🏠The Starting Place

The Character Lab

Where Imagination Builds Character

Welcome to a vibrant, creative space where big feelings and bold ideas come to life! 

Here at The Character Lab, we see imagination as a powerful tool for self-expression and personal growth. Through movement, music, storytelling, and art, children set out on a journey of self-discovery, exploring their identities and emotions in a dynamic environment that encourages creativity, expression & joy. 

Whether expressing emotions through visual art or dancing to channel intense feelings, each activity fosters essential character traits—confidence, empathy, resilience, & kindness—cultivated from within. ✨

✨ What We Offer

Creative experiences that empower kids to boost their confidence, connect with peers, and develop important character traits! Through engaging hands-on activities—such as acting out original scenes, crafting heartfelt stories, creating visual art, and exploring music & movement— children unlock their unique voices and creativity. Each activity nurtures essential social skills and fosters meaningful relationships with others! 

Join us and witness your child’s imagination flourish, one creative adventure at a time!

🎭 Theatre & Dramatic Play

From dress-up and pretend games to scene work and character-building, kids of all ages explore identity, empathy, and expression. Littles act out emotions and stories through play, while older kids dive into roleplay, scripting, and performance.

🎨 Art & Sensory

Creative expression through hands-on materials — from finger painting and textured crafts for younger children to themed projects and storytelling through visual art for older artists. Every age group gets to make meaning with their hands and imaginations.

🎵 Music & Movement

Whether it’s tapping, dancing, or swaying to a beat, kids express big feelings through rhythm and motion. Younger groups explore sound and movement through play; older ones engage in more structured musical games, choreography, and creative movement activities.

📚 Storytime & Storytelling

From cozy storytime with puppets and picture books to creating original stories and scripts, kids of all ages build imagination, language skills, and confidence through the power of narrative and play.

🧪 About Us

Where Imagination Builds Character

The Character Lab is a joyful, arts-based program rooted in social-emotional learning (SEL). We help children express big feelings and bold ideas through music, movement, storytelling, and art. Our play-based experiences nurture confidence, creativity, empathy, and resilience — all in a supportive, high-energy setting.

Founded by Winter Garcia, aka Miss Winter, a Brooklyn-based teaching artist with a background in early childhood and emotional development, we believe expressive arts build more than creativity — they build character.

We currently offer seasonal and pop-up classes, with a vision to grow into a hybrid model that ensures access for all children, regardless of background.

👉 Want to partner or bring The Character Lab to your space?
📧 Email us at hello@characterlabnyc.com

📅 What’s Happening Now

Get ready for some drama with our exciting theatre-focused pop-up series! 

Join us for fun, interactive activities for all ages. 

The Playground Project 🛝

Free, fun, and full of imagination! 

Bring water, a blanket or mat, and comfy clothes. 

Caregivers, please stay close. All props and materials will be provided.

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Upcoming Pop-Up Events ⏰

📅 Sept 13 | The Script Lab ✍️ Boerum Park
Create bold characters, write mini-scripts, and bring stories to life on your feet.

*more dates coming soon

💫 All events are FREE and open to all ages!

📅 What’s Happening... Later?

We're so glad you asked! As we look ahead to fall, we’re actively seeking a welcoming indoor space to host our seasonal classes. Your feedback is essential: knowing which age groups, class times, and themes your family is interested in will help us find the perfect space and schedule. 

We’d love to hear from you! Fill out our Priority Interest Form to share what interests you—your input will help shape our future classes in art, music, and more. Let’s create some magic together! 🎭✨

Let’s grow this together!