The Capital Region of New York’s Premier Musical Theatre Training Program
PLAYHOUSE STAGE CO’s EDUCATION PROGRAMS - TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF MUSICAL THEATRE ARTISTS
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Welcome to Playhouse Stage Academy — the youth training arm of Playhouse Stage Company, based at the historic Cohoes Music Hall in Cohoes, NY. As the region's largest pre-professional theatre training program for students ages 5–18, we offer year-round classes in musical theatre, dance, acting, and technical theatre, taught by a professional performing arts faculty.
Our goal is bigger than the stage: every class is built to develop confidence, collaboration, and creativity, alongside real technique. Many of our students go on to perform in Playhouse Stage Company's productions at Cohoes Music Hall and Park Playhouse, and our Conservatory track supports students pursuing college-level musical theatre training.
Playhouse Stage Academy is proud to be part of a nonprofit organization committed to making theatre training accessible to every student, regardless of background or ability to pay. No student has ever been turned away from Playhouse Stage Academy due to inability to pay. Payment plans available for all classes at the time of registration. Contact Director of Education AshleySimone Kirchner (ashley@playhousestage.org) for an additional tuition assistance application if needed.
Our Programs —
Playhouse Stage Academy offers evening classes for students 4-18 years old with ranging skill levels - from beginners to advanced students. For students hoping to pursue a musical theatre college degree and career in the performing arts, our Conservatory program allows like minded pre-professional students to work together in 5+ classes weekly in all facets of musical theatre training. PSA also provides multiple production opportunities annually, for students to use their skills honed in the classroom to work as pre-professionals on the process of mounting a musical.
Young Artists,
Ages 5-10
Our classes for young students have a three-fold approach and introduce students to acting, singing and dancing. Stories can be told with our voices, our intentions and our bodies - and we encourage a sense of play for young students as they learn the fundamentals of musical theatre!
Acting Classes
From introductory acting and character building to scene study and analysis, our acting program provides students with a multi-year curriculum to deepen their understanding of various acting styles and techniques including Uta Hagen, Meisner and Anne Bogart’s Viewpoints.
Dance Classes
Multi-level dance classes are available in various techniques including ballet, tap, modern (Horton), jazz and musical theatre dance. Intended to strengthen the mind and body and focus on proper technique and placement, dance is a vital skill for all musical theatre performers.
Musical Theatre Techniques &
Vocal Classes
Singing a song with good vocal health and technique is essential - and so is using the words of a song to tell a story. In coaching classes, we focus on storytelling through song in a one on one performance and observation setting. Students will feel more confident in preparing for their next audition!
Conservatory
For advanced pre-professional students hoping to pursue a degree and career in musical theatre, Conservatory is a multi-discipline focused musical theatre education. The perfect preparation for college auditions.
Tykes Productions
For students ages 5-10, these non-audition based productions provide our youngest students with an introductory level experience in all of the elements of putting on a musical.
Kids Productions
For students ages 8 through their middle school years, our Kids Productions are audition based and take one step further in all elements of production and performance experience. It is encouraged for students in Kid’s productions to begin taking regular classes!
Teen Productions
High school students are able to work alongside professionals in every aspect of production. Truly pre-professional in their presentation, these fully realized productions are audition based and intended to work in tandem with classes.
Our Offices
Cohoes Music Hall
58 Remsen St.
Cohoes, NY 12047
Our Studios
Playhouse Stage Studios
95 Remsen St.
Cohoes, NY 12047
Contact
AshleySimone Kirchner
Director of Education
(518) 434-2035 x102
ashley@playhousestage.org
