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.
Results
Myth: Acting is about talent and talent is something you’re born with. Reality: Acting is a craft that anyone can learn—at any age. Acting is also a fun and deeply satisfying activity, and Washington has more opportunities for doing it than practically anywhere else. Take two hours on a Saturday and learn some fundamentals while having a great time with other people who want to explore different sides of themselves. Get in on the act! We also offer this class for any groups interested in a team-building experience or just a fun outing. Call 202-824-0449 to learn about scheduling and rates for private groups.
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" ["post_title"]=> string(11) "Auditioning" ["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) "auditioning-summer-2022" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2022-05-19 10:46:34" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-05-19 14:46:34" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=51930" ["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)#13280 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(51939) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-05-18 10:57:51" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-05-18 14:57:51" ["post_content"]=> string(310) "An exploration of the numerous elements that go into a successful audition for the screen. Topics will include preparation, appropriate dress, demeanor, techniques for quick character analysis, cold readings, callbacks, and screen tests. All students will be recorded on video for playback and critique.
" ["post_title"]=> string(26) "Auditioning for the Camera" ["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(38) "auditioning-for-the-camera-summer-2022" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2022-05-19 10:46:35" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-05-19 14:46:35" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=51939" ["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)#13279 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(51926) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-05-18 10:18:38" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-05-18 14:18:38" ["post_content"]=> string(500) "Great for actors - or anyone who would like to sing better. Designed for people with little or no formal training, this course will emphasize healthy vocal production, breath control, phrasing, and ear training, in a fun and encouraging environment. Required text book: Sing at First Sight, by Beck, Surmani and Lewis.
No class July 4.
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" ["post_title"]=> string(7) "Dialect" ["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(19) "dialect-summer-2022" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2022-05-19 10:46:35" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-05-19 14:46:35" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=51940" ["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)#13277 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(51929) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-05-18 10:33:28" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-05-18 14:33:28" ["post_content"]=> string(512) "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. Students will use techniques drawn from The Theatre Lab’s award-winning Life Stories methodology to discover exactly what they have to say and to gain power and confidence in saying it. Each student will focus on the communication scenarios most important to them, with the dual goal of empowering the self and gaining concrete skills.
" ["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(30) "finding-your-voice-summer-2022" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2022-05-19 10:46:34" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-05-19 14:46:34" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=51929" ["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)#13276 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(51935) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-05-18 10:50:33" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-05-18 14:50:33" ["post_content"]=> string(583) "This class will cover the ins and outs of all aspects of the film industry, with a special focus on opportunities 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. Please note that two of the six class sessions will be held on Zoom (details to be provided after the course begins); the rest, including the first class, will be in person.
" ["post_title"]=> string(30) "Getting Started in TV and Film" ["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(42) "getting-started-in-tv-and-film-summer-2022" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2022-05-19 10:46:35" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-05-19 14:46:35" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=51935" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(7) "product" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } [7]=> object(WP_Post)#13275 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(51931) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2022-05-18 10:40:31" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2022-05-18 14:40:31" ["post_content"]=> string(600) "Our lively and popular crash course in the history of the western theatre from its origins to the present. Readings, film excerpts and discussions will center on the major periods, playwrights, actors, and styles, with an eye to developing a firm grounding in the traditions and influences that are most important for actors and other theatre professionals working today. Special emphasis on the history of Black theatre in America. Eight class sessions in total. Required for Honors students; open to all.
An 8th class will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time.
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No class July 4.
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Myth: Acting is about talent and talent is something you’re born with. Reality: Acting is a craft that anyone can learn—at any age. Acting is also a fun and deeply satisfying activity, and Washington has more opportunities for doing it than practically anywhere else. Take two hours on a Saturday and learn some fundamentals while having a great time with other people who want to explore different sides of themselves. Get in on the act! We also offer this class for any groups interested in a team-building experience or just a fun outing. Call 202-824-0449 to learn about scheduling and rates for private groups.
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Student Level
Adults (18+)Anyone Can Act – June
Instructor
Amal Saade
Day
Saturday
Dates
Jun 25 - Jun 25
Time
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Myth: Acting is about talent and talent is something you’re born with. Reality: Acting is a craft that anyone can learn—at any age. Acting is also a fun and deepl...
MORE INFOSESSION
Summer
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$50
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Auditioning
Instructor
Michael Russotto
Day
Saturdays
Dates
Jun 18 - Jul 23
Time
2 - 4:30 PM
This course is designed to improve student performance in all the major aspects of auditioning for the theatre: monologues, cold readings, and "in the room" demeanor...
MORE INFOSESSION
Summer
LOCATION
Online
COST
$300
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Auditioning for the Camera
Instructor
John Judy
Day
Wednesdays
Dates
Jun 8 - Jul 13
Time
7 - 10 PM
An exploration of the numerous elements that go into a successful audition for the screen. Topics will include preparation, appropriate dress, demeanor, techniques fo...
MORE INFOSESSION
Summer
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$360
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Beginning Singing
Instructor
Steve Quintilian
Day
Mondays
Dates
Jun 6 - Jul 18
Time
7 – 9:30 PM
Great for actors - or anyone who would like to sing better. Designed for people with little or no formal training, this course will emphasize healthy vocal production...
MORE INFOSESSION
Summer
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$330
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Dialect
Day
Wednesdays
Dates
Jun 15 - Jul 20
Time
7 - 10 PM
Techniques for learning any English language dialect, with a focus on standard British (“Received Pronunciation”). Students will study specifics of this dialect a...
MORE INFOSESSION
Summer
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$360
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Finding Your Voice
Instructor
April Harris
Day
Saturdays
Dates
Jun 18 - Jul 23
Time
1:30 – 4:00 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
Summer
LOCATION
Online
COST
$300
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Getting Started in TV and Film
Instructor
Brenna McDonough
Day
Tuesdays
Dates
Jun 7 - Jul 12
Time
7 - 9:30 PM
This class will cover the ins and outs of all aspects of the film industry, with a special focus on opportunities in the DC area, including commercials, corporate vid...
MORE INFOSESSION
Summer
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$300
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)History of the Theatre
Instructor
Kim Schraf
Day
Saturdays
Dates
Jun 18 - Jul 30
Time
10 AM – 1 PM
Our lively and popular crash course in the history of the western theatre from its origins to the present. Readings, film excerpts and discussions will center on the ...
MORE INFOSESSION
Summer
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$360
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Intro to Acting
Instructor
J.J. Johnson
Day
Thursdays
Dates
Jun 16 - Jul 21
Time
7 - 9:30 PM
Our fun and fast-paced introduction to what acting is all about. For anyone who's ever wanted to give acting a try – or those who haven't done it since that one tim...
MORE INFOSESSION
Summer
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$330
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)On-Camera Scene Study I
Instructor
John Judy
Day
Mondays
Dates
Jun 6 - Jul 18
Time
7 – 10 PM
An intensive course in acting for the screen. Students will rehearse scenes from plays, teleplays, and screenplays with special attention to what makes acting work we...
MORE INFOSESSION
Summer
LOCATION
In Person
COST
$360