Professional Development
⭐ Why Choose Play-Ground Theatre?
For nearly three decades, Play-Ground Theatre founders Mia Sole and Jeff Haycock have dedicated their lives to bringing creativity, joy, and meaningful connection to children, educators, and communities. Their passion for imaginative learning has taken them across the country, partnering with schools, centers, and educational programs to inspire thousands of teachers through engaging, hands-on professional development.
Mia and Jeff combine their extensive experience as performers, instructors, keynote speakers, and authors to deliver trainings that energize staff, uplift workplace culture, and introduce practical theatrical tools that educators can use immediately. Their popular books - Theatre Games for Preschool Children Ages 3–6 and Theatre Games for Elementary School Children Ages 7–12 - are used by teachers nationwide to enhance creativity and social-emotional development.
Play-Ground Theatre's trainings are known for their high energy, positive atmosphere, and research-supported strategies that help educators strengthen student engagement, communication, SEL, confidence, and classroom community. Teachers leave laughing, learning, and ready to bring a renewed sense of creativity into their classrooms.
Book Professional Development
Transform your staff with the power of theatre
Staff Training Programs
🎭 Theatrical Tactics for the Classroom
90-minute interactive staff training
Bring excitement and innovation into your classroom with this highly engaging, movement-based professional development session. Perfect for preschool and school-age programs, this training introduces educators to theatrical techniques that boost participation, spark imagination, and support social-emotional learning.
During this workshop, staff will experience hands-on activities that model how performing arts strategies can:
- ✅ Ignite creativity in daily classroom routines
- ✅ Motivate children through imaginative play
- ✅ Boost positive energy in both students and staff
- ✅ Encourage cooperation and teamwork
- ✅ Enhance communication and expressive language
- ✅ Build emotional awareness and self-confidence
Educators will learn how to incorporate drama games, character exploration, storytelling, and playful movement to create a more joyful, engaging learning environment. All strategies are practical, easy to implement, and adaptable for multiple age groups.
"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
🤝 Motivational / Team Building
90-minute interactive staff training
Bring your staff together for a training they will never forget. Filled with creative activities designed to encourage camaraderie, music, and acting games that leave staff elevated with refreshed, positive energy.
This exceptional training:
- ✅ Unleashes a wave of camaraderie
- ✅ Fosters trust and friendship
- ✅ Builds character
- ✅ Energizes and unites staff members
"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
🌟 Honor / Appreciation
90-minute interactive staff training
This training has a wonderful power as it's geared to recognize and cheer for each and every individual. The atmosphere will be rich with love and cultivate a happy positive staff.
This exceptional training:
- ✅ Spotlights positive character traits of each staff member
- ✅ Offers individuals the power to award others
- ✅ Connects staff with a greater sense of acknowledgement
"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 team that are reaching and learning to new heights."
~ Renee Collier, Principal - Hygiene Elementary
📚 Story Time
90-minute interactive staff training
This training strengthens the power of story telling. Focus is on connecting the individual with tools to have stronger presence and more successful story time programs for community libraries.
This sensational training:
- ✅ Supports the mission of children's librarians
- ✅ Highlights techniques for audience participation
- ✅ Shares innovative introductions to stories
- ✅ Stimulates creative discussion
"Thank you again for enlightening our story tellers. 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 you two and how easily you can captivate a crowd...You SO are the 'facilitators of JOY'. Thank you for inspiring me through laughter, play, theatre/drama, and positive cheer. Keep on doing your thang because you are changing lives."
~ Amy Ortiz, High Plains Children's Librarian
Ready to Book Professional Development?
Contact us today for pricing, availability, and scheduling