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

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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.

Family Play

Imagination & Adventure

Fairytopia[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Schwartz | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY63
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
We will create and play as fairy characters, make our own world and work together as we go!
Storybook Adventures: The Cat and the Bird: A Children's Book Inspired by Paul K
03/29/25 - 03/29/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY62a
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: Spring Bundle[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY62
Members $70 | Non-Members $70
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: Buffalo Fluffalo (A Buffalo Fluffalo Story) [25WSP]
04/5/25 - 04/5/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY62b
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: Somewhere in the Bayou[25WSP]
04/12/25 - 04/12/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY62c
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Storybook Adventures: The King Penguin[25WSP]
04/19/25 - 04/19/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | STMY62d
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.
Imagination Land[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 04/19/25, 9:00AM - 9:55AM | SA
Ages 3 to 7 | Leah Towle | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | STMY61
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
In this music and drama class we will sing, dance, and act out adventures through Imagination Land. What might we find, hear, and do there? Join us to find out where our imagination takes us!
Unicorns & Rainbows: A Journey to Dream Land[25WSP]
02/15/25 - 03/1/25, 11:00AM - 11:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMY68
Members $55 | Non-Members $55
Come explore the magical lands with us! Follow the unicorns over the rainbow and join us for an immersive class that will bring imagination to life.
Storybook Adventures: I Want My Hat Back[25WSP]
02/22/25 - 02/22/25, 9:00AM - 9:45AM | SA
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | WTMY61e
Members $20 | Non-Members $20
Sign up for one day or the whole session! In each class, we will dive into a different book, go on grand adventures, and use our imaginations.

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.

Performance Skill Building

Summer Youth Theatre

Technical Theatre

Stage Makeup for Theatre[25WSP]
03/26/25 - 04/23/25, 5:00PM - 6:25PM | WE
Ages 13 to 18 | Knox McClendon | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | STMY32
Members $125 | Non-Members $125
Learn how to create makeup looks for all kinds of theatre! This class will cover basic stage makeup as well as special effects makeup such as animals, old age makeup, and wounds.
Stage Craftin' 2: Technical Boogaloo[25WSP]
03/30/25 - 04/20/25, 4:30PM - 7:30PM | SU
Ages 14 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | STMY71
Members $160 | Non-Members $160
Deep-dive into the five facets of technical theatre in this class. Subjects include advanced stage carpentry, scenic painting, stage lighting, color theory with light and fabric, theatrical drafting techniques, and scenic model building. SAFETY & CLOTHES: Student workwear may get dirty or torn. Long hair and bangs need to be pulled back. Closed-toe shoes with good traction required (no Crocs, sandals, or similar).
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?