for little ones with imagination and heart

A 10-Week Introduction to Story and Play

Dust Bunnies is a small-group, screen-free class where young children are introduced to the foundations of theater through story, movement, and imaginative play.

Each week, children hear a classic folk tale and work together to bring it to life using their bodies, voices, simple props, and light costuming.

Dust Bunnies is the first stage of The Gloam’s theater training path—focused on imagination, participation, and learning to play within a shared story.

There is no pressure to perform.
Children are guided to explore, try, and build confidence through doing.

What does a session look like?

Each 60-minute session follows a gentle, consistent rhythm designed for this age group, while allowing room for imagination and discovery.

Arrival & Gathering (0–5 minutes)
Children enter and are welcomed into the space with a simple opening ritual that signals the start of story time.

Story Introduction (5–15 minutes)
A classic folk tale is introduced through storytelling, movement, and group participation.

Exploration & Play (15–40 minutes)
Children step into the story—using their bodies, voices, props, and costumes to act out moments, try ideas, and build the world together.

Guided Group Work (40–55 minutes)
The group works together to retell or reshape the story, practicing turn-taking, listening, and shared participation.

Closing (final minutes)
The group returns to the circle, briefly reflects, and closes the story.

Children are never put on the spot. Participation grows naturally as they become comfortable in the group and invested in the play.

What children are building

Through this work, children begin developing:

• imaginative play and creative expression

• comfort using their body and voice

• listening and turn-taking

• early collaboration skills

• confidence participating in a group

These are the foundational skills that support later work in storytelling, ensemble play, and theater.

Who is this for?

Dust Bunnies is a strong fit for children who are:

• drawn to stories, pretend play, or dress-up

• energetic, curious, and eager to explore

• learning how to participate in group settings

• beginning to express themselves through movement and voice

It is especially valuable for children who benefit from structured imaginative play—a space where creativity is guided, supported, and shared with others.

Families who choose Dust Bunnies are looking for a thoughtful, engaging first experience with drama—one that builds confidence, social awareness, and joy in storytelling.

Tuition

$400 per 10-week cycle

What’s Included

10 x 60-Minute Sessions
Led by an experienced educator with deep expertise in early childhood and drama.

Small-Group Design
Capped at 15 students per class to allow for both group energy and individual attention.

Props & Costuming
All materials are provided to support imaginative play and storytelling.

Schedule

Next Cohort: Beginning Fall 2026
Format: Weekly drop-off sessions in Basking Ridge, NJ

Exact schedule TBA

The Year at The Gloam

Dust Bunnies runs in three 10-week cycles each year.

Each cycle introduces new stories and experiences, while continuing to build comfort, confidence, and participation over time.

Enrollment & Refund Policy

Deposit: A $150 deposit is required to secure a seat.

Cancellations: Full refund (including deposit) if canceled more than 3 weeks before the start date.

Late Cancellations: Within 3 weeks of the start date, tuition is refundable minus the $150 non-refundable seat fee.

Early Withdrawal: Refunds are only available within the first two weeks of the cycle, minus the $150 seat fee.

If you are considering a spot, you are welcome to join the Keeper’s List to receive schedule options before public release.

Join the Keeper’s List