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
Enrolling Now | 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
Enrolling Now | 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.

Acting, Improv & Performance

Intro to Musical Theatre[26WSP]
03/28/26 - 04/18/26, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | 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
Enrolling Now | 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]
03/23/26 - 04/20/26, 6:30PM - 7:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Chris Kramer | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | 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!
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
Enrolling Now | 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
Enrolling Now | 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.
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
Enrolling Now | 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.

Music

Irish Fiddle: Youth[26WSP]
03/26/26 - 04/23/26, 4:30PM - 5:55PM | TH
Ages 7 to 13 | Annie Stark | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | 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.
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
Enrolling Now | 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.
Fundamentals of Violin/Fiddle[26WSP] - Cancelled
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.

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

woman performing on stage

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?