 30th
Rock climbing, pool parties, sports, games, and so much more
From June 8 to July 31 MSU Campus Recreation hosts week long day camps where your camper (ages 6-12) can make life long friends and memories. Find out more on their webpage: https://www.missouristate.edu/Recreation/camp-claw.htm