Youth Theatre Classes in Lawrence

Theatre is for Everyone

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Questions about Youth Theatre & Music classes? Please call us at 785.843.2787 or contact us.

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 Musical Theatre[26WSP]
03/28/26 - 04/18/26, 10:00AM - 10:55AM | SA
Ages 7 to 12 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Completed | 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!
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.

Family Play

Imagination & Adventure
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
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | 26SPY63
Members $75 | Non-Members $75
We will create and play as fairy characters, make our own world together as we go!

Music

Performance Skill Building

Summer Youth Theatre
SYT Junior Musical: Disney's The Little Mermaid Jr.[26SU]
05/26/26 - 06/11/26, 1:00PM - 5:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 10 to 14 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26CPMER
Members $295 | Non-Members $295
Auditions April 26: Journey "under the sea" with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney's The Little Mermaid JR., adapted from Disney's Broadway production and the motion picture (featuring the enormously popular Academy Award-winning music and delightfully charming book and lyrics). Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories, Disney's The Little Mermaid JR.is an enchanting look at the sacrifices we all make for love and acceptance. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Rehearsals: 3 weeks, May 26-June 11. M-F | 1-5PM. Performances: June 12 | 7PM, June 13 | 2PM & 7PM.
SYT Senior Musical: Once Upon a One More Time[26SU]
06/29/26 - 07/23/26, 4:00PM - 9:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 18 | Justin Harbaugh | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPONE
Members $350 | Non-Members $350
Auditions April 26: Powered by the chart-topping hits of the undisputed Princess of Pop, Once Upon A One More Time turns our favorite fairytales upside down with a clever twist! When a fairy godmother goes rogue and plops copies of The Feminine Mystique in the laps of classic heroines, the damsels embark on a quest to rewrite their stories and redefine “happily ever after.” SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Please note that students in this production will have an independent dinner break during rehearsal that is not overseen by LAC staff members. Rehearsals 4 weeks, June 29-July 23. M-Th | 4-9:30pm; F | 4-7pm Performances: July 24 | 7pm, July 25 | 2pm & 7pm
SYT Junior Play: The Pied Piper of Hamelin[26SU]
06/29/26 - 07/16/26, 1:00PM - 5:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 10 to 14 | Jillian Grieve | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26CPPIE
Members $295 | Non-Members $295
Auditions April 26: Falstaff, a theatre cat, is kicked into the alley after sneaking an unearned bow with the cast of a production of Romeo and Juliet—a scene the audience sees from a backstage perspective. Threatened by mean street rats and defended by alley cat allies, Falstaff narrowly averts an all-out war by inviting both groups to join him backstage to perform his own version of The Pied Piper of Hamelin. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Rehearsals: 3 weeks, June 29 - July 16. No rehearsal July 4. M-F | 1-5PM. Performances: July 17 | 7PM, July 18 | 2PM & 7PM.
SYT Rookies: The Cooking Show that Goes Wrong![26SU]
05/26/26 - 05/29/26, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | MK Shultz | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY1A
Members $110 | Non-Members $110
Messy recipes. Even messier performances! Get ready for culinary chaos! Young actors become chefs, hosts, and over-the-top contestants as they create scenes inspired by kitchen mishaps, runaway recipes, and dramatic ingredient mix-ups.
SYT Rookies: Stage Left is Lava[26SU]
06/1/26 - 06/5/26, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY1B
Members $135 | Non-Members $135
Warning: the stage is full of molten lava! In this wacky theatre camp, actors will tiptoe, and dodge imaginary lava while creating outrageous characters and hilarious scenes.
SYT Rookies: The Stand Up Gang Rides Again![26SU]
06/8/26 - 06/12/26, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Christie Dobson | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY1C
Members $135 | Non-Members $135
Kids will Develop an Old Timey Spaghetti Western with Dr. Christie and Crew! A vintage favorite film class for the Arts Center, students will come up with a rootin tootin short film and performance about Standing Up and Making Things Better in their schools and community.
SYT Rookies: Once Upon a Timeline[26SU]
06/15/26 - 06/18/26, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH
Ages 6 to 10 | Christie Dobson | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY1D
Members $110 | Non-Members $110
Students will create an epic journey to other lands and lost kingdoms, on stage and screen (and in between).
SYT Rookies: Magic Wands[26SU]
