Studio Playground uses the performing arts to promote acceptance & empowerment for children in Rhode Island.

Studio Playground was founded in July 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and school closings created significant challenges for children and families. The initial goal of Studio Playground was to provide a source of connection and empowerment for youth in isolation with virtual classes integrating social-emotional learning with physical acting. Our organization connected with students and families across the country and received highly positive feedback regarding the impact of our classes on children’s mood & behavior.

Studio founders, Matthew Bretschneider and Stefanie Resnick, trained together as actors with Christopher Bayes, Head of Physical Theater for Yale School of Drama, Founder of Pandemonium Studio, and master of clown and commedia dell’arte. Matthew and Stefanie adapted concepts based in physical acting pedagogy to create developmentally appropriate curriculum for children ages 5-10. The curriculum emphasizes the health benefits of laughter as students engage with concepts that promote empathy, compassion, self-awareness empowerment, and skills for performing arts.

In 2021, Studio Playground implemented their flagship program: a theater camp that provided a unique experience for children in a picturesque outdoor setting surrounded by nature. Attended by 26 children in 2021, the camp now serves over 100 children every summer. Each week culminates in an outdoor performance attended by over 200 audience members in which children present an original show.

In 2024, Studio Playground expanded its Board of Directors to include experts in child development, social work, arts administration, and financial planning.

Our nonprofit organization now serves over 500 children annually through summer camps, week​end classes​,​ workshops for adults in Boston and Providence, partnerships with schools, theater companies, and other nonprofit organizations, and after-school programs across Rhode Island

By forming partnerships with schools and nonprofit organizations, we have helped children across the state access theater education with highly qualified teachers in an environment that promotes acceptance, empowerment & individuality.​ Studio Playground has maintained partnerships with organizations which include Providence Children’s Museum, Boston Children’s Museum, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Providence Public Schools, Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence, Gordon School, Lincoln School, Moses Brown School, Croft School, UCAP School, Child Opportunity Zone in Pawtucket, Providence After School Alliance, Cedar Hill Elementary School in Warwick, Hampden Meadows School in Barrington, Globe Park Elementary in Woonsocket, McGuire Elementary in North Providence, Providence Country Day School, Rocky Hill Country Day School, and Jacqueline M Walsh School for the Arts.

Studio Playground has been awarded grants from the Rhode Island State Council for the Arts (RISCA), Rhode Island Foundation, and the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture & Tourism to fund our summer camp in Lincoln Woods State Park and our Performing Arts in Libraries program in partnership with Community Libraries of Providence (CLPVD).

Our organization has produced original plays for young audiences at the Providence Fringe Festival; productions include Out There (2022), All on One Channel (2024), and Escape from the Zoo (2025). Our organization has produced an interactive theater experience for ages 5-10 based in theatrical clown and improvisation for Providence Children’s Museum (2023) and Boston Children’s Museum (2023, 2024).

Performing Arts in Libraries (PAL) is an after-school program which promotes skills for performing arts, literacy, and social-emotional development. Students participate in weekly classes as they adapt a children's book into a play using movement and playful improvisation, culminating in a performance. PAL has been implemented with Community Libraries of Providence (CLPVD). The program has received funding from the Rhode Island Foundation and the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture & Tourism.

Studio Playground has implemented our school-based Social-Emotional Learning through Performing Arts Program has been implemented for Providence Public Schools, Moses Brown School, Gordon School, Croft School, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence. The program fosters individual growth for children in elementary school in the core areas of self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills. The curriculum uses games, movement, improvisation, and physical acting to teach strategies for self-regulation, collaboration, and self-care.

Studio Playground was founded on the principle that all children deserve access to the social and emotional benefits they derive from participating in performing arts. A substantial number of scholarships are awarded for our programs; fundraising efforts include sponsorship from local businesses, financial support from our board of directors, and generous individuals, to achieve our ​a​nnual fundraising goal.

To read more about our mission and upcoming programs, please visit: Mission Statement.

To make a donation to our scholarship fund, please visit: Donate to Studio Playground.

Founding Artistic Director

Matthew Bretschneider, MSW, LCSW

Artistic Associates

Alexander Crespo-Rosario, Chris Stahl & Ava Varszegi

Matthew Bretschneider (MSW, LCSW, he/him) is the Founding Artistic Director of Studio Playground and an Adjunct Professor for Boston University. Matthew has performed with the Huntington Theatre Company, the Flea Theater, Theatre Row, The New Ohio, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Kitchen Theatre Company, and Boston Playwrights’ Theatre. Television Credits include Law & Order: SVU and The Path. Matthew received a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Rhode Island College and has extensive experience teaching theater in clinical environments. His practice focuses on acceptance, self-care, and empowerment. Matthew received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with additional training from The Pandemonium Studio, Movement Theater Studio, and The Clown School. He has trained extensively with Christopher Bayes and has studied physical acting with Norman Taylor, Mary Overlie, Orlando Pabotoy, David Bridel, Gabriel Levey and others. Matthew has taught physical acting and audition techniques for Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Trinity Repertory Company, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Rhode Island College, University of Rhode Island, Dean College. Salve Regina University, and Suffolk University.

