Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS)
Round One
June 29 - July 2, 2026
Round Two
July 20 - July 24, 2026
LOCATION: Smith Hill Library (Community Libraries of Providence)
ADDRESS: 31 Candace St, Providence, Rhode Island, 02908
PERFORMANCES
Thursday July 2 at 4:00pm (Round One)
Friday July 24 at 4:00pm (Round Two)
ROUND ONE SCHEDULE
Monday June 29, 1:00p.m.-4:00p.m.
Tuesday June 30, 1:00p.m.-4:00p.m.
Wednesday July 1, 1:00p.m.-4:00p.m.
Thursday July 2, 1:00p.m.-4:00p.m.
Performance Thursday, July 2 at 4:00p.m.
ROUND TWO SCHEDULE
Monday July 20, 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
Tuesday July 21, 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
Wednesday July 22, 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
Thursday July 23, 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m.
Friday July 24, 1:00p.m.-4:00p.m. (Note Time Change)
Performance Friday, July 24 at 4:00p.m.
Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS) is a free after-school program for children between the ages of 7-11 with Studio Playground and Community Libraries of Providence. Students attend weekly classes as they adapt a children's book into a play using movement & improvisation for a performance at Smith Hill Library located at 31 Candace Street in Providence on Thursday July 2 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. Registration opens March 20.
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
Support Our Camp Fund during 401 Gives!
Program Description
Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS) is a free after-school program for children ages 7-11 offered by Studio Playground with Community Libraries of Providence. Students attend weekly classes as they adapt a children's book into a theatrical performance using movement & improvisation. There is a public performance on July 2, 2026.
The PALS Program is entirely free. Registration is required. Space is limited. Classes begin with a warm up & physical acting game as students learn the fundamental concepts of voice, body & imagination. The program introduces skills for performing arts & teaches valuable concepts to support social-emotional learning.
Learning Objectives
Understand the actor’s tools of voice, body & imagination
Adapt a piece of literature into a live performance
Engage an audience in narrative storytelling
Skills for communication, collaboration & self-awareness
FAQ’s
Is there cost to enroll?
No, there is no cost to enroll. Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS) is a free program provided by Studio Playground in partnership with Community Libraries of Providence (CLPVD). PALS is funded by a grant awarded by the Providence Department of Art, Culture & Tourism (ACT) in partnership with BankNewport. Please note that space is limited and registration is required. Round 1 and Round 2 are offered separately.
Does the program provide snacks or lunch?
No, the program does not provide snacks or lunch.
Should my child bring a snack or lunch?
Yes, children should bring a nut-free snack and a personal refillable water bottle.
For programs between 10:00a.m.-1:00p.m., students should pack a labeled non-refrigerated nut-free lunch.
Is there early drop off or extended day available?
No, there are no optionsn for early drop off or extended day. Children must be signed out by their parent/guardian or an by an adult listed on the child’s authorized pick-up form by the end of class.
How do I purchase tickets for the performance?
Tickets may be purchased using our registration system below. Suggested donation for tickets is $5 per person. Donations support the Camp Fund for Studio Playground, providing scholarships for our Theater Camp in Lincoln Woods State Park.
Funding Arts Education
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.
Studio Playround fosters individual growth for children in Rhode Island by using the performing arts to promote acceptance & empowerment. To donate to our Camp Fund, please visit: Donate.
Studio Playground is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS)
Past Productions
THURSDAY MAY 15, 2025
3 SHORT PLAYS by Studio Playground
Presented at Wanskuck Library in Providence
IT’S OKAY, SLOW LIZZARD
Adapted from the book by Yeorim Yoon & Jian Kim
HIDDEN CITY
Adapted from the book of poetry by Sarah Grace Tuttle
HAMLET, SCENE 1
by William Shakespeare
Showtime:
Thursday May 15 @ 5pm
Location:
Wanskuck Library, 233 Veazie St, Providence
Reservations:
To resereve tickets, please use the link below.
Tickets are “Pay What You Can” with a suggested donation of $5 per person.
Performing Arts in Libraries (PAL) is funded by the Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism in partnership with Community Libraries of Providence. Adaptations are produced with permission of the authors and publishers, Yonder: Restless Books for Young Readers and Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.
Safey Guidelines
Please note this policy is subject to change.
Wearing a mask is optional for staff and students. Class size is limited. Staff keep daily attendance records for contact tracing, provide hand sanitizer, and encourage hand hygiene. Any student who has a fever is advised not attend class. Students must be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to class.