Erin Sheffield’s high-energy “Shakespeare for Kids” returns July 26 to Aug. 5 at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festval, Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, Center Valley.

Also, for children at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is “James and the Giant Peach,” through Aug. 5, Schubert Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts.

The one-hour “Shakespeare for Kids” production, written by Sheffield and directed by Matt Pfeiffer, is intended for children ages 4 to 10. It’s an opportunity for youngsters to experience Shakespeare’s vibrant language and characters.

Using a combination of songs, puppets and scenes from William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” “Shakespeare for Kids” provides families with the opportunity to introduce their children to Shakespeare in a welcoming, child-friendly environment.

The performances features Johnny Drumgoole, Molly Hofstaedter and Maya Marino Cappello, who will lead children on a fun-filled journey through the world of Shakespeare.

Drumgoole is a DeSales University graduate and played The Big Bad Wolf in “Little Red,” Conrad in “Much Ado About Nothing” and The Shrew in Young Company’s “The Taming of the Shrew” in the 2022 Festival.

Hofstaedter is a DeSales University graduate and is making her Festival debut. She was in “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at DeSales.

This is also Cappello’s debut at the Festival. She was also in DeSales’ “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”

The “Shakespeare for Kids” July 29 performance is sensory-friendly for patrons with sensory and communication differences, including individuals on the autism spectrum. For tickets, call 610-282-3654, ext.1.

“Shakespeare for Kids,” 10 a.m. July 26-29, Aug. 1, 3-5; 10 a.m., 2 p.m. Aug. 2, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Main Stage, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley. Tickets: 610-282-9455, http://pashakespeare.org

“James and the Giant Peach,” 10 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday, through Aug. 5; Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, Schubert Theatre, Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, DeSales University, 2755 Station Avenue, Center Valley. Tickets: 610-282-9455, http://shakespeare.org

Touchstone looking for “Hidden Bethlehem”:

Touchstone Theater of Bethlehem is looking for submissions for its new project, “Hidden Bethlehem.”

Do you know a place in Bethlehem that you feel goes unseen? Maybe you know a person who brings joy to those around them, and who makes their neighborhood a little bit better every day. Do you have a hidden talent that you want the world to know about? Touchstone wants to know about something in Bethlehem, that you feel is overlooked or unknown.

“There is a lot in Bethlehem that is well-known, that people love and frequent, like SteelStacks,” says “Hidden Bethlehem” project leader Matt Prideaux. “But there are some truly wonderful places and people that not enough folks know about. We want the public to share them with us.”

“Hidden Bethlehem” will be part of Touchstone Theatre’s annual “Festival UnBound” community celebration and conversation. The project will feature pop-up events, interactive treasure hunt, and online gallery. The “Hidden Bethlehem” events will occur in September, including during “Festival UnBound,” Sept. 27 to Oct. 1 tin venues throughout Bethlehem.

“I am fairly new to the area,” says Prideaux. “So this is a really incredible way for me to get to know the city. What better way to fall in love with Bethlehem, than through those who know it best? I’ve done all the ‘touristy’ stuff. Now’s my chance to experience the real heart and soul of the place that I call home.”

Email submissions to: hiddenbethlehem@touchstone.org. Each submission must include a picture or video of the place or person, along with a story about what makes this place or person a “hidden gem.” The stories can be written or recorded. Stories are limited to one minute in length or 250 words.

Submissions for places will be considered for “Hidden Bethlehem” pop-up events and the treasure hunt. People and talent submissions will be in the running to share their stories or perform at “Hidden Bethlehem” events, or be included in other performances-story sharing experiences during “Festival UnBound.” Information: 610-867-1689, http://www.touchstone.org/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com