We welcome learners of all ages, from 1 to 101! Our programs are designed to cater to a wide variety of ages and skill levels, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to explore, learn, and grow through the arts. Whether you're enrolling a toddler in their first creative class or exploring a passion for acting in your golden years, the Playhouse Theatre Academy has something for everyone.
Location: Simsmore Square Studios -- Address: 540 Hopmeadow St, Studio B, Simsbury, CT 06070
Location: Congregation Beth Israel -- Address: 701 Farmington Ave, West Hartford, CT 06119
Both our Simsmore Square Studio and Congregation Beth Israel sites are wheelchair accessible. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals, and accessibility is a key part of our mission. If you have any specific accessibility concerns or needs, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to assist and ensure everyone can enjoy and participate in our programs and activities.
We are proud to have a long history of supporting neurodivergent children through our various programs. If your child has a diagnosis that may affect their ability to participate, we strongly encourage you to share that information with us as early as possible. Our staff comprises actor-teaching artists who bring creativity and passion to their instruction. While we have some training in techniques that aid with focus, attention, and smooth transitions, we are not as extensively equipped as traditional classroom teachers to address all neurodivergent needs.
Before the session begins, we invite you to have a phone conversation with us to discuss the best ways to support your child, determine which group would suit them best, and assess whether additional support in the classroom might be necessary. If, during the program, we find that we cannot meet your child’s needs or if your child has difficulty adhering to our Community Agreements, we will address this with transparency and care. We aim to work with you toward a fair resolution, prioritizing your child’s experience and well-being. Thank you for trusting us to work with your family.
The teacher-to-student ratio ranges from 1:12 to 1:15, depending on the students' age group. Additionally, an administrative assistant is always on-site to support individual student needs, such as helping with water breaks or restroom trips. This ensures a safe and well-organized environment for everyone.
--At Playhouse Theatre Academy, our mission is to empower every child to uncover their own unique talents while feeling valued and celebrated as an individual. We believe in the importance of inclusivity and individuality, striving to create an environment where students are encouraged to collaborate on rewarding and creative challenges. To uphold this, we establish Community Agreements at the beginning of each session, ensuring that every student and staff member feels respected, safe, and supported.
--We kick things off with a discussion centered around the importance of being both kind and brave. From there, students take the lead, contributing their own ideas for agreements they feel are essential. To solidify this special pact, the group may create a chant or sign a shared document, reinforcing their commitment to the community they’ve built together. While the specifics of these agreements may evolve from session to session, the underlying principles remain the same—fostering mutual respect, kindness, and positivity in every interaction.
Basic Community Agreements:
i. Engage fully in all activities and give it your best shot – Try new things and show bravery!
ii. Show respect to teachers by listening and following instructions.
iii.Be kind, inclusive, and supportive of your fellow learners – Celebrate everyone’s achievements!
iv.Take care of the spaces we share – Whether we’re outdoors or in the studio, respect our environment.
v. Prioritize safety – Stay with the group during outdoor activities and always follow established guidelines.
--These agreements form the foundation of our creative and collaborative environment, making Playhouse Theatre Academy a place where every child can thrive.
--We aim to help each student have a successful session and a positive class experience. However, the following steps will be taken if a student’s behavior negatively impacts the group or presents a safety concern. Each incident will be assessed individually, considering the context and severity:
i. First Incident – Teachers will speak with the student, document the behavior in an incident report, and notify the Playhouse Theatre Academy administration. Families will receive an email detailing the situation.
ii. Second Incident – Playhouse Theatre Academy administration will arrange a phone call with the student’s family to discuss the matter.
iii. Third Incident: The student will miss at least one day of class to reflect on their choices and understand the impact of their behavior. The administration will then contact the student again to determine whether the student can continue participating in the program.
--We appreciate your collaboration in making Playhouse Theatre Academy a safe and nurturing environment for all community members.
Yes, parents are welcome to observe designated open-class sessions, which are scheduled periodically throughout the program. These sessions allow parents to see their children’s progress and experience the creative learning environment firsthand. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for parents to get involved, including volunteering for events, assisting with backstage tasks, or helping with administrative needs. We value the support of our families and believe that parent involvement builds a stronger, more engaged community.
