Studio Playground in the News
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Motif Magazine, 2024
“Laughter and the performing arts can transcend differences."
-Artistic Director, Matthew Bretschneider, Motif Magazine
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Providence Monthly, 2023
“This sentiment is the bedrock philosophy of Studio Playground.”
-Robert Isenberg, Providence Monthly
”If you go on stage and make someone laugh, you’ll boost their serotonin, you’ll boost their endorphins, you’ll relieve their stress, you’ll speed up their immune system. So the idea is, if you’re feeling nervous to go on stage, it’s an act of generosity. It’s an act of bravery. You can change the world that way.”
-Studio Playground Founders, Matthew Bretschneider & Stefanie Resnick
For information about upcoming acting classes and summer theater programs for kids, visit: Rhode Island
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Pawtucket Times, 2023
-Jon Baker, Pawtucket Times
“When you’re working on clown as a professional actor, it’s good for flexibility, for range, for emotional intelligence, physical intelligence, and when we offer it to children, one of the concepts we start with is the gift of laughter. Essentially, we’re trying to teach students to be generous with their work. We talk about the health benefits of laughter - the release of endorphins and serotonin, relief from stress. We’re trying to teach them that if they make someone laugh, they’re going to make that person feel better, which may help them live a little longer and make the world a more compassionate place to live in. If a child is nervous about going onstage, one of the concepts we reiterate to them is that if they make someone laugh, they are doing something good for someone else. That’s why we risk it.”
-Studio Playground Founders, Matthew Bretschneider & Stefanie Resnick
For information about upcoming acting classes and summer theater programs for kids, visit: Rhode Island
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Interview with Studio Playground founders, Matthew Bretschneider & Stefanie Resnick: Discover Rhode Island
401 Gives 2026
Studio Playgroud is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
Your donation creates access to arts education for children in Rhode Island.
Donations to Studio Playground for 401 Gives support our Camp Fund, which provides supplies & need-based scholarships for our Theater Camp in Lincoln Woods State Park.
Programs for Kids
Storytelling & Play for Ages 4-6
Providence, Rhode Island
More Info: Spring 2026
Play Creation for Ages 7-9
Providence, Rhode Island
More Info: Spring 2026
Classes for Adults
Laughing Club with Christopher Bayes
Virtual on Zoom
More Info: Laughing Club Fundraiser
Monologues & Physical Acting
Boston Center for the Arts
March 6-7, 2026
More Info: Weekend Workshop
Coaching for Actors & Performers
Boston, Providence & NYC
More Info: Acting Coaching
Summer Programs
Acting Intensive for Ages 13-17
July 6, 7 & 10, 2026
Providence, Rhode Island
More Info: Register
PVD Theater Camp for Ages 5-10
July 13-17, 2026
Providence, Rhode Island
More Info: Register
Theater Camp in Lincoln Woods State Park for Ages 5-11
August 3-21, 2026
Lincoln, Rhode Island
More Info: Register
Guest Classes and Workshops
Available across Rhode Island
Inquiries: info@studioplayground.org
Work with Us
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, 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.
If interested in volunteering for Studio Playground, email: info@studioplayground.org.
Mission Statement & Core Values
We believe all children deserve opportunities for creative enrichments & 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 & respected, we encourage bravery & compassion.
Our teaching philosophy is based on meeting students where they are & modeling compassion, respect & inclusion. Our programs foster empowerment by teaching the health benefits of laughter, facilitating the physical and emotional benefits of play & 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 performance & playful improvisation.
Our curriculum integrates concepts for social-emotional learning with a focus on self-awareness & relationship skills. Studio Playground serves over 250 children annually. Our programs include weekly acting classes in Providence, theater camps, and after-school programs across Rhode Island.
Partner with Studio Playground
We are proud to partner with organizations that share our values and commitment to providing access to theater education. Our partners include Boys & Girls Club of Providence, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Children’s Opportunity Zone (COZ), Moses Brown School, Gordon School, Jacqueline Walsh School for the Arts, Providence Children’s Museum, and & the American Alliance for Theatre & Education. To request a professional development workshop or after-school program, email: info@studioplayground.org.
Summer Programs
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Reach out to info@studioplayground.org to request information abou our annual summer theater camp in Lincoln Woods State Park.
Classes in Providence
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For information about upcoming acting classes for kids in Providence, visit: Providence Classes
Classes in Boston
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For information about upcoming acting classes for adults in Boston, visit: Boston Center for the Arts
