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

Great Plays from Greek Mythology[24SU]
07/22/24 - 07/26/24, 2:00PM - 2:55PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 14 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZTY11
Members $94.5 | Non-Members $105
Do you like Percy Jackson? Dive deeper into the world of Greek mythology and act out a play week. We will pick our favorite to present to parents/caregivers on the final class.
Barbies & Supervillains[24SU]
06/1/24 - 06/22/24, 11:00AM - 11:55AM | SA
Ages 11 to 14 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZYT16
Members $76.5 | Non-Members $85
Dress for class as your favorite Barbie character or super villain. We will a create a play around your characters & villains (Just make sure their super powers involve more wit and science than weapons.) In three sessions we will create mini plays that we write and perform. On the fourth, we will rehearse our favorite and present to our parents/caregivers.
Adult Improv: Summer Session[24SU]
06/3/24 - 07/29/24, 6:30PM - 7:55PM | MO
Ages 18 to 120 | Leah Towle | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZAT11
Members $175.5 | Non-Members $195
Ready for a spontaneous and hilarious challenge? Spend your summer with us and build your improv skills, learn new games, and meet new people. This course takes place at 10th & Mass Studios. No class on June 24th.
Acting for the Artist's Spirit[24SU]
06/3/24 - 07/29/24, 8:00PM - 8:55PM | MO
Ages 14 to 120 | Sarah Jean Robinson | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZAT21
Members $157.5 | Non-Members $175
Are you at a crossroads in your artistic journey? This class is for ALL artists (writers, visual artists, dancers, performers, etc.) In this class, we will dive into movement techniques, beginner improv, simple scenes, and more that will reignite your imagination and get your artistic juices flowing. Explore your own inner world and create in a new, collaborative way. No class on June 24th.
Unarmed Combat for Stage & Screen[24SU]
05/29/24 - 06/12/24, 6:00PM - 7:25PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZTA13
Members $76.5 | Non-Members $85
Learn the basic techniques of fighting as you see on stage and screen. The class will examine basic vocabulary, techniques and theory of how to make a fight safe for the actors and real for the audience.
Professional Acting for the Camera[24SU]
05/29/24 - 07/31/24, 7:30PM - 8:55PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | Sarah Jean Robinson | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZTA23
Members $175.5 | Non-Members $195
Have you ever wanted to start your career in film acting, but didn't know where to start? This course will teach the fundamentals of screen acting, and also give you physical tools you'll need to start your career. By the end of class, you'll have at least one or two recorded monologues/scenes, and a strategy for applying to talent agencies! No class June 19th & 26th.
The Chayd: Vogueing 101[24SU]
07/2/24 - 07/23/24, 7:00PM - 8:25PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Chay D. Boots | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZTA32
Members $112.5 | Non-Members $125
A course with the intent of making the history of ballroom culture and techniques more accessible to everyone. We will be learning the 5 elements of the Ballroom category “Butch Queen Vogue Femme” along with quintessential pop culture references and impacts from throughout the decades. With special guest Chay D. Boots. Comfortable Shoes and Clothing Recommended. Heels are encouraged, but not required. Last Class requires student participation of costume for the “Final Ball”.
Single Sword Stage Combat[24SU]
07/3/24 - 07/24/24, 6:00PM - 7:25PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZTA33
Members $103.5 | Non-Members $115
Fight like Errol Flynn or you other favorite heroes from the swashbuckling golden age of cinema. In this course we will explore the basics of the weapon through an exploration of targeting, vocabulary, safety and more.
Adult Acting Exploration: Bring a Friend[24SU]
07/11/24 - 08/1/24, 6:00PM - 7:25PM | TH
Ages 18 to 120 | Jeanne C. Averill | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZTA24
Members $90 | 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.
You're No Dummy: Ventriloquism for Beginners[24SU]
05/28/24 - 07/23/24, 6:00PM - 6:55PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Diana Rockwell | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZTA12
Members $157.5 | Non-Members $175
Students will learn and demonstrate the art of ventriloquism by learning the beginning techniques such as lip control, puppet manipulation, vocal range, illusionary arts, and more. Students are responsible for providing their own ventriloquist figure. They have the choice between soft puppets or hard figures (aka "dummies"). This class does not allow food or gum, as it can not only get in the way of learning the technique, but can distract other students. Students must also adhere to using family friendly joke material material, as there might be children present. No class June 25th.

