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.

Smith Hill Library Performing Arts Studio Playground
studio playground theater company for kids in providence rhode island sponsor bankport
studio playground theater company for kids in providence rhode island sponsor bankport

Program Description

Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS) is a free program for children ages 7-11 with Studio Playground and Community Libraries of Providence. Over the course of one week, students adapt a children's book into a play using movement & improvisation. Each week ends with a performance at Smith Hill Library located at 31 Candace Street in Providence. Performances occur Thursday July 2 at 4:00pm and Friday July 24 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. 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

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the actor’s tools of voice, body & imagination

  • Adapt a book into a live performance

  • Engage an audience in narrative storytelling

  • Skills for communication, collaboration & self-awareness

FAQ’s

  1. 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.

  2. Does the program provide snacks or lunch?

    No, the program does not provide snacks or lunch.

  3. 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-freelunch.

  4. Is 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 or by an adult on the child’s authorized pick-up form by the end of class.

  5. How do I purchase tickets for the performance?

    Tickets may be purchased using our registration system below. Suggested minimum donation is $10 per person.

  6. Donations support our Camp Fund, providing supplies and 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.

Donate to Studio Playground!

Your gift creates access to theater education for kids in Rhode Island. Studio Playround fosters individual growth for children in our community by using the performing arts to promote acceptance & empowerment.

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.

Suggested donation of $10 per person

Performing Arts in Libraries (PALS) was funded by the Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism in partnership with Community Libraries of Providence. Adaptations were 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.

Ready to get in on the fun?!