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[25WSP]
03/25/25 - 04/22/25, 7:30PM - 8:55PM | TU
Ages 18 to 120 | Alysha Baros | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMA23
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
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".
Intro to Drag[25WSP]
03/24/25 - 04/21/25, 8:30PM - 9:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Carma Lea | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMA12
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Explore the world of Drag, or brush up for your next performance! Whether you want to be a Queen or King, all are welcome. Learn about the wigs, make-up, lip-sync, building a persona, and performance! Ages 16+ can enroll with Parental Permission.
Acting the Reenactor[25WSP]
04/12/25 - 04/19/25, 2:00PM - 3:25PM | SA
Ages 18 to 120 | Ric Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMA69a
Members $50 | Non-Members $50
Learn to present a character from Lawrence, Kansas or US History that fascinates you. Bring facts, photos and biographical stories to weave into an engaging re-enactment through writing, acting and costuming (same as before)
Burly Crafts: Perfect the Peel and Reveal[25WSP]
01/14/25 - 03/4/25, 7:30PM - 8:55PM | TU
Ages 18 to 120 | Amie Montedoro | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMA22
Members $165 | Non-Members $165
Learn everything you'll need to know to take the stage! Costume construction, Hair & makeup, bedazzeling, Pastie making and more!
Intro to Drag[25WSP]
01/27/25 - 02/24/25, 8:30PM - 9:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Carma Lea | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMA13
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Explore the world of Drag, or brush up for your next performance! Whether you want to be a Queen or King, all are welcome. Learn about the wigs, make-up, lip-sync, building a persona, and performance! Ages 16+ can enroll with Parental Permission.

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.

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.

Adult Theatre Gallery

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Arts After Dark 2023

Adult Improv

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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?