Teaching Artist for Studio Playground

Studio Playground is seeking Teaching Artists to join our team. This is a part-time seasonal position. Opportunities include after-school programs in Rhode Island and our theater camp in Lincoln Woods State Park which occurs August 3-21, 2026. The time commitment varies depending on the program. Compensation: $30 per hour.

The mission of Studio Playground is to use the performing arts to promote acceptance & empowerment for children in Rhode Island. Our classes are based in movement and physical acting with a focus on skills to support social emotional development. Our teaching practices emphasize using theater education to foster a feeling of belonging for students.

Required Experience

• Undergraduate degree

• Teaching experience (2 years)

• Theater experience (2 years)

To apply, please email info@studioplayground.org with your resume, references, and cover letter.

Please indicate whether you are interested in being a teacher for after-school programs or for our theater camp in Lincoln Woods State Park.

We believe all children deserve opportunities for creative enrichments and social-emotional learning benefits derived from arts education, which are essential elements for healthy development.

By establishing a classroom environment in which students feel seen and respected by teachers and peers, we create a classroom environment that encourages bravery and compassion.

Our teaching philosophy is based on meeting students where they are and modeling compassion, respect, and inclusion. Our programs foster empowerment by teaching the health benefits of laughter, facilitating the physical and emotional benefits of play, and inspiring empathy for younger generations.

Studio Playground teaches classes for all ages based in movement, theatrical clown & physical acting. Students explore the health benefits of laughter through movement, performance & playful improvisation.

Our curriculum integrates concepts for social-emotional learning with a focus on self-awareness & relationship skills. Our programs include weekly acting classes in Providence, our annual Theater Camp in Lincoln Woods State Park & after-school programs in partnership with schools & nonprofit organizations across Rhode Island.

Professional Development for Actors

Description: Get ready to laugh, sing, and make a beautiful ruckus! Studio Playground classes for actors and performers explore the benefits of laughter through movement, performance, and playful improvisation. This class begins with a warm-up as students get out of their heads and into their bodies. The workshop includes physical acting games and performance projects designed to elicit range and flexibility. Students explore ensemble development, kinesthetic response, audition techniques, self-care, and the benefits of laughter, vulnerability, and play.

Professional Development for Non-Performers

Class Description: Get ready to laugh, sing, and make a beautiful ruckus! Studio Playground classes foster skills for teamwork and communication as participants explore the benefits of laughter through movement and playful improvisation. This workshop begins with a warm-up and includes physical acting games and group projects designed to elicit spontaneity and enthusiasm. Participants explore qualities of movement, learn skills for public speaking, and explore strategies for teamwork.

One-Act Play: Rehease & Perform

Our one-act play process provides a joyful and supportive environment for young actors to rehearse and perform. Throughout rehearsals, students learn skills for scene study, collaboration, and audition techniques. Rehearsal and performance schedules are determined based on the needs of our partners.

Social-Emotional Workshops for Elementary and Middle School

Description: Studio Playground classes explore the benefits of laughter through movement, performance, and playful improvisation. Our social-emotional workshops program is designed to foster individual growth and community for children in the core areas of self-awareness, social awareness, and relationship skills. Students learn strategies for self-regulation, ensemble support, and self-care through games and activities based in movement, improvisation, and physical acting. Workshops explore themes to support teamwork, empathy, communication, and self-care. Our Social-Emotional Workshops are designed to be implemented as school-based programs to support school-wide efforts to promote skills for self-care, self-regulation, social awareness & forming positive relationships.

Creating Characters for Ages 5-10

Class Description: Does your little one like to create stories and characters at home? Let’s give them an opportunity to share their imagination with friends! Join Studio Playground for an acting class that invites students ages 5-7 to create a short play using their original characters. All classes begin with a group warm up and physical acting game as students learn the fundamental concepts of voice, body, and imagination. Students explore elements of improvisation, crafting, and group storytelling to bring their characters to live. Each session culminates in a brief performance for friends and family.

Storytelling & Play for Ages 5-10

Class Description: Let’s laugh, sing, and make a beautiful ruckus! Join Studio Playground for an acting class that empowers students to develop confidence and find their voice within an ensemble. All classes begin with a group warm up and physical acting game as students learn the fundamental concepts of voice, body, and imagination. Students explore elements of song, storytelling, clowning, and performance projects. Let’s find that delightful little sparkle of joy and learn to share it with an audience! Each session culminates in a brief performance for friends and family.

Circus Arts for Ages 5-10

Class Description: This class explores multiple aspects of circus arts, including juggling, clowning, hula-hooping, improv, and tumbling. Students learn skills for teamwork, communication, performance, and self-awareness. Please note that aerial acrobatics will not be used. Studio Playground camps explore the health benefits of laughter through movement, performance, and playful improvisation. Our Circus Arts class concludes with a brief performance for friends and family.

