Empowering every child to become a fearless creator, innovator, and lifelong learner.
Offering immersive experiences in the creative and performing arts
Bringing Inclusive, Theater-Based Learning to Preschool and Beyond
At Playcrafter Kids, a children’s theater program in the heart of Fort Collins, we offer a variety of programs for young learners, including a licensed preschool for ages 2.5–6 and seasonal theater classes and camps for ages 4–12.
We also partner with local preschools, in-home childcare providers, learning centers, summer camps, after-school programs, and community organizations—bringing creative, theater-based learning to children where it works best for them.
We are dedicated to supporting access needs, respecting capacities, nurturing talents and life experiences, and honoring each individual’s autonomy. Our goal is to create learning environments that cater to all students, recognizing that learning and engagement manifest differently for each individual.
We are enthusiastic about including all students in our programs and extend a warm welcome to students with disabilities, neurodivergent conditions, mental illnesses, and adverse childhood experiences. Our staff is proficient in ACTivity modifications, in-class supports, and individualized learning plans, and we eagerly collaborate with your family to ensure a positive experience for your child(ren).
Upcoming Events
No school? No problem!
Let your kids spend the day playing, performing, and creating at Playcrafter Kids. In this two-day theater camp, young performers will collaborate with 1–2 professional teaching artists to rehearse a skit, play high-energy theater and improv games, and build performance skills—all while having a blast!
The 2nd day wraps up with a mini performance at 3:45 PM for family and friends, showcasing everything they’ve created together.
What’s Included:
TWO full days of creative fun from 9 AM – 4 PM
Theater games, skit-building, and improv play
Snacks (AM & PM)
Playcrafter Kids t-shirt or book (for returning performers)
Final performance!
Date: Thursday, October 15 & Friday, October 16
Location: Playcrafter Kids @ 1815 Yorktown Ave. (Foothills Unitarian Church), Fort Collins, CO 80526
Grades: K-5
8 performer minimum, 16 performer maximum
Spots fill quickly—sign up today and let the fun begin!
An enrollment form will be sent after registration.
Note: The 2-month plan will have a $5 administration fee on the next invoice.
StoryMaker Magic: Community Play Classes @ Playcrafter Kids
Ages 2-5 with a Caregiver
Where stories come to life & imaginations grow!
Step through the storybook and into a world where dragons might become dance partners, raindrops can sing, forests whisper secrets, and every child has an important role to play.
StoryMaker Magic is Playcrafter Kids' signature early childhood theater experience, lovingly created and taught by Deanna Mae, educator, children's author, and founder of Playcrafter Kids. For more than 11 years, Deanna has been refining this play-based approach to help young children build confidence, creativity, language, and social-emotional skills through the magic of imaginative play.
Each 90-minute class is intentionally designed to nurture both children and caregivers through joyful shared experiences.
Every class includes:
30 Minutes of Interactive Theater
Become part of an original StoryMaker adventure filled with characters, movement, music, dramatic play, puppets, and imaginative storytelling. Children won't just listen to the story... they'll help create it.15 Minutes of Creative Art
Continue the adventure with a process-based art invitation inspired by the day's story.45 Minutes of Open Play
Stay, explore, and connect. Families are invited to enjoy Playcrafter Kids' thoughtfully designed play space invitations while children build friendships, practice independence, and continue imaginative play.
Why StoryMaker Magic?
Young children learn best through play. Our classes naturally support:
• Early literacy and language development
• Social-emotional learning
• Creative confidence
• Gross and fine motor development
• Music and rhythm
• Problem solving
• Collaboration
• Imagination
Perhaps most importantly, StoryMaker Magic gives children and caregivers an opportunity to create joyful memories together while becoming part of a welcoming community.
Every story invites children to wonder, "What if...?"
Every class reminds them, "Your ideas matter."
Fall StoryMaker Magic Series
Each four-week session explores a brand-new imaginative world while introducing original songs, stories, theater games, creative expression, and playful adventures.
Session 3: We Are Creators!
Children will become inventors, artists, builders, storytellers, and creators as they discover that the most magical things often begin with a simple idea.
Class Details
♥️ Date: Thursdays, October 29; November 5, 12 & 19
🧡 Time: 9:30-11:00AM
💛 Location: Playcrafter Kids (1815 Yorktown Ave., FoCo. Located inside the Foothills Unitarian Church)
💚 Ages 2 - 5
💙 $125 per four-week session
💜 Caregiver participation required
Younger and older siblings are always welcome to attend at a discounted rate.
Additional child - use code SIBLING for 20%
Join us as we laugh, imagine, create, and discover the extraordinary stories waiting inside every child. Because every great adventure begins with "Once upon a time…"
Partial scholarships are available—contact Deanna at info@playcrafterkids.com for details or to combine discounts. Spaces fill up fast, so secure your spot in StoryMaker Magic today!
An enrollment form will be sent after registering.
Note: The 2-month plan will have a $5 administration fee on the next invoice.
Trunk or Treat: Friday, OCTOBER 30
3:30-5:00 PM
Our Licensed Preschool Helps Northern Colorado Kids Grow in Confidence Through Art, Play, and Theater
At Playcrafter Kids Preschool—serving Fort Collins children ages 2.5–6—kids are known, supported, and encouraged in a warm, arts-rich setting. Our caring teachers create a space where children feel safe to explore, express themselves, and build social-emotional skills at their own pace.
At Playcrafter Kids, we believe in the power of play to shape bright futures and spark endless possibilities.
We are dedicated to nurturing young individuals through imaginative play and creative exploration—helping them discover their unique talents, fostering positive self-image and teamwork, and inspiring boundless creativity and innovation.