Family Play

Imagination & Adventure

Creative Play: July Session 1[24SU]
07/8/24 - 07/12/24, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZPLAY1
Members $72 | Non-Members $80
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. This course takes place at 10th & Mass Studios. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Creative Play: July Session 2[24SU]
07/22/24 - 07/26/24, 1:00PM - 1:55PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 3 to 6 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZPLAY2
Members $72 | Non-Members $80
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. This course takes place at 10th & Mass Studios. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.

Music

Music Artist Development[24SU]
05/30/24 - 06/20/24, 12:00PM - 12:55PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CTZA14
Members $90 | Non-Members $100
This course will feature vocal lessons, songwriting workshops, as well as an introduction to vocal recording and music marketing. Ultimately, a conduit for emerging musicians to launch their careers.
Beatboxing: Anyone's Special Skill[24SU]
05/30/24 - 06/20/24, 7:30PM - 8:25PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZTA34
Members $67.5 | Non-Members $75
All performers have at least one talent to stand out in auditions. These can also build confidence! Join Luke "Skippy" Harbur to learn beatboxing/making drum sounds with your mouth. No class June 6th.

Performance Skill Building

Summer Youth Theatre

SYT Senior: Cabaret[24SU]
07/1/24 - 07/18/24, 4:00PM - 9:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 18 | Justin Harbaugh | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZCABARET
Members $297 | Non-Members $330
AUDITIONS HELD ON APRIL 28th Music by John Kander, Lyrics by Fred Ebb, Book by Joe Maseroff. Based on the play by John Van Druten & Stories by Christopher Isherwood. Daring, provocative, and exuberantly entertaining, Cabaret explores the dark and heady life of Bohemian Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich. Rehearsals: 4 weeks, July 1-July 25. No rehearsal July 4 & 5. M-Th | 4-9:30PM & F | 4-7PM. Performances: July 26 | 7PM, July 27 | 2PM & 7PM. 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.
SYT Costumes: July Session[24SU]
07/1/24 - 07/26/24, 9:30AM - 12:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | Maya Sabatini | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CZCOSTUME2
Members $166.5 | Non-Members $185
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.
Pickle Hotel[24SU]
05/28/24 - 05/31/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CZROOKA
Members $90 | Non-Members $100
Welcome to the Pickle Hotel, where every room holds a quirky surprise! We will embark on a whimsical journey to create a story. From crafting peculiar characters to designing pickle-themed sets and costumes, campers will transform this unique lodging into a stage filled with laughter and surprises. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Unicorn Training Hullabaloo Extravaganza[24SU]
06/3/24 - 06/7/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZROOKB
Members $112.5 | Non-Members $125
Calling all aspiring Unicorns! Join us for heroic adventures in the Unicorn Training Hullabaloo Camp. Young recruits will develop their own magical story, complete with dynamic original characters, action-packed sets, and costumes that showcase their newfound unicorn powers. Get ready for a hullabaloo of excitement! SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Space is the Place[24SU]
06/10/24 - 06/14/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Gwentessa Alfie | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZROOKC
Members $112.5 | Non-Members $125
Let's have a fantastical space adventure! Who will we meet along our journey? What should we pack for our trip? Explore exciting new worlds with new found friends! SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Cat Detectives[24SU]
06/17/24 - 06/21/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Becky O’Keefe | 10th & Mass Studios
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CZROOKD
Members $90 | Non-Members $100
Do you love cats? Do you love mysteries? Purrrfect! Let's create cat characters and use our detective skills. For beginning and experienced cat detectives. No class June 19. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Red, White, Blue & YOU![24SU]
07/1/24 - 07/3/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE
Ages 6 to 10 | Becky O’Keefe | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZROOKE
Members $67.5 | Non-Members $75
We will explore the July 4th holiday through movement, drama & song in order to put together a special celebration performance. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Time Travelers Adventure Quest[24SU]
07/8/24 - 07/12/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZROOKF
Members $112.5 | Non-Members $125