Please note that while Playhouse Theatre Academy keeps things fee-free on our end, you might notice a little something at checkout—a small Sawyer booking fee. This fee supports Sawyer's quest for regulatory compliance, security, and operational excellence. Plus, it provides us with premium customer support that extends to you. Here's the scoop: a $1.99 fee for orders totaling $30 to $100, and for those over $100, it's a $3.99 fee. Thanks for understanding and supporting the magical world of theatre with us!
--A sibling discount will automatically apply when registering two or more children in the same semester.
--Each class offers need-based scholarships through our “Arts for All Education Fund” and includes 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!
Yes, your child can take a free trial class! Through our registration software, Sawyer, you can easily sign up for a trial at Playhouse Theatre Academy. It’s a wonderful opportunity for new participants to experience the magic of theater firsthand and is designed to give children a glimpse into the creative and exciting world of performance. The trial class is available to any child who is new to Playhouse Theatre Academy and is interested in exploring theater. After the trial class, you’ll receive a friendly automated message with all the details you need to continue, including session payment information. This ensures that you and your child can make an informed decision about future participation.
If a class reaches capacity, families can join our waitlist. While we strive to accommodate as many participants as possible, adding additional spots to a class is rare. Typically, enrollment off the waitlist depends on a current participant withdrawing from the program, which can be unpredictable. Should a spot become available, we will email families in the order they join the waitlist. Families will have a specified deadline to confirm their interest in the spot. If they decline or the deadline passes, the opportunity will be offered to the next person on the waitlist. For updates on your child's position on the waitlist, feel free to contact us anytime. Please note, however, that we cannot process waitlist requests submitted via text or email. All waitlist registrations must be completed through our Sawyer registration network.
If your child needs to miss a class, please email the teaching artist and the Director of Education, Kevin Cronin, at kcronin@playhousetheatregroup.org. This will ensure that everyone is informed and allows any necessary arrangements or adjustments to be made.
We care deeply about the health and safety of every child in our program, and we ask for your help in ensuring a safe environment for all. If your child isn’t feeling well, we kindly ask that you keep them at home to rest and recover. Symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent cough, or anything contagious are signals that your little one needs a break from class. Not sure if they’re ready to attend? Feel free to check in with a healthcare professional or reach out to us—we’re here to help!
If your child feels unwell during class, don’t worry—we’ll contact you immediately using the emergency information you’ve provided. While they wait for you to pick them up, one of our caring staff members will stay by their side to keep them comfortable. To make this process smooth, please double-check that your contact details are up to date—we want to be able to reach you quickly when it matters most!
We will never cancel a class due to a teacher’s absence. If one of our teaching artists is unavailable, a talented substitute from Playhouse Theatre Academy will take their place. This ensures that classes continue uninterrupted, offering students the unique opportunity to learn from a variety of our skilled educators. Furthermore, our teachers remain deeply connected to the local theater, film, and television industries, bringing fresh insights and expertise into every class.
The safety of our participants and staff is our top priority during inclement weather. To ensure clear communication and proactive planning, the following policies are in place:
Notification Process
The Director of Education will notify registrants 24 hours before the scheduled class if inclement weather is anticipated. This notification will include a reminder of our weather policies and instruct participants to check their email for updates regarding potential class cancellations the following day.
Cancellation Decisions
Decisions about class cancellations will be based on the inclement weather policies of the town where the classes occur (Simsbury–Simsmore Square, West Hartford–CBI, Hartford–The 224). The following guidelines will apply:
1.Late Opening: Classes scheduled to begin before 10:00 AM will be canceled. For classes scheduled to start at 10:00 AM or later, participants will receive a courtesy email from a Box Office Education Assistant that morning confirming that those classes will still take place.
2. Early Dismissal: Classes scheduled to begin after 4:00 PM will be canceled.
3. Full-Day Cancellation: If the district cancels school for the entire day, all classes will be canceled.
4. Saturday Classes: Classes will be canceled at the discretion of the Director of Education.
Performances at the Playhouse Theatre Academy vary depending on the type of class. Most of our classes conclude with a culminating Share Day, which typically takes place during the final week of the session at the regularly scheduled class time. For more extensive programs, such as our Mini-Mainstage Musicals and Monday Night Live!, performances are held on the Playhouse on Park stage. These showcase opportunities are scheduled toward the end of the program and offer participants a chance to perform for family, friends, and the community in a professional theater environment. Specific dates and times will be communicated well in advance to ensure everyone can join in celebrating the students' hard work and talent.
