Transforming Imagination into Timeless Memories!
Costum
Rentals
Quality Costume Rentals for Any Occasion!
Storybook
Portraits
Step Into a World of Imagination!
Kids Dress
Up Time
Where Little Imaginations Shine!
Theme Party
Planning
Creating Unforgettable Celebrations!
Visit us in South Paris, ME, and let us help you create a unique, unforgettable experience! Contact Shirley Parsons at (207) 344-9344 to book your session or event today.
Welcome To
The Play Room
Serving the Oxford Hills Area
Step into a world of imagination and creativity at The Play Room, proudly serving the Oxford Hills area in South Paris, ME. Whether you’re looking for unique costumed portraits, high-quality costume rentals, or expert theme party planning, we bring history, fantasy, and fun to life.
With an extensive collection of costumes, props, and backdrops, we offer one-of-a-kind photography sessions that let you become a Viking warrior, a Renaissance noble, a Wild West gunslinger, a fairytale character, and more. Our professional portraits are available in black & white, sepia, or full color, ensuring memories that last a lifetime.
Beyond photography, we provide costume rentals for special events, theater productions, parades, and formal occasions, as well as kids’ dress-up parties and personalized theme party planning.
Why Choose The Play Room?
Theme
Party Planning
With over 45 years of experience, we help plan unforgettable themed parties for kids and adults.
Extensive
Costume Collection
With a vast selection of costumes, props, and backdrops, we bring your favorite historical or fantasy characters to life.
Unique
Costumed Photography
We offer a one-of-a-kind experience with themed portraits in black & white, sepia, or full color.
Professional
Personalized Experience
We ensure a fun, comfortable, and creative session tailored to you.
Hi, my name is Shirley and I am the owner of The Play Room. Thank you for visiting The Play Room website! I appreciate your interest in our unique costume portraits, rentals, and themed experiences. If you have any questions or would like to book a session, feel free to reach out. I look forward to helping bring your creative vision to life!
About Us – Meet Shirley Parsons
The Play Room- So Paris ME
At The Play Room, we bring creativity, history, and imagination to life through unique, costumed portraits. Our story began in 2000 when founder Shirley Parsons partnered with her friend Nancy Graiver to offer Old Time Photos at the Farm Museum during the Fryeburg Fair. For nearly two decades, they delighted countless visitors by capturing timeless memories through vintage-style photography.
As Shirley approached retirement from her office management career, she decided to fully embrace her passion for artistry, theater, and photography. With an extensive background in theater, music, sewing, and photography, she envisioned a studio where creativity and storytelling could come together. Drawing on her skills, Shirley meticulously handcrafts most of the costumes used in her sessions, ensuring authenticity and exceptional quality.
Today, The Play Room offers a vast collection of handcrafted costumes, props, and backdrops, allowing clients to step into their favorite eras and characters. Whether you dream of becoming a Renaissance noble, a Wild West gunslinger, or a whimsical storybook character, Shirley is dedicated to making your vision a reality through tasteful and artistic portraiture.
Our happy customers
We’re proud to bring smiles, laughter, and unforgettable memories to families who visit The Play Room. From magical dress-up moments to themed photo sessions, our customers rave about the fun, creativity, and personalized experience they enjoy each time they walk through our doors.
Costume Rentals
- Renaissance Fairs
- Prom Dresses & Formal Wear
- Flower Girl Dresses
- Halloween & Holiday Events
- Parades & Pageants
- Community/Local Theater
Storybook Portraits
- Magical & Mystical Creatures
- Nursery Rhymes
- Knights & Pirates
- Disney Prince & Princesses
- Grimms Fairy Tales
- Super Hero's & Everyday Hero's
Theme Party Planning
- Birthdays
- Engagements
- Anniversaries
- Family Reunions
- Summer Time Bash
- Retirement
Our Services
The Play Room – Serving the Oxford Hills Area
At The Play Room, we specialize in unique costumed photography, high-quality costume rentals, and themed event planning to bring creativity and fun to every occasion. Whether you’re looking for a professional portrait, a costume for an event, or a one-of-a-kind party experience, we have something for everyone!
