Classes
Through hands-on exploration with the cast of wooden characters from A Slice of Crazy Pie (2 shows only, on August 28 and 29) participants will investigate the relationships between gravity, inertia, balance, and string manipulation while uncovering the simple principles behind seemingly complex movement.
Along the way, we'll discover how physical constraints shape movement, which in turn informs character, behavior, and possibility.
If you're paying attention, the puppet will tell you who it is.
Whether you're a performer, maker, or curious observer, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the art of marionettes—and you may never look at a string, a stick, or a scrap of wood quite the same way again.
At the end of the class, participants will be invited to join Madison and the marionettes in a 15 minutes (optional) "Puppet Stroll" in the park to excite the community about puppetry.
Participation fee: $25, but the workshop is free for "A Slice of Crazy Pie" ticket holders!
Space is limited to 15 participants.
After years of collaborating with established youth theatre organizations and, more recently, with the City of Portsmouth Recreation Department, we are piloting our first in-house theatre education initiative: RingRISING.
Open to young performers ages 7–19, RingRISING will offer participants the opportunity to audition for productions created and produced by the Players Ring.
Students will take part in a multi-week training and rehearsal led by educator, director, and composer Joshua Goldberg, culminating in a public performance.
Centered around original adaptations of beloved stories, the program will develop acting, singing, stage presence, movement, and the creative use of performance space.
But above all, RingRISING emphasizes collaboration. Participants will learn to work as an ensemble, communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, support one another, and experience the unique satisfaction of working toward a shared artistic goal. They will build confidence, empathy, creativity—and, just as importantly, have fun.
The first production is THE NUTCRACKER & THE MOUSE KING, an original adaptation of the beloved fairy tale by T.S.A. Hoffman (October - December 2026)