Step into the world of time travel! In this camp, we will embark on a thrilling journey through different eras of time. Join us in creating a magical time-traveling machine and creating a story that will transcend time. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Super Hero Training Academy[24SU]
07/15/24 - 07/19/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZROOKG
Members $112.5 | Non-Members $125
All great superheroes start somewhere! At the Superhero Training Academy, up-and-coming superheroes hone their powers. What shenanigans and adventures might these young superheroes get into at the Superhero Training Academy? SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
Bamboozled Pirate Treasure Hunt[24SU]
07/22/24 - 07/26/24, 9:00AM - 11:30AM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 6 to 10 | Kayla Sandusky | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZROOKH
Members $112.5 | Non-Members $125
Ahoy, mateys! Prepare for a swashbuckling adventure in the Bamboozled Pirate Treasure Hunt! We will set sail on a quest for hidden treasure, creating a pirate-themed play filled with nautical characters, ship sets, and treasure-filled props. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
SYT Internship Program[24SU]
05/30/24 - 07/25/24, 12:30PM - 1:30PM | TH
Ages 15 to 21 | Elizabeth Sullivan | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CSYTINTERN24
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 Elizabeth Sullivan at elizabeth@lawrenceartscenter.org by Saturday, April 27th. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child.
SYT Novice/Junior: The Wizard of Oz[24SU]
05/28/24 - 06/13/24, 1:00PM - 5:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 10 to 14 | Kayla Sandusky | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CZWIZARD
Members $252 | Non-Members $280
AUDITIONS HELD ON APRIL 28th Story by L. Frank Baum, Music & Lyrics by Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg. We’re off to see the wizard! After a tornado whisks her away to the magical land of Oz, Dorothy teams up with a Scarecrow, a Tin Woodsman and a Cowardly Lion to find the mighty Wizard of Oz, who can send her home. Along the way, they must avoid the clutches of the Wicked Witch of the West, who is trying to steal the mysterious magic slippers that once belonged to her evil sister... but are now on Dorothy's feet. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Rehearsals: 3 weeks, May 28-June 13. M-F | 1-5PM. Performances: June 14 | 7PM, June 15 | 2PM & 7PM.
SYT Senior: Puffs[24SU]
05/28/24 - 06/20/24, 4:00PM - 9:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 18 | TBD | 10th & Mass Studios
Enrolling Now | CZPUFFS
Members $297 | Non-Members $330
AUDITIONS HELD ON APRIL 28th By Matt Cox. In this hilarious parody of a familiar story, three potential heroes are just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers. Their epic quest takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be. Puffs is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Rehearsals: 4 weeks, May 28 - June 20. No rehearsal June 19. M-Th | 4-9:30PM & F | 4-7PM. Performances: June 21 | 7PM, June 22 | 2PM & 7PM 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.
SYT Novice/Junior: Alice in Wonderland[24SU]
07/1/24 - 07/18/24, 1:00PM - 5:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 10 to 14 | Elizabeth Sullivan | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CZALICE
Members $252 | Non-Members $280
AUDITIONS HELD ON APRIL 28th Adapted from Lewis Carroll by Ric Averill. Commissioned for home production and national tour by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. With the help of a Cheshire Cat, an astute Caterpillar, and a righteous Humpty Dumpty, Alice must find her way home and discover who she really is. With original music composed by Ric Averill, this play with music is written specifically for our Summer Youth Theatre 4th-8th graders. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. Rehearsals: 3 weeks, July 1 - July 18. No rehearsal July 4 & 5. M-F | 1-5PM. Performances: July 19 | 7PM, July 20 | 2PM & 7PM.

Technical Theatre

SYT Costumes: June Session[24SU]
05/28/24 - 06/21/24, 9:30AM - 12:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CZCOSTUME1
Members $166.5 | Non-Members $185
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 Tech: June Session[24SU]
05/28/24 - 06/21/24, 9:00AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CZTECH1
Members $216 | Non-Members $240
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. 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 Tech: July Session[24SU]
07/1/24 - 07/26/24, 9:00AM - 12:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 11 to 18 | Lexey Jost | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CZTECH2
Members $216 | Non-Members $240
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. SYT placement is by grade, contact us if you have questions about which program to enroll your child. As part of this course, each student will work as a crew member on one of our July SYT performances. No class July 4 & 5 in observation of Independence Day.
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?