After earning his training in Musical Theater from the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University, Michael Lamb worked professionally throughout the United States — performing leading roles in regional theaters, national tours, and musicals alongside many of Broadway’s finest. But after taking his final bow in a highly acclaimed union production of Brigadoon in Florida, something stirred inside him. Returning home to Connecticut, unsure of his next step, he noticed a small nonprofit searching for a part-time acting teacher. He accepted — and soon discovered that what was meant to be temporary would transform his life.
What began as an innocent attempt to teach one small acting class of a dozen lively 11-year-olds in 1997 turned into a mission — a purpose — and a lifelong passion. As Fred Rogers once said, “Sometimes in life, you have a plan, but there’s something underneath called guided drifting that leads you down the road you never thought you’d go.” That’s exactly how Performing Arts Programs began: from one simple classroom to a growing creative movement that would eventually reach over 150 municipal recreation departments across three states, offering year-round performing-arts training, private lessons, summer intensives, and specialty programs. From that first class, Michael was struck by the energy and imagination of his students. Word of mouth spread quickly, and soon local towns across the Farmington Valley began asking him to teach after-school programs. The classes filled to capacity, and the spark of something greater ignited. Late one night at the Gold Roc Diner in West Hartford — a local landmark now gone — Michael sketched out a mission statement on a yellow pad. His vision was to create a performing-arts program that reached every child: those bursting with talent and those still unsure of their potential. That night, Performing Arts Programs was born.
By the early 2000s, the organization had expanded throughout Connecticut, Western Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, even extending north of Boston. Michael built a talented team of instructors, (close to 500) and partnered with recreation departments (Over 150), and hosted statewide workshops, (For a decade) at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, bringing in Broadway guest artists — including Tony Award winners and nominees — to mentor his students. As the program’s influence grew, thousands of young performers discovered their voice and confidence on stage..
After two decades of nonstop growth, health challenges in 2018 prompted Michael to refocus his energy on private instruction. When the pandemic arrived, he pivoted seamlessly to online teaching — keeping nearly all his students active and continuing to nurture their creativity through virtual lessons.
Today, Performing Arts Programs continues under Lamb Theatricals, LLC, combining in-person and digital teaching with the same heart and vision that began in 1997. Michael now teaches both online and in person, sharing decades of professional and educational experience with a new generation of performers.
Over the years, Performing Arts Programs has served more than 10,000 young performers—each discovering confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
For Michael, every class — whether on stage, in a studio, or online — is an opportunity to develop talent, awaken imagination, and build community. If you’re reading this, you’re invited to become part of that legacy — nearly three decades of passion, creativity, and commitment that continues to inspire the next generation.
It would be my honor to work with you and help you develop your talent!
Michael Lamb
Michael Directing students for a musical production at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts
At Performing Arts Programs, our mission extends beyond the stage and classroom. We are deeply committed to fostering talent, inspiring creativity, and enriching the broader community through the transformative power of the arts. Discover how our programs create lasting impact in the lives of our community.
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