Our Mission
Play Based Learning, where imagination takes center stage, exists to spark curiosity, creativity, and connection through the transformative power of imaginative play and theatre. We create inclusive spaces where learners of all ages can explore, discover, and create freely—unlocking “aha!” moments that build confidence, nurture emotional expression, and develop essential social-emotional skills. Here, play is not just an activity—it is a pathway to presence, joy, and meaningful human connection.
Our mission is to reimagine theatre education as a tool for life. Rather than training performers for the stage alone, we empower individuals with the skills to think creatively, communicate authentically, solve problems, and collaborate with empathy in any environment. Through storytelling, role play, and performance, we guide students to understand themselves and the world around them—and to step into it with confidence, imagination, and purpose.
Our Founder
Christina Closs is originally from southern New Hampshire, and began her theatrical journey on her childhood playgrounds and in her wooded backyard by “playing pretend” with her friends and siblings. These games provided the foundation for the many characters that she would create throughout her community theatre, higher education, and professional journey.
Christina graduated suma cum laude with her BFA in Acting from the Hartt School at The University of Hartford. After which she pursued a professional acting career that currently includes two summer stock seasons, six national touring seasons, two years as a theatre core company member, a production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, commercial voice overs in PA and MA, extra work on six major motion pictures, and work on student and independent films (one of which had its red-carpet premiere right before the start of the COVID pandemic).
Throughout her career as a professional actor, Christina also worked in a variety of educational settings. These ranged from substitute teaching (ages preK – 12th grade), to adult in-store retail training, to developing theatre education programs for the school district in which she subbed and a YMCA summer camp program. As part of this journey, Christina discovered incredible enjoyment in helping learners of all ages find those “Aha!” moments in which a connection is made, inspiration strikes, or confidence is found. She finds this to be most satisfying when the learner comes from a place of self-doubt to self-assurance, and is frequently achieved through patience, tailored learning plans, flexibility, and celebration of successes along the way.
In the summer of 2022, Christina decided to take on a new adventure and relocate to Central Florida. Since that time, she has merged her love of performance and her passion for education as a teaching artist with several arts organizations including the Central Florida Community Arts Youth Theatre, UpBeat, UpBeat Jr, and SOAH programs; as well as Tap Into Theatre’s Kinder Theatre and several programs with Orlando Family Stage. Through these programs, Christina has had the opportunity to create catered curriculum, choreography, and both educational and performance opportunities for individuals aged 3-40+ that range from neurotypical and physically enabled to neurodiverse and physically challenged.
With the founding of Play Based Learning, Christina is thrilled to gather the myriad of skills and experience she has gained and return to the very roots of her theatrical journey. She wants to encourage students of all ages to awaken their imagination, play pretend, and discover the ways that theatre education can build skills both on and off the stage. Come Play with Us!
