Fall Workshop Series
Come play with TheatreWorks with programs for older teens and adults covering every aspect of theatre, dance, and dramaturgy.
All experience levels welcome!
Freestyle/Spoken word performance
- Dates: Saturday, October 3rd and Saturday, October 10th
- Times: 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
- Age Level: Youth 16+ and Adults 18+
- Tuition: $150.00 | TWSV Subscribers: $100.00
Interested in performing your own work or getting into the world of spoken and improvised storytelling? Now you can with TheatreWorks’ Freestyle/Spoken Word Performance workshop. Taught by local emcee, actor, and teaching artist, Carlos Aguirre, you now have an opportunity to tell your stories through both rap and spoken word.
This workshop will explore many key elements of these art forms, including rhyme, rhythm, and improvisation. Meanwhile, you can nurture your creative voices alongside your peers and develop on-stage performance skills.
No experience is necessary! Everyone in the workshop will also get a chance to learn:
- The fundamentals of rap, spoken word, and hip-hop.
- Storytelling through music, movement, and facial expression.
- Tools for writing evocative lyrics and spoken word pieces.
KILLING MY LOBSTER COMEDY SKETCH WRITING
- Dates: October 19th—December 7th
(No Class Monday, November 30th ) - Times: Mondays, 7:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
- Age Level: Adults 18+
- Tuition: $500.00 | TWSV Subscribers: $400.00
Have a funny idea for a comedic scene, but don’t know where to start?
Learn the fundamentals of sketch comedy and develop your comedic voice with Killing My Lobster! Experienced KML writers provide personalized assignments and detailed feedback in a supportive, encouraging environment where all perspectives are welcome.
Classes consist of both lectures and a “writers’ room.” You and the other participants will write a sketch that reflects the previous sessions’ lecture, which are read out loud in class, and the instructors give personalized help and feedback. At the end of this 7-week writing course, a final staged reading of the cohort’s sketch comedy is held for your family and friends, performed by actors from the Killing My Lobster.
Benefits of Shakespeare Study:
- Expands your range as an actor.
- Broadens your vocabulary.
- Deepens understanding of universal themes and relevance.
- Cultivates creative expression.
- Encourages teamwork.
- Builds confidence and self awareness.
SHakespeare study
- Dates: December 8th–December 22nd
- Times: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
- Age Level: Youth 16+ and Adults 18+
- Tuition: $300.00 | TWSV Subscribers: $250.00
People often say: “Shakespeare is meant to be heard, not read.” This workshop, led by actor and teaching artist Brittney Mignano, provides you with a deeper understanding into what that means.
Whether you feel like an absolute beginner who wants to feel more confident when reading and performing Shakespeare or have some experience bringing The Bard to life on stage, this workshop is for everyone. Using interactive games and exercises to become familiar with Elizabethan history and culture, you will explore the key differences of prose and verse by reading and acting out scenes and monologues from Shakespeare’s tragedies, comedies and histories in class.
DANCE & CREATIVE MOVEMENT
- Dates: : October 7th–October 28th
- Times: Wednesdays, 6:30 P.M.–8:30 P.M.
- Age Level: Youth 16+ and Adults 18+
- Tuition: $350.00 | TWSV Subscribers: $300.00
Whether you are an absolute beginner to dance or a dancer with years of experience, this is a unique opportunity to learn more on the dance floor using themes, ideas or genres from actor and dancer, Brittney Mignano. Genuine movement is always supported by a genuine connection, allowing your ensemble to explore the limits and possibilities of movement as individuals and as a group.
Using focused exercises to learn how to be aware of bodies in space and feel emotionally connected to the dance movement. This class will introduce concepts and terms that dancers and creative movers can use to deepen skillsets of all levels. Using instructor-based choreography, you are invited to add input so that the class truly feels like a collaboration that honors what inspires everyone to move!
Benefits of Dance & Creative Movement:
- Supports cognitive development.
- Strengthens coordination and balance.
- Relieves stress.
- Builds confidence (especially when dancing with peers).
- Honors creative and emotional expression.
