Transforming Lives Through Theatre Education

We work to make both the artistic and the real-life benefits of theatre training accessible to all. The Theatre Lab enrolls over 2,800 adults, teens, and children a year. Offerings are designed for beginners and veteran actors alike through a wide range of programs—Saturday acting classes, summer camps for kids, public speaking for non-theatre professionals, the rigorous Honors Acting Conservatory, the community-driven Life Stories® program, and our workforce development program, the Arts Institute for Creative Advancement.

Programs

Adult

Programs

Teen

Programs

Youth

Donate to Send a Kid to Camp!

Our Send a Kid to Theatre Camp initiative makes it possible for children and teens from low-income households in the Washington region to attend our award-winning summer theatre programs. This year, we plan to award $175,000 in scholarships for young people to attend our summer programs. Every donation—no matter its size—has a major impact!

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Adult Classes

Named by Backstage as one of the top acting programs in Washington DC, we offer top-tier training in acting, musical theatre, film and television, voiceover, playwriting, directing, and more—all taught by experienced professionals in a dynamic, supportive environment. Classes are designed to fit all skills, experience levels, and schedules.

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What Our Students Are Saying

“ The Theatre Lab will not only make you a better actor, if taken seriously, it will make you a better person.”

Former Student

Events

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Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella: Youth Edition

See our summer campers tell the classic story of rags to riches and the ultimate happily ever after! Cinderella: Youth...

Late Summer Adult Classes Start

Our late summer session of adult classes starts in late July, with classes starting as soon as July 25, 2026....

A New Brain

A lesser-known masterpiece by William Finn, the Tony Award-winning creator of Falsettos and The 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, A...

Chicago: Teen Edition

Few musicals have left a mark on Broadway quite like the legendary Chicago—and it’s coming to Atlas Performing Arts Center...

Twelfth Night

When Viola is separated from her twin brother Sebastian, she disguises herself as a man named Cesario—triggering a tangled web...

Open Mic Night

Open Mic Nights at The Theatre Lab are back! A new, free community event series! Sing your heart out, perform...

News

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Theatre Lab to Attend DC-Area Performing Arts Camp Fair

CONTACT: Anastasia St. Hilaire asthilaire@arenastage.org Cassie Houy cassie@theatrelab.org ARENA STAGE ANNOUNCES FIRST ANNUAL DC-AREA PERFORMING ARTS CAMP FAIR ***Over a...

Where Are They Now? March 2024

Check out where our students, faculty, and alums are performing this month: Student alumni: Karin Rosnizeck is the Director of...

Meet the Cast of Proof

Proof, by David Auburn, directed by Randy Baker. TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Tickets to see the Tony Award-winning Proof...

The AICA Receives $50,000 in Funding from The National Endowment of the Arts

The Arts Institute for Creative Advancement to Receive $50,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts Washington, D.C. —...

Queer Stories

“This has been an incredible opportunity to create connections across generations to strengthen identity and build community through our individual...