We are pleased to share exciting news for the future of arts education at The Arctic Playhouse. It is with great enthusiasm that we announce a new partnership with The Phoenix Collective to produce children’s programming and our 2026 Summer Musical Camp ending with a full length production of Oliver The Musical!
The Arctic Playhouse remains deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of performers and storytellers by providing high-quality educational opportunities that inspire confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Education is a guiding principle in fostering our youth, and we are proud to align with The Phoenix Collective, whose faculty and leadership share these same values and dedication to artistic growth.
As The Arctic Playhouse Chairman Bryan Sawyer shared, “When we invest in young artists, we invest in the future of our community. This partnership with The Phoenix Collective allows us to expand meaningful, transformative opportunities for students to grow.”
The Phoenix Collective will host the 2026 Summer Camp at The Arctic Playhouse from July 6 through August 16, 2026 culminating in five performances of Oliver the Musical, running August 12–16. We look forward to welcoming families, students, and supporters as we embark on this exciting new chapter together. Registration is limited to 30 campers.
Top Things To Know About Summer Camp at The Arctic Playhouse:
What will our campers experience? Here’s a few examples: Through daily acting workshops, ensemble rehearsals, vocal and movement training, and full production preparation, campers will build confidence, creativity, and strong communications skills. Students will learn character development, stage presence, collaboration, and performance technique, culminating in a full staged public production. Campers leave not only with theater training, but with stronger self-expressions teamwork skills, and lasting friendships
What are the target ages? Ages 10 and up
What are the hours? 9:00 am – 3:00 pm for 6 weeks; Monday through Thursday; including 5 performances at the end.
What is included in the $950 cost? Is it all-inclusive? Water and snacks will be provided. Actors are expected to bring their own lunches. Campers will get a t-shirt as well. Costumes will be provided.
For more information about openings for what’s sure to be an amazing summer for some very lucky youth, please email directly at phoenixcollectiveri@gmail.com. Enrollment is limited to 30 students. If you’re interested or have more questions, please send an email soon and someone will get back to you with more information.
Timothy Kenney, Ph.D. is an educator, director, and mentor with over thirty years of experience teaching at the secondary level. He holds a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Rhode Island and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Throughout his career, Dr. Kenney has combined his passion for teaching with his love of theater, directing student performances, mentoring aspiring educators, and creating faith-based and community productions. Dr. Kenney is committed to providing high-quality, education-centered theatrical experiences led by certified teachers. His work focuses on developing confidence, creativity, and communication skills in learners of all ages through meaningful artistic collaboration.
Kyla A. Madonna-Kenney holds a degree in Music Education and has studied voice, piano, and flute extensively through private instruction. She teaches all three instruments in her private studio, helping students of all ages grow in confidence, artistry, and joy through music. She has served and continues to serve as Director of Music at St. Francis de Sales in North Kingstown for more than 14 years and has been the Saturday Music Director at Christ the King in West Warwick for over 18 years. Earlier in her career, she taught music in Warwick Public Schools for eight years before stepping away to raise her beautiful children, Jonathon and Faith. With more than 30 years of experience directing music, Kyla has led and conducted pit orchestras for numerous musicals, including Footloose, Oliver!, Annie, Les Miserables, and Back to the Eighties. She has also performed in pit orchestras for opera and musical theatre companies, contributing to productions such as Little Shop of Horrors, Curtains, Tosca, and Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.
Judy Burns has been a RI certified teacher for the last 26 years. She holds degrees in both elementary education and theater from RIC. She has also been the Artistic Director and Competition Director of The Rita Beaulieu Dance and Gymnastics Center where her students and choreography won multiple high scoring awards and honors. Throughout her career, Judy has been seen performing throughout RI and MA both in community theaters, as well as professional theaters, in numerous productions and singing with various Big Bands. She enjoys choreographing and directing her school’s drama program and show choir each year. Judy is excited to be a part of this talented and creative team and cannot wait to bring the joy of being on stage to the community!
Jonathon Kenney holds a bachelors in Music Education from the University of Rhode Island with a focus in voice and piano. He is a certified Pre-K through 12 educator in Rhode Island. He currently works as the assistant music director at St. Francis de Sales in North Kingstown, and Christ the King in West Warwick. As well as holds a private practice in which he teaches piano, voice, ukulele, guitar, and drums. He has worked with a number of schools and organizations throughout New England teaching choir and general music. As a performer, Jonathon has performed in a wide variety of community musical theatre productions, as well as URI’s Concert Choir, Jazz Choir, and two full-length operas during his undergraduate career with the most recent being Schumanns Scenes from Faust. As both an educator and performer, Jonathon values the connection between artistry and teaching, bringing real-world performance experience into every rehearsal and lesson.
Glenn Zienowicz is a theatre artist, director, performer, and educator based in Providence, Rhode Island. He earned his B.A. in Theatre from the Conservatory at Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, with a concentration in directing and a minor in dance. Over the course of his career, Glenn has worked with theatres throughout Rhode Island and up and down the Eastern Seaboard, with professional experience stretching from Canada to the Equator. His performance background includes years as a baritone soloist and section leader in both Baptist and Episcopal church traditions, as well as singer and dancer roles aboard Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruise lines. Glenn has produced and directed more than 20 academic productions and is deeply committed to arts education and community storytelling. He currently teaches Performing Arts with the Providence Public School System at Nathaniel Greene Middle School, where he continues to inspire young artists through theatre, movement, and creative collaboration. Glenn’s work is rooted in the belief that theatre builds empathy, confidence, and connection — onstage and off.
