Fall Classes

Adult Classes

Backstage Pass- Les Misérables

Ages 16+

$300

Thursdays, September 24-October 15 from 7:00pm-8:30pm

How are artistic choices made? Our production team treats every design element and performance style not as a way to illustrate the script, but as a deliberate means to alter how the audience perceives a show's themes. In this class, you will learn how the creative team for Les Misérables translates this musical into concrete artistic decisions across the main theatrical disciplines: set design, performance, music, costume, and lighting. Find out through this one-of-a-kind opportunity to join us as we walk you through the pre-production, rehearsal, and tech processes. Whether you’re a musical theatre aficionado or a lover of Victor Hugo’s classic tale of love, justice, and redemption, you will dive deeper into this story and get a glimpse behind the scenes as to how Olney Theatre Center goes from idea to production. This class includes conversations with key artists involved in the production–including the director Stephen Brackett (A.D.16)–as well as invitations to exclusive events like a Tech Rehearsal, the Final Dress Rehearsal Performance on October 29, and the Opening Night performance on November 5 at 7:00pm.

Teachers: Hallie Gordon and Ellen Powers

 

Beginning Acting for the Stage

Ages 16+

$300

Mondays, October 5-November 9 from 7:00pm-9:00pm

Have you ever wanted to give acting a try? Whether it’s been years since your last school play or you’re completely new to the stage, this six-week class is the perfect place to start. You will learn foundational acting skills—like physical expression, vocal projection, character development, and storytelling—while building your confidence and collaborating with others in a fun, warm, and pressure-free environment

Teacher: TBA

 

Youth Classes

Act Out 

Grades 3-5

Tuesdays and Thursdays, October 13-November 19 from 4:00pm-5:30pm

$450

Come learn and have fun with Olney Theatre Center after-school program! Participants will explore the many aspects of theatre through games, crafts, and activities led by a skilled teaching artist. By the end of the six weeks, we will devise a short performance piece we’ll share with friends and family on the final day of the program, November 19 at 5:00pm.

Teachers: Nykila Norman 

 

Home Away from Home School

4-Week On Campus Residency

Various Grades

$1000

*Meeting dates and times vary between 10:00am-3:30pm during weekdays for 1 hour and 15 minute sessions (limit to 30 participants per session)

Make Olney Theatre Center your home away from home school and do a deep dive into the creative process. Over the course of this program, participants will devise an original performance piece together with the guidance of a skilled teaching artist. It’s the perfect arts enrichment activity to complement your curriculum and dive deep into the creative process. Beyond the stage, it’s a wonderful opportunity for homeschooling families to connect, build vital communication skills, and have a lot of fun together.

 

Workshops

Olney Theatre Center is excited to offer these one-off workshops that can be taught here on our campus in the Trawick Education Center or at your site (location and schedule-dependent). All of these can be geared toward a variety of age groups, skill levels, and abilities. 

Fees for workshops are on a sliding scale up to $350 for a one-hour session. Factors include travel, demographics or your group, number of participants, and specificity of material covered. Free for public schools.

Words as Action: Playwriting

Everyone has a story to tell. Be inspired to share yours with guidance from Olney Theatre Center. This workshop is a great option for beginners exploring elements of story all the way to the next up-and-coming playwrights interested in delving into dramatic structure and the unique qualities of writing for the theatre.

Yes, and Improv

Step out of your comfort zone, practice thinking on your feet, and gain confidence to take risks in a safe, fun environment through fun theatre games and activities. This is a great workshop for groups who have little to no exposure to theatre. Say yes, and have fun! 

Career Connections

How do you actually get a job in theatre? Can you work in theatre without being an actor? How do I build a sustainable career in theatre? This workshop will answer these questions and more. Come learn about who works at Olney Theatre Center, what it’s like working in theatre, and job opportunities in the performing arts field. Ideal for people interested in pursuing theatre—or any career in the arts—in higher education and the professional world. 

Teambuilding

Whether you’re looking to build community or just a better understanding among your coworkers, Olney Theatre Center can help through group activities and theatre games that we use as professionals to help build ensemble and collaborative relationships in our artistic work. Perfect for professional development or retreat days.