Benefits of Auditioning For The Stage:
- Finding the monologues that are perfect for you.
- Memorization hacks and techniques.
- Rehearsal techniques for auditioning.
AUDITIONING FOR THE STAGE
- Dates: October 11th–October 25th
- Times: Sundays, 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
- Age Level: Youth 16+ and Adults 18+
- Tuition: $250.00 | TWSV Subscribers: $200.00
Are you trying to break into the world of live entertainment? Then you need a great audition, but auditioning is much more than just an awkward moment you share with a few kind strangers—it’s a job interview!
Taught by local emcee, actor, and teaching artist, Christopher Prescott Carter, this course gives you the chance to hone your auditioning skills while learning best practices for how to get the roles you want.
Directed Readings:
Dramaturgy & Discussion Of Classic Plays Reimagined for the Present
- Dates: : October 4th, November 1st, December 6th
- Times: Sundays, 10:00 A.M.–2:00 P.M.
- Age Level: Adults 18+
- Tuition: $300.00 | TWSV Subscribers: $250.00
Love everything to do with theatre? Do you enjoy talking about and discussing plays? Are you excited to be in a group that loves theatre as much as you do? Then TheatreWorks has a new opportunity for you with the Theatrical Reading Series.
From October to December with one meeting on the first Sunday of each month, we’ll read plays you’ve heard about and discover what they sound like when read aloud. Everyone participating in this workshop will explore the play’s themes, the playwright, dramaturgical elements, historical background and context. You get the chance to analyze what makes these plays work through activated discussion with a stimulating community of theatre lovers.
We promise there’s no homework! TheatreWorks will provide reading scripts. The group will read one reimagined play at their monthly meeting, participants in the workshop will read the characters out loud but can opt out of reading if they so desire. We’ll learn about the original classic play and explore how the current playwright reimagined the classic and crafted it to address the questions of today.
- October 4th — Mojada: A Medea in Los Angeles by Luis Alfaro
- November 1st — Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris
- December 6th — An Octoroon by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins
If you need accommodations for participating in this workshop, please contact Director of Education Jake Arky at jarky@theatreworks.org for details.
Neurodiversity-friendly Theater Improv Workshop
- Dates: Saturday, October 10th
- Times: 1:30 P.M.–3:00 P.m.
- Age Level: Youth 16+ and Adults 18+
- Tuition: $60.00
Come join us for a fun afternoon of theater games focused on improvisation and ensemble building! In this workshop, you’ll stretch your imagination, build creative confidence, explore different emotions, and practice thinking quickly on your feet. There are no wrong answers—just a friendly, supportive atmosphere where everyone is included and encouraged to shine. Teaching Artist Emily Friesen was born in the Bay Area and now lives in San Diego, where she runs a theater program at TERI Center for the Arts. She brings warmth and enthusiasm to all of her work and is excited to share her love of performing with others!
Tailored specifically for people with all levels of neurodiversity, this workshop welcomes everyone! No acting experience is necessary—just bring an open mind and an eagerness to try something new.
Want us to come to you?
If you wish to bring any program to a classroom, school, community center, or other offsite, please contact Director of Education Jake Arky at jarky@theatreworks.org for details.
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In-School Programming
Student Matinees
Participating classes will also have the opportunity for more engagement with a pre-show workshop led by a TheatreWorks Teaching Artist and participant from the show, as well as an in-depth study guide with activities, information, and background on the show.
In-School Programming
HIGH SCHOOL
Grades 9-12
The Young Storytellers Lab
The Young Storytellers Lab is a unique workshop that blends the art of writing and performance together for middle and high school students. TheatreWorks Teaching Artists who have experience performing autobiographical work on stage are placed at Bay Area schools for six classes to help students craft their own narratives for an audience.
The Young Storytellers Lab
The Young Playwrights Project places accomplished playwrights–who are also gifted teachers and strong role models–“in residence” at Bay Area high schools where they lead advanced drama students through a month of writing workshops and exercises on dramatic form and expression.
Community Program
Elder Playwright’s Project
