Our Founder

Jocelyn Greene founded Child’s Play NY in 2009 as a way to transform theater education in her community. She drew from her work as a student (MFA, NYU Graduate Acting, BA, Wesleyan University), an actor (The Public Theater, NYSF), and a teacher (Will Power to Youth, Oddfellows Playhouse, Epic Theater) to develop the rigorous curriculum and imagination-based games that ignite the program today. Jocelyn and directs 100s of students each year in dozens of productions from Shakespeare to Sophocles.

Jocelyn was raised by actor-parents in New York and Los Angeles and now lives in Brooklyn with her actor-husband and 5 year old son. She loves re-imagining fairy tales and making up new games whenever there’s a snow day. Click here to learn more about her.

We are extremely grateful to the communities in New York that have been supportive of our growth and believe in our potential and the power of play.

In Service

Every year we give back to the schools and organizations in the neighborhoods that we serve. Some of the schools we support through donations are: PS8, PS261, PS372, PS133, PS32, PS261, PS40, PS372, PS32 and many more.

We are proud to have a partnership with The Drama Club, a non-profit organization that brings theater classes to youth serving in detention centers. We offer an annual class at Child’s Play NY where proceeds go directly to The Drama Club to support their worthy company.

Since our inception in 2009, we have been offering scholarships to select students. Please contact us if you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to take part in our programming.

What our customers say…

“Child’s Play NY is a gem for New York City families! Jocelyn is nothing short of a genius in her capacity to unleash a child’s imagination and to develop capacities for self-confidence, social skills, and creative expression. As a parent, professional actor, and NJ licensed social worker, I highly recommend the Child’s Play NY experience for any child. “
Katharine Roman LSW Comprehensive Mental Health Services
“Child’s Play has been instrumental in providing structured play and learning, building confidence and self-esteem, and providing supportive, positive relationships among the kids and with staff.  I can’t say enough about how much my daughter has enjoyed each rehearsal and play. Theater offers an outlet for emotion and experimentation that is safe and supportive… and the staff could not be more amazing.”
Michele Perlman
“My oldest son was among Jocelyn’s first kids in her program and my middle son started participating not long after. They are now 11 and 7 and still eagerly participating in both after school and camp programs. I cannot say enough good things about Jocelyn and her staff as well as the whole approach to what they do. It is totally process-focused rather than performance focused.”
Vanessa Wise, City Center