Youth Theatre Classes in Lawrence

Theatre is for Everyone

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Questions about Youth Theatre & Music classes? Please call us at 785.843.2787 or contact us.

Open the Curtain to a New Community

Does your child embrace the dramatic? Whether it’s a flair for performance, a love of theatre, an interest in music, or simple curiosity—exploring theatre could be right for them!

Youth theatre classes at Lawrence Arts Center go beyond acting, covering all aspects that go into a theatre performance. This includes music performance, stage lighting, set building, costuming, and everything else that makes a theatre production possible.

Our Facilities & Curriculum

Setting the Stage

We’re committed to providing the Lawrence area with a facility that welcomes them into the world of theatre and music. This includes our dedicated spaces at our primary and satellite locations for youth theatre in Lawrence, plus a 300-seat theatre for performances.

Enter Stage Left

The youth theatre classes we offer focus on developing the artist as well as the art. Classes cover everything from technical aspects of theatre—like stage lighting and set building—to performance and beyond. The choice is yours!

For our youth theatre classes, the descriptions list what to expect from the courses. The goals of our youth theatre classes include skill building, exploration, play, and more!

Current Classes

Acting, Improv & Performance
Musical Theatre Workshop[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 11:00AM - 12:30PM | SA
Ages 10 to 18 | Erin Zipper | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY66
Members $150 | Non-Members $150
Get ready for Summer Youth Theatre! This class gives intense focus to singing, dancing and acting simultaneously. Work with our seasoned professionals to sharpen your skills, prepare for auditions and perform. This course pairs well with Summer Youth Theatre: Audition Techniques
Adult Acting Accelerator: Bring-a-friend[25WSP]
03/26/25 - 04/23/25, 7:00PM - 7:55PM | WE
Ages 18 to 120 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMA33
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Open to beginner and experienced students, this class will explore how an actor studies a role, develops a character, and builds their portfolio. Bring a friend or family member with you to class (at no extra charge) to be your acting partner! You'll leave ready with skills you can immediately apply toward auditions and performance.
Adult Improv[25WSP]
03/24/25 - 04/21/25, 6:30PM - 7:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Chris Kramer | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMA11
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Learn the fundamentals of improv or refine your skills with fun games and exercises. Come meet new people and create surprising and hilarious scenes!
Summer Youth Theatre: Audition Techniques[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | SA
Ages 10 to 18 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY68
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
It is nearly time for Summer Youth Theatre auditions! We will explore what to expect at an audition, work on selected monologues, and give feedback on strengthening audition presentations. This course pairs well with Musical Theatre Workshop. Jeanne is a member of Actors' Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild.
Matilda the Musical: Actor Enrollment[25WSP]
01/13/25 - 02/20/25, 6:00PM - 9:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, SU
Ages 8 to 18 | Justin Harbaugh | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | MATILDA
Members $175 | Non-Members $175
This course serves as enrollment for all student actors participating in Matilda the Musical. Rehearsals are 6-9pm Monday - Thursday, and Sunday afternoons 1-4pm.
Acting Fundies[25WSP]
03/25/25 - 04/22/25, 5:00PM - 5:55PM | TU
Ages 7 to 12 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | STMY21
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Do you have a young dramatic person in your life? Get them in this class so they can hone their skills and start building their acting fundamentals.
Homeschool Theatre[25WSP]
03/26/25 - 04/23/25, 11:00AM - 11:55AM | WE
Ages 7 to 12 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | STMY31
