Our classes offer need-based scholarships through our “Arts for All Education Fund” and include reduced tuition and tuition-free spots for all learners. We are committed to making arts education accessible to everyone, so please contact us at education@playhousetheatregroup.org to learn more or request an application!
To say thank you for signing up, we have a special offer just for you! Enroll an additional sibling in our classes, and enjoy 20% off their tuition by using the promo code DOUBLETHEFUN. Let’s double the joy of arts education and ignite creativity together!
Ages 1.5 - 3 years old
Description: “Broadway baby, learning how to sing and dance!” This unique class, designed for our littlest stars to enjoy with a parent or caregiver, invites your toddler to explore the world through captivating stories, lively music, and creative movement. In this immersive theater experience, your child will interact with a variety of props, costumes, puppets, and storybooks, creating a magical setting where their imagination can truly take flight. Through interactive play in our supportive environment, your little one will develop essential social and motor skills while fostering a lifelong love for make-believe and exploration. As you engage with them in these playful activities, you’ll be creating magical memories together, encouraging creativity and confidence in your child while taking a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Join us on this journey and see how your shared laughter and exploration can light up both your hearts as bright as the footlights on Broadway!
Mondays, 9:30am-10:30am
Dates: 9/30/24 - 11/25/24 (No class 10/14/24)
Tuition: $195 with registration fees
Grades Pre-K - 2
Description: Join us for an enchanting adventure through storytelling and creativity as we embark on the whimsical journey of Jim the chimpanzee, who finds himself in a terrible mood for no good reason. His friends can’t understand it — how can he be in such a bad mood when it’s such a beautiful day? In this engaging class, young artists will dive into emotional literacy, learning to express and understand different feelings while engaging in collaborative fun with their peers. Together, they'll bring this treasured tale to life by crafting their own captivating performance, spotlighting the importance of friendship and empathy. Each student will shine like the “chimp-ion” they are during our Share Day, where they will present their adaptation to family and friends, showcasing the character-building and communication skills they’ve developed. Plus, every participant will take home their very own copy of "Grumpy Monkey," a cherished keepsake from this unforgettable experience. Don’t let your child miss this opportunity to “monkey around” this fall — secure their spot today and watch them embrace their inner storytellers!
Share Day for Families and Friends: Saturday, November 23. Time: TBD. Regular class will take place prior to the share.
Mondays, 4:00 - 5:00pm
Dates: 9/30/24 - 11/25/24 (No class 10/14/24)
Tuition: $195 with registration fees
Grades 3-7
Description: Get ready to step into a fantastical world where storytelling melds seamlessly with the mesmerizing melodies of Taylor Swift! This is where your very own “Love Story” with theatre begins—just say yes to a whirlwind of creativity and self-expression! In this mini-musical class, you'll uncover the emotions and joy within Taylor's legendary discography that has inspired countless young dreamers. Imagine transforming the infectious spirit of “Shake It Off” into an exhilarating dance routine that will leave the stage buzzing, or channeling the immense courage of “The Archer” as you defeat obstacles with your friends. Collaborate with your peers to weave together your own mini-musical, perhaps crafting an epic showdown reminiscent of “Bad Blood” or celebrating a friendship sweeter than “Fifteen.” This class is your canvas, so, gather your lyrical dreams, let your creativity shine like the glittering lights of “Wonderland,” and join us on this unforgettable musical journey filled with songs, laughter, and magical moments!
Share Day for Families and Friends: Monday, November 25. Time: TBD. Regular class will take place prior to the share.
Mondays, 4:00 - 5:30pm
Dates: 9/30/24 - 11/25/24 (No class 10/14/24)
Share Day for Families and Friends: Monday, November 25. Time: TBD. Regular class will take place prior to the share.
