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
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. 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. The class consists of a series of games and exercises that get at the heart of what acting is all about. No experience required.
" ["post_title"]=> string(21) "Anyone Can Act: April" ["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(22) "anyone-can-act-april-2" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-03-22 12:53:11" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-03-22 16:53:11" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=62316" ["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)#10298 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(62317) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2024-01-30 14:20:29" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-01-30 19:20:29" ["post_content"]=> string(423) "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. 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. The class consists of a series of games and exercises that get at the heart of what acting is all about. No experience required.
" ["post_title"]=> string(19) "Anyone Can Act: May" ["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) "anyone-can-act-may-2" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-04-10 19:58:17" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-04-10 23:58:17" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=62317" ["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)#10318 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(62236) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2024-01-23 11:19:30" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-01-23 16:19:30" ["post_content"]=> string(3951) "The Theatre Lab's Life Stories® Institute is an award-winning education program where you'll learn how to use the power of the arts to strengthen communities. In this highly interactive virtual training, you'll gain the teaching experience you need to develop and implement workshops that help people create original dramatic works based on their lived experience. Offered only once a year, this "train-the-trainer" program" is for anyone interested in amplifying the voices that too often go unheard in our society. No acting or teaching experience required. Tuition: $395. Aid available.
The Life Stories® Institute 2024
Are you interested in becoming a leader in your community? The Life Stories Institute (April 4 - 7) is an award-winning “train-the-trainer” program that prepares you to teach The Theatre Lab’s Life Stories curriculum in your own classroom, organization or community. Join us for a virtual info session February 6 at 6pm.
Please note: Only participants who have been officially admitted through the application process are eligible to enroll.
1 hour mentor coaching session with Theatre Lab faculty, to be scheduled at mutually convenient times between student and instructor. Get acting tips, career advice, and other guidance personally tailored to your needs and special interests.
" ["post_title"]=> string(23) "Online Private Coaching" ["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) "online-private-coaching" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2023-10-23 18:30:31" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-10-23 22:30:31" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=48859" ["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)#10283 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(42584) ["post_author"]=> string(1) "3" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2021-10-29 01:11:38" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2021-10-29 01:11:38" ["post_content"]=> string(248) "1 hour mentor coaching session with Theatre Lab faculty, to be scheduled at mutually convenient times between student and instructor. Get acting tips, career advice, and other guidance personally tailored to your needs and special interests.
" ["post_title"]=> string(16) "Private Coaching" ["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(16) "private-coaching" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2023-10-23 19:23:18" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-10-23 23:23:18" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(242) "1 hour mentor coaching sessions with Theatre Lab faculty, to be scheduled at mutually convenient times between student and instructor. Get acting tips, career advice, and other guidance personally tailored to your needs and special interests." ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(43) "http://32b88e87-33b1-43c9-ab32-7f0d2e32e43f" ["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)#10251 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(61309) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2023-12-04 16:00:26" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-12-04 21:00:26" ["post_content"]=> string(695) "Four lunchtime classes. An innovative approach to powerful public speaking, taught by a pioneer in the field of applied acting. This course leads participants through a series of acting-based physical, vocal and psychological exercises designed to promote spoken communication that leaves a lasting impact on an audience. From writing a dramatic speech to defining strong objectives to building confidence through a reliable rehearsal process, this course is for anyone who wants to know what it takes to please a crowd. Required text: Taking Center Stage: Masterful Public Speaking Using Acting Skills You Never Knew You Had by Deb Gottesman and Buzz Mauro (PDF provided).
" ["post_title"]=> string(31) "Public Speaking the Actor's Way" ["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(32) "public-speaking-the-actors-way-4" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-04-16 00:47:14" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-04-16 04:47:14" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=61309" ["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)#10271 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(57526) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2023-04-11 11:26:29" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2023-04-11 15:26:29" ["post_content"]=> string(1999) "
Learn and Perform in QUEER STORIES
We are currently seeking individuals ages 14-80+ who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA community. This exciting program, called QUEER STORIES, is completely FREE and aims to provide a unique opportunity for individuals to share their personal stories based on their lived experiences as part of the queer community in the DMV area. Participants will join a diverse group of individuals to delve into the intersection of queer experiences across generations. Our goal is to create an original theatre production that will debut at the Undercroft Theatre at the Theatre Lab in July.
We welcome people of all gender identities and sexualities to participate in this program, as we will weave together each participant's individual experiences to create a collective and original performance. Theatre Lab Life Stories instructors will guide and work closely with the students throughout the 11-week program to craft a powerful and engaging production that amplifies the unique voices of each individual.
This class is recommended for people interested in exploring artistic self-expression. This is a fun and lively process; open to seasoned performers as well as those who have no previous acting experience. Please note that participants are expected to commit to the entire 11-week program. Classes will be held at the Theatre Lab in downtown DC on Wednesday (6-9 PM) starting Wednesday, May 15.
