Argg! Come sail the high seas this summer! Young actors and actresses will explore creative play and storytelling through an adaptation of the children’s book, How I Became a Pirate! Exercises and games will focus on the introduction of basic acting techniques, storytelling, puppetry, creating a character and fun team-building games. Share day on the final day of class will be for family and friends to witness a small staged production! All students receive a copy of the book, How I Became A Pirate, as a keepsake! Perfect for budding performers or those who participated in any class this past year at PTA!
Ages 6-8
Location: 224 Ecospace, Hartford
June 26 - June 30
8:30am - 12:00pm
Location: Simsmore Square Studios, Simsbury
June 26 - June 30
8:30am - 12:00pm
Tuition: $240 before 5/1, $280 after 5/1. Register now to save!
In this 2 week fun-filled session, students will explore the world of superheroes in mythology and modern stories! Through improv, scene study, creative play, and acting techniques, students will have fun creating their own characters and storylines. They will also rehearse a scripted play, and fully invest in the characters they bring to life! This and an original devised script will be performed at the conclusion of the session to families and friends!
Ages 9-12
Location: 224 Ecospace - Hartford
July 10 - 21
8:30am-3:30pm
Location: Simsmore Square - Simsbury
July 10 - 21
8:30am-3:30pm
Tuition: $480 before 5/1, $520 after 5/1. Register now and save!
This full-day program offers teen actors an opportunity to get some early pre-professional training as performers. Whether they’re interested in auditioning for college theatre programs or simply curious about what it’s like to train as an actor, students will thrive in this creative and encouraging theatrical overview. Students will learn techniques in memorization, script and character analysis while implementing exercises to keep scenes fresh and vibrant. Students will work on short scenes and monologues from a variety of genres and styles. The class will conclude with a showcase for family, friends and a panel of special guests that will offer professional and helpful critique and feedback to students. The session may also include workshops in various aspects of the performing arts including voice and speech, stage combat, movement, improvisation. An amazing opportunity for those looking for the next step up in the performance arts.
Ages 13-17
Location: 224 Ecospace - Hartford
July 10 - 21
8:30am-3:30pm
Location: Simsmore Square - Simsbury
July 10 - 21
8:30am-3:30pm
Tuition: $480 before 5/1, $520 after 5/1. Register now and save!
In this two week session, students will sing, dance, laugh and enjoy the magical fun of musical theatre while exploring the work and musical of Lin Manuel Miranda! Through ensemble work, script studies and acting exercises, students will explore characters and scenes, learn songs and simple choreography from selections of his works including but not limited to Hamilton, In the Heights, and Encanto!. Students will also have the chance to create lyrical raps in the manner of Miranda! A showcase will be performed at the conclusion of the session for families and friends!
Ages 9-12
Location: 224 Ecospace - Hartford
July 24 - August 4
8:30am-3:30pm
Location: Simsmore Square Studio - Simsbury
July 24 - August 4
8:30am-3:30pm
Tuition: $480 before 5/1, $520 after 5/1. Register now and save!
Production title: She Kills Monsters
In this three week session, students will immerse themselves in a professional rehearsal process for a production which will be creatively staged at our studio space at Simsmore Square! All students will go through an “audition” process the first day but everyone will receive a role! Students will get to learn stagecraft, develop character building skills through creating their own character journals, and working together as an ensemble. Students will also have a chance to design and create their own costumes, makeup and help with prop and set design. This is a fantastic opportunity to experience what happens on and off stage to bring a performance to life!
Ages 13-17
Location: Simsmore Square Studio - Simsbury
July 24th - August 11th
Performances on Friday, August 11th & Saturday, August 12th, 6:30pm
8:30am-3:30pm
Tuition: $600 before 5/1, $680 after 5/1. Register now and save!
Prerequisite: Ability to read a script and prior acting class at PTA or another institution/school. Or please feel free to contact Jill, our Education Director to discuss!
***This is a great chance for those who are signed up for the Teen: Performance Intensive to harness the skills they learned and we are offering a 15% discount for those who sign up for both sessions!
Maybe you love the stage, but not being on it. Maybe you are more of a behind the scenes artist who likes to lead a team of creative artists. We are looking for 2 interested students to come aboard our Teen Company: Production Session as Assistant Directors! In this role you will be involved in the casting process, help with the designing of costumes, props and sets, assist with blocking scenes, and learn from our Playhouse Directors the tools and techniques of directing a production in a professional theatre! This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in a career of directing, or would like to gain professional experience!
Ages: 16-18
Location: Simsmore Square Studio - Simsbury
July 24th - August 11th
Performances on Friday, August 11th, 6:30pm & Saturday, August 12th, 6:30pm
8:30am-3:30pm
Tuition: $300
“Let the wild rumpus start!” Young actors and actresses will explore creative play and storytelling through an adaptation of the children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are! Exercises and games will focus on the introduction of basic acting techniques, storytelling, puppetry, creating a character and fun team-building games. Share day on the final day of class will be for family and friends to witness a small staged production! All students receive a copy of the book, Where the Wild Things Are, as a keepsake! Perfect for budding performers or those who participated in any class this past year at PTA!
Ages 6-8
Location: 224 Ecospace - Hartford
August 7 - 11
8:30am-12:00pm
Location: Simsmore Square Studio - Simsbury
August 7 - 11
8:30am-12:00pm
Tuition: $240 before 5/1, $280 after 5/1. Register now to save!
Classes are held at the 224 Ecospace and Simsmore Square Studios. See directions here.
Learn more about our teaching artists.
Introducing our Summer Program assistants!
CAMERON HOPKINS, Program Assistant, Simsmore Square
Cameron Hoskins is a sophomore at UMass Amherst, majoring in Theater and minoring in Music and Education. This summer Cameron is one of Playhouse's Program Assistants, helping make sure this year's educational theater programs run smoothly. He is also performing as the Baker in SAF's production of Into the Woods. Besides the Baker, some of Cameron's favorite roles include Jack (ITW), JD (Heathers), and Willard (Footloose). In the rare circumstance he's outside of the theater, Cameron enjoys playing volleyball and TTRPG's with his twin brother Neil.
SIMONE GALM, Program Assistant, Simsmore Square and 224 Ecospace
EMMA LUXEMBURG, Summer Education Intern
Emma Luxemburg, of South Windsor, CT, is a recent graduate of Wagner College with a B.A. in Theatre Performance. Along with being the one on stage, Emma also has a passion for being on the other side of the table. She’s been honored to work with students of all ages and abilities from many different dance studios, competitive dance teams, middle school and high school show choirs, and theatrical companies, producing full-scale productions, performance sets, and teaching various workshops. Most importantly, she finds great reward in developing the talents of the next generation of performers.