Childsplay

Joy can be a spark for learning.

A new article in Psychology Today explores how joy, curiosity, persistence, and connection can shape the way we learn, including insights from Literacy@Play, our research-practice partnership with Arizona State University.

We're proud to see this work featured and to be part of the ongoing conversation about the role of the arts in young people's learning and well-being.

Read the full article at: psychologytoday.com/us/blog/resonant-minds/202609/tuning-in-to-joy-and-finding-the-spark

🎭✨ First day is officially in the books!

Congratulations to all of our Conservatory students on their first day this past Saturday! We’re so excited to welcome you back and can’t wait to see all the creativity, growth, and magic this semester will bring. 💫

Here’s to a fantastic semester ahead

Childsplay Names Ellen Conn as Managing Director Childsplay's board announced Ellen Conn, the organization's longtime Director of Finance and General Manager, will become Managing Director, succeeding…

BIG NEWS! 🎉 Childsplay has been awarded a Youth Arts Engagement Grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, an agency of the State of Arizona!

This support helps make arts education opportunities possible for young people in our community, bringing creativity, connection, and the joy of theatre into the lives of even more young people.

We’re grateful to the Arizona Commission on the Arts for investing in the power of the arts and in the next generation of artists, storytellers, and dreamers. 💫

Arizona Commission on the Arts

❄️ MEET THE CAST OF THE NATIONAL TOUR! ❄️

We’re hitting the road with THE SNOWY DAY AND OTHER STORIES BY EZRA JACK KEATS! ✨

Meet the talented cast bringing Peter, his family, and Keats’ beloved characters to life on stages across the country:

Deatra D. Branston as Mom (and others)
Ryan L. Jenkins as Peter (and others)
Arjun Paramore Jr. as Dad (and others)

Adapted for the stage by Jerome Hairston, this imaginative musical play brings The Snowy Day, Whistle for Willie, Goggles!, and A Letter to Amy to life through humor, music, and innovative shadow puppetry.

We can’t wait to take this beloved story ON TOUR! ❄️🚐✨

📢Just added📢 We are excited to announce that Childsplay's "The Snowy Day" will take the TCA stage on October 3!❄️ Using innovative shadow puppetry, this musical play covers the topics of childhood joys and challenges of growing up, celebrating the magic and boundless possibilities of the first snowfall. This show is perfect for children and families! Grab your tickets now > https://direc.to/pftP

🎤 Calling all teens who are excited about SINGING, DANCING, and PERFORMING!

CAST is a dynamic ensemble of singers focused on delivering quality vocal performances. The troupe provides young vocalists with the opportunity to explore a DIVERSE range of musical styles, hone their singing skills, and experience the EXCITEMENT of live performance!

Whether you love being on stage, discovering new music, or performing alongside other talented young artists, CAST is a place to GROW your skills, BUILD your confidence, and HAVE FUN doing what you love! 🎶

Head to childsplayaz.org/cast-troupe or the link in bio for more info!

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Harry Mitchell.

A Trustee Emeritus, former member of Childsplay's Board of Trustees, and steadfast champion of our mission, Harry believed in the power of the arts to enrich the lives of young people. His leadership, generosity, and unwavering support helped strengthen Childsplay and our ability to inspire generations of children and families.

Beyond his remarkable legacy of public service to Tempe, Arizona, and our nation, Harry was a treasured friend of Childsplay. His commitment to our organization and to the community will not be forgotten.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Thank you, Harry, for believing in the transformative power of theatre and for helping Childsplay grow into the organization it is today. Your legacy will continue to inspire us.

Our final week of Summer Academy is here!

Join us July 27 to 31 for one last summer adventure:

🦊 Triple Threat: Zootopia (Ages 5 to 7)
Half-Day Musical Theatre Class
AM & PM session options available

Inspired by the energetic worlds of Zootopia, The Lion King, Madagascar, and more, this fun-filled class invites young performers to sing, dance, and act while building confidence and creativity alongside professional teaching artists. No previous experience is needed. Just bring a big imagination!

✨ Sad to see Summer Academy come to an end?

Don't worry! Fall Academy registration is now open with exciting weeknight and weekend classes for young artists of all experience levels.

Learn more and register at childsplayaz.org/academy

Thank you to all of the amazing students, families, and teaching artists who made this Summer Academy unforgettable. We can't wait to see you this fall!