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[24FA]
10/15/24 - 11/19/24, 7:30PM - 8:25PM | TU
Ages 18 to 120 | Alysha Baros | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | FTMA32B
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
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[24FA]
10/17/24 - 11/21/24, 7:30PM - 8:25PM | TH
Ages 18 to 120 | Carma Lea | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | FTMA54B
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
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.
Adult Acting Exploration: Drop In/Bring a Friend 6[24FA]
11/6/24 - 11/6/24, 7:00PM - 8:25PM | WE
Ages 18 to 120 | Jeanne C. Averill | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FTMA73F
Members $25 | Non-Members $25
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 Acting Exploration: Drop In/Bring a Friend 7[24FA]
11/13/24 - 11/13/24, 7:00PM - 8:25PM | WE
Ages 18 to 120 | Jeanne C. Averill | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FTMA73G
Members $25 | Non-Members $25
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 Acting Exploration: Drop In/Bring a Friend 8[24FA]
11/20/24 - 11/20/24, 7:00PM - 8:25PM | WE
Ages 18 to 120 | Jeanne C. Averill | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FTMA73H
Members $25 | Non-Members $25
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[24FA]
10/14/24 - 11/18/24, 6:30PM - 7:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Chris Kramer | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | FTMA41B
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
Learn the fundamentals or refine your skills with challenging improv games and exercises. Come meet new people and create surprising and hilarious scenes!

Acting, Improv & Performance

A Performer's Guide to Audition Excellence[24FA]
10/9/24 - 10/30/24, 7:00PM - 8:25PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | Arthur Clifford | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | FTMA93
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Ranging from audition techniques, etiquette, stage presence, and more, this course is perfect for any level of performer hoping to sharpen their skills in the audition room!
Performing the Classics[24FA]
10/9/24 - 10/30/24, 7:00PM - 8:25PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FTMA103
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Stressed or confused when you hear “Shakespeare”? “Moliere”? “Euripides”? -- This class will help performers tackle these classics in a way that is fun, engaging, and relevant to modern audiences. An intermediate level of acting experience is helpful, not required. Bring a pencil, water bottle, and be ready to move!
Upcycled Puppets[24FA]
11/14/24 - 11/21/24, 5:00PM - 6:55PM | TH
Ages 13 to 18 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FTMY64
Members $60 | Non-Members $60
Create art and drama from the recycling bin. Focus on collaboration, improvisation and dramatic structure.
Shakespearean Insults & Stage Combat[24FA]
10/19/24 - 11/16/24, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | SA
Ages 11 to 14 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | FTMY136
Members $100 | Non-Members $100
Become a master of the Shakespearean insult. But wait, there's more. The class will also teach the stage combat that comes about as the result of these insults. Create your own Shakespearean scene, complete with a Shakespearean plot, language, insults, and fight choreography.
Create Your Own Adventure[24FA]
10/14/24 - 11/18/24, 5:00PM - 5:55PM | MO
Ages 11 to 14 | Jeanne C. Averill | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FTMY62
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
In this class students will create, write, and perform their own action adventure at the end of the class for their parents and friends. Let your imagination run wild!
Acting Fundies[24FA]
10/15/24 - 11/19/24, 5:00PM - 5:55PM | TU
Ages 7 to 12 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | FTMY71
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
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.
Intro to Musical Theatre[24FA]
10/12/24 - 11/16/24, 11:15AM - 12:40PM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FTMY116
Members $245 | Non-Members $245
Learn how to sing and dance! Let's explore the magic of Musical Theatre together.
The Magic Door[24FA] - Cancelled
09/28/24 - 11/2/24, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | Coy Garrett | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FTMY46
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
Step through the magic door into worlds unknown. This class will expand your imagination and build fundamental play and acting skills.

Music

Old-Time String Band with Spencer & Rains[24FA]
10/15/24 - 11/19/24, 7:00PM - 8:25PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Howard H Rains | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FTMA72
Members $245 | Non-Members $245
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 know how to play it.
Traditional Irish Fiddle: Teens & Adults[24FA]
10/17/24 - 11/21/24, 6:00PM - 7:25PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Annie Stark | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | FTMA34B
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.
Traditional Irish Fiddle: Youth[24FA]
10/17/24 - 11/21/24, 4:30PM - 5:55PM | TH
Ages 7 to 13 | Annie Stark | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | FTMY14B
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.
Basic Guitar[24FA]
10/16/24 - 11/20/24, 6:00PM - 6:55PM | WE
Ages 13 to 18 | Jordan Mills | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | FTMY63B
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
In this guitar course we will learn simple chords, how to tune, strumming patterns and learn some easy songs. Students must bring their own guitar.
Sensory Friendly Music Exploration Drop In/Bring a Friend[24FA]
10/12/24 - 10/12/24, 9:05AM - 9:55AM | SA
Ages 5 to 10 | Jordan Mills | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FTMY106A
Members $18 | Non-Members $18
This music class is led by a Music Therapist and is geared toward children in the community who are neurodivergent, but all are welcome. In this sensory friendly class, families will explore safe, gentle, and sensory stimulating instruments. This is a child + caregiver class. Join us and bring a friend to play, sing, and explore music activities and ideas to try at home!
Sensory Friendly Music Exploration Drop In/Bring a Friend[24FA]
10/19/24 - 10/19/24, 9:05AM - 9:55AM | SA
Ages 5 to 10 | Jordan Mills | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FTMY106B
Members $18 | Non-Members $18
This music class is led by a Music Therapist and is geared toward children in the community who are neurodivergent, but all are welcome. In this sensory friendly class, families will explore safe, gentle, and sensory stimulating instruments. This is a child + caregiver class. Join us and bring a friend to play, sing, and explore music activities and ideas to try at home!
Me & YOUkulele[24FA]
10/16/24 - 11/20/24, 5:00PM - 5:55PM | WE
Ages 6 to 10 | Jordan Mills | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | FTMY43B
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.
Music Theory for Lunch Bunch[24FA]
10/16/24 - 11/20/24, 12:00PM - 12:55PM | WE
Ages 18 to 120 | Ric Averill | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FTMA13B
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
Explore chords and harmonies by analyzing, singing and playing familiar tunes. Learn transposition and the cycle of fifths. Enjoy the science of music as it applies to your own interests. Prerequisites: An interest in music. Students may bring their own instruments.

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?