Hallie Harris - teacherLabor Day Creative Retreat and New Youth Improv Performance Ensemble
SILVER CITY, NM | August 2026 — This fall, TheActrix Studio is inviting young people to step away from screens, step onto the stage, and build something together through theatre, improvisation, food, storytelling, and community.
TheActrix Studio will kick off its fall youth programming with a special Labor Day Creative Retreat on Monday, September 7, followed by the launch of an ongoing Youth Improv Performance Group for ages 13 and up beginning September 1.
Both programs will take place at The Hearth, where TheActrix Studio is continuing to develop a creative home for young people, artists, families, and community members.
A Creative Day Off School
The Labor Day Creative Retreat offers families a full day of creative exploration while school is closed.
The day will run from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM and include:
9:00 AM–12:00 PM — Theatre Workshop with Hallie Harris
Students will explore improvisation, character, movement, ensemble games, and theatrical storytelling in a playful, supportive environment.
12:00–1:00 PM — Lunch
1:00–3:00 PM — Kids Are Cooking with Wendy Spurgeon
Students will move from stage to kitchen, learning basic cooking, hospitality, teamwork, and food preparation skills.
The retreat is designed for young people who enjoy performing, creating, experimenting, or simply trying something new.
Hallie With Kids"I love the idea of treating a school holiday as a little creative retreat," says Wendy Spurgeon, founder of TheActrix Studio. "Kids get to move, make things, tell stories, cook something together, and spend the day in a community where they can be fully themselves. That combination of creativity and belonging is really at the heart of what we're building."
A New Youth Improv Performance Ensemble
Also launching this fall is the TheActrix Youth Improv Performance Group, an ongoing theatre ensemble for students ages 13 and up, meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30–5:30 PM at The Hearth.
Led by local actor, improviser, teacher, and director Hallie Harris, the program will go beyond traditional improv classes.
Students will develop:
Improv and spontaneous performance skills Character creation Scene work Ensemble awareness Communication and listening Confidence and stage presence Original performance material
The goal is to build a working ensemble that grows together throughout the semester.
The fall progression will begin with foundational improv and ensemble skills, move into character and scene development, and eventually lead toward the creation of an original holiday performance for The Hearth's Holiday Festival.
"Join us and say "yes!" to your instincts and creativity through games that will challenge you and make you laugh" says Hallie Harris. "We're building an ensemble of creators . Storytelling, humor, and play are in our DNA. Practice games that will help you discover the supreme genius of collaboration and make performance on the fly."
The program is offered on a month-to-month basis, with enrollment taking place in advance so that the program can maintain a sustainable teaching environment.
September enrollment is currently underway. If the September group does not reach the minimum enrollment needed to begin, registration will remain open and the program will launch in October.
The goal is not simply to fill a September class, but to build a committed ensemble that can grow into a meaningful fall performance experience.
Come Straight From School. Make Theatre. Eat Something Good. Build Something Together.
The Youth Improv Performance Group will also include fresh snacks prepared through The Hearth, giving students a chance to refuel during their transition from school into creative work.
"There is something powerful about having a place where young people can come after school, make theatre, eat something good, and spend a couple of hours creating together," Spurgeon says. "We're trying to build more than individual programs. We're building a little ecosystem where creativity, confidence, friendship, and community can grow."
What Families Are Saying
"As a former youth worker in Grant County I can say without a doubt that this is one of the best things going on for youth in our town. They learned so much more than just drama principles. They learned about teamwork, confidence, emotional intelligence, reading, and problem solving just to name a few."
— Damien Davies, TheActrix Studio parent
Looking Ahead: Fall Break Drama Camp
Families interested in youth theatre can also look forward to Fall Break Drama Camp, October 12–16, with programming planned for school-aged students.
Early bird enrollment information will be released in September.
TheActrix Studio is also continuing to develop additional workshops and creative opportunities for young people throughout the school year.
Families with questions about upcoming programs, enrollment, scheduling, or financial assistance are always welcome to contact Wendy directly.
Contact:
Wendy Spurgeon
TheActrix Studio LLC
(575) 297-7851
Registration and program information:
https://theactrix.studio/fall26
About TheActrix Studio
Founded by theatre educator and artist Wendy Spurgeon, TheActrix Studio LLC creates soulful, story-driven theatre education and performance opportunities for children, teens, and adults in Silver City and the surrounding community.
TheActrix Studio's programs emphasize creativity, confidence, communication, ensemble-building, storytelling, and the belief that theatre is not simply something we watch. It is something we make together.
The studio's programming at The Hearth is part of a growing network of local arts, education, and community initiatives designed to create more opportunities for people to gather, learn, create, and participate.
