Courses & Programs
The Theatre Lab offers the area’s most comprehensive theatre arts curriculum for adults, teens, and youth, most taught by the area’s finest theatre professionals. With both in-person and online classes in acting for the stage and screen, musical theatre, voiceovers, playwriting, directing, and drama criticism, you can shape a unique training program that is right for you.
Adult Classes: Read class policies. Apply for financial aid.
Youth Classes: Read class policies. Apply for financial aid.

Results
Jump into the world of Shakespeare in this action-packed class that makes the magical world of the Bard come alive! Students will learn how to read and act Shakepeare’s actual text in a way that is accessible and fun. They will learn about the way Shakespeare utilizes the idea of magic in some of his most famous works while building essential acting skills as they increase their range and confidence.
" ["post_title"]=> string(45) "(Grades 3-5) The Magical World of Shakespeare" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(43) "grades-3-5-the-magical-world-of-shakespeare" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2023-03-16 14:02:47" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-03-16 18:02:47" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=56987" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(7) "product" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [1]=> object(WP_Post)#14676 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(56983) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254588" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2023-03-16 12:55:10" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-03-16 16:55:10" ["post_content"]=> string(397) "Do you have a young actor who also loves to sing? This class will help students create the connection between acting and singing and expose them to the unique world of musical theatre. Students will learn a multifaceted way to approach a song and make it come alive as an actor. (Note: Students will use background tracks for accompaniment).
" ["post_title"]=> string(26) "(Grades 6-8) Acting a Song" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(26) "grades-6-8-acting-a-song-2" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2023-03-16 14:02:17" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-03-16 18:02:17" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=56983" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(7) "product" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [2]=> object(WP_Post)#14650 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(56982) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254588" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2023-03-16 12:55:00" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-03-16 16:55:00" ["post_content"]=> string(411) "This class will help teens build their confidence on the stage while also helping them tackle the exciting work of Shakespeare. Through monologue and scene work students will learn how to approach Shakespeare’s text, how to develop a character, and how to build confidence with the language. This class is great for acting newbies as well as stage veterans.
" ["post_title"]=> string(35) "(Grades 7-12) Shakespeare for Teens" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(33) "grades-7-12-shakespeare-for-teens" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2023-03-17 20:05:11" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-03-18 00:05:11" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=56982" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(7) "product" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [3]=> object(WP_Post)#15049 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(56989) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254588" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2023-03-16 13:00:12" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-03-16 17:00:12" ["post_content"]=> string(713) "The benefits of acting training go far beyond the stage. Being social, making friends, and learning to speak up can be difficult for kids--especially in these unusual times. Fortunately, acting is a tool that can help us better understand and become our full selves. From playing theatre games, sharing stories from their lives, and role playing, students will have an opportunity to problem solve, practice social skills, and build confidence in a fun, approachable way. Using a combination of improvisational games and techniques along with stories, students will develop and strengthen the necessary skills to boost their confidence both on and off the stage.
" ["post_title"]=> string(79) "(Grades K-2) Confident Kids! Building Your Child’s Confidence Onstage and Off" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(73) "grades-k-2-confident-kids-building-your-childs-confidence-onstage-and-off" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2023-03-16 14:03:00" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-03-16 18:03:00" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=56989" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(7) "product" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [4]=> object(WP_Post)#14669 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(56080) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-12-19 11:54:37" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-12-19 16:54:37" ["post_content"]=> string(247) "Techniques for interpreting lyrics, connecting to the character you're singing to, committing to the circumstances, making strong movement choices, and using your voice to maximum effect. For every singer who acts and every actor who sings.
" ["post_title"]=> string(13) "Acting a Song" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(15) "acting-a-song-2" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2023-02-24 14:48:05" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-02-24 19:48:05" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=56080" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(7) "product" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [5]=> object(WP_Post)#14627 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(56079) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-12-19 11:51:01" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-12-19 16:51:01" ["post_content"]=> string(1943) "An intensive introduction to scripted work through preparation and performance of scenes and monologues. Emphasis on learning effective rehearsal techniques and expanding the actor’s range. Requires approximately 3–5 hours of rehearsal with an assigned partner outside of class each week. Taken together or in succession, this course and Intro to Acting constitute essential training in the basics of the actor’s craft.
" ["post_title"]=> string(21) "Beginning Scene Study" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(23) "beginning-scene-study-7" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2023-03-15 16:48:13" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-03-15 20:48:13" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=56079" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(7) "product" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [6]=> object(WP_Post)#14644 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(56004) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-12-13 16:13:14" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-12-13 21:13:14" ["post_content"]=> string(1702) "
Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-10pm
Saturdays 10am-1pm, no class Apr 8 (Easter)
Dress Reh Tues Apr 25, 6-11pm
Final Dress Wed Apr 26, 6-11pm
Performs Apr 27, 28, 29, 30
An intensive course for actors and anyone else interested in expanding their theatrical skill set by learning the art of direction. All aspects of directing will be covered and practiced, including concept-building, blocking, and communicating with actors. Students will both direct scenes and act in each other's scenes, so expect to commit several hours per week outside of class.
