ActinGarten® — A Joyful First Step Into the Performing Arts

ActinGarten® is HAA's signature early-childhood program — and one you won't find anywhere else. It blends age-appropriate music, acting and movement into one playful class, giving young children a joyful, confidence-building introduction to the performing arts. It's the perfect beginning, whether your child continues into private music lessons or our theatre programs at age seven.

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What is ActinGarten®, and what ages is it for?

ActinGarten® is Hunterdon Academy of the Arts' early-childhood performing arts program in Flemington, NJ for children ages 4-7. It combines music, acting and movement in one joyful weekly class, building confidence, focus and social skills while introducing the arts in a playful, pressure-free way.

Music, acting and movement — all in one happy hour

Acting through play — stories, characters and imagination that build expression and confidence.
Music and singing that develop rhythm, listening and early musicianship.
Creative movement for coordination, body awareness and pure fun.
Social skills — sharing, listening, taking turns and performing for friends.

ActinGarten® graduates are beautifully prepared for what's next. Many move into private music lessons; others step straight into our Theatre Arts classes for ages 7 and up. Either way, they start with a love of the arts and the confidence to pursue it.

What Will My Child Experience in ActinGarten®?

ActinGarten®’s 60-minute weekly classes are full of engaging, interactive activities, with each eight-week unit centered around popular children’s stories. Throughout these units, students are introduced to Dance, Drama, Vocal, and Visual Arts. At the end of each unit, students present a special in-class performance for their immediate family, showcasing what they've learned.

Acting

In the acting component, students tap into their creativity to develop characters, express emotions, and practice teamwork. Through playful exercises, they explore foundational acting skills such as stage directions, character creation, and voice modulation, including techniques like projecting and whispering. Young actors also learn about basic blocking, staging, and memorizing lines. As a finishing touch, they help craft simple costume pieces, adding flair to their final week 8 performances.

Music & Voice

Aspiring “triple threats” also develop vocal skills. ActinGarten®’s music training nurtures children’s speaking and singing voices, blending spoken dialogue with songs that relate to the unit's storyline. Through singing and rhythm exercises, students gain confidence and build foundational vocal techniques that are both fun and expressive.

Dance & Movement

No theatrical training is complete without movement! ActinGarten® students learn basic dance steps and simple choreography, helping them bring each story to life. These movement exercises not only support the storytelling but also reinforce rhythm and coordination, empowering students to express themselves through physicality.

As ActinGarten® students progress, they transform into little "triple threats," seamlessly blending singing, acting, and dancing in their mini-performances. This program offers an enriching first step into the performing arts, sparking confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of the stage.