Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS)
March 11 - May 12, 2026
Location: Smith Hill Library - Community Libraries of Providence
Address: 31 Candace St, Providence, RI 02908
Class Time: Wednesdays, 4:45-6:15pm
Performance: Tuesday May 12 at 4:30pm (students arrive at 4:00pm, if possible)
Schedule
Wednesday March 11, 4:45-6:15pm
Wednesday March 18, 4:45-6:15pm
Wednesday March 25, 4:45-6:15pm
Wednesday April 1, 4:45-6:15pm
Wednesday April 8, 4:45-6:15pm
Wednesday April 15, 4:45-6:15pm
NO CLASS APRIL 22
Wednesday April 29, 4:45-6:15pm
Wednesday May 6, 4:45-6:15pm
Performance on Tuesday, May 12 at 4:45pm (students arrive at 4:00pm, if possible)
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 Tuesday May 12 at 4:30pm.
There is no cost for registration. Please note that space is limited and registration is required. Register on our website below or visit Smith Hill Library to register in person.
PALS is funded by the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture & Tourism (ACT).
Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS)
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 May 12, 2026.
PAL is entirely free for the community. 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
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).
Studio Playround fosters individual growth for children in our community by using the performing arts to promote acceptance & empowerment. To donate support our work, 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.