Performances in Schools

A troupe of Child’s Play NY actors perform an original adaptation of a classic tale and as they do, they engage the children in theater games to bring the characters and plot to life. The shows are filled with humor with universal themes of community and bravery. The work supports social-emotional learning in an artistic, interactive style.

Little Red & The Rainbow Forest

for PreK-3rd Grade

In this imaginative re-telling of Little Red Riding Hood, theater games and classic fairy tales meld in an interactive performance led by Child’s Play NY teaching artists! All the colors of the Rainbow Forest have been gobbled up by the Big Bad Wolf, leaving the world drab and emotionless. But Little Red Riding Hood has a plan to rescue the rainbow. With the help of the audience, she will triumph over the blahs and bring back feelings to the enchanted forest!

Jack and the Beanstalk

for Grades PreK-3rd Grade

Children engage in a story and practice bravery, silliness, improvisation, singing and more! The games that kids play here promote emotional intelligence, social skills and executive function skills as well. These engaging original takes on classic tales can be presented live in-person or as a movie to screen for your group for a virtual field trip.

Follow Jack on a quest to rescue a magic harp! Help Jack and other characters out along the way using our favorite theater games. Bravery and wit are on display in this imaginative retelling!

Atalanta & The Great Race

for Grades 3-5

Child’s Play NY actors retell the story of Atalanta and the Great Race and engage the audience in an interactive Talk Show with the characters as well. Part Greek Myth adventure, part live improv comedy show. The audience comes away with a new appreciation for the classic tale and love playing the imaginative games along with the actors

Literacy Alive: Story Soup

for PreK-K

Watch us go from the page to the stage for an interactive retelling of a classic children’s fable! Our professional teaching artist-actors recreate a piece of dynamic children’s literature for an audience at your school or community. Throughout the performance, kids are actively involved; their voices, movements and especially giggles become part of the exuberant show.

Adventure with a brave animal as she uses her wiles to get out of the weasel’s soup pot in this collection of humorous and interactive fables inspired by the Arnold Lobel classic.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

For Elementary & Middle Schools

Child’s Play NY actors perform a 45 minute version of one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The performance is followed by a talkback with the actors and theater exercises with the students. Using the play’s plot and characters as a lens, the post-show talk will explore relationships, conflict, empathy and perspective.

“Child's Play bringing 'Atalanta' to our school for summer camp was a game changer for having an engaging and playful showcase of talent for our campers to enjoy. The performance is so captivating that our counselors, too, were on the edge of their seats, laughing just as loudly as the children. Atalanta is a fun mix of dramatic storytelling while adding elements of audience participation that was ideal for our range of ages (ages 5-9). Child's Play provides reliable and talented teachers and actors to imaginatively entertain and support the children across our community. Bringing this performance to camp always offered me and my team peace of mind, as CPNY always show up so fully and with incredible energy.”

Laura McGinley, Director of Extended Programs, Friends Seminary

“Thank you for an excellent event, it was a hit! The kids really got a chance to get silly and be creative in a new way. Your instructors were wonderful and really embraced the children. I would love to do another event in the future. ”

Alyssa Sher, Bridge to Life, LESC