Elizabeth Simmons Joins Playhouse on Park as New Director of Education

"I want to offer a home for the student who wants to grow toward a professional career in theatre, as well as for students who enjoy it as a way to explore their own creativity and imagination!" says Elizabeth Simmons, the newest staff member and Director of Education at Playhouse on Park.

Elizabeth Simmons is a Theatre Educator/Teaching Artist with over 10 years of experience developing programming and building curriculum for theatres, schools, and arts organizations. She recently moved to Connecticut from New York City, and is pleased to be joining the team at Playhouse on Park! She currently teaches at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and Goodspeed Musicals, as well as with Hartford Performs. In New York City she received her Master's Degree in Educational Theatre from the City College of New York. Prior to relocating, Elizabeth worked as a Teaching Artist for the Brooklyn Academy Of Music, Queen's Theatre and the Center for Arts Education. She has served on the New York City Arts in Education Roundtable Committee, and this past year joined the planning committee for the NYC Theatre in Our Schools conference, where she planned logistics and led workshops for over 80 arts administrators, teachers, and teaching artists. As an actress, Elizabeth recently appeared as Miep in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK at Playhouse on Park: other favorite credits include: Stephanie Crawford (TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD), Mrs.Rogers (AND THEN THERE WERE NONE), Annie (TABLE MANNERS) and Catherine (BOSTON MARRIAGE).

Now in its Ninth Season, Playhouse on Park continues to offer theater education to young actors, kindergarten through high school, with a variety of classes. Creative Kids teaches children to learn the basics of theater through creative play. Exercises and games will focus on acting, storytelling, puppetry, music, and movement.

Film, TV and Commercials introduces kids to the world of portraying a character both on and off camera through basic scene work, games, and movement. Students will be filmed throughout the class. Media exercises will include: news anchor, weather reports, news releases, public announcements, commercial monologues, commercial scenes, and film auditions/sides.

In Improvisation, students will often be given vague scenarios to complete utilizing only their creative skills and knowledge of improvisation.

Actor Performance Training Program guides students to study improvisation and ensemble building, then will move to an in-depth study of creating a character using techniques for voice and body. Adult Improvisation is also offered as a class. Spring sessions begin on April 16.

In addition to fall, winter and spring sessions, the Playhouse on Park Education Department offers an awesome Summer Program for young actors, including Master Classes. Interns at the college level join in to assist with the summer classes, and additional summer programming. Those interested in a summer internship can email Elizabeth at esimmons@playhousetheatregroup.org.

When asked about the mission of the Education Department at Playhouse on Park, Simmons remarked, "We want the education department to be a home for students to learn the vocabulary, habits and joy of performing in a safe and comfortable environment. Artistic quality and community, that's what the Playhouse is to me, and what I hope to share with the participants in our educational programs."

For more information on our Education Department, please call the box office at 860-523-5900 x10 or visit www.playhouseonpark.org. Playhouse on Park is located at 244 Park Road, West Hartford, CT 06119.

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