When a man can make a living doing what he loves, he is considered very lucky. His good fortune is multiplied when he is able to share his enthusiasm and expertise with others around him. Ralph Colombino, owner and operator of the Actors Playground School of Theater, has done just that. 

The school is a haven for aspiring actors of all ages interested in performing in film, television or on the stage. The students range in age from four to 50 years old. Each of the 148 students in this Freehold-based facility has the determination to be a professional working actor, and through the program they receive the expert training and nurturing needed to start them on their way.

 Because of the professional approach to acting that is offered, there are many
 success stories. Students of the Actors Playground School of Theater have appeared on Nickelodeon, PBS and Fox. Lloyd Clay Brown played the substantial roll of Jimmy Hurley in the film Doubt. John D’Leo, age 15, has acted in numerous films. He recently worked on a new comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd.

Colombino does not advertise. Most of his students learned about the school through word of mouth. This enables the  staff to select clientele who have the drive and determination needed for success, increasing the integrity of the program. Colombino, also an adjunct professor at Monmouth University, utilizes the acting techniques he learned while attending Mason Gross School of the Arts at
 Rutgers.

There are six instructors who run the gamut of essential learning. They are all professional actors as well as former students. Along with methods, they also teach the business end of the spectrum. This includes representation and auditioning. Adam Richman of “Man Vs. Food” fame is a visiting professor .

The concept of learning through experience has enhanced the training process. The facility runs a non-profit troupe of young actors called the New Mystics Theatre Company that perform at schools in the tri-state area. The students are the stars and performances involve the problems, temptations and frustrations that young people face today. Topics include bullying, racism, teen suicide, and alcohol bingeing as well as drug abuse.

Students will also act in original plays offered to the program. New playwrights get the chance see their work produced and performed in a professional manner.

Stressing nurturing and positive feedback, the philosophy of the school is very different than many others around today. Colombino said he wanted to create a venue where the student will feel comfortable and at ease.

“I run the school the way I would have wanted my experience to be when I was a kid,” he said.

The facility truly is a playground where serious training is mixed with enjoyment, enthusiasm and fun. 

For more information visit the Actors Playground School of Theatre at 922 State Highway 33, Building 7, Suite 7 in Freehold or contact them at 732-935-1800. The school maintains a Web site at www.actorsplay.com.