FERNDALE, Mich. — Ferndale Lower and Upper Elementary Schools students are writing, directing and performing their own original plays through Playlabs, a theater program led by professional teaching artists from Michigan Stage, an Oakland County nonprofit that has partnered with the district since 2022.
Playlabs use improvisation, storytelling and collaborative play-building to help young people build confidence, practice communication and form friendships. No auditions and no scripts to memorize. Instead, students take turns playing different roles and shape the story together, with about one teaching artist for every five students.
"Playlabs give our students something every child deserves: a place to be seen, heard and celebrated,” said Camille Hibbler, superintendent for Ferndale Schools. “When students create a story together, they are practicing reading, listening, problem-solving and teamwork, and they are building the confidence to use their voices in the classroom and beyond.”
After-school Playlabs are semester-length programs for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Groups of up to 15 to 20 students meet weekly through four phases. In weeks 1 through 3, students learn to work as an ensemble and use theater to express ideas and feelings. In weeks 3 through 5, they get a crash course in theater and use improvisation to role-play conflict resolution. In weeks 5 through 8, group discussion and discovery-based activities guide students in creating an original play. The program culminates in weeks 9 through 12 with 25- to 30-minute student-created performances during Michigan Stage’s multi-venue Playlab Tour, followed by a cast party.
Through partnerships with school districts and community organizations, Michigan Stage offers after-school Playlabs on a pay-what-you-can basis, so cost is not a barrier for families.
Michigan Stage also brings Playlabs into classrooms during the school day through Playlabs Classroom Takeover residencies. Teaching artists visit once a week during an enrichment block, with options ranging from a single 90-minute workshop to residencies of three to eight weeks. Teaching artists work with schools to choose a curriculum-aligned, grade-appropriate and culturally relevant text, then bring it to life through rehearsal and performance. Offerings include Readers’ Theater for kindergarten through second grade, poetry and curriculum connections for grades 3-5, Literature in Action for middle school and immersive learning experiences for high school.
“For many young people, the stage is more than a place to perform. It’s a place to belong,” said Tim Paré, artistic director of Michigan Stage. “We are proud to partner with Ferndale Public Schools to make sure every student has a chance to create, collaborate and be celebrated.”
Teachers have noticed the difference. “Students were pushed out of their comfort zone and they were so happy about it,” one fifth-grade teacher said in Michigan Stage program feedback.
Michigan Stage launched its first Playlab in June 2021. In September 2022, the program was introduced in Ferndale Public Schools and South Lake Schools, serving more than 250 students in kindergarten through fifth grade each year. By fall 2023, Playlabs had grown in both districts and expanded to Hazel Park, reaching more than 750 students. Paré was named Michigan Humanities Champion of the Year in 2023.
Families can learn more about Playlabs at michiganstage.org.
About Ferndale Public Schools
Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.
To learn more about Ferndale Public Schools, visit the website. To stay up to date on district news, events and announcements, visit the News page.
About Michigan Stage
Michigan Stage is a 501(c)(3) professional nonprofit theater arts organization offering year-round programming in Oakland County and surrounding metro Detroit communities. Its mission is to use theater to culturally enhance the quality of life in the region and to boost reading and learning outcomes for students across Michigan through strategic school partnerships. Learn more at michiganstage.org.