Acting Classes (Grades 2 - 12)

Young performers will jump into the fun world of improv designed to spark creativity and laughter. Perfect for beginners or those with a little stage experience, this improvisation class teaches basic acting and storytelling skills through fun improv theatre games. Students learn about clarity of thought, active listening, spontaneity, and problem-solving, so by the end, they gain confidence, sharpen their imagination, and learn to think on their feet.

For middle school actors ready to grow, this class combines improvisation with scene study. Students build storytelling skills through fun improv games while also diving into basic acting skills: clarity of thought and action, mental agility, spontaneity, actively listening and responding, and creative problem-solving. The foundation of acting training and scene work gives students the opportunity to dive deep into character creation, text analysis, and acting technique.

Harness the popular role-playing game D&D to form a new kind of ensemble: the Adventuring Improv Party!  Instead of retelling an already-existing story, we customize each adventure for maximum creativity and theatrical challenge! Actors will create bold characters, overcome obstacles, and make strategic and innovative choices on the spot as they use long-form improvisation as a storytelling tool. Each improv acting class will feed into the next, in an ongoing original story that encourages actors to work together both as characters and as collaborators designing an expansive story — their own epic adventure!

Designed for young actors preparing for auditions, this focused class gives students the tools to present their best selves on stage. Each participant will select and hone a contemporary monologue that highlights their strengths. Along the way,  they learn acting techniques so they can present their best work to directors and casting agents. Students can also expand their range by tackling new character types. The class explores textual analysis, physically trains the actor’s body and voice, and discusses/practices audition strategies. Class concludes with a showcase of monologues.

Movement is the foundation of powerful acting. In this advanced class, students will explore how physical choices create character and communicate with an audience before a single word is spoken. Using professional-level methods such as Bartenieff Fundamentals and Laban Movement Analysis, high school actors will expand their physical range, break habits, and explore new possibilities for character work—training that students are not usually exposed to until college or graduate school! This training is ideal for students already exposed to physical theatre, or anyone who has done Shakespeare and/or basic acting training.

Taught by DC-area fight master Casey Kaleba. This workshop will focus on multiple skills with a variety of weapons, in addition to fight safety skills, tips for acting while fighting, and, of course, how to "die" gloriously on stage!