Olney Theatre Center is delighted to invite renowned theatre professionals we admire to share their knowledge with our community by teaching masterclasses. This series is geared toward industry professionals and pre-professionals who are interested in developing or refining their skills.
Inside the Music of Hello, Dolly!
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Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025, 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Location: Roberts Mainstage
Cost: Registration Coming Soon!
Director of Music Theatre Chris Youstra has many responsibilities at Olney–when he’s not leading Musical Theatre Trivia Nights, teaching the music to our casts, or conducting the orchestra for performances, he’s at home orchestrating and composing his own music. Join us for this masterclass where Maestro Youstra will show you the elegance and whimsy in Jerry Herman’s score for Hello, Dolly! In this masterclass, you’ll learn some of the motifs and inspirations for the music. Perfect for composers or musical theatre-lovers alike.
“10 Steps to Great Creation” from Little Miss Perfect Creator Joriah Kwamé
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Date: Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Cafritz Lobby
Cost: Registration Coming Soon!
How do you go from idea to creation? Little Miss Perfect creator Joriah Kwamé will share his process and speak openly about his workflow when developing a song or musical in ten easy steps. Whether you’ve had scribbles in a drawer for years or are trying to break out in the industry, this masterclass will help unlock your sources of inspiration and demystify the artistic process in creating new work.
“The Business of the Business” with Director Lili-Anne Brown
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Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Cafritz Lobby
Cost: Registration Coming Soon!
Are you a director interested in getting more work at regional theaters? Are you a performer interested in directing? Have you ever wondered how this whole business works in the first place? Renowned director Lili-Anne Brown has directed all over the U.S. from the Goodspeed in Chicago to La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego to Olney Theatre Center (Fela!) and more. While working on Carla Hall - Please Underestimate Me, Lili-Anne is taking some time to answer questions about the business side of directing for regional theater.
“Embodying Character Through Dance”
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Date: Monday, July 20, 2026, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Location: Dance Studio
Cost: Registration Coming Soon!
After dancing on Olney Theatre Center’s stages in Singin’ in the Rain, Matilda, the Musical, and more, Ashleigh King is now choreographing for our productions, including our upcoming summer musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. The class will be structured to challenge experienced movers and dancers by building on your existing technique, style, and performance quality, but quick-learners of all levels are welcome. Come join Ashleigh for a fast-paced and enjoyable deep dive into character work through dance.
