Kids Can Learning Acting Via Theater Group's Fall Classes In West Hartford, Simsbury

WEST HARTFORD/SIMSBURY, CT — Young actors can explore everything from reimagined fairy tales to a fully staged production of "The SpongeBob Musical" when the Playhouse Theatre Academy begins its fall programming later this month.

The academy provides year-round theater education through Playhouse Theatre Group, which also operates Playhouse on Park at 244 Park St. in West Hartford.

The academy's fall classes begin Sept. 29 in West Hartford and Simsbury, with programs for children ages 3 to 13 focusing on acting, musical theater, storytelling and performance.

Among the offerings is "Once Upon a Twist," a program for children ages 3 to 7 that uses creative drama, music, movement, and storytelling to put new spins on familiar fairy tales.

Older students can participate in "Descendants Drama Academy," a musical theater program inspired by Disney's "Descendants" franchise. Students will work with songs, choreography, characters, and ensemble performance.

"Playhouse Studio: Acting Foundations" focuses on acting skills through improvisation, scene work, character development, and theater games. The program is designed for students with varying levels of acting experience.

Students ages 9 to 13 can also participate in "Mini-Mainstage Musicals: The SpongeBob Musical," a 20-week program culminating in a fully staged production on the Playhouse on Park stage.

A "Mini-Mainstage: Beginners" program is available for children ages 6 to 8, allowing younger students to develop performance skills while rehearsing alongside the main cast.

"I've always believed that children learn best when they're having so much fun they don't even realize how much they're growing," said Kevin Cronin, director of education and community engagement.

Cronin said the programs are designed to develop skills extending beyond theatrical performance.

"Whether a student is pretending to be a fairy tale character, developing a role through scene work, rehearsing a Broadway-style musical, or discovering their voice through improv, every class is designed to build confidence, creativity, empathy, and collaboration," Cronin said.

"If a child leaves believing they're a little braver than they were when they walked in — and their world feels just a little bit bigger — then we've done our job," he added.

The academy said free trial classes are available for new students. It also offers scholarships, interest-free payment plans, and discounts for siblings and cousins.

Families enrolling in two classes can receive a 10% discount, while those registering for three or more can receive 20% off, according to the academy.

Registration is open. Information about children's and adult programs is available at PlayhouseTheatreAcademy.org or by calling 860-523-5900, ext. 16, or emailing education@playhousetheatregroup.org.

For more information and to register for classes, click on this link.