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Have a kiddo who is home schooled and wants to be in a Theatre class? This course is for you! We will work together to explore building stories, costumes, sets and prop building, as well as acting, improv and performance. No theater experience required.
Treasure Trunk: An Acting Exploration[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | STMY67
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
Come open our treasure trunk filled with delightful objects, mysteries and surprises. Students build acting skills to tell stories, use their voices, bodies and imaginations every week.
Musical Theatre Exploration[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 11:00AM - 11:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | STMY65
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
Learn how to sing and dance! Let's explore the magic of Musical Theatre together.
Playwriting[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/5/25, 2:00PM - 3:25PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | Ric Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMA69
Members $50 | Non-Members $50
Bring your written pages or generative ideas. Explore the basics of the structure of action. Class will do readings and writing exercises. Handouts provided.
Adult Improv[25WSP]
01/13/25 - 03/10/25, 6:30PM - 7:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Chris Kramer | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMA11
Members $160 | Non-Members $160
Learn the fundamentals of improv or refine your skills with fun games and exercises. Come meet new people and create surprising and hilarious scenes!
Adult Acting Accelerator: Bring-a-friend[25WSP]
01/15/25 - 02/12/25, 7:00PM - 7:55PM | WE
Ages 18 to 120 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMA32
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Open to beginner and experienced students, this class will explore how an actor studies a role, develops a character, and builds their portfolio. Bring a friend or family member with you to class (at no extra charge) to be your acting partner! You'll leave ready with skills you can immediately apply toward auditions and performance.
Murder Mystery[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 03/1/25, 2:00PM - 2:55PM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | Jillian Schwartz | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | WTMY68
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
There’s been a murder! Come help the lead investigator find out what has happened here, then plan a murder mystery of our own! Can you find out who did it?
Homeschool Theatre[25WSP]
01/15/25 - 03/5/25, 11:00AM - 11:55AM | WE
Ages 7 to 12 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | WTMY31
Members $160 | Non-Members $160
Have a kiddo who is home schooled and wants to be in a Theatre class? This course is for you! We will work together to explore building stories, costumes, sets and prop building, as well as acting, improv and performance. No theater experience required.
Saturday Troupers[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 03/8/25, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | WTMY67
Members $160 | Non-Members $160
Create a new show and perform it each month! Students will learn to write, design costume, and build various pieces, to cultivate acting skills, and perform each month. Performances will be Feb 8th & March 8th.
Adult Improv Performance Troupe[25WSP]
01/13/25 - 04/21/25, 7:30PM - 8:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Leah Towle | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMA12
Members $250 | Non-Members $250
Members will create an ensemble, build confidence in improvising, and perform for the public at Final Fridays! Class performances will be on 1/31, 2/28, 3/28, & 4/25. Must have taken an Arts Center improv class in the last five years or have instructor approval. No Class Jan 20 & March 17.
Clowning Around[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 02/15/25, 11:00AM - 11:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | Leah Towle | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | WTMY66
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
Learn how to use your voice, body, and imagination to choreograph comedic chase scenes and make moments of disaster that will have everyone laughing. This class is about acting physical comedy; not on circus clowns.