Our aim is to offer dynamic programs where children can unleash their creativity, build essential skills, and cultivate a lifelong love for learning and the arts.
We promote mutual respect between individuals, families, and all educators.
Why the creative arts?
The creative arts foster the development of a unique sense of self-awareness while promoting empathy, communication, connection, and teamwork. When utilized as a learning tool, the performing arts support and guide children in exploring their world.
The performing arts encompass the expression of emotion, tone, and more. When children engage in drama, dance, music, and art from a young age, they are more inclined to express themselves without fear of judgment from peers. Through ensemble thinking, children collaboratively work together, building social-emotional skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
What Our Families Are Saying
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![Children engaged in arts and crafts activities in a classroom, with tables covered in markers, stickers, and drawings.]()
We absolutely love Playcrafter Kids! Each one of the teachers and the Director has taken the time to get to know our kiddo as an individual and have always met him right where he's at. He is so, so happy at Playcrafter Kids, and we truly could not ask for anything more! We feel so lucky to be a part of this community!
Lindsey
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![Three young girls playing with stuffed animals and toys on a wooden floor, with a box of toys behind them and a woman kneeling in front of them.]()
I cannot say enough about our positive experience with Playcrafter Kids summer camps, birthday parties, and preschool. Deanna combines her knowledge of theatre, art, and education in a playful way that keeps kids engaged and learning. She focuses on emotional intelligence and self expression. Most importantly, she values every single child and respects them as individual growing humans.
Andrea
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![A group of children and an adult sitting in a circle on the floor, engaging with an activity or game, in a room with a fan, cushions, and storage furniture.]()
We are soooo happy we signed our 3 year old up for preschool with Playcrafter Kids. He is thriving and his days are packed with fun and he's learned so many social/emotional skills already. We adore the teachers and they all love and know our child so well. It's been such a gift to us this fall to have him there 3 days a week. We get photos throughout the day of him playing in the on the playground or in the sandbox, building an imaginary world with cardboard, riding bikes, dance parties, music time, story time... they are the whole package.
Heather
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![A woman reading a colorful book to a group of children sitting on mats in a room with wooden floors and a large mirror on the wall.]()
"Both of my kids, ages 5 and 3, loved this experience so much! They looked forward to attending every day and were both sad to see it end. Deanna is just amazing with all ages, and brings joy and magic to everything she does. We will definitely be repeat customers!"
Maggie
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![A woman reading a children's book titled "We Are In a Book!" to a group of children sitting and lying on a carpeted floor in a classroom or library.]()
“I wanted to extend my gratitude for you all and your program. My daughter participated in the Piggy & Elephant camp and had a blast. I grew up doing local theatre and am grateful my girls will have a similar experience. Theater has so many benefits and for that, I appreciate what fantastic work you’ve done.”
Deana
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![A group of children sitting on purple yoga mats in a circle for a yoga class, with an instructor leading the session in a colorful room with decorated walls and big windows.]()
“My daughter LOVES Playcrafter Kids! The programs are fun, engaging, and educational. The summer camps were a perfect preparation for Pre-K and she did wonderful with the transition. Deanna has a “magic” about her and she is so talented. We look forward to attending more Playcrafter Kids events...they are awesome!”
Chantel
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![Group of children on stage, posing playfully and making funny faces, in front of a blank projection screen in a room with gray brick walls.]()
"Deanna and her team crafted a unique and fun experience for my son. He is usually quite shy, but by the end of camp, he laughed and played with everyone! It really brought out the best in him."
Andrea
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![Children performing a play or musical on stage, dressed in costumes including farm animals and colorful outfits, with audience members watching.]()
B loved The Claw camp. Weeks later she is still singing the songs, as is her 4-year old sister who picked up on them. The team was very engaging with the kids and their enthusiasm and support stands out for sure. Very welcoming and encouraging to all of the kids. And the performance was spectacular! Definitely signing up for next year!
Allison
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![A group of five children sitting cross-legged around a drum on a carpeted floor, with a woman kneeling and leading them in a musical activity in a room with a black chair, a red bag, and some supplies in the background.]()
We LOVE Playcrafter Kids!!!!! Our kids have participated in preschool and summer camps with Deanna and are absolutely obsessed! Deanna and her staff get to know each student individually and meet each student where they are at. We love the small class sizes and play-based learning environment. My oldest has some sensory and emotional regulation difficulties and Deanna was nothing but compassionate, understanding, and supportive in meeting his needs. He is succeeding in kindergarten right now because of Deanna and Playcrafter Kids!
Alex
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![Three young children sitting inside a tire swing, holding onto the chains, and wearing paper headbands with drawings, at a playground on a sunny day.]()
We are so happy with Playcrafter Kids. It is wonderful to find the right preschool for your child! There’s a great positive energy from Deanna and the other teachers. Kids learn and grow from thoughtfully planned play-based activities in a welcoming new space. My child can be very bold and outgoing…but only if she feels supported by teachers who really understand how to interact with young kids. Day one, she loved it at Playcrafters!
Alisa
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![Children performing on stage in costumes with an audience of children and adults watching indoors at a school or community center]()
I wanted to take a moment to commend you on an absolutely outstanding performance. I thought you cast everyone beautifully for their roles, I could tell how you coached and directed them to make certain movements (like the head snaps at the beginning, or the way they would cross the stage). I truly was 100% blown away by the entire production [Leap Day 2024]. Everyone did an absolutely tremendous job! Well done, well done, well done! 🙂 Can't wait to see your next performance!
Kelsey
Listen up.
Enjoy the Playcrafter Kids theme song!
Now sharing our mascot’s song, “Frankie the Wonder Dog”