06/29/26 - 07/2/26, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH
Ages 6 to 10 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY1E
Members $110 | Non-Members $110
Calling all aspiring witches and wizards! Create your magic wand and let’s go on an adventure! Complete with dynamic original characters, action-packed sets, and costumes that showcase their newfound powers. What spells will you cast?
SYT Senior Play: Lost Girl[26SU]
05/26/26 - 06/17/26, 4:00PM - 9:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 18 | Craig Fisher | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPLOS
Members $325 | Non-Members $325
Auditions April 26: Long after returning from Neverland, Wendy decides that she must find Peter in order to reclaim her kiss and move on with her life. Along the way, she meets other girls who went to Neverland and learns she is not alone. A coming-of-age exploration of first love and lasting loss, Lost Girl continues the story of J.M. Barrie’s beloved character – the girl who had to grow up. Please note that students in this production will have an independent dinner break during rehearsal that is not overseen by LAC staff members. No class on June 19th in observation of Juneteenth. Rehearsals: 4 weeks, May 26-June 17. M-Th | 4-9:30pm; F | 4-7pm Performances: June 18 | 7pm, June 20 | 2pm & 7pm
Creative Play June[26SU]
06/1/26 - 06/5/26, 1:00PM - 2:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 3 to 6 | Jillian Grieve | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY2A
Members $85 | Non-Members $85
Join us for a Summer Youth Theatre experience for our youngest performers. Using their wildest imaginations, students will engage with each other through play and dramatic exploration.
SYT Seniors: Character Development July[26SU]
06/30/26 - 07/6/26, 2:30PM - 3:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 18 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY3D
Members $85 | Non-Members $85
Dive deeper into your characters with Jeanne! This workshop is for everyone enrolled in an SYT show. Learn techniques to bring your persona to life, fill in all the details, and create a deeper connection. Get individualized attention and skill building right before you step into rehearsal! No class July 3.
SYT Juniors: Character Development July[26SU]
06/30/26 - 07/6/26, 11:30AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 10 to 14 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY3C
Members $85 | Non-Members $85
Dive deeper into your characters with Jeanne! This workshop is for everyone enrolled in an SYT show. Learn techniques to bring your persona to life, fill in all the details, and create a deeper connection. Get individualized attention and skill building right before you step into rehearsal! No class July 3.
SYT Seniors: Character Development June[26SU]
05/27/26 - 06/2/26, 2:30PM - 3:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 18 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY3B
Members $85 | Non-Members $85
Dive deeper into your characters with Jeanne! This workshop is for everyone enrolled in an SYT show. Learn techniques to bring your persona to life, fill in all the details, and create a deeper connection. Get individualized attention and skill building right before you step into rehearsal!
SYT Juniors: Character Development June[26SU]
05/27/26 - 06/2/26, 11:30AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 10 to 14 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY3A
Members $85 | Non-Members $85
Dive deeper into your characters with Jeanne! This workshop is for everyone enrolled in an SYT show. Learn techniques to bring your persona to life, fill in all the details, and create a deeper connection. Get individualized attention and skill building right before you step into rehearsal!
Creative Play July[26SU]
07/6/26 - 07/10/26, 1:00PM - 2:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 3 to 6 | Leah Towle | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY2B
Members $85 | Non-Members $85
Join us for a Summer Youth Theatre experience for our youngest performers. Using their wildest imaginations, students will engage with each other through play and dramatic exploration.
SYT Rookies: Drama Llamas[26SU]
07/20/26 - 07/24/26, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | MK Shultz | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY1H
Members $135 | Non-Members $135
Big drama. No prob-llama. Big characters, bold choices, and a little silliness come together as we create a story about a very dramatic llama farm.
SYT Rookies: Galactic Garden Party[26SU]
07/13/26 - 07/17/26, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY1G
Members $135 | Non-Members $135
Blast off into a whimsical world where outer space meets the natural world! Students explore storytelling, movement, and character creation inspired by aliens, astronauts, sentient plants, and far-off planets.
SYT Rookies: The Quirky Cat Cafe[26SU]
07/6/26 - 07/10/26, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
N/A | 26CPY1F
Members $135 | Non-Members $135