Family Play

Imagination & Adventure
Fairytopia[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Schwartz | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY63
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
We will create and play as fairy characters, make our own world and work together as we go!
Storybook Adventures: The Cat and the Bird: A Children's Book Inspired by Paul K
03/29/25 - 03/29/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY62a
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: Spring Bundle[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY62
Members $70 | Non-Members $70
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: Buffalo Fluffalo (A Buffalo Fluffalo Story) [25WSP]
04/5/25 - 04/5/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY62b
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: Somewhere in the Bayou[25WSP]
04/12/25 - 04/12/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY62c
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: The King Penguin[25WSP]
04/19/25 - 04/19/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY62d
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Imagination Land[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 9:00AM - 9:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 7 | Leah Towle | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | STMY61
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
In this music and drama class we will sing, dance, and act out adventures through Imagination Land. What might we find, hear, and do there? Join us to find out where our imagination takes us!
Musical Play Group[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 03/1/25, 9:00AM - 9:55AM | SA
Ages 2 to 5 | Jordan Mills | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | WTMY62
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
At this musical playgroup we will sing, play, read, and dance! We'll start with a music group including lots of instrument play, movement, and singing, we will read a short book, and have time to play at the end! Tuition includes one child and one caregiver.
Secret Doors & Hidden Worlds: An Imagination Adventure[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 02/8/25, 11:00AM - 11:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMY65
Members $55 | Non-Members $55
Come explore hidden worlds! There might be fairies, gnomes, and other creatures along the way! Join us for an immersive class that will bring imagination to life.
Storybook Adventures: What Feelings Do When No One's Looking[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 01/25/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMY61a
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Yoga Adventure: Stretch, Imagine, Play![25WSP]
01/15/25 - 01/29/25, 10:15AM - 11:00AM | WE
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | WTMY31a
Members $55 | Non-Members $55
This caregiver & child class includes creative movement, storytelling, yoga, imagination, and play. This class is great for the afternoon preschool parent!
Storybook Adventures: Winter Bundle[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 02/22/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMY61
Members $90 | Non-Members $90
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Treasure Trunk[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 02/22/25, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMY63
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Come open our treasure trunk filled with delightful objects, mysteries and surprises. Students will use their voices, bodies and imaginations in a new adventure every week.
Story Book Adventures: Every Little Seed[25WSP]
02/1/25 - 02/1/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMY61b
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Stretches: Move, Imagine, Breathe[25WSP]
02/5/25 - 02/19/25, 10:15AM - 11:00AM | WE
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | WTMY31b
Members $55 | Non-Members $55
This caregiver & child class includes creative movement, storytelling, yoga, imagination, and play. This class is great for the afternoon preschool parent!
Storybook Adventures: Outside / In[25WSP]
02/8/25 - 02/8/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMY61c
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn't Sorry.[
02/15/25 - 02/15/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMY61d
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Unicorns & Rainbows: A Journey to Dream Land[25WSP]
02/15/25 - 03/1/25, 11:00AM - 11:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMY68
Members $55 | Non-Members $55
Come explore the magical lands with us! Follow the unicorns over the rainbow and join us for an immersive class that will bring imagination to life.
Storybook Adventures: I Want My Hat Back[25WSP]
02/22/25 - 02/22/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMY61e
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Creative Creatures: Movement & Mindfulness[25WSP]
02/26/25 - 03/12/25, 10:15AM - 11:00AM | WE
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | WTMY31c
Members $55 | Non-Members $55
This caregiver & child class includes creative movement, storytelling, yoga, imagination, and play. This class is great for the afternoon preschool parent!

Music
Old-Time String Band with Spencer & Rains[25WSP]
03/25/25 - 04/22/25, 7:00PM - 8:25PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Tricia J Spencer | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | STMA22
Members $200 | Non-Members $200
Old-time repertoire and ensemble class for fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin and bass. Knowledge of the style is not required, but participants should have an instrument and be able to play.
Irish Fiddle: Youth[25WSP]
03/27/25 - 04/24/25, 4:30PM - 5:55PM | TH
Ages 7 to 13 | Annie Stark | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY41
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Connecting with heritage music is a natural way to connect with culture. Students will learn fiddle tunes in a traditional style with opportunities to provide music for Irish dancers. Students must bring their own violin and have 2+ years of experience.
Irish Fiddle: Teens & Adults[25WSP]
03/27/25 - 04/24/25, 6:00PM - 7:25PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Annie Stark | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY42
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Connecting with heritage music is a natural way to connect with culture. Students will learn fiddle tunes in a traditional style with opportunities to provide music for Irish dancers. Students must bring their own violin and have 2+ years of experience.
Me & YOUkulele[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 6 to 10 | Jordan Mills | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | STMY64
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
Get to know your ukulele with this beginner course! Students will learn simple chords and basic strumming patterns in a beginner friendly way. No music experience needed. Students must provide their own ukulele.
Irish Fiddle: Youth[25WSP]
01/23/25 - 02/27/25, 4:30PM - 5:55PM | TH
Ages 7 to 13 | Annie Stark | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMY41
Members $150 | Non-Members $150
Connecting with heritage music is a natural way to connect with culture. Students will learn fiddle tunes in a traditional style with opportunities to provide music for Irish dancers. Students must bring their own violin and have 2+ years of experience.
Irish Fiddle: Teens & Adults[25WSP]
01/23/25 - 02/27/25, 6:00PM - 7:25PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Annie Stark | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMA42
Members $150 | Non-Members $150
Connecting with heritage music is a natural way to connect with culture. Students will learn fiddle tunes in a traditional style with opportunities to provide music for Irish dancers. Students must bring their own violin and have 2+ years of experience.
Me & YOUkulele[25WSP]
01/25/25 - 03/1/25, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 6 to 10 | Jordan Mills | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | WTMY64
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
Get to know your ukulele with this beginner course! Students will learn simple chords and basic strumming patterns in a beginner friendly way. No music experience needed. Students must provide their own ukulele.

