Sponsored by Child’s Play NY
“I can’t tell you how great we feel Child’s Play is and has been for our son. His dedication to rehearsal and what the memorization does for his brain are invaluable. I believe that Child’s Play has been enormously beneficial and I’m grateful for the space you and your artist teachers provide.” — Bobby Cannavale
The right after-school activity doesn’t just fill an afternoon. It gives kids a place to belong.
What we built at Child’s Play NY is somewhere kids can’t wait to get back to, where they find their people, take creative risks, and discover skills that will last them a lifetime. I love when I watch a student who was too shy to say their name in the first class absolutely command the stage during the final performance. I love when I hear about the teens who built friendships by performing in Shakespeare plays year after year who have a group chat called “The Play’s the Thing.”
This fall, we’re welcoming young performers into our production classes in Brooklyn Heights, where students spend the semester rehearsing and performing a fully staged musical or Shakespeare play. Whether they’re just discovering theater in Lion King Kids (Grades 1–3) or interested in tackling Something Rotten Jr. or Twelfth Night (Grades 6–8), the work is both joyful and rigorous.
What Makes Child’s Play NY Theater Special?
Because our productions are capped at just 12 students, the teaching artists get to know and support each performer. Casting is thoughtful with plentiful material. Each rehearsal builds toward the production through achievable weekly goals in scenework, music, choreography, and ensemble work. Along the way, our signature improvisation games encourage creativity, confidence, and bold artistic choices.
Our teaching artists bring their MFAs, professional theater experience, years of teaching expertise, and a genuine love of working with young people into the room. The musicals are rehearsed and performed with music directors and dedicated choreography, while the Shakespeare ensembles receive individualized coaching. Every production culminates on our stages before family and friends.
Over the past 15+ years, we’ve produced scores of shows and become the trusted theater partner for schools including Packer, Berkeley Carroll, PS 8, PS 29, PS 58, Brooklyn New School, the International School of Brooklyn, and many others throughout New York City. But what parents tell us they value most isn’t the performance, it’s seeing their children become more confident, more collaborative and more expressive.
If you’re looking for an after-school activity that gives your child a community, a creative challenge, and memories they’ll carry long after the final bow, we’d love to welcome you this fall.
Enrollment is now open, and spots are limited. We hope you’ll join us.
What Parents Say
“Child’s Play is magical! They nurture an environment that makes both Shakespearean plays and contemporary musicals fun and engaging. Our son absolutely loves it. His confidence and enthusiasm for imagination, language, and creativity has grown so much. We couldn’t be happier!” — Annaleigh Ashford and Joe Tapper
“What a wonderful program. Our daughter has learned so much and it’s so great to see the creative work she and her castmates are doing and how much they’ve grown as performers throughout their time at Child’s Play. Highest recommendation.” — Peter Fornatale
Read more five-star reviews on Google.
How to Get Involved
Production classes take place weekly in Brooklyn Heights
The Lion King Kids - Musical Production for Grades 1-3 | Tuesdays or Thursdays
The Tempest - Shakespeare Production for Grades 3-5 | Sundays
Legally Blonde Jr - Musical Production for Grades 4–6 | Mondays or Wednesdays
Something Rotten Jr – Musical Production for Grades 6-8 | Sundays
Twelfth Night – Shakespeare Production for Grades 6-8 | Tuesdays
Fall classes are already filling, with some sections now waitlisted. Explore current availability and register today.
Thank you to Child’s Play NY
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