Classes
Explore, create and collaborate!
Whether you have experience on the stage, are dabbling in theater for the first time or want to improve your communication skills, we have classes for adults of all interests and skill levels (ages 18 and up).
Check out our Exploratory Classes - introductory classes made to engage your creativity and our newly designed Performance Pathway – a multi-level actor training option created to develop your acting chops and hone your voice, movement, text analysis and musical theater skills.
Package discounts are available! Save $100 when you register for three classes.
Exploratory Classes
Slay! with Brian Bose
Feel sexy, fierce and powerful while learning fun choreography, grooving to music and dancing your way to empowerment. This class creates an open environment to explore your body, challenge yourself and reconnect with your inner child. Strip away fears and perfectionism, and learn to get out of your own way so you have no choice but to slay. No prerequisite or dance experience necessary. Capacity: 30.
- Pricing: Single drop-in class: $20, 4-class package: $75, 8-class package: $150, all classes: $220
- Instructor: Brian Bose
Option 2: Mondays, January 7 – March 25 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. (Registration is ongoing, so you can join at any time!)
Playwriting I with Josh Tobiessen
Have you ever imagined characters in your head and been inspired to bring them to life on the page? Curious about what it takes to write an engaging scene and captivate an audience? In this class, you’ll dive into valuable writing exercises, collaborate on staged readings of your work and receive constructive feedback. Discover the key ingredients of great drama and comedy and work toward creating your own short play in this six-week class with local playwright Josh Tobiessen. No prerequisite. Capacity: 14. This class is a prerequisite for Playwriting II.
- Mondays, January 14 – February 18 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- Price: $150
- Instructor: Josh Tobiessen
Playwriting II with Josh Tobiessen
In this intermediate-level playwriting class, you’ll work on refining your style and technique by crafting a play with the help and feedback of your instructor and fellow classmates. Dive into valuable writing exercises, collaborate on staged readings of your work and learn how a playwright takes their work from the page to the stage. Prerequisite: Playwriting I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 10.
- Mondays, March 4 – April 22 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- Price: $220
- Instructor: Josh Tobiessen
Voice and Speech for the Non-Actor
This introductory class is designed to help you improve your pronunciation, articulation and intonation skills in American English, with an emphasis on improving skills that affect your ability to be understood: pronunciation of vowels and consonants, pitch, tempo and stress patterns. You’ll receive individual feedback and engage in conversational practice under the instructor’s guidance. All students who wish to improve their speech are welcome, whether English is their first, second or third language. No prerequisite or experience necessary. Capacity: 12.
- Tuesdays, February 12 – March 5 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- Price: $100
- Instructor: Mira Kehoe
Stage Combat
Learn the tools and techniques it takes to craft acts of onstage violence by exploring the world of unarmed stage combat and how it differs from film. From refining your uppercut to selling stomach pain to falling safely, this six-week class focuses on the intricate choreography required for actors to ensure crucial moments of a play are executed in a believable and (more importantly) safe way. Come learn the basics and enjoy some knock-down, drag-out fun — all while keeping you and your fight partner safe. All experience levels welcome. No prerequisite. Capacity: 12.
- Thursdays, March 7 – April 11 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- Price: $220
- Instructor: Aaron Preusse
Presentation and Communication Skills
Our bodies, faces and voices tell stories about who we are, communicating verbally and non-verbally in ways we don’t even realize. It’s time to take control of your story! Learn specific verbal and non-verbal skills that will give you the confidence to be your best self and respond in authentic, spontaneous and mindful ways. This on-your-feet class covers interviewing, presentation skills, meeting management and networking. No prerequisite. Capacity: 14.
- Sundays, March 3–24 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- Price: $200
- Instructors: Michelle Hutchison and Jim Robinson
Voiceover I: Intro to Voiceover
Have you ever been curious about the world of radio and broadcast? Discover your vocal range and explore the skills required to deliver the copy, impress the client and sell the product. Learn the basics of choosing the right piece, reading commercial copy and much more. No prerequisite. Capacity: 12. This class is a prerequisite for Voiceover II.
- Price: $220
- Instructor: Jim Cada
Option 1: Wednesdays, January 9–30 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Option 2: Tuesdays, February 19-March 12 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Voiceover II: The Industry
Serious about pursuing voiceover work? Learn about audition etiquette, copy analysis, handling anxiety and self-promotion from leading players in the industry. This class culminates with the opportunity to rehearse and record in the Guthrie's recording studio. Previous guest speakers have included Mike Stalcar, Engineer, Audio Ruckus Recording Studio; Holly Collison, Vocal Coach; and Kate Lawrence, Moore Creative. Prerequisite: Voiceover I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12. This class is a prerequisite for Voiceover III.
- Tuesdays, May 7 – June 11 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- Price: $300
- Instructor: Jim Cada and guests
Voiceover III: The Demo
Details to be announced soon.
6:30–8:30 p.m.
Performance Pathway
No prerequisites are required and classes may be taken in any order. Many introductory classes are required to take intermediate and advanced classes. To ask questions or discuss relevant experience, contact the Education Team at 612.225.6172.
