It had been a few weeks since the first visit to the cafe for Picky, DogDay, Kickin, Bubba, Peggy and CozyFair. During this time, Picky had a job interview and it went well. Now for her it's a waiting game to see if she's qualified for the job or not. It would take three to four business days for the cafe to decide.

When they aren't working there, Crafty would go back to drawing commissions on weekends. It's become a hobby kind of thing now but she keeps getting paid for it. CatNap hasn't been hanging out with the other critters lately after that day dressed up as a maid to scare the guys away. He would just stay home and sulk about it. Out of all the critters messaging CatNap to make sure he was okay, it was DogDay despite that.

Being in that maid outfit is the most embarrassing thing CatNap had to deal with.

Which was more embarrassing? Dressing up as Kaufmo the clown and nearly having a panic attack or dressing up as a maid to help Crafty?

Speaking of DogDay, no one else knew if this was true; but he may have threatened Kickin he'd pluck off every single feather one by one if the chicken told everyone about CatNap dressed as a maid. They passed it off as unlikely though. They know DogDay isn't the violent type.

Though what would explain Kickin avoiding the leader lately?

When the critters aren't hanging out like today, Bobby remains in the basement; admiring her secret Hoppy x Kickin shipping shrine. More artwork had been hung on the walls thanks to those - as Bobby calls them - lovely artists she hired.

That's one thing that's creepy but also the same.

Finally there was Bubba at his house with an old friend from middle school living in an apartment in the busy part of Critter Valley; FancyFox. FancyFox is sitting on Bubba's bed while Bubba is on his laptop typing intently.

"You're starting to act a little funny Bubba." FancyFox spoke up. "You've been typing a lot since I came over an you haven't said anything. Is there something important coming up? What's going on?" She stood up from Bubba's bed and walked over next to the elephant. She saw a brochure of a college. "Wait, is that the local college in Critter Valley?"

Bubba's eyes widened and quickly snatched the brochure away. "Nope!" he answered quickly. "I have no idea what you're talking about. Nuh uh. Not at all."

"Bubba, I've been your friend for a long time now." FancyFox pointed out. "We both have the same dream. You know you're going to tell me eventually."

Bubba pouted, but then eventually sighed in defeat. "Alright, you got me. Here." He handed FancyFox the brochure. "I wanted to keep it a secret until the time is right." he explained. "It's a brochure for the local college near the neighborhood. I was thinking about looking about it."

FancyFox looked at the brochure, then back at Bubba with a beaming smile. "Bubba, that's wonderful!" FancyFox exclaimed. "What are you going to major in?"

"Theater." Bubba answered. "Not so much as major in it; it's more like I want to take a class in it."

"Really? That's awesome!" FancyFox exclaimed dreamily. "That's the same class I'm at. We're very close to making our dream come true. That is if we can get over stage fright. Not the two of us; we can sing. It's just that performing in front of a lot of people is..."

"A challenge, I know." Bubba nodded. "That's why I want to attend that class though; to face those challenges. You know me FancyFox, I'm not scared. Actually; instead of performing, I would like to direct or write a play."

"Well, go for it Bubba." FancyFox encouraged. "You have my full support in this. Heck, I'll even drive you to the college and take you to the theater. I have a class there too, but I mainly design costumes."

"Thanks FancyFox." Bubba said with gratitude. "That's sweet of you, but the thing is though I'm not going."

"What?" FancyFox asked in disbelief. "Why not?"

"It's because of the stage fright you mentioned. We have performed for our families before, but an entire community before us could be too much." Bubba answered with a sigh. "I've been thinking about going out there for the class, but I just can't."

"But Bubba, you have to." FancyFox encourages.

"Drop it FancyFox I said I'm not going!" Bubba shouted in fear.

"Bubba, you've got to stop being so stubborn to these things." FancyFox pointed out. "This is a dream we've been working so hard on for years."

"Stop being so encouraging FancyFox. My mind is set!" Bubba yelled.

FancyFox sighed. "Bubba, look. This is going to end up in us fighting over something as silly as theater. I'm going to step out before this goes too far." she said as she starts walking towards Bubba's bedroom door. "Just know though, I really think you should follow your dreams. Come talk to me once you've calmed down, okay?" She then leaves Bubba's room; opening and closing the door behind her.