Tuition: $295 with registration fees
Grades 6-12
Description: When you wish upon a star, your musical theatre dreams come true! Participants will dive into the enchanting realm of Disney music, exploring beloved songs from classics like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast to contemporary hits from Moana and Frozen. This engaging class encourages participants to develop their vocal skills, enhance their stage presence, and bring characters to life through song. What’s more, students will have the exciting opportunity to select their favorite Disney songs to perform as solos, duets, or ensemble numbers! This experience will culminate in a showcase on the Playhouse on Park stage, where students will perform their revue! By joining, participants will not only cultivate collaboration, courage, and a deepened appreciation for musical artistry, but will also forge friendships and create memories that resonate long after the final curtain call.
Note: The final day of our class session will take place at Playhouse on Park! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their hard work and talent in a special musical revue that will be open to family and friends. The performance will occur during class time, with the exact timing to be determined by our talented teaching artist.
Tuesdays, 4:00 - 5:30pm
Dates: 10/1/24 - 11/26/24 (No class 11/5/24)
Tuition: $295 with registration fees
Grades 6-12
Description: Get ready to unleash your inner comedian in our SNL-inspired class, where laughter knows no bounds! In this uproarious adventure, students will engage in an exciting blend of improv and sketch comedy, collaborating to craft and perform their very own hilarious bits. They will dive headfirst into the world of improvisation, honing their skills to think quickly on their feet, while also tackling the intricacies of scriptwriting to create unforgettable sketches. From mastering the art of satire and developing zany characters to perfecting comedic timing, participants will explore every facet of comedy, while enhancing key abilities such as active listening, effective communication, and teamwork. The culmination of their hard work will be a side-splitting sketch and improv show performed on the stage at Playhouse on Park, showcasing our budding young comedians and guaranteeing an evening of laughter that will leave audiences rolling in the aisles!
Note: The final day of our class session will take place at Playhouse on Park! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their hard work and talent in an evening of improv and sketch comedy that will be open to family and friends. The performance will occur during class time, with the exact timing to be determined by our talented teaching artist.
Mondays, 5:30 - 7:00pm
Dates: 10/1/24 - 11/26/24 (No class 11/5/24)
Tuition: $295 with registration fees
Classes are held at Congregational Beth Israel of West Hartford.
701 Farmington Ave.,
West Hartford, CT 06119
LAUREN CAVANAUGH is a seasoned teaching artist with educational and artistic credits in theater and music. She has over twelve years of teaching artist experience, focusing on “Creating a Play” with children and youth ages 5 through 12 years old. She has been an acting coach and teaching artist with EXCL of Farmington, Performing Arts Programs, and Hartford Children’sTheatre (2010). She also has led artistic programming in her current position at High Road School, focusing on elements of modern art. She has participated in the 24 HR Play Festival at the Hole in The Wall Theatre, and had her short play “Honey and Candy” produced and performed at The Gallery Playhouse of New York. She performed in Revolution Improv’s “A Team” in New York, NY while receiving her MA in Educational Theatre from NYU Steinhardt. She has written, directed, and co-produced original plays with her theater troupe Zenbaby Theatre Co. (2007-2009). She has her BFA in Musical Theatre from Hartt School, University of Hartford and enjoys bringing her creativity to projects in the Hartford area. Most notably, she received The Master Teacher Award as Creative Performing Arts Instructor for ESF Dream Camp of Trinity College in Hartford, CT (2023).
ABIGAIL DONAGHY is excited to be teaching this spring! She grew up performing in Connecticut local theaters and has had television roles on shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, FBI: Most Wanted, and Bupkis. She most recently appeared in upcoming feature films; The Book of Jobs and Ashes of a Dream.
HEIDI JEAN WEINRICH
has been working in theatre for decades as an actor at Playhouse on Park and many other theatres in CT, Seattle, and New York. She also has directing experience and has taught Language Arts on the secondary and college levels. As a Teaching Artist she has worked with New Britain Youth Theatre, Hartford Performs, and other organizations, and this past summer she was the Drama Instructor at Auerfarm Summer Camp in Bloomfield.