Performance Skill Building

Summer Youth Theatre

Technical Theatre
Stage Makeup for Theatre[25WSP]
03/26/25 - 04/23/25, 5:00PM - 6:25PM | WE
Ages 13 to 18 | Knox McClendon | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | STMY32
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Learn how to create makeup looks for all kinds of theatre! This class will cover basic stage makeup as well as special effects makeup such as animals, old age makeup, and wounds.
Stage Craftin' 2: Technical Boogaloo[25WSP]
03/30/25 - 04/20/25, 4:30PM - 7:30PM | SU
Ages 14 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | STMY71
Members $160 | Non-Members $160
Deep-dive into the five facets of technical theatre in this class. Subjects include advanced stage carpentry, scenic painting, stage lighting, color theory with light and fabric, theatrical drafting techniques, and scenic model building. SAFETY & CLOTHES: Student workwear may get dirty or torn. Long hair and bangs need to be pulled back. Closed-toe shoes with good traction required (no Crocs, sandals, or similar).
Costumes: Matilda the Musical[25WSP]
01/26/25 - 02/16/25, 10:00AM - 12:30PM | SU
Ages 11 to 18 | Knox McClendon | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | WTMY72
Members $140 | Non-Members $140
Guided by industry professionals, students will learn the basics of costume design and use their skills to bring costumes to life for our exciting Spring Musical!
Stage Craft & Crew: Matilda the Musical[25WSP]
01/26/25 - 02/16/25, 4:30PM - 7:30PM | SU
Ages 11 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | WTMY71
Members $160 | Non-Members $160
Join us and explore the fundamentals of technical theatre through the Lawrence Arts Center's performance of Matilda the Musical. Students will work with professional technicians to build props, paint set pieces, learn sound and lights, and run the performances as crew members. Weekly Sunday classes: 1/19-2/16. Tech week required rehearsals: 2/17-2/20. Required performances: 2/21-2/23 & 2/28-3/2.

Upcoming Performances

View All Events

BLACK Lawrence Open Mic Night | January

BLACK Lawrence is excited to host monthly open mics in collaboration with the Lawrence Arts Center. Open mics are scheduled for every First Friday of these months: January, February, March, April, and May 7-8:30 pm.Read More

January 3

7:00PM

Auditions | Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical

Calling all Singers, Dancers, Actors, and Movers ages Eight to Adult! Audition Schedule Tuesday, Jan. 7 | 6-9 pm | Lawrence Arts Center Main Stage 6-7:15 pm | 8-12 year olds 7:15-8 pm | 13-18 year olds 8-9 pm | Adults 18+ How to Audition Please prepare 16 bars of a Broadway or pop song. […]Read More

January 7

6:00PM

Register Now

Freestate Story Slam | On the Water

Real stories, live and uncensored. Stories are told live, MOTH-style, with a new theme each month, the second Friday of every month. Never the same story or evening. Live music and social hour at 7 pm. Slam begins at 7:30 pm. Jan 10 | On the Water Feb 14 | Nothing to Lose March 14 […]Read More

January 10

7:30PM

kids in a play in stage

Make Art Part of Their Daily Life

Interested in enrolling in youth theatre at Lawrence Arts Center School of Theatre & Music? We have financial aid available to those who need it to ensure classes are accessible to everyone.

kids in a play

Take The Stage

Learn more about audition opportunities for our upcoming performances!

Auditions

Art is for Everyone

Making Art Accessible to All

Lawrence Arts Center is here to ensure anyone—of any age and any background—can connect with a supportive community and flex their creative muscles. With contemporary exhibitions, performances, and an array of theatre and music education classes for adults and kids, everyone will find something that’s right for them.

Our primary state-of-the-art facility at 940 New Hampshire St. features classrooms, studios, theatres, and more. To further support the community, we also have a space for classes and rehearsal at 10th & Mass Studios.

What's So Great About Our Youth Theatre And Music Classes?