Meanwhile in DogDay's house the other Smiling Critters are in the living room with popcorn watching SpongeBob SquarePants on DogDay's Prime Video account. It's Kickin's favorite show. Not all of them are watching the show though. Crafty is on her laptop typing out something and feeling excitement rush into her veins at the progress of her work and DogDay is on his phone messaging CatNap.

Bobby glanced over DogDay's shoulder. "Still trying to reach out to CatNap?" she asked in anticipation.

DogDay looked up from his phone and turned to Bobby. "Still trying." DogDay answered. "He hasn't come to hang out with us since me, Bubba, Kickin, CozyFair and Peggy entered the cafe. Though I'm going to be honest, I blanked out the moment I saw CatNap I don't know what happened."

CraftyCorn smiled mischievously. She remembered very well. She had asked CatNap to dress up as a maid so she wouldn't go out with a feeling of embarrassment in future hangouts. She had thought CatNap did look pretty in a maid outfit.

That does mean CatNap would have a feeling of embarrassment for a long time until this whole ordeal drops, but at least with Kickin's reaction there won't be any flirty comments.

Suddenly, the critters were interrupted by the doorbell ringing. "I'll get it!" DogDay offered as he stood up from the couch. He opened the door and was surprised to see it was FancyFox. "F-FancyFox?" he asked in surprise. "What are you doing here? I thought you and Bubba had stepped out." He chuckled nervously.

FancyFox gave him a kind smile. "Oh hey DogDay." she greeted. "We did step out for a bit, but then he decided he didn't want to go out after all, so we just hung out at his place."

"I'm sorry to hear that." DogDay said apologetically; ears drooping down.

"Oh it's fine. I think Bubba just needs encouraging." FancyFox reassured. "Say, mind if I come in? I want to explain to you and everyone else what's been going on with Bubba."

"Oh. Sure." DogDay answered before stepping aside to let FancyFox in.

The TV was paused and FancyFox sat on the couch next to DogDay and Kickin. The fox told everyone about what Bubba's dream to be in theater and he's thinking about taking a class for it at the college. The other critters were amazed to hear this.

"No way!" Hoppy exclaimed. "Bubba? Theater?"

"I know right?" Kickin asked. "I'm honestly surprised he wanted to do something like that. No offence, but I always take Bubba as more of a Science nerd than a theater kind of critter."

"Oh believe me Kickin Chicken, Bubba is SERIOUS about theater." FancyFox said proudly. "Do you think you guys could try to inspire him to pursue it? Maybe take him to a play or something or make a play? I don't know. I think that's the bigger challenge; Bubba is not inspired yet."

"Well you can leave that to us!" DogDay volunteered. "We can help Bubba get all the inspiration he needs to pursue theater." The other critters nodded along.

FancyFox clapped happily. "That's great!" she squealed in excitement. "Speaking of theater, I better head off to the college for my class right away. See you guys later. Remember, I'm counting on you guys." She then hurried out of the house to get to her class.

"Wait, how are we supposed to inspire Bubba to make a play anyways?" Hoppy asked in concern.

The doorbell rang again and DogDay quickly answered it; thinking it was FancyFox. Instead, he opened the door to reveal Bubba; all cheered up and smiling again.

"Hey DogDay." Bubba greeted. "I hope I'm not late to hang out with everyone else, right?"

DogDay nodded quickly. "Yep, you're just in time. Come on in! We've got something we wanted to tell you." he invited as he stepped aside. Bubba entered the house and DogDay closed the door.

"So what is it you guys want to tell me?" Bubba asked with a raised eyebrow.

"It's good news!" DogDay exclaimed. "Me and the other critters are going to be sponsoring a valley play."

"What?!" the five critters asked in shock.

"Play along." DogDay ordered to the others; gritting his teeth.

"Was that pun intended?" Kickin asked in a whisper.

"Yes." DogDay answered. "Just go along with it, please?"

DogDay turned back to Bubba as the others cleared their throats nervously. "Yep yep!" Bobby said quickly. "We're sponsoring our very first valley play." She chuckled nervously.

"Really?" Bubba asked in surprise. "What's the play?"

"Uhh, th-that's what we're talking about right now actually." DogDay sputtered. "We don't have any ideas right now, but we're sharing our thoughts and ideas around."

"We know this whole 'theater' thing is nothing you'd be interested in, so you can just sit back on the couch." Crafty spoke up. "Kickin has SpongeBob on, but we're not watching it right now. The TV is yours."

