testimonials
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I always had a very hard time believing in myself and sometimes I would even compare myself to others. I remember one day I was in my acting class at ActorsPlayground. I was new and I was very nervous about performing. Everyone seemed so good, and all I could think of was how I could never be as good as them. I was swallowed by my own self doubt. I started to cry. My acting teacher, Ralph Colombino came up to me. He told me that people who think they’re the worst, tend to come out the best! Ralph told me that he believes in me.
Looking back, I never really knew then how much Ralph's words would impact me today. Sometimes it's the little actions of people that we carry on in our hearts. Ralph's words did that for me. It was his kindness and the greatness of his heart that helped to make me, my now confident self. Of course I still doubt myself sometimes, don't we all? But I am always reminded of Ralph's words. Ralph's words helped me to improve my communication with my family as well. I am so happy to have my family and my AP family to turn to.
— ESSENCE L. for #TRuthsoftr
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This place has been an amazing journey for my daughter. I thought she was shy, until she met these passionate & truly caring instructors that have helped her blossom into a confident and well spoken young girl. She loves coming here (refuses to miss it!), and it is a testament to the warm and creative environment that they have made for these kids. An environment where they can express themselves freely and nurture their hidden talents and creative minds. Money very well spent!
— LISA S.
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This is an amazing acting school! My daughter has been going here for 8 years! This is her second home! The staff is the most caring and motivating group of people that can relate to our kids. Whether your child wants to act or just learn tools to better communicate this is the place to be! Summer camps are a great way to start!! Thank you Actor's Playground for all that you do for our kids!! Life long friends are made here!!
— AMALIA U.
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The best studio in New Jersey by far. Not only did I get into a great college and representation, but I have also booked NY based work as a result of training at the Playground. Highly recommend going here!”
— JULIA B.
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There wouldn’t be enough space on this page to express my accolades for this school. That fact the the instructors are the best of the best goes without saying, but what they have created is a supportive, nurturing community which quickly became am my son’s home away from home. Not just a place where he could study his craft, hone his skills & feed his passion, but a place he could feel safe, encouraged & cared for. AP ROCKS!
— JOYLENE R.
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Acting, let alone joining an acting school was never on our radar. Our youngest son was already involved in extra-curricular activities that he enjoyed, including recreational plays. However, when the local rec performing arts program was not offered in the spring of last year, we started looking around for other opportunities for him to perform. That’s when we came across Actors Playground. We met first met Ralph and Dan, both so kind, welcoming, and easy to talk to. To be honest, we were not sure if we were going to sign up when we heard the school was for training actors and not for performances. Our son did a trial class and loved it! The rest, as they say, is history. Within a couple of months, we had already developed a strong bond with Ralph, Dan, Rich, Meg, Grace, and Becky... What amazing and talented teachers! To say they are kindhearted is an understatement. You join the school and, not only your child, but you become part of their family. They understand how important it is to nurture and help a child grow.
Our son found a welcoming environment where he could safely explore and be himself. He looks forward to classes, and he always has fun there....really! His confidence has grown, even to the point that at the tender age of 9, he approached his principal on his own to make arrangements to bring the Mini Misfits to his school.When the pandemic hit, the folks at Actors Playground have continued to reach out to their students, giving them multiple opportunities to continue to explore virtually. Despite all the disruptions in our daily lives, we still feel connected to everyone there.
Sometimes, you don’t know what you are missing until you find it. Thank you for all you’ve given us. We have seen an incredible confidence bloom. In this short time, we’ve noticed that our son is not afraid of talking to or performing in front of large crowds- a skill no matter what you do in life. He could not have a better support system. We are so happy we found Actors Playground! Highly recommended!!
— GERARD P.
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I highly recommend this school to anyone who's child is interested in acting or anything involving the entertainment field. The teachers are all Amazing and each one brings a different skill and abilities to impart to their students. My son has been going for 3 years now and it's changed him for the better in so many ways , not just in his experience with acting but with the friendships and the overwhelming care that comes from these teachers he's leaning so much more than just his craft.
— ANNA C.
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Actors Playground is an incredible school and is home to the most supportive, creative, and accepting community I've ever been a part of. Class there has not only given me the tools I need to tackle any script/scene given to me, but also has prepared me to be comfortable on set and in other professional situations.
— JOE T.
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The staff at Actors Playground will become your family. This school has been a dream come true. My daughter started when she was 8, and now at 15 she still wants to go every day. Every day! It’s her place to be creative, stretch her comfort zone, feel special, hang out with like-minded friends, and learn how to be not only a better actor, but a better person. The teachers help my daughter with auditions and she got into the high school program of her choice.
— NIKA S.
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Actors Playground School of Theatre....absolutely the best! The staff is knowledgeable, dedicated and talented. They love what the do and they are great with the students. My son has been attending classes since he was 11 and the only thing that will cause him to take a hiatus will be when he leaves for college next fall. Highly recommend for aspiring actors!