Location: The Theatre Lab, 900 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001
Schedule: Wednesdays, May 15-July 24, 6-9 PM
Performance: Wednesday, July 24 at 7 PM at the Undercroft Theatre at the Theatre Lab
[embed]https://vimeo.com/797108954/0c431e9388?share=copy[/embed]
" ["post_title"]=> string(27) "Queer Stories - Summer 2024" ["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(25) "queer-stories-summer-2024" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-04-18 10:15:23" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-04-18 14:15:23" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=57526" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(7) "product" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } } ["post_count"]=> int(7) ["current_post"]=> int(-1) ["before_loop"]=> bool(true) ["in_the_loop"]=> bool(false) ["post"]=> object(WP_Post)#10177 (24) { ["ID"]=> int(62316) ["post_author"]=> string(6) "254521" ["post_date"]=> string(19) "2024-01-30 14:20:28" ["post_date_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-01-30 19:20:28" ["post_content"]=> string(423) "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. 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. The class consists of a series of games and exercises that get at the heart of what acting is all about. No experience required.
" ["post_title"]=> string(21) "Anyone Can Act: April" ["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(22) "anyone-can-act-april-2" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2024-03-22 12:53:11" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2024-03-22 16:53:11" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(54) "https://theatrelab.org/?post_type=product&p=62316" ["menu_order"]=> int(0) ["post_type"]=> string(7) "product" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["comment_count"]=> int(0) ["current_comment"]=> int(-1) ["found_posts"]=> int(7) ["max_num_pages"]=> int(1) ["max_num_comment_pages"]=> int(0) ["is_single"]=> bool(false) ["is_preview"]=> bool(false) ["is_page"]=> bool(false) ["is_archive"]=> bool(true) ["is_date"]=> bool(false) ["is_year"]=> bool(false) ["is_month"]=> bool(false) ["is_day"]=> bool(false) ["is_time"]=> bool(false) ["is_author"]=> bool(false) ["is_category"]=> bool(false) ["is_tag"]=> bool(false) ["is_tax"]=> bool(true) ["is_search"]=> bool(false) ["is_feed"]=> bool(false) ["is_comment_feed"]=> bool(false) ["is_trackback"]=> bool(false) ["is_home"]=> bool(false) ["is_privacy_policy"]=> bool(false) ["is_404"]=> bool(false) ["is_embed"]=> bool(false) ["is_paged"]=> bool(false) ["is_admin"]=> bool(false) ["is_attachment"]=> bool(false) ["is_singular"]=> bool(false) ["is_robots"]=> bool(false) ["is_favicon"]=> bool(false) ["is_posts_page"]=> bool(false) ["is_post_type_archive"]=> bool(false) ["query_vars_hash":"WP_Query":private]=> string(32) "cc06fece47aa5b341c0ba0cee74a0aae" ["query_vars_changed":"WP_Query":private]=> bool(false) ["thumbnails_cached"]=> bool(false) ["allow_query_attachment_by_filename":protected]=> bool(false) ["stopwords":"WP_Query":private]=> NULL ["compat_fields":"WP_Query":private]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(15) "query_vars_hash" [1]=> string(18) "query_vars_changed" } ["compat_methods":"WP_Query":private]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(16) "init_query_flags" [1]=> string(15) "parse_tax_query" } ["tribe_is_event"]=> bool(false) ["tribe_is_multi_posttype"]=> bool(false) ["tribe_is_event_category"]=> bool(false) ["tribe_is_event_venue"]=> bool(false) ["tribe_is_event_organizer"]=> bool(false) ["tribe_is_event_query"]=> bool(false) ["tribe_is_past"]=> bool(false) }-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Anyone Can Act: April
Instructor
Amal Saade
Day
Saturday
Dates
Apr 13 - Apr 13
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. Take two hours on a Saturday a...
MORE INFOSESSION
Spring I
LOCATION
onsite
COST
$50
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Anyone Can Act: May
Instructor
Vince Eisenson
Day
Saturday
Dates
May 4 - May 4
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. Take two hours on a Saturday a...
MORE INFOSESSION
Winter
LOCATION
onsite
COST
$50
-
Student Level
Life Stories Institute 2024
Instructor
Deb Gottesman
Dates
Apr 4 - Apr 7
Please note: Only participants who have been officially admitted through the application process are eligible to enroll.
MORE INFOSESSION
Spring I
LOCATION
online
COST
$395
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Online Private Coaching
Dates
Jan 1 -
1 hour mentor coaching session with Theatre Lab faculty, to be scheduled at mutually convenient times between student and instructor. Get acting tips, career advice, ...
MORE INFOSESSION
Winter
LOCATION
online
COST
$80
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Private Coaching
Dates
Jan 1 -
1 hour mentor coaching session with Theatre Lab faculty, to be scheduled at mutually convenient times between student and instructor. Get acting tips, career advice, ...
MORE INFOSESSION
Winter
LOCATION
onsite
COST
$100
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Public Speaking the Actor’s Way
Instructor
Buzz Mauro
Day
Thursdays
Dates
May 2 - May 23
Time
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Four lunchtime classes. An innovative approach to powerful public speaking, taught by a pioneer in the field of applied acting. This course leads participants through...
MORE INFOSESSION
Spring II
LOCATION
onsite
COST
$250
-
Student Level
Adults (18+)Queer Stories – Summer 2024
Instructor
Madeleine Regina and Bryce Sulecki
Day
Wednesdays
Dates
May 15 - Jul 24
Time
6-9 PM
Learn and Perform in QUEER STORIES We are currently seeking individuals ages 14-80+ who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA community. This exciting program, called ...
MORE INFOSESSION
Summer
LOCATION
onsite
COST
$0