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[26WSP]
03/24/26 - 04/28/26, 7:30PM - 8:25PM | TU
Ages 18 to 120 | Alysha Baros | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26SPA23
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".
Drag Performance[26WSP]
03/24/26 - 04/21/26, 7:00PM - 7:55PM | TU
Ages 16 to 120 | Johnny Diablo | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26SPA21
Members $95 | Non-Members $95
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.
Burlesque Crafts[26WSP]
01/20/26 - 02/17/26, 7:30PM - 8:25PM | TU
Ages 18 to 120 | Lane Eisenbart | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26WPA21
Members $95 | Non-Members $95
Learn everything you'll need to know to take the stage! Costume construction, Hair & makeup, bedazzeling, Pastie making and more!

Acting, Improv & Performance

Intro to Theatre[26WSP]
01/24/26 - 02/21/26, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26WPY63
Members $95 | Non-Members $95
Step on stage or behind the scenes and learn all about the theatre. Learn to tell stories, work with props, ligthing, and more.
Intro to Musical Theatre[26WSP]
03/28/26 - 04/18/26, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26SPY62
Members $75 | Non-Members $75
Take the first step into the world of musical theatre. Tell stories through music and movement!
Musical Theatre Dance - Beginner[26WSP]
03/28/26 - 04/18/26, 11:00AM - 11:55AM | SA
Ages 10 to 18 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26SPY64
Members $75 | Non-Members $75
Get ready for Summer Youth Theatre! This class gives intense focus to building your dance skills and preparing you for SYT auditions. This course pairs well with Summer Youth Theatre: Audition Techniques
Adult Improv[26WSP]
01/26/26 - 03/9/26, 6:30PM - 7:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Chris Kramer | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26WPA11
Members $135 | Non-Members $135
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 Improv[26WSP]
03/23/26 - 04/20/26, 6:30PM - 7:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Chris Kramer | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26SPA11
Members $95 | Non-Members $95
Learn the fundamentals of improv or refine your skills with fun games and exercises. Come meet new people and create surprising and hilarious scenes!
Love Hurts: Stage Combat Fundamentals - Bring your date for free![26WSP]
02/14/26 - 02/14/26, 4:00PM - 4:55PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | Christian R. Boudreaux | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26WPA66
Members $25 | Non-Members $25
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.
Stage Combat Fundamentals: How to Hit Your Friend (Safely, also, bring a friend!
03/28/26 - 04/18/26, 2:00PM - 2:55PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | Christian R. Boudreaux | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26SPA67
Members $75 | Non-Members $75
Ever wanted to hit your friend but afraid to hurt them, this class is a perfect fit! In this session, folks will learn the basics of stage combat safety, basic unarmed combat for stage, and how to choreograph violence! Enrollment in this class includes tuition for you and a friend!
The InSight Project[26WSP]
03/23/26 - 05/4/26, 6:00PM - 7:25PM | MO
Ages 12 to 17 | Christie Dobson | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26SPY11
Members $145 | Non-Members $145
Devised Youth Theatre workshop and performance. Join Dr. Christie Dobson in creating theatre for impact. The InSight Project creates theatre and film based original works based on issues important to youth. Make Art, Make Change. No class April 27.
Sister Princesses[26WSP]
01/24/26 - 02/21/26, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | SA
Ages 11 to 14 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26WPY66
Members $95 | Non-Members $95
The musical Frozen, which is being produced by LAC this year, is about sister princesses in a difficult situation. In this class, we will pair up “princesses “ and create a story of conflict between the two that is resolved by the end. Funny characters, animals, and helpful friends will also be in our plays. Not gender specific. Anybody can be a princess or prince! (Or a snow person)
Summer Youth Theatre: Audition Techniques - Acting & Singing[26WSP]
03/28/26 - 04/18/26, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | SA
Ages 10 to 18 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26SPY65
Members $75 | Non-Members $75
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.
Adventures in Arendelle[26WSP]
01/24/26 - 02/21/26, 11:00AM - 11:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26WPY65
Members $95 | Non-Members $95
We will create a show using our favorite Arendelle characters (and maybe a few new ones, too!)
Saturday Troupers[26WSP]
01/24/26 - 02/21/26, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | Jillian Grieve | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26WPY67
Members $95 | Non-Members $95
Together we will create, rehearse, and perform plays and our own shows! We will perform a new show on the first Saturday of each month, giving us about a month to rehearse each piece.
Saturday Troupers[26WSP]
03/28/26 - 04/18/26, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | Jillian Grieve | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26SPY66
Members $75 | Non-Members $75
Together we will create, rehearse, and perform plays and our own shows! We will perform a new show on the first Saturday of each month, giving us about a month to rehearse each piece.
Youth Actor Enrollment: Disney's Frozen[26WSP]
01/12/26 - 02/19/26, 6:00PM - 9:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, SU
Ages 8 to 18 | Justin Harbaugh | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26WPFRZ
Members $175 | Non-Members $175
This course serves as enrollment for all student actors participating in Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical. Rehearsals are 6-9pm Monday - Thursday, and Sunday afternoons 1-4pm. No rehearsal January 18 & 19.
Telling True Stories: A Personal Storytelling Workshop[26WSP]
03/26/26 - 04/30/26, 6:30PM - 7:55PM | TH
Ages 18 to 120 | Kareen King | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26SPA41
Members $145 | Non-Members $145
Transform your personal experiences into captivating stories. Through supportive feedback and guided practice, participants develop skills in crafting and performing meaningful narratives that resonate with listeners.
Adult Improv Performance Troupe[26WSP]
01/12/26 - 04/20/26, 7:30PM - 8:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Leah Towle | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26WPA12
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 1/30, 2/27, 3/27, & 4/24. Must have taken an Arts Center improv class in the last five years or have instructor approval. No Class Jan 19 & March 16.

Music

Irish Fiddle: Youth[26WSP]
01/22/26 - 02/26/26, 4:30PM - 5:55PM | TH
Ages 7 to 13 | Annie Stark | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26WPY41
Members $145 | Non-Members $145
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.
Fundamentals of Violin/Fiddle[26WSP]
01/22/26 - 02/26/26, 6:00PM - 6:55PM | TH
Ages 7 to 13 | Annie Stark | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26WPY42
Members $115 | Non-Members $115
Group violin class to work on fundamentals and develop good technique. Students will need to purchase Essential Elements for Strings - Violin Book 1 with EEi Students must provide their own instrument.
Irish Fiddle: Youth[26WSP]
03/26/26 - 04/23/26, 4:30PM - 5:55PM | TH
Ages 7 to 13 | Annie Stark | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26SPY41
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
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.
Musical Theatre Incubator: Calling Writers, Producers, Actors & More[26WSP]
01/24/26 - 01/31/26, 2:00PM - 5:00PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | Ric Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26WPA67
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
A two-week immersive workshop will allow participants to join in the building of two musicals at various stages of development. Activities include scene readings, character development, improvisation, and plot exploration.
Fire Messiah: So You Want to be in a Musical?[26WSP]
01/25/26 - 02/22/26, 1:00PM - 4:00PM | SU
Ages 14 to 120 | Ric Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26WPA69
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
Fire Messiah, by Ric Averill, will be performed in concert on February 13 and as a workshop on April 20. Participants will learn ensemble and solo lines for performances.
Old-Time String Band with Spencer & Rains[26WSP]
03/24/26 - 04/21/26, 7:00PM - 8:25PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Tricia J Spencer | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26SPA22
Members $200 | Non-Members $200
Come learn traditional old-time music! 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

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Arts After Dark 2023

PANTS 2022

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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?