Playmakers Youth Theatre
We’re a community theatre program for youth and teens of all experience levels. Stretch your imagination. Gain confidence on and off the stage. Build lifelong friendships.
Why Playmakers Youth Theatre
We believe that youth theatre and performing arts programs should be inclusive, accessible and rewarding for all new and experienced performers. students in kindergarten through college are coached and monitored by experienced and talented directors and producers who are dedicated to developing individual talents while supporting all participants in learning life skills and growing as performers and people
26 Years Of Youth Theatre
12500 + Youth Performers
40 + Total Playmaker Shows
29500 + Attendees who have watched our shows
Playmakers Jr. Classes
A theatre class for children of all skill levels who are in kindergarten and first grade. This class-meets-rehearsal-process model is a perfect introduction to the arts or a great fit for a seasoned young performer. Explore performing arts fundamentals through improv and creative movement, the ins and outs of storytelling and play a character while rehearsing for a showcase featuring solos and speaking lines for each student.
Broadway Babies Starts March 2. Registration opens January 13.
Summer Camp
Extend your Playmakers Youth Theatre experience all year round with The Francine & Benson Pilloff Family Performing Arts Camp. A program in our J-Day Camps, youth participate in theater classes, art, swimming in The J’s outdoor pool, and electives such as improv, costume design, and puppetry — all while rehearsing their shows.
Registration for Summer 2025 is open now.
Northeast Ohio’s only 24-Hour Musical
Each summer, area teens and young adults audition blindly for an innovative, one-of-a-kind theater experience. They won’t know the show nor their role until rehearsal begins at 10 pm. They will stay up all night rehearsing, eating and having a blast with cast members. The audience will come to the show not knowing what they are about to enjoy. It’s a magical theatrical experience!
Past Shows
Featured Classes
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/22/2025 - 04/24/2025
Aging adults will learn how to assess their current housing situation and discover options.
This course, offered in partnership with Benjamin Rose, is designed to help you understand how to assess your current housing and understand future options to age in place. Explore ways to use home equity to stay in our homes and discover housing options. This free three-part series will cover (1) How to assess your home for safety, accessibility and affordability, (2) Using your home to keep your home through single-purpose, equity loans and reverse mortgages, and (3) Understanding the various types of senior housing options.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
05/18/2025 - 05/18/2025
Catered lunch and bus transportation to a classic stage production at Allen Theatre.
A deeply moving tale about community and generational values, "Fiddler on the Roof" is a heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and love and laughter. “L'Chaim!” We will join the JCC of Youngstown for a catered lunch by Davis Bakery at the Beachwood Community Center. After, buses will transport us to Playhouse Square for the 2 p.m. performance by Cleveland Play House. A kosher option is available.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
05/06/2025 - 05/08/2025
A workshop providing practical strategies and resources for caregivers.
Caregiving can be emotionally and physically taxing, but it also comes with significant financial challenges that often go unnoticed. This workshop addresses the financial fatigue experienced by caregivers and provides practical strategies and resources to help navigate these challenges effectively. Key topics covered including understanding financial fatigue, accessing benefits and resources, managing debt and financial obligations, and self-care and advocacy.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
05/21/2025 - 05/21/2025
An art appreciation class for adults presented by Cleveland Museum of Art that focuses on goods traded between Asia and Europe.
The Cleveland Museum of Art will bring Chinese and Dutch art to The J for an engaging program that features items such as Chinese silk, Dutch ceramics and Japanese enamelware. Throughout history, explorers have traveled to acquire "exotic" goods, using routes like the Silk Road and sea paths around Africa. We will examine the cultural exchanges and globalization involved in their creation and their relevance today. Participants can handle art objects and engage in observation and discussion.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/23/2025 - 04/23/2025
An art appreciation class for adults presented by Cleveland Museum of Art that focuses on Chinese art.
Cleveland Museum of Art will bring Chinese art to The J for this engaging program. Participants will learn to handle an array of intricate, sophisticated objects while examining and discussing functions. As one of the world’s first civilizations, China has been an important center for artistic and technological production and innovation. Objects featured in this program focus on advances made by Chinese artists and artisans in ceramics, textiles and bronze-making techniques.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/03/2025 - 04/24/2025
An adult line dancing class. Meets on Th 4/3, Tu 4/8 and Th 4/24.
Sha’Ran Marshall, owner and artistic director of Sha’Ran Studios, will lead this lively and fun class. Spend time with family and friends socializing and learning some of the latest and past line dances. The moves will make you a hit at summer’s backyard parties and weddings. Class dates Thursday, April 3, Tuesday April 8 and Thursday April 24.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/21/2025 - 05/19/2025
This class explores the current events and issues of the day.
Join us each week as we discuss the current major news events and gain a deeper understanding of these issues. Join historian and educator Terry Pollack for lively sharing and group interaction as we follow and try to comprehend the unfolding events in the news each week.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/09/2025 - 04/09/2025
A cooking demonstration with UH registered dietitian and chef showing how to create flavorful healthy meals.
University Hospitals Bedford Wellness Center presents a dynamic cooking demonstration featuring a registered dietitian and executive chef showing you how to create delicious, nutrient-packed meals in no time. Discover how to blend fresh ingredients, bold flavors and simple techniques to whip up healthy and satisfying dishes. Whether you're short on time or seeking inspiration, this demo will prove that healthy eating can be quick, flavorful and anything but bland.
Fitness, Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/01/2025 - 04/01/2025
Enjoy a day at The J filled with fitness, educational and fun activities for older adults.
Feed your mind, body and soul with a variety of engaging activities and connect with other older adults while having fun. Activities include Zumba, senior self-defense, scam prevention, swimming, lunch and more.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/22/2025 - 04/22/2025
A free community gathering to share soup and conversation.
Come out for a cozy bowl of soup while working on a community service project. Meet members of your community and make new friends while staying warm and making a positive impact.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/08/2025 - 05/13/2025
A six-week watercolor painting class for adults.
Explore watercolor painting during these two-hour classes with a professional artist and illustrator. Learn techniques, basic color theory and more. Paint nature scenes directed by the teacher. Basic materials are included (watercolor paper, watercolors, brushes and accessories, and drawing materials). Perfect for adults with beginner to more advanced painting skills.
Arts and Ideas, Adult
05/22/2025 - 05/22/2025
Gain essential knowledge on estate planning, understand the key differences between wills and trusts and explore strategies to safeguard your assets.
Discover the power of effective estate planning by joining our engaging workshop! In this dynamic session, you’ll explore the essential differences between wills and trusts, uncover strategies to safeguard your hard-earned savings and learn how to thoughtfully prepare for your beneficiaries. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take charge strategies to safeguard your hard-earned savings and learn how to thoughtfully prepare for your beneficiaries. Don't miss out on this opportunity to take charge of your estate and ensure your legacy. Join us for an enlightening experience that could make a lasting impact on your family's future!
Jewish Life, Arts and Ideas, Adult
04/24/2025 - 04/24/2025
Lunch & Learn with author, Josh Rolnick for Yom Hashoah
Lunch & Learn with author, Josh Rolnick, who will speak about his short story KINDERTRANSPORT for Yom Hashoah