"W-Wait!" Bubba exclaimed. "Maybe I can help. I have taken theater at high school, and I might be able to help you guys."

"Oh? If that's the case, what are some things you can do Bubba?" Picky asked; peeking over DogDay's shoulder.

"Well, I can direct." Bubba offered. "If you guys need me to direct, I can do that."

"That would be perfect Bubba!" DogDay exclaimed. "You know theater the best and you've been in charge before when I'm absent from the gang. That's something we need for this play. So, Mr. Director tell us; what do you have in mind for this play?"

Bubba blushed at the nickname given to him. "Well, it's a little cliche but I've been a big fan of William Shakespeare's work; and I always wanted to direct 'Romeo and Juliet'."

"That's perfect too!" Hoppy exclaimed suddenly. "Why don't you go and prepare for whatever you need for this play and me and the other critters need to talk for a little bit." She gritted her teeth towards DogDay as she mentioned having to talk.

"Really?" Bubba asked in anticipation. "You guys will let me do this?"

"Absolutely!" Crafty answered. "This is going to be OUR play after all."

Bubba squealed in excitement. "Awesome!" the blue elephant shouted. "You guys won't be disappointed; I SWEAR!" He then ran out of the house back to his own to prepare.

"Wow, look how happy he is." DogDay said with admiration. "Say, we better get CatNap in on this play too." He quickly rushed to the couch and grabbed his phone that was left on the couch and started texting CatNap about the valley play plan.

"But DogDay," Hoppy chimed in. "we don't even have a valley play sponsored. There's no way he'll fall for that."

DogDay paused in his typing and looked at Hoppy. "Oh really? It's going to come." DogDay reassures her mischievously. "Well then does anyone have any ideas to bait CatNap?"

CraftyCorn smiled mischievously next and took her own phone out of her pocket. "Well, what if you were to ask him if he'd do it if we bought him the stickers from The Amazing Digital Circus?" she asked as she held up her phone to show the sticker sheets on the digitalcircus.store website. "I'll try that and see what he says." She began texting CatNap the deal giggling.

The other critters blinked at Crafty before DogDay cleared his throat. "Alright everyone, with that set; how do we even start a play?"

"Well, usually we start with finding a place to have this play and then we hold auditions." Hoppy answered fiddling with her fingers.

"Alright then." DogDay nodded. "What about sets and scenery; not to mention costumes?"

"Well, hasn't FancyFox worked with costumes before?" Bobby asked. "Bubba did mention that before one day. It was for many other plays FancyFox participated in for her class, and she's very good at making them."

"I'll research the scenes!" CraftyCorn volunteered looking up from her phone. "I can even help set them up when needed." She then showed her phone the sent text message. "Also, I sent the text to CatNap. Now we just have to hope he agrees to help."

"But shouldn't we wait for Bubba to come back?" Picky asked with uncertainty. "Plus, we should work on this play one at a time."

The other critters nodded in agreement. A knock then interrupted them and Crafty this time answered the door. To her and the critters' delight, it was CatNap. He gave everyone a shy wave.

"H-Hey everyone." he greeted softly. "I heard you guys are sponsoring a play for the valley?"

The critters looked at each other skeptical while DogDay nodded. "We are!" he chimed in. "And Bubba is our director. We'll tell you ALL about it."

CatNap nodded and gave a small smile before coming in.

The critters then recounted their deal with FancyFox; not missing any detail. CatNap nodded and took in the information. He then remembered going to this one theatre in a community center where he had gotten a raise and spent it on watching a play. It was a classic; "The Wizard of Oz". He was let in for free by the ticket taker who turned out to be one of his cured sleep therapy patients. The rooster critter was definitely more perkier than the when he booked the first session.

"I think I can help." CatNap offered. "I know a theatre in the community center. I'll give you guys the directions to get there, but I'll go over there and see if we can book the place."

"Really? CatNap, that would be perfect!" Bobby exclaimed.

"Yeah yeah." CatNap said, rolling his eyes. He then walked towards CraftyCorn and whispered in her ear. "You better have those Digital Circus sticker sheets ready for me when this is all done."

Crafty nodded. "Don't worry, I'll have those stickers ready for you." she reassured him before CatNap left.

Before the purple feline could reach the door though, Bubba burst the door open in excitement. "GUYS!" he shouted. "I have SO many ideas it's not even funny!"

"Perfect! Is there anything we can do to help?" DogDay offered.

