Steeped in the concept and practice of ensemble, the StudioStage program allows young actors to study the craft of acting and musical theatre at their own pace, even as we focus on creating a strong and vibrant group dynamic. While striving towards their unique and individual artistic goals, our students are surrounded by a supportive company of fellow artists and are guided by a professional and caring staff of teaching artists.

The StudioStage program combines class and rehearsal into each session, so that students are learning acting technique and perfecting their musical theatre skills while working on material they will ultimately perform. Members of the Ensemble are asked to take creative risks in each class and rehearsal, and to support one another through the artistic process. The result is a non-competitive environment, where each student flourishes, both individually and as a member of the artistic ensemble.

Once a week, students arrive at PGT and greet their cast, Director and Musical Director. They spend one hour exploring the nuances of Acting Technique through exercises, games, scene work, monologues and poetry. During their second hour, actors approach the craft through music – learning the tenets of healthy singing, how to blend their voices as an ensemble, how to approach songs as actors, not just singers and, ultimately, staging and choreographing musical numbers.

The final result is a performance, staged in our 80 seat Studio Theatre, of poetry, music, monologues, scenes and dance. It is a performance that comes entirely and organically from a sound creative process and is infused with the unique energy of each cast.

The staff of the StudioStage program creates a warm and nurturing, yet creatively charged, artistically challenging environment. Actors are encouraged to work beyond what comes easily and naturally to them, to take creative risks in their work and to always, above all else, respect the work, ideas and creative impulses of their peers.

Each level of the StudioStage program provides unique and exciting challenges. As our students grow, we look forward to watching them move from one level to the next. In addition, we love to see our StudioStage actors move on to audition for our MainStage program. If you have questions about which program, or which level of StudioStage, is right for you (or for your child) please do not hesitate to contact Jill at 946-4433 or jill@playgroup.org.

PGT Kids (ages 7-10), The Young Actors' Ensemble (ages 11-13) and The Teen Conservatory (ages 14+) each meet for two hours, once a week, with one extra tech rehearsal during the week before the performance. There is no audition necessary.

This program is appropriate for the novice actor who is just trying theatre for the first time, as well as for more experienced students who are looking for a performance program with a lighter commitment than the PGT MainStage program. Material is chosen to suit each individual actor, allowing work to be done on a variety of levels by each member of the group.

PGT KIDS ages 7-10 Mondays or Thursdays
During each two hour session, Kids, ages 7-10, can expect to spend time working on the basics of acting, movement and voice, as well as surprise theatrical activities and craft projects. Each session will also include rehearsal time, where students will be encouraged to apply the creative skills they are learning to text and song. The final result is a unique performance of poetry, music and dance which will be held in our new Studio Theater.

YOUNG ACTORS' ENSEMBLE (YAE) ages 11-13 Tuesdays
As our students grow, they are ready to tackle more sophisticated work and to focus more intensely on the craft. The Young Actors' Ensemble allows our Middle School age students to hone their skills as they continue on their artistic journey, and to work on material that speaks directly to them. Craft time will be replaced by writing time, as students begin to lend their own voices to the process. (Though surprise activities may still emerge from time to time!) The final result is a performance, in our new studio theater, that is infused with the personalities, thoughts and ideas of the cast.

TEEN CONSERVATORY ages 14+ Wednesdays Once our students reach High School age, they are ready for a more challenging and artistically demanding program. The Teen Conservatory provides this opportunity within the nurturing, supportive environment that defines every PGT experience. Students in this program will have the opportunity to help guide and shape the direction of their show. Through improvisation, writing exercises and cast discussions, a collection of scenes, monologues, music and poetry will be created. Each student's voice - and the voice of the group as a whole - will be apparent in the final showcase performance, to be held in our new Studio Theater.

Use this season's Registration Form to enroll in our new PGT StudioStage performance program.

Additional actor training and performance opportunities are available in PGT's Classes and MainStage program.

If you have any questions about which actor training program is right for you, you may reach Jill Abusch, Artistic Director, at 914-946-4433 or by email at jill@playgroup.org.