Costumed Portrait Photography – Serving the Oxford Hills Area
Step back in time or into your favorite fantasy world with our themed photography sessions. With an extensive collection of costumes, props, and backdrops, we bring your vision to life with stunning, high-quality portraits. Choose from a variety of themes.
Costume Rentals – So Paris ME
Why buy when you can rent a high-quality costume at an affordable price? The Play Room offers a diverse selection of costumes for all occasions. With a vast inventory of authentic, well-crafted costumes, we help you find the perfect look for any event.
Theme Party Planning
With over 45 years of experience in event planning, Shirley Parsons can help you create an unforgettable themed party. Whether you’re hosting a Renaissance feast, a Western saloon night, or a fairytale ball, we provide expert guidance, creative ideas, and high-quality costumes to make your event truly special.
Kids’ Dress-Up TimeWhere
Imagination Comes to Life!
Make your child’s birthday an unforgettable adventure with a Kids’ Dress-Up Time Party! We provide a suitcase full of high-quality costumes, allowing kids to step into the world of pirates, princesses, superheroes, cowboys, fairies, and more! Through creative role-playing and interactive fun, your little guests will enjoy an experience filled with imagination, laughter, and excitement. Whether at home or a special venue, let us bring the magic to you and create a birthday celebration like no other!
- Choose your child's interest
- Give approximate age & size
- Choose boys, girls or both
- Four hours of endless fun
- Costumes delivered & pick up within a 20 mile radius of S. Paris
- Certain props included upon parent approval
Explore the Magic
Step into the world of The Play Room and see the magic for yourself! Our sample images showcase the fun, creativity, and imagination that go into every costumed portrait. From Vikings and Pirates to Storybook Characters and Wild West Outlaws, our themed photoshoots bring your fantasy to life.
Whether you want to travel back in time, become your favorite character, or create a one-of-a-kind memory, we have the costumes, props, and backdrops to make it happen. Check out our gallery and get inspired for your own unforgettable session!
Your adventure starts here what will you become?
Endless Backdrop Options – Perfect Settings for Every Story!
The Play Room Backdrops
Setting the Stage for Your Story!
From Fairytales to the Wild West – The Perfect Backdrop for Every Adventure!
Black & White & Sepia
Send Us a Message
FAQ
The Play Room – Serving the Oxford Hills Area
What types of photography sessions do you offer?
We specialize in costumed portrait photography, offering a variety of themes such as Vikings, Renaissance, Pirates, Wild West, Civil War, Storybook Characters, and more. Our sessions include high-quality portraits in black & white, sepia, or full color to create a timeless and unique look.
Do I need to bring my own costume for a photography session?
No! We provide a huge collection of costumes, props, and backdrops to bring your vision to life. Whether you want to be a cowboy, a noble queen, or a 1920s flapper, we have something for everyone.
Do you rent costumes for events?
Yes! We offer costume rentals for all kinds of occasions, including parades, local theater productions, Renaissance fairs, themed parties, holidays, and formal events like proms and weddings. Our high-quality costumes ensure you look amazing for any special occasion.
Can I book The Play Room for a children’s dress-up party?
Absolutely! Our Kids’ Dress-Up Time Party provides a suitcase full of costumes for children to enjoy role-playing as pirates, princesses, superheroes, cowboys, and more. It’s a fun and unique way to celebrate a birthday or special event.
How do I book a session or rent a costume?
To book a photography session, rent a costume, or inquire about theme party planning, contact Shirley Parsons at (207) 344-9344. We’re happy to help bring your vision to life!
Step Into the Spotlight – Create Magical Memories Today!
Contact Us Today to Book Your Unforgettable Experience at The Play Room!