Welcome to STAGES PLAYLAB!
BUILD CONFIDENCE, FOCUS, AND ENSEMBLE SKILLS!
LEARN TO LISTEN, RESPOND, AND SHINE ON STAGE!
STAGES PLAYLAB! | ages 9-10
limited to 12 Students per 5-week session
STAGES PLAYLAB is a theater training experience designed for growing performers — students ready to level up from creative play into the building blocks of real performance. In PLAYLAB, students build essential ensemble and acting skills while exploring bold, theatrically scripted stories in each themed session.
Whether solving a mystery in a crumbling mansion or stepping into the lives of passengers aboard the Titanic, STAGES PLAYLAB performers practice working together, listening actively, and responding truthfully — just like in a real rehearsal room. Each 5-week session is guided by STAGES Teaching Artists and culminates in a short, informal sharing for family and friends.
Students in STAGES PlayLab will:
- Take on characters they didn’t invent themselves — and learn how to bring them to life
- Practice improvisation and scripted work to strengthen collaboration and focus
- Build confidence through active listening, reacting truthfully, and making bold choices
- Learn how to support their scene partners and shine as part of an ensemble
- Develop skills in memorization, movement, voice, and storytelling — while having fun!
The new STAGES PLAYLAB program is designed to bridge the gap between early childhood theater programs and STAGES’ mainstage performance opportunities for older students. It’s the perfect next step for kids who are ready for more structure, more challenge, and more ensemble-based creation.
STAGES PLAYLAB offers separate 5-week sessions throughout the school year. Students can join any – or all! – of these unique, standalone programs, running on Tuesdays from 4:00PM-5:00PM. The first session for the upcoming school year begins on September 15, 2026.
No previous theater experience is required — just a willingness to play, try new things, and grow together!
Frequently Asked Questions!
PlayLab is designed to help young performers grow their skills and confidence — while continuing to have fun and stay creative.
Will there be a final show?
Each STAGES PLAYLAB session ends with a short, informal presentation for family and friends. These low-pressure sharings allow students to showcase what they’ve learned in a supportive, encouraging environment — without the stress of a large-scale production. It’s a celebration of their growth, teamwork, and creativity, designed to build confidence and joy in performing.
My student would be a great fit for this program, but is not quite 9 years old. Can you make an exception?
If your student is not quite 9, and you feel like PLAYLAB would be a good fit, please reach out. STAGES will consider these requests on a case by case basis. Please note: Registrations for students falling outside of the program age range must be handled by STAGES, as our registration system will not permit you to do so on your own. STAGES offers mainstage theater opportunities for kids ages 11+, as well as fun and age-appropriate programming for younger students through our PLAYVENTURE (ages 7-8) and PET VETS (ages 5-6) programs.
Have questions about whether STAGES PLAYLAB is the right fit for your student? Contact us — we’re happy to help!
UPCOMING PLAYLAB PROGRAMS
TUESDAYS
4:00PM-5:00PM
Sept 15 – Oct 13
TUESDAYS
4:00PM-5:00PM
Feb 23 – Mar 30
TUESDAYS
4:00PM-5:00PM
Oct 20 – Nov 17
TUESDAYS
4:00PM-5:00PM
Apr 6 – May 11
TUESDAYS
4:00PM-5:00PM
Jan 12 – Feb 9
UPCOMING STAGES PLAYLAB PROGRAMS!
Tuition: $138 per each 5-week session. Payment installment options are available. Please plan accordingly – all STAGES Tuition Deposits are Non-Refundable, except in the form of an account credit to be used toward future programs. Financial Assistance is available.
“The best part about having my child in STAGES was it was a place where she could go and be herself. She was accepted and loved for who and what she is. As the parent of a special needs child that is invaluable.”
“When you graduate from STAGES you wish you could do it all over again. STAGES helped me grow as a person and I truly miss it.”