Welcome to a café where the cats have opinions and the customers are anything but ordinary! Students create a cast of quirky feline characters and eccentric humans, using improv, movement, and voice to bring the café to life.
SYT Tech: June Session[26SU]
05/26/26 - 06/18/26, 9:00AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26CPY4A
Members $285 | Non-Members $285
Guided by industry professionals, tech theatre students will learn "behind the scenes" basics, specializing in the area that interests them the most: lighting, painting, carpentry, sound, property, and rigging. Students enrolled in tech class are expected to do run crew for a show. As part of this course, each student will work as a crew member on one of our June SYT performances. No class on June 19th in observation of Juneteenth. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
SYT Costumes: June Session[26SU]
05/26/26 - 06/18/26, 9:30AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26CPY5A
Members $260 | Non-Members $260
Guided by industry professionals, students will learn the basics of costume design and use their skills to bring costumes to life for our exciting summer season! As part of this course, participation in June SYT performances is optional. No class on June 19th in observation of Juneteenth. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
SYT Internship Program[26SU]
05/27/26 - 07/22/26, 12:30PM - 1:30PM | WE
Ages 15 to 21 | Justin Harbaugh | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 25CPY6
Members $0 | Non-Members $0
SYT's Internship Program is open to high school and college students who want to explore a hands-on theatre work study experience. Each student will be assigned a role for a specific show and will be required to attend weekly meetings over the course of eight weeks. We will be taking a total of twelve to fourteen participants this summer. All positions will be paid by stipend. Our goal is to provide specialized job training and real work experience to make students more competitive in the professional world. To apply, email a resume and letter of interest to Justin Harbaugh at justin@lawrenceartscenter.org by Saturday, May 2nd. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Once Upon a One More Time: Choreography Sketch Group[26SU]
06/15/26 - 06/18/26, 2:30PM - 4:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH
Ages 12 to 18 | Justin Harbaugh | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26CPYSKE
Members $85 | Non-Members $85
Come be a part of the creation process! A sketch group helps directors and choreographers build their show, complete with staging, before they work with the actors. No audition necessary.
SYT Tech: July Session[26SU]
06/29/26 - 07/24/26, 9:00AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26CPY4B
Members $285 | Non-Members $285
Guided by industry professionals, tech theatre students will learn "behind the scenes" basics, specializing in the area that interests them the most: lighting, painting, carpentry, sound, property, and rigging. Students enrolled in tech class are expected to do run crew for a show. As part of this course, each student will work as a crew member on one of our June SYT performances. No class on June 19th in observation of Juneteenth. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
SYT Costumes: July Session[26SU]
06/29/26 - 07/24/26, 9:30AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26CPY5B
Members $260 | Non-Members $260
Guided by industry professionals, students will learn the basics of costume design and use their skills to bring costumes to life for our exciting summer season! As part of this course, participation in July SYT performances is optional. No class July 4 & 5 in observation of Independence Day. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.

Technical Theatre

Upcoming Performances

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Soccer Screening: Ireland vs Czech Republic Qualifying Match

Join the LAC Irish Dancers for an in-theatre screening of the Qualifying Soccer Match between Ireland and the Czech Republic. At 1:30p, doors open for cash bar and socializing! The Irish Dancers will hype us up with a pre-game performance and Stella Comparato will share some of the in’s and out’s of how to watch […]Read More

March 26

1:30PM

The Coterie Presents: My Stuffie & Me | Theatre for the Very Young

Follow the journey of Charlie and Stuffie as they try to find courage and joy with the power of imagination and friendship! Tomorrow is the big day: it is Charlie’s first day of kindergarten. But Charlie cannot go to sleep. Everything in the bedroom feels WRONG – even the bedtime story! Until Stuffie, with help […]Read More

March 28

10:00AM

March 28

1:30PM

Purchase Tickets

FREE CONCERT | quartet dutemps

Join us in the Main Lobby of the Lawrence Arts Center for a special concert featuring musicians from the KU School of Music. quartet dutemps started out by performing the renowned Quartet for the End of Time by the French composer Olivier Messiaen. They soon started working on pieces for the same ensemble: clarinet, violin, cello, and […]Read More

March 28

6:30PM

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?