Staff Training & Professional Development
⭐ Why Choose Play-Ground Theatre?
For nearly three decades, Play-Ground Theatre founders Mia Sole and Jeff Haycock have dedicated their work to helping educators bring creativity, connection, and confidence into their classrooms. Their approach blends joyful theatrical play with practical, research-supported strategies that strengthen learning communities and support the whole child.
Mia and Jeff are experienced performers, teaching artists, keynote speakers, and authors who have partnered with schools and early childhood programs nationwide. Their hands-on professional development trainings are designed to energize staff, strengthen workplace culture, and provide immediately usable tools educators can apply the very next day.
They are the authors of the widely used resources Theatre Games for Preschool Children Ages 3 - 6 and Theatre Games for Elementary School Children Ages 7 - 12, trusted by teachers across the country to support creativity, communication, and social-emotional learning.
Play-Ground Theatre professional development sessions are known for their high energy, inclusive atmosphere, and practical takeaways. Educators leave feeling refreshed, connected, and confident - equipped with engaging theatre-based tools that support student engagement, SEL, collaboration, and positive classroom management.
Staff leave laughing, learning, and ready to bring renewed creativity into their classrooms.
Ready to energize your next professional development day?
Contact us to explore Play-Ground Theatre staff trainings and available dates.
Book Professional Development
Transform your staff with the power of theatre
📞 Call 303-258-0393
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Staff Training Programs
🎭 Theatrical Tactics for the Classroom
90-minute interactive staff training
Bring energy, creativity, and connection into your classrooms with this highly engaging, movement-based professional development experience from Play-Ground Theatre.
Designed for preschool and school-age educators, Theatrical Tactics for the Classroom introduces practical theatrical strategies that increase student engagement, strengthen social-emotional learning, and re-ignite joy in daily teaching routines. This is not a lecture - it's a fully interactive training where educators learn with Mia and Jeff by doing.
What Educators Experience
During this hands-on session, staff actively participate in drama-based activities that model how simple performing arts techniques can be used immediately in real classrooms.
Educators discover how to:
- Ignite creativity within everyday routines
- Motivate children through imaginative play and role-based learning
- Channel classroom energy in positive, productive ways
- Encourage cooperation, teamwork, and inclusive participation
- Strengthen communication and expressive language
- Build emotional awareness, confidence, and self-regulation
What Educators Learn
Teachers leave with a toolkit of easy-to-use strategies they can adapt for multiple age groups and learning environments, including:
- Drama games that increase focus and participation
- Character exploration to support SEL and empathy
- Storytelling techniques that enhance language and literacy
- Playful movement activities that support regulation and engagement
All strategies are practical, developmentally appropriate, and classroom-tested - no theatre background required.
Why Schools Choose This Training
- High-energy, positive, and inclusive
- Supports SEL, engagement, and classroom community
- Immediately applicable - no prep or extra materials needed
- Strengthens staff confidence and team morale
- Educators leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to teach.
What Directors Are Saying
"Play-Ground Theatre was one of the best trainings we have had! I heard rave reviews from my staff and can't wait for them to come back. By far the best training ever! I would highly recommend anything they offer!"
- Shannon Hall, Early Learning Center Director
Ideal For
Preschools • Elementary Schools • Childcare Centers • After-School Programs • Professional Development Days
Interested in bringing this training to your staff?
We'd love to learn about your program and help you plan a professional development experience that fits your goals.
🤝 Motivational / Team Building
90-minute interactive staff training
Re-energize your team, strengthen connections, and build a positive workplace culture with this unforgettable staff training from Play-Ground Theatre.
Designed to uplift, unite, and inspire, this high-energy training uses music, movement, and playful acting games to help staff reconnect with one another in meaningful ways. Educators step out of routine roles and into shared creative experiences that spark laughter, trust, and renewed motivation.
This is more than team-building - it's a joyful reset that leaves staff feeling valued, connected, and ready to work together with fresh perspective.
What Staff Experience
During this interactive session, participants engage in collaborative activities that encourage openness, play, and authentic connection.
Staff experience:
- Shared laughter and positive energy
- Creative challenges that build camaraderie
- Music and movement that lift morale
- Acting games that encourage trust and participation
- Moments of connection that strengthen team bonds
No performance experience is required - all activities are inclusive, accessible, and designed to ensure everyone feels successful and supported.
What This Training Builds
This workshop is intentionally designed to support:
- Stronger team relationships and communication
- Increased trust and mutual respect
- Positive workplace culture and morale
- Confidence, openness, and group cohesion
- A shared sense of purpose and joy
Staff leave feeling energized, appreciated, and connected - carrying that positivity back into their classrooms and daily interactions.
Why Directors Choose This Training
- Creates immediate, visible shifts in staff energy
- Strengthens team culture without awkward icebreakers
- Encourages connection in a safe, joyful way
- Perfect for PD days, in-service trainings, or staff retreats
What Directors Are Saying
"Jeff and Mia have such a gift of energy and positive, endearing personalities that they bring to their trainings and performances. After the training the staff were left excited, energized, and inspired."
