Youth Theatre Classes in Lawrence

Theatre is for Everyone

kids in a classroom

Open the Curtain to a New Community

Does your child embrace the dramatic? Whether it’s a flair for performance, a love of theatre, an interest in music, or simple curiosity—exploring theatre could be right for them!

Youth theatre classes at Lawrence Arts Center go beyond acting, covering all aspects that go into a theatre performance. This includes music performance, stage lighting, set building, costuming, and everything else that makes a theatre production possible.

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 our dedicated spaces at our primary and satellite locations for youth theatre in Lawrence, plus a 300-seat theatre for performances.

Enter Stage Left

The youth theatre classes we offer focus on developing the artist as well as the art. Classes cover everything from technical aspects of theatre—like stage lighting and set building—to performance and beyond. The choice is yours!

For our youth theatre classes, the descriptions list what to expect from the courses. The goals of our youth theatre classes include skill building, exploration, play, and more!

Current Classes

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
Enrolling Now | 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
Enrolling Now | 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]
01/26/26 - 03/9/26, 6:30PM - 7:25PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Chris Kramer | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | 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
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!
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
Enrolling Now | 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
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.
Sister Princesses[26WSP]
01/24/26 - 02/21/26, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | SA
Ages 11 to 14 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | 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
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.
Adventures in Arendelle[26WSP]
01/24/26 - 02/21/26, 11:00AM - 11:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | 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
Enrolling Now | 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
Enrolling Now | 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
Enrolling Now | 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
Enrolling Now | 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
Enrolling Now | 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.

Family Play

Imagination & Adventure

Kinder Theatre A[26WSP]
01/24/26 - 02/21/26, 9:00AM - 9:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | 26WPY62
Members $95 | Non-Members $95
Start Exploring theatre with your favorite stories and characters! We will use books, props, and our imaginations to create worlds and stories together!
Fairytale Exploration[26WSP]
01/24/26 - 02/21/26, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | 26WPY64
Members $95 | Non-Members $95
We will explore the world of fairytales, focusing on our favorite characters, exploring new stories every week! We will play and add our own spin to them!
Kinder Theatre B[26WSP]
03/28/26 - 04/18/26, 9:30AM - 10:25AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Grieve | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26SPY61
Members $75 | Non-Members $75
Start Exploring theatre with your favorite stories and characters! We will use books, props, and our imaginations to create worlds and stories together!
Fairytopia[26WSP]
03/28/26 - 04/18/26, 10:30AM - 11:25AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Grieve | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26SPY63
Members $75 | Non-Members $75
We will create and play as fairy characters, make our own world together as we go!

Music

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
Enrolling Now | 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
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.
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
Enrolling Now | 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
Enrolling Now | 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
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.

Performance Skill Building

Summer Youth Theatre

Technical Theatre

Stage Managing Basics[26WSP]
01/24/26 - 02/21/26, 2:00PM - 2:55PM | SA
Ages 11 to 14 | Jillian Grieve | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26WPY68
Members $95 | Non-Members $95
Have you wondered about what it is like to stage manage a show? Together we will explore the craft, diving into all the different parts of stage management!
Cosplay Costuming[26WSP]
01/22/26 - 02/26/26, 6:00PM - 7:25PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Mattie Karlin | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26WPA41
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
Create costuming and character looks using recycled material, thrifted material, or clothing you already own! Learn to alter and plan for cohesive and eye-catching performance and cosplay looks. No class February 19.
Stage Craft & Crew: Disney's Frozen[26WSP]
01/17/26 - 02/14/26, 1:30PM - 4:30PM | SA
Ages 11 to 18 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26WPY61
Members $175 | Non-Members $175
Join us and explore the fundamentals of technical theatre through the Lawrence Arts Center's performance of Disney's Frozen. Students will work with professional technicians to build props, paint set pieces, learn sound and lights, and run the performances as crew members. Weekly Saturday classes: 1/17-2/14. Tech week required rehearsals: 2/15-2/19. Required performances: 2/20-2/22 & 2/27-3/1.
kids in a play in stage

Make Art Part of Their Daily Life

Interested in enrolling in youth 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.

kids in a play

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 theatre and 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 Youth Theatre And Music Classes?