Classes for Actors and Performers in Providence
Providence classes are BACK!
Join Studio Playground at AS 220 in Providence, Rhode Island.
Providence: July 15
Theatrical Movement Class with Alex Crespo-Rosario
AS 220 in Providence
Monday, 6pm-8pm
Providence: August 5
Clown & Physical Acting with Matthew Bretschneider
AS 220 in Providence
Monday August 5, 6pm-8pm
Theatrical Movement
Instructed by Alexander Crespo-Rosario
Transform pedestrian movement into dance through observation, playful improvisation, and physical exercises. Not an experienced dancer? No worries! This class focuses on guiding each participant to create movement phrases which enhance expression and narrative storytelling. Students will explore elements of choreography, clown, and ensemble dance.
Clown & Physical Acting
Instructed by Matthew Bretschneider
It's a clown class! It's a physical acting class! Clown invites you to come as you are, shake off your social mask, and explore the health benefits of laughter through movement, performance, and playful improvisation. Each class includes a vocal and physical warm up, movement, games, and performance projects designed to elicit vocal and physical freedom. Our classes are for everyone: actors, movers, anyone with a desire to connect through laughter and playful improvisation. Let’s laugh, sing, and make a beautiful ruckus.
Creating Characters
Instructed by Anna Basile
Create an original character who can walk out of this workshop and into the world! Through rigorous physical practice and playful improvisation, students will draw inspiration from the natural world, incorporate those observations into the moving body, and build a complex and compelling character for the stage. Add another skill to your actor’s toolbox, or come simply to play and find new creative possibilities!
Theatrical Movement Class
Date: Monday July 15
Time: 6pm-8pm
Class Fee: $35 per person
Location: AS 220 in Providence
Address: 115 Empire St, Providence, RI 02903
This class is instructed by Alexander Crespo-Rosario.
Clown & Physical Acting
Date: Monday August 5
Time: 6pm-8pm
Class Fee: $35 per person
Location: AS 220 in Providence
Address: 115 Empire St, Providence, RI 02903
This class is instructed by Matthew Bretschneider.
Studio Playground classes are for everyone: actors, performers, anyone with a desire to connect through laughter and playful improvisation. Whether this is your first acting class, or you are an experienced professional, come play! Reach out with questions to info@studioplayground.org.
Matthew Bretschneider, MSW (he/him) is the Managing Director and Founding Co-Artistic Director of Studio Playground. He is an Adjunct Professor at Rhode Island College where he teaches clown and physical acting. Matthew has performed with the Huntington Theatre Company, The Flea Theater, Theatre Row, The New Ohio, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Kitchen Theatre Company, and Boston Playwrights’ Theatre. Television Credits include Law & Order: SVU and The Path. Matthew received his MSW from Rhode Island College School of Social Work and has extensive experience teaching theater in clinical spaces with a focus on self-care, empowerment, and ensemble development. Matthew received a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts with additional training from The Pandemonium Studio, Movement Theater Studio, and The Clown School. He has trained extensively with Christopher Bayes and has studied physical acting with Norman Taylor, Mary Overlie, Orlando Pabotoy, David Bridel, Gabriel Levey and many more. Matthew teaches physical theater for Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Trinity Repertory Company, Walnut Hill School for the Arts, and Suffolk University.
Education: MSW, Rhode Island College School of Social Work; BFA, Tisch School for the Arts, New York University
“Matthew Bretschneider was clearly cast for his physical acting and his ability to slip easily for one distinct character into another”.
-Theater Mirror, 2022, Common Ground Revisited at the Huntington Theatre Company
“Matthew gently encouraged us to expand into the full range of emotions. There is a surprising feeling of comfort in exploring those edges and allowing them to breathe.”
-Student Testimonial
“Thank you for creating a space where fun, fear, and freedom of expression could be genuinely explored.”
-Student Testimonial
Matthew's class is a safe space! I loved how everyone in the class supported each other. If you are curious about clowning, take Matthew's class!
-Student Testimonial
Mathew was a super articulate and insightful instructor. The exercises in class encouraged a relinquishing of control and we were all guided along in a non-judgemental supportive way.
-Student Testimonial
Alexander Crespo-Rosario (he/him) Alexander Crespo-Rosario (he/him) is a Native Taino, born in Puerto Rico. He is a graduate of Rhode Island College, with a background in modern dance, physical acting, and musical theatre. Crespo started his career as a B-boy representing the All City Rockers crew. He then studied and worked with Alexandra Beller, Billy Siegenfeld, Rennie Harris, and Marta Renzi, among others. He most recently worked in Burbage Theatre Company’s productions of Our Dear Dead Drug Lord as Pablo, JUNK as Raul Rivera, and Rhode Island Latino Arts/Trinity Reps production of La Mancha as Filiberto, Andres, and ensemble. Crespo is one of the first recipients of the Miranda Scholarship, an award given by Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Miranda Family for artists of color who have shown, “exceptional passion, drive, and unique points of view in various artistic mediums.” As an active artist, his work focuses on connection and emotional range through theatre and dance. Crespo is an Artistic Associate for Studio Playground and member of Metamorphosis Dance Company.
Education: BA, Rhode Island College, Musical Theatre & Dance
Safety Policy - Classes for Adults
Please note this policy is subject to change.
Here is our protocol for adult classes as of 6/20/24:
All participants must be 18 years or older to attend.
Wearing masks is optional.
Class size is limited to 16 students.
Any student experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19 or the flu, including fever, cough, and congestion, is advised to contact us and please not attend class.