Studio Playground

We love our libraries! CLPVD is an important organization in Providence. We are proud to partner with them to bring free performing arts programming to libraries across the city. Students adapt a children’s book into a play using physical acting and playful improvisation.

Catch our students onstage today at Smith Hill Library in an adaptation of Kobi Yamada’s NYT best-selling book: What Do You Do with an Idea?

The Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS) Program is funded by a Project Grant awarded by the Providence Department of Art, Culture & Tourism (ACT) and produced in partnership with BankNewport.

Community Libraries PVD BankNewport PVD Art Culture & Tourism

Guess what?! A spot just opened for Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS) next week! This program is entirely free. Over the week, students adapt a children’s book into a play and perform for friends & family. Catch our students onstage next week in an adaptation of Kobi Yamada’s NYT best-selling book!

What Do You Do with an Idea?
Friday July 24 at 4:00pm
Smith Hill Library in Providence

Reserve tickets on our website: studioplaground.org

Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS) is funded by the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture & Tourism (ACT) and is produced in partnership with BankNewport.

When actors let go of conflict and pursue pleasure onstage, it’s incredible to watch.

Our classes for adults offer advanced training in a supportive, challenging, and wildly fun environment.

Here are some moments from our workshop with the CSC apprentice company. Check out our weekend workshops at Boston Center for the Arts!

laugh. sing. make a beautiful ruckus.

Clown & Physical Acting
Instructed by Matthew Bretschneider
Artistic Director, Studio Playground

Reserve tickets for this week's show using our registration system.

Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS)

Thursday July 2, 2026

What Do You Do with an Idea?

Based on the NYT Best-Selling Book by Kobi Yamada

Directed by Ava Varszegi

Produced by Studio Playground in Partnership with Community Libraries of Providence (CLPVD) with Permission from Compendium Inc.

Smith Hill Library, 31 Candace Street, Providence
Date/Time: Thursday July 2nd at 4:00 p.m.

Suggested Donation: $10 per person

Under the direction of Ava Varszegi, students work together for one week to adapt a children’s book into a play using physical acting and playful improvisation. Join Studio Playground for a performance for all ages! Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS) is funded by the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture & Tourism (ACT) and is produced in partnership with BankNewport.

https://www.studioplayground.org/pals-smith-hill

Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS)
Round One
June 29 - July 2, 2026
Round Two
July 20 - July 24, 2026

Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS) is a free program for children ages 7-11 with Studio Playground and Community Libraries of Providence. Over the course of one week, students adapt a children's book into a play using movement & improvisation. Each week ends with a performance at Smith Hill Library located at 31 Candace Street in Providence. Performances occur Thursday July 2 at 4:00pm and Friday July 24 at 4:00pm.

There is no cost for registration. Please note that space is limited and registration is required. Round One and Round Two are offered separately. Register below using our website or register in person by visiting Smith Hill Library. Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS) is funded by the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture & Tourism (ACT) and is produced in partnership with BankNewport.

Acceptance, Empowerment & Performing Arts

https://www.studioplayground.org/pals

Join us this summer in Lincoln Woods State Park for Studio Playground Theater Camp!

Week 1: August 3-7, 2026

Week 2: August 10-14, 2026

Week 3: August 17-21, 2026

Each week is offered separately. Students may register for multiple weeks. Ages 5-11.

For more information, visit our website at https://www.studioplayground.org/summercamp

We are offering a studio acting intensive for teens this summer! Check it out!

Teen Acting Intensive
Ages 13-17

Dates
July 6, 7 & 10, 2026

Schedule
Monday, Tuesday & Friday, 10:00am-12:00pm

This 3-day program for ages 13-17 introduces students to foundational concepts for scene study, audition techniques & physical acting. Students learn skills for preparing a monologue & working with a scene partner. The program also includes an introduction to acting for film & television.

Through a combination of group work and individual instruction, teachers work generously with each student. Actors are assigned material and may spend time preparing outside of class. The program is instructed by Artistic Director Matthew Bretschneider. Students of all abilities & levels of experience are encouraged to join.

For more info, visit:
https://www.studioplayground.org/acting-intensive

Join Studio Playground for our Providence Theater Camp! Students perform in an original play called My Rocket Ship Crash Landed. Studio Playground teaches classes based in physical acting. Students explore the health benefits of laughter through movement, performance & playful improvisation as they form lasting memories. This program culminates in a performance in Providence, Rhode Island.

My Rocket Ship Crash-Landed follows a group of explorers in their journey through an unknown place and time. Students create original characters under the guidance of Studio Playground's experienced teaching artists. In this half-day program, each morning begins with a warm-up & movement game as students learn skills for collaboration & ensemble development. Through the week, students develop original characters & learn performance skills through movement-based theater game

Dates: July 13-17, 2026

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm

Performance: Friday, July 27 at 12:00pm

https://www.studioplayground.org/big-brothers-big-sisters