For our Production Classes (including Mini-Mainstage Musicals), our designer collaborates with the students to provide customized costumes that help bring their characters to life and elevate the overall production quality. We kindly request that students arrive in a "base costume," which serves as a foundation for the designer to layer additional costume pieces.
For all other classes where students devise their own plays, we encourage them to wear clothing from home on the final day. This allows them to dress in a way that helps them feel connected to their characters while sharing their work.
At the start of each class, families must check in with our Education Administration Assistant and provide the name of the individual dropping off the student. Similarly, at the end of each class, families must check out with the same assistant, sharing the name of the individual responsible for pick-up. This ensures a safe and organized experience for all participants and allows us to maintain a secure environment for our students. Thank you for your cooperation in following these essential procedures!
The safety of students and teaching artists is paramount. All teaching artists must familiarize themselves with the Playhouse Theatre Academy's emergency protocols, including fire evacuation routes, lockdown procedures, and first aid measures. Basic first aid supplies are accessible in every classroom, and teaching artists are encouraged to report any injuries, incidents, or unsafe conditions immediately. Additionally, a zero-tolerance policy for bullying or harassment ensures that all participants feel secure and respected in the learning environment.
Your child’s safety is our top priority, and we’re committed to handling any injuries with care and attention. For minor bumps and scrapes, our trained staff will provide basic first aid on the spot and ensure your child feels supported. Should something more serious occur, we’ll immediately contact you to discuss the next steps and keep you informed every step of the way. For urgent situations, we won’t hesitate to contact emergency services first and notify you right away.
If your child is healing from an injury, please don’t hesitate to share any details with us so we can accommodate their needs. Whether they need a bit more rest at home or prefer to attend class to observe and stay connected, we’ll work alongside you to create a plan that prioritizes their well-being. Open communication is the key to helping your child feel safe, cared for, and comfortable during their time with us. We know nothing is more important than your child’s health and happiness, and we’re so grateful to partner with you in keeping them safe while they learn and grow with us!
You will receive regular correspondence from the teaching artist regarding the progress of the program. However, any major announcements or changes to the schedule will be communicated directly by the Director of Education. This ensures you have accurate and timely information about any updates or adjustments.
Classes are non-refundable; however, we are happy to reschedule you for another class at a future time. If, due to low enrollment, a class must be canceled, you will receive a full refund.
There are several ways you can support Playhouse Theatre Academy and contribute to its mission of fostering creativity and learning through the performing arts:
Volunteering
We value your time and talents, and we always seek passionate volunteers to assist with events, performances, and day-to-day operations. Whether you help with backstage support, administrative tasks, or promotional efforts, your involvement makes a huge difference.
Donating to the Scholarship Fund
By contributing to our scholarship fund, you can help provide opportunities for individuals who may not otherwise be able to afford classes or workshops. Every donation, big or small, directly impacts participants who can develop their skills and confidence in the arts.
Serving on the PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization)
Join our PTO to help build a strong community of families and educators dedicated to supporting Playhouse Theatre Academy’s programs. The PTO plays a vital role in organizing initiatives such as fundraising events, outreach efforts, and special projects that enhance our participants' experiences.
Spreading the Word
Share your experiences with friends, family, and colleagues. Follow and engage with us on social media, leave reviews, and help spread awareness about the Playhouse Theatre Academy to attract more students and supporters.
Corporate Sponsorships or Matching Gifts
If you or your workplace have a matching gift program, consider doubling the impact of your donation. Businesses can also support us through sponsorship programs, which help us host events, expand programs, and continue enriching the community.
Your generosity, whether through time, resources, or advocacy, ensures that the Playhouse Theatre Academy continues to thrive as a vibrant space for creativity, education, and artistic expression. Thank you for being part of our community!
Our Tax ID number is EIN: 26-4840125