Adult Theatre in Lawrence

Creating On Stage

people dancing on stage
woman on stage
group doing improv on stagee

Uncover a Love of Theatre

We all have a performer inside of us, whether it’s through acting or writing. Adult theatre classes at Lawrence Arts Center don’t only focus on acting but all aspects that go into a theatre performance.

 This includes out-of-the-box classes focused on artistic expressions, like vogue, burlesque, improv, and more!

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 dedicated spaces at our campus for adult theatre in Lawrence, with a 300-seat theatre, black box theatre and studio space for performances.

Enter Stage Left

The adult theatre classes we offer focus on developing the artist as well as the art. Classes cover everything from technical aspects of theatre to playwriting and beyond. The choice is yours! For our adult theatre classes, the descriptions list what to expect from the courses. We provide access to classes that cover (among other subjects):

  • Improv
  • Acting & Performance
  • Burlesque
  • Playwriting & Screenwriting

Current Classes

Adults on Stage

Burlesque 101[27WSP]
03/23/27 - 04/20/27, 7:30PM - 8:45PM | TU
Ages 18 to 120 | Knotty Orchid | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SPA21
Members $115 | Non-Members $115
Join Lawrence Burlesque Society and learn to "Bump, Shimmy & Grind" & Shake what your Mama gave ya! Unleash your inner Las Vegas Showgirl as I teach you the basics as well as the history of a little performance art I like to call "The cure for self loathing".
Burlesque Crafts[27WSP]
01/19/27 - 02/16/27, 7:30PM - 8:45PM | TU
Ages 18 to 120 | Lane Eisenbart | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WPA21
Members $85 | Non-Members $85
Learn everything you'll need to know to take the stage! Costume construction, Hair & makeup, bedazzling, Pastie making and more!
Skitastic! Sketch Comedy - Adults[27WSP]
01/21/27 - 02/18/27, 6:00PM - 7:25PM | TH
Ages 18 to 120 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27WPA41
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Learn how to write comedy sketches through various arts-based activities such as improv and creative writing exercises. Will explore techniques used by both Upright Citizens Brigade and Second City.
TV Comedy Pilot[27WSP]
01/23/27 - 02/13/27, 1:00PM - 2:55PM | SA
Ages 18 to 120 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27WPA61
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
Learn about crafting a TV Comedy Pilot from plot to character development. Leave the workshop with an outline for your pilot.
Adult Improv Performance Troupe[27WSP]
01/11/27 - 04/19/27, 7:30PM - 8:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Leah Towle | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27WPA11
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 1/29, 2/26, 3/26, & 4/23. Must have taken an Arts Center improv class in the last five years or have instructor approval. No Class Jan 18, March 8 & 15.

