Acting with the Pros

What does it feel like to act opposite someone who has spent years mastering their craft? In this thrilling new Theatre Lab class, you’ll find out! 

Acting with the Pros is taught by six of the Washington region’s finest professional actors, who will not just teach, but actually act with you. It’s your chance to step into scenes with actors who bring a professional level of creativity, spontaneity, and vitality to scripted work, and you’ll receive individualized feedback from each of the pros. This class offers students a rare type of experience that many actors don’t get until they’re well into their professional careers. 

Each session is led by a different instructor who brings their own approach, material, and perspective on the craft. No two classes will look the same—and that’s entirely the point. 

No audition is required, but students must have prior scene study experience to take this class. See the Prerequisites or Prior Experience section below for more information.

Meet Your Instructors

Deidra LaWan Starnes
A Helen Hayes Award-winning actor and Associate Artistic Director at 1st Stage, Deidra’s credits span renowned DMV theaters such as Folger Theatre, Mosaic Theater, Olney Theatre Center, Shakespeare Theatre, Studio Theatre, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and many more. She garnered two Helen Hayes nominations this year, one for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play (The Piano Lesson, 1st Stage) and one for Outstanding Director of a Play (hang, 1st Stage). 

Dawn Ursula
An alumni company member of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and Everyman Theatre, Dawn is a Helen Hayes Award-winning stage, screen, and voiceover actress whose work has been seen at the American Conservatory Theater, Olney Theatre Center, Washington National Opera, and on HBO’s The Wire and Veep.

Jaysen Wright
A classically trained actor, teaching artist, and college acting professor, Jaysen has performed on esteemed stages on the East and West coasts, including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theatre, and many more. Jaysen was nominated this year for the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play (A Case for the Existence of God, Mosaic Theater Company).

Derrick Truby Jr.
A powerhouse actor-singer, Derrick has appeared in rave DC productions such as Little Shop of Horrors, Sister Act, and 1776 at Ford’s Theatre, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at Round House Theatre, Play On! at Signature Theatre, A.D. 16 at Olney Theatre Center, and many more. 

Erin Weaver
An eight-time Helen Hayes Award winner with over 25 years of experience as a teaching artist, Erin is a celebrated Theatre Lab faculty member whose extensive credits include Signature Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Arena Stage, The Folger Theatre, Round House Theatre, Theater J, Imagination Stage, and Adventure Theatre.

Tonya Beckman
An accomplished actor and dialect coach with a strong background in Shakespeare and other classical work, Tonya’s credits include Folger Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Round House Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, The Kennedy Center, Studio Theatre, Theater J, Constellation Theatre, Mosaic Theater Company, and 1st stage. She also serves as a company member at Taffety Punk Theatre Company. 

Class Size*

6-10

* Note: Small class sizes are a fundamental part of our training philosophy at The Theatre Lab. Classes are kept small to ensure every person receives extensive personalized feedback from instructors and meaningful collaboration with other students. If a class is full, we encourage you to join the waitlist, and we will contact you if a spot becomes available!

Prerequisites or Prior Experience

One previous scene study class or prior experience and permission of the instructor. Examples of classes at The Theatre Lab that provide the appropriate experience include Beginning Scene Study, Intermediate Scene Study, Scenes in Performance, Performing Monologues, or Emotional Action.

Tuition Discount

At The Theatre Lab, we believe that theatre education should be accessible to all. We strive to offer as much need-based financial aid as possible. If attending our courses at full price would be difficult for you, we encourage you to apply for assistance here.

Theatre Lab members receive a 10% discount off of class tuition, automatically applied at checkout. Annual memberships cost only $70 per year and also include discounted tickets to all Theatre Lab performances. Read more about becoming a member here.

For our early bird specials and other exclusive discounts on class tuition, subscribe to our emails and follow us @theatrelabdc on social media for updates.

Class Policies

We encourage all students to review our Adult Class Policies prior to enrolling.