No class 5/15, 5/29
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No class May 27 (Memorial Day Weekend)
To remove barriers to access, this class is being offered as Pay-What-You-Can. Please submit this brief form to begin the registration process. The class is NOT sold out. Please disregard the text below.
" ["post_title"]=> string(18) "Finding Your Voice" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(20) "finding-your-voice-4" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2023-03-15 15:28:01" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-03-15 19:28:01" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=56078" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(7) "product" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [9]=> object(WP_Post)#15640 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(56073) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-12-19 11:30:43" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-12-19 16:30:43" ["post_content"]=> string(353) "This class will cover the ins and outs of all aspects of the film industry in the DC area, including commercials, corporate videos, indie and feature films, and where to look for auditions, jobs and performance opportunities. Class will include mastering the mystery of the self-tape audition. Includes work on-camera for playback and evaluation.
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Student Level
Children(Grades 3-5) The Magical World of Shakespeare
Instructor
Kelly Cronenberg
Day
Wednesdays
Dates
Apr 26 - May 31
Time
4:30 PM-6 PM
Jump into the world of Shakespeare in this action-packed class that makes the magical world of the Bard come alive! Students will learn how to read and act Shakepea...
MORE INFOSESSION
Late Spring
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$280
-
Student Level
Children(Grades 6-8) Acting a Song
Instructor
Nathan Whitmer
Day
Saturdays
Dates
Apr 15 - May 20
Time
Noon-1:30 PM
Do you have a young actor who also loves to sing? This class will help students create the connection between acting and singing and expose them to the unique world...
MORE INFOSESSION
Late Spring
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$300
-
Student Level
Teens(Grades 7-12) Shakespeare for Teens
Instructor
Nathan Whitmer
Day
Saturdays
Dates
Apr 15 - May 20
Time
10 AM-11:30 AM
This class will help teens build their confidence on the stage while also helping them tackle the exciting work of Shakespeare. Through monologue and scene work stu...
MORE INFOSESSION
Late Spring
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$280
-
Student Level
Children(Grades K-2) Confident Kids! Building Your Child’s Confidence Onstage and Off
Instructor
Bryanda Minix
Day
Wednesdays
Dates
Apr 26 - May 31
Time
4:30 PM-6 PM
The benefits of acting training go far beyond the stage. Being social, making friends, and learning to speak up can be difficult for kids--especially in these unusu...
MORE INFOSESSION
Late Spring
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$280
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Acting a Song
Instructor
Evan Casey
Day
Wednesdays
Dates
Apr 19 - May 24
Time
7 - 10 PM
Techniques for interpreting lyrics, connecting to the character you're singing to, committing to the circumstances, making strong movement choices, and using your voi...
MORE INFOSESSION
Late Spring
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$370
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Beginning Scene Study
Instructor
Bryanda Minix
Day
Tuesdays
Dates
Apr 18 - May 23
Time
7 - 10 PM
An intensive introduction to scripted work through preparation and performance of scenes and monologues. Emphasis on learning effective rehearsal techniques and expan...
MORE INFOSESSION
Late Spring
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$370
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Creating a Musical Role: As You Like It
Instructor
Deb Gottesman
Day
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
Dates
Feb 2 - Apr 30
Time
See schedule
This double-session course takes students through the entire process of rehearsing and performing a major musical and culminates in a full production in the Undercrof...
MORE INFOSESSION
Winter
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$790
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Directing
Instructor
Michael Russotto
Day
Mondays
Dates
Apr 17 - Jun 12
Time
7 - 10 PM
An intensive course for actors and anyone else interested in expanding their theatrical skill set by learning the art of direction. All aspects of directing will be...
MORE INFOSESSION
Late Spring
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$400
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Finding Your Voice
Instructor
April Harris
Day
Saturdays
Dates
Apr 22 - Jun 3
Time
10 AM - 12 PM
This class explores what it means to have a voice – in society, in a meeting room, in artistic practice, in public speaking situations, or in personal relationships...
MORE INFOSESSION
Late Spring
LOCATION
Online
COST
$310
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Getting Started in TV and Film
Instructor
Brenna McDonough
Day
Tuesdays
Dates
Apr 18 - May 23
Time
7 - 9:30 PM
This class will cover the ins and outs of all aspects of the film industry in the DC area, including commercials, corporate videos, indie and feature films, and where...
MORE INFOSESSION
Late Spring
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$340