About
The Playground Acting Program
The Playground Acting Program empowers students of all ages to explore their creative potential through a blend of high-level acting techniques and our play-based approach. Inspired by the curiosity and spontaneity of childhood, our methodology encourages students to embrace their instincts and push beyond overthinking, creating space for bold, authentic performances.
Our courses are designed to develop technical skill, confidence, and a lifelong passion for the arts in a supportive and challenging environment. Students at The Playground learn a range of industry-standard techniques, including Stanislavski, Meisner, Viewpoints, Suzuki, Uta Hagen, and Shakespeare, as well as specialized skills like voiceover, stage combat, and movement and vocal techniques inspired by Jacques Lecoq and Linklater.
All of our teaching artists are highly trained, with extensive professional experience and BFAs or MFAs in Acting from top university programs. Our teaching artists are also current, working professionals in the industry as actors, directors, producers, and more. This is important because the information and techniques they share with you are not outdated—they are actively engaged in the industry and have firsthand knowledge of what’s happening now.
Additionally, working with professionals who are currently in the field means you have unique opportunities to build connections. In fact, several of our students have been cast in projects because their teaching artists were directly involved in the casting process or advocated for them after working together at The Playground.
Building a creative community is at the heart of our mission. We create opportunities for students to connect, collaborate, and grow together through monthly improv classes for adults, actor and artist meetups across Dallas at local coffee shops and bars, and other community-building events. These gatherings foster a supportive network of creatives, offering inspiration and camaraderie both inside and outside the classroom.
We’re proud to partner with Arts Mission Oak Cliff and Teatro Dallas to bring our mission to life. Whether you're an aspiring actor, seasoned performer, or professional looking to grow, The Playground is where creativity thrives.
Alysia Giakoumas is an actor, producer, and the Founder of The Playground Acting Program. At her core, Alysia is a passionate educator who believes in the power of acting to build confidence, spark connection, and change lives. She created The Playground to be more than just a training ground; it’s a space where people come together, support one another, and work toward their goals as artists and humans.
She first imagined The Playground in high school, and while studying acting and Arts Entrepreneurship at Southern Methodist University (SMU), she brought it to life. Her pitch won SMU’s Big iDEAS contest—twice—earning startup funding, grant support, and space for the program to grow. Since then, The Playground has taught hundreds of students, partnered with Arts Mission Oak Cliff and Teatro Dallas, and become a creative home for actors of all backgrounds.
Alysia is originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, and was named SMU's Outstanding Woman of the Year for her work with The Playground, her service to the community, and her leadership. She now splits her time between New York City and Dallas, returning monthly to teach and support the program's growth.
As an actor and producer, Alysia’s work spans regional stages, Off-Broadway productions, short films, and commercials. In 2023–2024, she produced a film that received the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant, awarding her team over $300,000 in professional equipment. She also secured major brand sponsorships and pitched to Broadway producers for funding. In November 2024, she Executive Produced and starred in Do You Feel Anger? by Mara Nelson-Greenberg in a New York Off-Off Broadway run.
Alysia Giakoumas
Founder and Program Director
Lead Teaching Artist
Katie Ibrahim is a gifted Director and Teaching Artist. A vital part of The Playground since 2021, Katie brings warmth, patience, and a sharp artistic eye to everything she does. She has a true talent for helping actors grow. Her feedback is insightful, encouraging, and rooted in care. Katie is the backbone of many of our classes, and we’re endlessly grateful for the heart and skill she brings to our community. Recent directing credits include The Grown Ups at Kitchen Dog Theater and Julius Caesar at Shakespeare Dallas, where she also served as Associate Director on King Lear and Hamlet. Other credits include Feeding the Cat, Incorrectly, Several Times Over (Echo Theatre) and The Seagull (Theatre Three, Associate Director). Katie has also worked as a stage manager at Second Thought Theatre, Kitchen Dog, and Theatre Three. She holds a BFA in Theatre Studies from SMU.
Community Liaison
I'm London Rosemary, a creative originally from South Florida. I attended an arts high school in Florida, where Alysia and I first met. The first time I visited Dallas was when Alysia was at SMU, and I fell in love with the city. I’m so happy to be back and involved in the arts community here.
I also spent time in Utah during college, where I studied Stage Management before continuing my education in Software Engineering. I’ve pursued my love for the tech side of theater alongside my other work. My previous show credits include Clue!, Always… Patsy Cline, Dracula, She Kills Monsters, and Footloose. Currently, I work as a Project Manager in the tech/e-commerce industry. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, seeing live theater, reading, and spending time outdoors in nature.
As Community Liaison, I often host our Actors and Artists Community Hangouts, where we meet at coffee shops, attend happy hours, see shows, and more. You’ll also see me pop into classes and attend showcases. I’m here to support you all on your journeys and assist in any way I can. If you see me around, please say hi!
