The Theatre Lab

Transforming Lives Through Theatre Education

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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
Youth
Programs
Teen

School Year Classes

Our  fall school year classes are now open for enrollment, with classes starting as soon as September! Classes available for all age ranges, from PreK3 to Grade 12. Classes fill up quickly, so act fast!

Taught after school and on the weekends, our school year drama classes for kids are designed for students of all ages and experience levels—all led by professional, supportive faculty. 

Browse classes

Cabaret Benefit Dinner + Auction

Our biggest event of the year returns this November at the Ritz-Carlton Washington DC! This fun and inspiring event draws together 500 prominent Washingtonians each year, features one of the largest silent live auctions in DC, and provides the greatest source of income for our scholarship fund and groundbreaking Life Stories® program. Click below to learn more. 

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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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Oct 15

Deadline: Apply to the Honors Acting Conservatory’s Class of 2026

The Theatre Lab's prestigious Honors Acting Conservatory is now accepting applications for the Class of 2026!  About the Honors Conservatory Each year, ten student...
Oct 21

The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui

THE CRUCIBLE Date: September 30, 2025 Director: Bryanda Minix Featured Performer: Vince Eisenson as Proctor
Oct 14

Inherit the Wind

THE CRUCIBLE Date: September 30, 2025 Director: Bryanda Minix Featured Performer: Vince Eisenson as Proctor
Sep 30

The Crucible

THE CRUCIBLE Date: September 30, 2025 Director: Bryanda Minix Featured Performer: Vince Eisenson as Proctor
Sep 16

Rhinoceros

THE CRUCIBLE Date: September 30, 2025 Director: Bryanda Minix Featured Performer: Vince Eisenson as Proctor
Nov 09

2025 Cabaret Benefit Dinner + Auction

The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts is gearing up for its annual Cabaret Benefit Dinner + Auction on the evening of Sunday, November 9 at the elegant down...
May 13

Backstage Magazine Names The Theatre Lab as One of D.C.’s Top Acting Programs

We’re thrilled to be recognized by Backstage as one of the top places to train as an actor in Washington, D.C. In the article, “How to Become an Actor in Washingt...
Jan 08

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...
Mar 04

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 ExPats Theatre's Migraaaaants or Ther...
Feb 28

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 are on sale now! Join us March 14-16 for the seco...
Jan 31

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. — The Theatre Lab is pleased to ann...
Dec 05

Queer Stories

“This has been an incredible opportunity to create connections across generations to strengthen identity and build community through our individual and shared stori...
Jun 26

Spur Local Selects The Theatre Lab as Critical Nonprofit for Class of 2026

We are thrilled to share that The Theatre Lab has been selected to be a part of Spur Local’s Class of 2025! Spur Local, formerly the Catalogue for Philanthropy, ri...
Feb 04

Where Are They Now? 2025 Update

We're in the process of revamping our Where Are They Now listserv—our dedicated source for alumni news. While we make these improvements, we encourage you to contin...
Jan 31

NEA Announces $36M to Support the Arts Nationwide

DATE: January 31, 2025 CONTACT: Cassie Houy The Theatre Lab's Life Stories® Program and the Arts Institute for Creative Advancement to receive Grant awards from ...
Oct 03

AICA Partners with Kennedy Center to Support Apprentices with Disabilities

The Theatre Lab and the team behind the Arts Institute for Creative Advancement (AICA)--our workforce development program in technical theatre--are thrilled to announ...
Aug 12

Join Us – AICA Graduation Ceremony 2024 🎓

You are cordially invited to the Graduation Ceremony of the AICA Class of 2024. Please join us on August 20th to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates of th...
Aug 06

Teen Alumni Sam Landa Brings an Acrobatic Hamlet to DC!

July 31 to August 11 Union Market District’s Dock5 1309 5th St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 Use code: THEATRELAB for 20% off tickets Sam Landa, a Theatre Lab alum...

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