Park Slope Performing Arts School Residency Program

OVERVIEW

Our residency programs are designed to bring the joy of performing arts directly into schools through flexible, developmentally aligned, and curriculum-connected experiences. Developed by a New York State–licensed educator with over 15 years of classroom experience, our residencies emphasize creativity, collaboration, and confidence-building while supporting school goals in ELA, SEL, DEI, and more.

Programs are available in full year (24–30 weeks), half year (12–15 weeks), or trimester (8–10 weeks) formats. All culminate in a final presentation, performance, or showcase and can be delivered in-class, pull-out, or afterschool.

Some past offerings are listed below. Any of our programming can by customized to meet the needs of a specific course of study, time frame, or student body.

Early Childhood Programming:

These playful, imaginative programs combine movement, music, and storytelling to nurture social-emotional growth, early literacy, and creativity. Led by teaching artists with deep experience in early childhood education, our residencies are rooted in our signature PSPA programming.

Residency options include:

  • Mini Musicians: A joyful music residency where children explore rhythm, melody, and instruments through singing, movement, and play.

  • Disney Dance & Sing: A beginner-friendly musical theatre journey featuring singing and dancing to beloved Disney songs. Builds confidence, rhythm, and coordination.

  • Itty Bitty Ballet/Tap: A fun, structured introduction to basic ballet and tap steps, rhythm games, and imaginative movement.

  • Pre-Musical Theatre: Through music, movement, and character-driven play, young performers begin learning musical theatre basics in an age-appropriate and engaging way.

  • Play-Making for Littles: Children explore and act out familiar stories—or create new ones!—through group storytelling, character exploration, and imaginative drama games. Encourages early literacy, empathy, and creativity.

Elementary School Programming:

Our engaging and student-centered residencies help young performers explore storytelling, character, music, movement, and ensemble work.

Residency options include:

  • Write Your Own Musical: Create original characters, lyrics, and storylines in a group-generated mini-musical.

  • Pop Star: Sing & Dance Lab: Learn choreography and vocal technique while performing kid-friendly pop hits.

  • Musical Theatre I & II: Integrated singing, acting, and movement training using Broadway-style material.

  • Acrobatics Stars: Explore tumbling, flexibility, and physical storytelling.

  • Ballet/Tap I & II: Foundational dance training in two styles that build musicality and coordination.

  • Theatre Dance: High-energy choreography that blends stage presence with movement.

Middle School Programming:

At Park Slope Performing Arts, we specialize in engaging middle school students through dynamic, performance-based residencies that build voice, identity, and ensemble.

Residency options include:

  • Write Your Own Musical: Students write and perform an original mini-musical with guidance from our music educators.

  • Garage Band Songwriting & Recording: Students compose, record, and mix their own music using user-friendly tech.

  • Musical Theatre II & III: Develop performance skills in acting, singing, and movement using age-appropriate Broadway material.

  • Pop Star: Sing & Dance Lab: Perform curated pop songs with choreography and vocal coaching.

  • Theatre Dance: Practice Broadway-style choreography and storytelling through movement.

  • Theatre Creation Lab: Build original theatre based on personal experiences and classroom themes.

  • Acrobatics Stars: Movement-based storytelling through tumbling, flexibility, and coordination.

  • Shakespeare & Literature in Performance: Act out and adapt classic texts for a modern audience.

High School Programming:

These programs support student voice, identity, and creativity through original performance, writing, and music.

Residency options include:

  • Devised Theatre & Playwriting: Create original works on identity, justice, or personal themes.

  • Garage Band Songwriting & Recording: Compose and produce music using digital tools.

  • Shakespeare & Literature in Performance: Deepen text comprehension and public speaking skills through dramatic adaptation.

  • Musical Theatre III: Train in voice, acting, and movement using advanced Broadway material.

  • Write Your Own Musical: Students develop and stage a full original musical.

  • Theatre Dance: Refine stage presence and storytelling through movement.