- Cortney Fillion, Director – CCLC
Ideal For
Staff Development Days • Team-Building Events • In-Service Trainings • Program Kick-Offs • Mid-Year Resets
Looking to energize and reconnect your staff?
Let's create a team-building experience that fits your group and goals.
🌟 Honor / Appreciation
90-minute interactive staff training
Celebrate your team and create a culture of recognition, gratitude, and connection with this powerful staff training from Play-Ground Theatre.
The Honor & Appreciation Training is designed to uplift every individual on your staff. Through guided theatrical activities, reflection, and joyful group interaction, participants experience what it feels like to be seen, valued, and genuinely appreciated - while also learning how to offer that recognition to others.
This is a deeply positive, affirming experience that strengthens morale and nurtures a supportive, connected workplace culture.
What Staff Experience
In this meaningful and engaging session, staff participate in activities that highlight strengths, kindness, and shared purpose.
Participants experience:
- Genuine recognition for their unique contributions
- Opportunities to honor and celebrate one another
- A warm, inclusive atmosphere filled with encouragement
- Moments of reflection, laughter, and connection
- A renewed sense of belonging and appreciation
All activities are thoughtfully structured to ensure everyone feels comfortable, respected, and supported.
What This Training Cultivates
This workshop is intentionally designed to:
- Spotlight positive character traits in each team member
- Strengthen appreciation and mutual respect
- Encourage empathy, affirmation, and gratitude
- Build emotional connection and trust
- Foster a joyful, affirming staff culture
Staff leave feeling uplifted, acknowledged, and emotionally recharged - carrying that positivity back into their classrooms and daily work.
Why Schools Choose This Training
- Creates meaningful emotional impact without pressure
- Honors every individual, not just vocal participants
- Strengthens morale during high-stress or transition periods
- Perfect for staff appreciation days, retreats, or end-of-year celebrations
What School Leaders Are Saying
"It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I recommend Play-Ground Theatre. Founders Jeff Haycock and Mia Sole are truly talented, professional, energetic, and positive - a team that helps staff reach and learn to new heights."
- Renee Collier, Principal
Ideal For
Staff Appreciation Events • Professional Development Days • End-of-Year Celebrations • Team Retreats • Culture-Building Initiatives
Interested in honoring your staff in a meaningful way?
Let's create an appreciation experience that reflects your team's values.
📚 Story Time: The Art of Engaging Storytelling
90-Minute Interactive Staff Training for Children's Librarians
Elevate story time with confidence, creativity, and connection through this specialized professional development experience from Play-Ground Theatre.
Designed specifically for children's librarians and library storytellers, Story Time: The Art of Engaging Storytelling strengthens presence, performance, and audience connection. This hands-on training equips participants with theatrical tools that transform story time into a dynamic, participatory experience families love returning to again and again.
This is not about "acting" - it's about bringing stories to life, engaging young audiences, and creating joyful, meaningful moments of shared literacy.
What Librarians Experience
Participants actively engage in playful, supportive activities that model how theatrical techniques enhance story time delivery.
Librarians experience:
- Increased confidence and presence while reading aloud
- Playful techniques that invite audience participation
- Creative, attention-grabbing story introductions
- Tools for managing energy, focus, and group dynamics
- Fresh ways to spark discussion and imagination
All activities are accessible, inclusive, and designed to support librarians of all experience levels.
What This Training Strengthens
This workshop is intentionally aligned with the goals of children's library programming and helps librarians:
- Deepen engagement during story time programs
- Encourage participation from children and caregivers
- Support early literacy through expressive storytelling
- Create welcoming, joyful community experiences
- Strengthen personal storytelling style and confidence
Participants leave feeling energized, inspired, and ready to captivate their audiences.
What Libraries Choose This Training
- Directly supports the mission of children's librarians
- Enhances existing story time programs without adding complexity
- Encourages joyful connection through play, voice, and movement
- Builds skills that immediately translate into stronger attendance and engagement
What Librarians Are Saying
"Thank you again for enlightening our storytellers. You two are awesome! It was delightful to meet you!"
- Kim Parker, Training Specialist, High Plains Library District
"I walked away from your training totally hyped and ready to inspire families with all the theatre fun that you shared with us. I'm always amazed by how easily you captivate a crowd… You truly are the facilitators of JOY. Thank you for inspiring me through laughter, play, theatre, and positive cheer."
- Amy Ortiz, Children's Librarian, High Plains Library District
Ideal For
Children's Librarians • Storytime Facilitators • Family Programming Staff • Library Outreach Teams
Looking to energize and elevate your story time programs?
Let's create a training experience tailored to your library and community.
Ideal For
Children's Librarians • Storytime Facilitators • Family Programming Staff • Library Outreach Teams
Looking to energize and elevate your story time programs?
Let's create a training experience tailored to your library and community.
Ready to Book Professional Development?
Empower your educators with practical, classroom-ready drama tools
Or contact us with questions:
📞 Call: 303-258-0393
✉️ Email: playgroundpower@aol.com
We'd love to learn about your team and help you plan a professional development experience that fits your goals, schedule, and group size.
We typically respond within 24 hours