Acting, Improv & Performance

Move & Groove Theatre[27WSP]
04/10/27 - 04/24/27, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Anna Shelton | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SPY61
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
A fun, high energy class for the littles! Focused on working on basic movements, teamwork, being vocal, and having confidence!
Adult Improv[27WSP]
03/22/27 - 04/19/27, 6:30PM - 7:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Chris Kramer | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27SPA11
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!
Musical Theatre I[27WSP]
03/27/27 - 04/24/27, 11:00AM - 11:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 11 | Anna Shelton | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SPY63
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
A Musical Theatre Workshop! Works on a mini musical showcase to hone in teamwork skills, vocal growth, and dance skills!
Choreography for Actors: Bring a Friend[27WSP]
03/25/27 - 04/22/27, 5:30PM - 6:55PM | TH
Ages 16 to 120 | Christian R. Boudreaux | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27SPA31
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Actors engage in many forms of choreography. From dance to fight, actors are expected to navigate many different styles of art which have their own techniques and rules. This beginner course will create familiarity dance, movement, intimacy choreography, and fight choreography.
Summer Youth Theatre: Audition Techniques[27WSP]
03/27/27 - 04/24/27, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | SA
Ages 10 to 18 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27SPY64
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
It is nearly time for Summer Youth Theatre auditions! We will explore what to expect at an audition, work on selected monologues and songs, and give feedback on strengthening audition presentations. This course pairs well with Musical Theatre Dance. Jeanne is a member of Actors' Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild.
Youth Acting I[27WSP]
03/27/27 - 04/24/27, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 11 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27SPY65
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Together we will build confidence, creativity, and stage skills through theatre games, character exploration, movement, voice work, and scene performance in this fun continuation of Intro to Theatre.
Drag Performance[27WSP]
03/25/27 - 04/22/27, 7:00PM - 8:25PM | TH
Ages 18 to 120 | Johnny Diablo | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27SPA41
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Create a drag queen, king, or creature persona and collaborate with peers to put together a drag musical performance. Learn about costuming, characterization, song selection, stage movement, storytelling, and more! Ages 16 and up can enroll with parental permission.
Skitastic! Sketch Comedy - Teens[27WSP]
03/25/27 - 04/15/27, 6:00PM - 7:25PM | TH
Ages 13 to 18 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SPY41
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Learn how to write comedy sketches through various arts-based activities such as improv and creative writing exercises. Will explore techniques used by both Upright Citizens Brigade and Second City.
Musical Theatre Intensive: Fire Messiah Development[27WSP]
03/15/27 - 03/19/27, 1:00PM - 9:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Ric Averill | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SPA11
Members $350 | Non-Members $350
A $350 value intensive rehearsal/creation Spring Break residency with artists Anna and Gwentessa and Marlo’s pic & Ric - learn by doing with collaborative artists. Create dance and influencer media images for use in Fire Messiah; A Community of Musical of Miracles By audition or interview - participation guarantees a paid position in the production. Tuition is scholarshiped for participants accepted to the program.
Intro to Theatre[27WSP]
01/23/27 - 02/20/27, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 11 | Anna Shelton | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WPY62
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Step on stage or behind the scenes and learn all about the theatre. Learn to tell stories, work with props, lighting, and more.
Love Hurts: Stage Combat Fundamentals - Bring your date for free![27WSP]
02/13/27 - 02/13/27, 4:00PM - 4:55PM | SA
Ages 16 to 120 | Christian R. Boudreaux | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27WPA62
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
This one day workshop will teach you the basics of stage combat safety, unarmed combat, and how to choreograph violence, together! Enrollment in this class includes tuition for you and your partner.
Adult Improv[27WSP]
01/25/27 - 02/22/27, 6:30PM - 7:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Chris Kramer | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27WPA12
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!
Actor Enrollment: Diary of a Wimpy Kid the Musical[27WSP]
01/11/27 - 02/18/27, 6:00PM - 9:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, SU
Ages 8 to 18 | Elizabeth Sullivan | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WPMUS
Members $175 | Non-Members $175
This course serves as enrollment for all student actors participating in the Spring Musical. Rehearsals are 6-9pm Monday - Thursday, and Sunday afternoons 1-4pm. No rehearsal January 17 & 18.
Kinder Theatre[27WSP]
01/23/27 - 02/13/27, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27WPY61
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
Start Exploring theatre with your favorite stories and characters! We will use books, props, and our imaginations to create worlds and stories together!
Play12[27WSP]
01/23/27 - 04/17/27, 11:00AM - 12:15PM | SA
Ages 12 to 18 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27WPY64
Members $180 | Non-Members $180
Play12, the Lawrence Arts Center's youth performance company, expands on the fundamentals of acting and focuses on the development of production, creation, community, and leadership skills through public performance. No class March 13 & 20. To join Play12 this fall, please email Justin Harbaugh at justin@lawrenceartscenter.org by January 12th.
Fairytopia[27WSP]
02/20/27 - 03/13/27, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27WPY66
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
We will create and play as fairy characters, make our own world together as we go!
Living Statues[27WSP]
01/28/27 - 02/18/27, 7:30PM - 8:55PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Johnny Diablo | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27WPA42
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Portray a character, creature, or concept in a unique live performance art format. Build your character, costume, and pose as a living statue for passers-by for one night only.
Intro to Musical Theatre[27WSP]
01/23/27 - 02/20/27, 11:00AM - 11:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 11 | Paul Ruf | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WPY63
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Take the first step into the world of musical theatre. Tell stories through music and movement!
Intro to Improv[27WSP]
01/23/27 - 02/20/27, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | SA
Ages 11 to 14 | Paul Ruf | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WPY65
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Learn how to improvise for theater! Make up scenes, characters, jokes, and hone your acting skills through games!

Music

Environmental Contest & SongFest[27WSP]
01/15/27 - 02/12/27, 4:00PM - 5:30PM | FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Ric Averill | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WPA51
Members $25 | Non-Members $25
$25 entry - come work on them, present - best one gets prize ($100) & any of the songs may be used in the show Fire Messiah Performance session on the last day - rehearsals are classes everyone becomes the band behind each singer
Old-Time String Band with Spencer & Rains[27WSP]
02/20/27 - 02/21/27, 3:00PM - 4:30PM | SA, SU
Ages 14 to 120 | Tricia J Spencer | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 27WPA22
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Come learn traditional old-time music in this 2-day workshop! Fiddle, guitar, mandolin, banjo, or bass. Knowledge of the style is not required but you should be able to play your instrument. All levels. Must bring own instrument.

Adult Theatre Gallery

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Arts After Dark 2023

Adult Improv

PANTS 2022

Arts After Dark 2023

PANTS 2022

PANTS 2022

PANTS 2022

Adult Improv Troupe

Adult Improv Troupe

Adult Improv Troupe

Arts After Dark 2023

Arts After Dark 2023

Adult Improv Troupe

Arts After Dark 2023

Arts After Dark 2023

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Make Art Part of Their Daily Life

Interested in enrolling in adult 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.

women on stage in costumes

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 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 Adult Theatre Classes?