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 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]
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.
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.
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 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

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.

Performance Skill Building

Summer Youth Theatre

Technical Theatre

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?