Interplayers reaches out to younger audience

What do you do when you get bullied at school?

If you’re Ben and Lester, you use your imagination – and some superhero skills.

Written for children in kindergarten through fourth grade, the 35-minute play “SuperBen!” takes the stage next week at Interplayers Theatre.

The theater’s executive director, Pamela Brown, said the play aims to reach young children, who tend to think other kids are cuter, richer and better at homework.

The goal is “to make those children feel excited and proud of whatever they’re like – and to not feel intimidated by other kids,” she said.

The play, by Philip Mutz, includes multimedia and interactive elements. After the play, the actors will sit down and talk with kids in the audience.

“It’ll be really fun and upbeat, not at all intimidating,” Brown said.

The play is part of a day of Kids Day activities at the theater, featuring organizations and businesses serving children and families, storytelling, face painting and the chance to create sidewalk chalk art.

Adrian Rogers

When: The play starts at 2 p.m. Wednesday. Kids Day activities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Interplayers Theatre, 174 S. Howard St.

Tickets: $5 children; $10 adults. Available at the box office, (509) 455-7529, or through TicketsWest, www.ticketswest.com or (800) 325-7328. Besides the play, Kids Day activities are free.