— DENISE B.
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This place is first-rate. Been around for fifteen years now. The owner is a person who deeply cares about every single student and his or her family. Each teacher is dedicated, well-trained, and compassionate. I cannot say enough about how professional and engaging the classes are at this school. This place is FUN, and the entire staff is the absolute soul of Integrity. This is a place of acting, no drama. Everyone is treated equally, and welcomed fully. You're like family here. HIGHLY recommend.
— JANINE M.
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Words cannot begin to describe how amazing the Actors Playground is, but I will do my best to try. First and foremost I wish that there were more places like this one to help build our children's confidence and make them realize their true potential in a nurturing no pressure environment. My daughter had expressed an interest in acting for some time, but kept changing her mind every time we got to the point of going to check it out. Then early this year, the urge was so strong that she agreed to let me make an appointment for her to go and see what was what. We got to the place early on a Saturday and the butterflies were starting to get the better of her, but we were able to successfully overcome them with a gentle nudge, and a guaranty that if she was not thrilled that I would be back to pick her up in an instant. Well let me tell you. That introductory class ignited a flame in her, and a confidence in herself that I had not seen before. I have never seen her strive and work as hard at anything like this ever before.
Ralph, the Artistic Director; Megan, and Dan and the rest of the people at the school are the nicest, warmest and most wonderful people I have ever met. They make the kids feel safe and accepted and nurture them as if they were their own. They truly make the kids and us parents feel like family. If your child has any interest at all in the magical world of entertainment, or if you think they could use a dose of confidence building, then check out the Actors Playground and see for yourself how amazing this little place is.
— EDWARD B.
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Actors Playground is by far the greatest training program for young actors in New Jersey. I'd even go as far as saying it's the best training place for young actors in NY, East Coast, or even the world. Ralph, Dan, Becky, Megan, and Rich are incredibly wise instructors who treat their students with compassion, respect, and love. I grew so much as an artist and a person through their many different classes and activities. This school nurtures artist of all types- actors, writers, directors, stage hands- anything! If you have a passion, Ralph and the crew will help you to peruse it. They readily offer ways to get into the business, but they do not put pressure on anyone to make decisions that they do not feel comfortable making. All in all, whether you just want to play pretend and have fun, or you are looking to break into the business, actors playground is the place for you. With a knowledgeable staff and a comfortable environment, there is no better place in the world to grow as an artist or a human being. I am forever grateful to the entire Playground Family for all they have given me.
— DANI B.
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If you have a child who is interested in theater you should look into Actors Playground School of Theatre . It is a school for children and adults who would like to pursue acting as a career or just for the fun of it. My daughter has attended the Playground for the past five years and and has many opportunities to be in plays and also write plays that have be performed there. The teachers are very professional and try to give everybody the opportunity to perform in their theater which is also on the premises. My friends and family have enjoyed many plays there over the years which are directed by their very talented staff and also their students are given the opportunity to direct plays. So if this sounds like something that you or your child would be interested in, give it a try, I think you will not be disappointed.
— JANE C.
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What a special place! With passionate teachers who are engaged in their students learning and the highest quality of acting training available, there is no better place for students to go to learn about the craft and business of acting. In my time there, I was encouraged to strive to be better and go outside my comfort zone in a nurturing environment. From a young age, I was treated with respect and never felt uncomfortable getting onstage. With their help, I got into a BFA Drama program and am now attending school, living, and working in New York City.There are also playwriting/screenwriting classes available which are a fun, constructive way to sharpen your writing skills, develop your voice as a writer, and learn to look at theatre and film from a writer's point of view. It is at this school that I was taught a love of theatre and film that will last the rest of my life. The opportunities, friendships, and confidence that come with this school have changed me for the better. Actors Playground School of Theatre has served as home for me and many of its students. I'd recommend it to anyone.
— MEGAN H.
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I've been attending actors playground for six years now. Before coming here I was extremely insecure, and I give Actors Playground credit for helping me grow into the confident, happy young woman I am today. Acting class was my only safe haven when being bullied at school, and I'm not sure what I would've done without it. Not JUST because of my passion for the craft, but because of the overwhelming amount of support I've received from both staff and students. The environment has always welcoming and judgement free, and they make sure of it. This makes being in class the perfect space to make whatever out-of-the-box and downright weird creative choices you want, and you'll be applauded for it! You advance much quicker when you feel safe performing in front of your peers and I can't stress that enough. Not only have I learned advanced techniques from the best teachers ever, but I've learned how to treat people. How to be sensitive of others feelings. How to check in with my emotions. How to not judge my very active imagination. I've also made lifelong friends! The students here are the funniest, friendliest and most talented people I've ever met. This school has given me more than I can list and I can't thank you guys enough.
— MEGAN M.