Budding thespians of all levels get to flex their imaginative muscles and learn sophisticated theater technique in this beloved and award-winning theater program. Whether waving wands, belting show tunes, or mounting full Shakespeare plays, students from age 3-16 learn self-expression and the joy of the creative process.
Classes and camps are led by trained theater teachers who inspire young people to tap into their intrinsic sense of play through theater. Since its inception in 2009, Child‘s Play NY has touched the lives of thousands of students in classes, residencies, productions, summer camps, and birthday parties.
Summer camps and holiday camps are enrolling now. Popular production classes for Shakespeare and musical theater enroll on a semester-basis.
What makes Child’s Play NY programming special?
Child’s Play NY meets kids where they are developmentally, and provides rigorous experiences while connecting to their intrinsic ability to play and make-believe.
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Teachers empower students to grow their confidence through craft: Whether they are working toward a complex musical performance or devising their own play through improvisation, teachers use a games-based approach that honors student voice, creativity, and community.
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The program’s classes provide supportive, safe environments where kids can feel free to stretch the limits of their imagination and potential.
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Child’s Play NY is a perfect program both for the child who passionately dreams of being on stage and the one who is simply looking for a joy-filled experience!
Child’s Play NY in your school
Child’s Play NY currently runs over 60 classes a week in after-school programs and in-school residencies. Learn about bringing Child’s Play NY to your school for a residency, performance, or professional development.
Child’s Play NY in your home
The curriculum is featured on Mount Sinai Parenting, Edutopia and the Child’s Play In Action blog, which is a free resource for parents and educators who want to learn more about how to incorporate theater games into their life. Check out videos of the games on Child’s Play NY’s Youtube channel to learn more. You can even set up private class or camp for your friends.
Celebrate with Child’s Play NY
Child’s Play NY also hosts spectacular birthday parties which are customized celebrations of what your child loves most. With a focus on imagination and creativity, theater teachers throw a spotlight on good old-fashioned games and play for an unforgettable party that is as unique as your child.
Jocelyn Greene is a director, teaching artist and performer. She founded Child’s Play NY in 2009 as a way to transform theater education in her community. She drew from her work as a student (MFA, NYU Graduate Acting, BA, Wesleyan University), an actor (AEA Member – The Public Theater, New York Shakespeare Festival), and a teacher (Will Power to Youth, Oddfellows Playhouse, Epic Theater) to develop the rigorous curriculum and imagination-based games that ignite the program today. Learn more about the mission of Child’s Play NY here.
