This May, the Actors Playground School of Theatre in New Jersey celebrates its 20th anniversary—a milestone for a school that has become a vital artistic sanctuary, known for its trailblazing curriculum and commitment to nurturing young performers.
Founded in 2005 by Artistic Director Ralph Colombino, the school has grown into one of the region’s most respected creative institutions, changing lives and using the power of storytelling to spark meaningful change.
For two decades, Actors Playground has prioritised a culture where young actors feel secure, empowered, and artistically stimulated.
“When a student truly feels supported, not just by their teacher, but by their classmates as well, their self-esteem will be strengthened,” says Colombino. “That’s when their work will skyrocket.”
A Tradition of Training and Transformation
Led by a faculty of working professionals and qualified theatre educators, the school’s curriculum covers a wide spectrum of acting disciplines. Its mission is to nurture confidence, imagination, and self-expression. What truly distinguishes the school, however, is its unparalleled out-of-class support, including free private coaching and taping sessions for auditions and drama school applications—an extraordinary offering in performing arts education.
These efforts have paid dividends. Alumni have gone on to attend elite theatre programmes, with ten currently studying at the esteemed Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University. Among its successful students are Shea Grant, now starring in Stranger Things on Broadway, and Ryan Buggle, who has portrayed Noah Benson on Law & Order: SVU for eight consecutive years.
Theatre With a Purpose
Actors Playground also runs the Playground Theatre Project (PTP), a socially engaged ensemble of student leaders who travel the country presenting original, hard-hitting plays that tackle issues such as racism, bullying, mental health, and youth violence. The group’s long-running production Lost Angels has remained a resonant, emotional experience for over a decade.
Following a recent performance, Lanette Mantle, Adolescent Health/Suicide Prevention Programme Manager, said:
“Many kids said they finally understood what they were going through and wanted to know how to get help. This play gave them the words.”
The school’s youngest outreach initiative is the Mini Misfits, a primary school-aged troupe that delivers anti-bullying performances across the region. Active for 15 years and believed to be the world’s youngest theatre group addressing social issues, they embody the Playground’s belief in the power of art to effect positive change.
More Than a School
For many, Actors Playground is more than just a training centre—it’s a home. Parents and pupils alike describe the school as a space where young people not only learn their craft, but also find friendship, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
“It’s not just a place where my son could study his craft, hone his skills, and feed his passion,” said one parent. “It’s a place where he could feel safe, encouraged, and cared for. AP ROCKS!”
Looking to the Future
As Actors Playground celebrates this landmark anniversary, its vision for the future remains steadfast: to continue offering exceptional theatre training in a supportive environment, and to use the arts as a vehicle for personal empowerment and social good.
Here’s to another 20 years of storytelling, growth, and community—and to every young performer who finds their voice on the Playground stage.