Improv Company for Ages 8-12

Class Description: Join Studio Playground for an acting class that empowers students to be adventurous and find their voice within an ensemble. Students learn foundational concepts for improvisation, teamwork, and collaboration. Classes begin with a group warm-up and physical acting game as students apply the actor’s tools of voice, body, and imagination to engage an audience and tell a story. Each session culminates in a brief performance for friends & family.

Page to Stage for Ages 8-12

Class Description: Modeled after Performing Arts in Libraries (PAL), our Page to Stage class applies skills for performance, scripting, and improvisation as students turn a book into a performance. Students bring the words on the page to life through dramatic storytelling and physical acting. Students will learn teamwork and collaboration as they apply the actor’s tools of voice, body, and imagination to engage an audience and tell a story. Classes begin with a group warm-up and movement game. Each session ends with a performance for friends and family.

Play Creation for Ages 8-12

Class Description: This class combines visual arts and performance letting students experience multiple steps of creating a play. Design elements include crafting, prop making, and painting projects as students work together using improvisation and physical acting to bring their show to life. Students perform in an original play with hands-on projects to create props, costumes, and set pieces. Classes begin with a group warm up and movement-based game. Students explore crafting and learn skills for collaboration and problem solving. Each session ends with a performance for friends and family.

Shakespeare & Play for Ages 8-12

Class Description: This class introduces students to fundamental concepts for acting Shakespeare. Using scenes from Hamlet, Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, students explore character development and poetic language while learning skills for collaboration. Each class begins with a warmup, movement, and improvisation game. The session ends with a showcase for friends & family.

Film Project for Ages 8-12

Class Description: In this class, students learn the basics of acting for the camera while building skills for confidence, collaboration, and vocal expression. Each class begins with a vocal warm up and game based in movement and improvisation. Students discover their unique screen presence using physical acting exercises to invent characters, improvise scenes, and create their own short film project. There is an invited screening for friends and family in the last class.

Shakespeare & Physical Acting for Ages 13-17

Class Description: This class introduces actors in middle and high school to concepts for Shakespeare and physical acting. Using scenes and monologues from Shakespeare’s plays, students explore character development, heightened language, and given circumstances while learning skills for collaboration and ensemble development. Each class begins with a vocal warm up and game based in movement and improvisation. Students are assigned material and characters as they work in small groups and receive generous feedback from our teaching artists.

Summer Workshop Series for Ages 13-17

Description: Our summer workshop series provide an opportunity for middle and high school students to explore specific elements of actor training in a series of one-day workshops. Students take a deep dive into monologues, scene study, stage combat, audition techniques, and Shakespeare. Each class includes a vocal and physical warm-up, movement, and theater games. There is an invited showcase for friends and family at the end of each workshop for students to share their work.

Teen Ensemble Class for Ages 13-17

Class Description: This class forms an ensemble for teen actors with weekly classes designed to enhance skills for performance and collaboration. Each 8-week module creates a unique experience, in which students explore audition techniques, contemporary scene study, and monologues. Specialty classes will focus on subjects including Shakespeare, clowning, stage combat, set design, and musical theatre performance. There is a combination of group work and individual instruction as teachers work generously with each student. Students are assigned material and spend time preparing outside of class. Additionally, students are invited to participate in special events, including group trips to see professional theater productions. There is an invited showcase for friends and family at the of each session giving students the opportunity to share their work.

Physical Acting and Audition Techniques for Ages 13-17

This class introduces advanced concepts for audition techniques through movement and physical acting. Class includes a vocal and physical warm-up, games, and performance projects designed to elicit vocal and physical freedom. Physical acting invites students to explore the benefits of laughter through movement, performance, and playful improvisation. In this class, actors learn valuable skills for auditioning and participate in group exercises to build range, flexibility, and self-care.

Summer Camp in Lincoln Woods State Park for Ages 6-12

Camp Description: Studio Playground teaches classes for all ages based in clown and physical acting. Join us for our summer theater camp in Lincoln Woods State Park! Our classes invite students to explore the benefits of laughter through movement, performance, and playful improvisation. Our summer camp embodies the same principles! Students ages 6-12 have a fun-filled week of theater games, arts and crafts, and outdoor activities. Our Create and Perform Program provides hands-on crafting projects as students create costumes and props to bring their original show to life. Each week culminates in an outdoor performance for friends and family. All of this takes place in the picturesque environment of Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln, Rhode Island.

Mini Camp in Lincoln Woods for Ages 5-6

Camp Description: Join Studio Playground for our Mini Theater Camp in Lincoln Woods State Park for ages 5-6! Our summer camp embodies the same principles! Studio Playground classes explore the benefits of laughter through performance and playful improvisation. Our Mini Theater Camp in Lincoln Woods State Park introduces children ages 5-6 to performance as they play theater games, enjoy arts and crafts, and learn to collaborate with classmates. Students explore the benefits of laughter through movement and playful improvisation. Each week ends with a brief performance with an exhibition of games and Studio Playground concepts.