Bubba then quickly grabbed DogDay's shoulders in excitement. "Is there ANYTHING?" Bubba repeated. "There's EVERYTHING! We need actors PRONTO!"

"Actors?" DogDay asked.

Bubba shook the dog a bit. "Yes! We need critters to audition for the play." Bubba answered. "Where is the place that is hosting the performance?"

The critters nervously glanced at each other. CatNap recovered from his shock and cleared his throat.

"Slow down there Bubba." he advised. "The play is going to be at the community centre. I'll give you guys directions. How about while I do that you guys go around and find other critters to act in the play."

"Wait, why us?" Hoppy asked offended.

"You guys said you wanted to help." CatNap answered with a deadpanned expression. "That and because you guys look like you have nothing better to do."

"Wait," Bubba exclaimed with a devious smirk. "Since YOU most likely won't have anything better to do, why don't YOU audition for the play yourself. You need to start being active more."

"What?" CatNap sputtered. "In case you didn't hear what I said the first time, I'm a sleep therapist! I don't act!"

The critters glanced at each other, then back at CatNap. "So?" Hoppy asked.

"Oh come on." Bubba encouraged. "Don't I want someone to play a good Romeo? Anyways, you head off to...whatever theatre you're going to. Move along." He waved a hand at CatNap to usher him out.

Still sputtering in surprise, CatNap hastily left the house.

Bubba turned his attention back to the other critters. "Why are you guys still standing here?" Bubba asked, then pointed at the open doorway. "Go out there and find other critters in the valley who want to audition." He then sat on the couch and pulled out his laptop. "I think I might spend some time writing a new version of Romeo and Juliet, or maybe I'll just use the classic play. Hmm...choices choices." He then looked up at his friends again. "And one more thing; have everyone meet at the community center at dusk. We'll hold some preliminary auditions there."

DogDay saluted. "Roger that Mr. Director! Come on guys, let's go!" he gestured as he and the other five critters left the house. "Alright, gather up any critters you know and ask them if they want to audition for the play, and tell them to meet at the community center at dusk."

"Got it!" the other four critters cheered in unison before splitting up to gather up some critters.

Later on at dusk in the community center theatre CatNap is standing on the stage while Bubba is sitting on one of the front row seats.

"Hey Bubba," CatNap spoke, breaking the silence. "have you found anyone to audition for the play yet?"

Bubba shook his head and looked up from his laptop. "No." he answered. "I've messaged the other critters I know of besides FancyFox, but I didn't hear back."

CatNap's ears droop. "Oh, that's too bad." he said solemnly, then his ears perked up. "Say, I'm not sure if this is possible; but you could always do a modern version of Romeo and Juliet. That might appeal to this generation."

"Well, I had been thinking about putting a little spin on the play." Bubba said thoughtfully. "I'll put that down in the ideas. Thanks CatNap."

CatNap nodded. "Sure." he said. The theatre went silent again until CatNap spoke again. "Y'know, I've actually been in many Romeo and Juliet plays. I always get the role of Romeo."

"Really?" Bobby asked in astonishment. "Then you should audition for the part again."

"Well, the thing is that I want to be put in a different role." CatNap stammers scratching the back of his head. "It's the kissing scene I want to avoid. You see..." He blows out some purple smoke and waves it away; making it disperse into nothing. "...I have this ability. This is my lavender-scented purple sleep gas. It's not dangerous if I don't overuse it or if it's uncontrollable. This smoke is to help people fall asleep easily without any nightmares. That's...actually how I cured my sleep therapy patients. I have seven older brothers and they helped me take control of the smoke, so whenever I needed it. It was accidentally used in the first Romeo and Juliet play. My smoke still needed to be controlled. Another critter playing the role of Juliet kissed me and some purple smoke got into her system. Since then, I wanted to be in a different role; but you can guess how THAT turned out."

"Oh, CatNap. I'm sorry to hear that." Bubba said solemnly. "The purple smoke is pretty as CraftyCorn would put it. It matched your fur color."

CatNap blushed at the compliment and rubs his arm. "Thanks."

Bubba sighed and turned back to his laptop screen. "But without a Romeo and Juliet, I don't see this happening." he said to himself sadly.

Just then the other five critters entered the theatre using the side door. "Hey Bubba!" DogDay called over.

Bubba looked up and CatNap turned to the other critters with a smile. "Hey DogDay!" Bubba