Theater Basics
Through a variety of theater exercises, you’ll explore the fundamentals of acting and create a foundation for continued training, including improvisation, building a theater vocabulary, performing in front of an audience and approaching text. No prerequisite. Capacity: 14. This class is a prerequisite for several intermediate classes.
Option 1: Sundays, January 6–27 | 6:30–9 p.m.
- Price: $180
- Instructor: Laura Esping
Option 2: Mondays, January 28 – February 18 | 6:30–9 p.m.
- Price: $180
- Instructor: Michelle Hutchison
Option 3: Mondays, April 15 – May 6 | 6:30–9 p.m.
- Price: $180
- Instructor: Suzanne Warmanen
Musical Theater: Singing I
Designed for beginner-level singers, this class will help you develop a solid base in vocal technique using several songs from musical theater productions that are suitable for auditions. From up-tempo songs to ballads, you’ll learn a variety of techniques, including breath support, song interpretation and performance skills. No prerequisite. Capacity: 10. This class is a prerequisite for Musical Theater: Singing II.
- Price: $180
- Instructor: Betsy Benjamin
Option 1: Sundays, January 6 – February 10 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Option 2:Mondays, February 4 – March 11 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Voice and Speech I
Study the basic principles of voice and speech, including breath, resonance, range, articulation, projection, phrasing and expression, while releasing excessive tension and providing a foundation for vocal practice. Dive into assigned readings, experiential exercises, class discussions and practical application. No prerequisite. Capacity: 12. This class is a prerequisite for Voice and Speech II and other intermediate classes.
- Price: $180
- Instructor: Mira Kehoe
Option 1: Tuesdays, January 8–29 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Option 2: Sundays, February 24–March 17 | 6:30-9 p.m.
Physical Approaches I
The body is an actor’s instrument. Gesture and physicality are used to tell a story in concert with the voice. In this introductory class, you’ll explore a variety of physical approaches to performance and gain insight on how to approach acting from a movement-based perspective. No prerequisite. Capacity: 14. This class is a prerequisite for Physical Approaches II and other intermediate classes.
Option 1: Wednesdays, January 9–30 | 6:30–9 p.m.
- Price: $180
- Instructor: Brian Bose
Option 2: Wednesdays, February 6–27 | 6:30–9 p.m.
- Price: $180
- Instructor: Allison Witham
Auditioning and the Business of Acting
What makes a great monologue? What do casting directors look for? This class focuses on the skills and insights necessary to pursue a career in acting and offers tools to help you prepare for auditions, including preparing a resume and headshot, navigating talent agencies and finding work. Prerequisite: Theater Basics or Voice and Speech I and Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.
- Mondays, January 7 – February 11 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
- Price: $220
- Instructor: Shirley Venard
Creating a Character
Strengthen your imagination, focus your concentration and hone your listening skills by delving into the creation of original and scripted characters. This class will explore a variety of approaches for character development and empower you to find your unique approach to character work. Prerequisite: Theater Basics (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.
Option 1: Sundays, February 10 – March 17 | 6:30–9 p.m.
- Price: $255
- Instructor: Laura Esping
Option 2: Mondays, March 4 – April 8 | 6:30–9 p.m.
- Price: $255
- Instructor: Michelle Hutchison
Dance: Musical Theater Audition Prep
Designed for actors auditioning for roles in musical theater, this ongoing dance practice will include strength conditioning, skill-building and choreography designed to imitate an audition dance call. Each week will be taught by Brian Bose, Rush Benson or a guest teaching artist to help expose you to a variety of styles and approaches. All experience levels welcome, but prior dance or musical experience is helpful. Capacity: 20. Registration is ongoing, so you can join at any time.
- Sundays, February 17 – April 7 | 2–3:30 p.m.
- Pricing: Single class drop-in ($20); Four-class package ($75); Eight-class package ($150)
- Instructors: Brian Bose, Rush Benson and guest teaching artists
Perfecting the Monologue
Gain practical tools for preparing monologues in this four-week class where you’ll workshop prepared monologues and expand your repertoire. Each week, you’ll focus on developing skills to perform pieces with clarity and engage your audience in the story and purpose of the text. Students must come to the first session with two memorized monologues (one classical, one contemporary) that are no more than two minutes in length. Prerequisite: Theater Basics or Voice and Speech I and Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.
- Wednesdays, March 6–27 | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
- Price: $220
- Instructor: Stuart Gates
Physical Approaches II: Devising Through Movement
Want to expand your artistic potential onstage? Explore how full use of the body, understanding theatrical space and precise use of gestures can create unique, engaging and unexpected performances and stories. You’ll learn the building blocks of devising — a collaborative approach to story and theater-making where the ensemble builds the script through play and improvisation. Explore group staging, scene rehearsal and character development, which will leave you with a clear vocabulary and set of skills applicable to a variety of performance styles and settings. Prerequisite: Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.
Wednesdays, March 13 – April 17 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $255
Instructor: Brian Bose
Voice and Speech II: Shakespeare
Why does Shakespeare’s language sound so musical? How do actors utilize heightened text to tell classic stories to modern audiences? Free your voice through playful explorations of intonation and text. In this class, you’ll explore scansion, musicality and figures of speech with the goal of successfully mining a text for clearer, more powerful speaking and emotional truth. You’ll also have an opportunity to perform or present material of your choice. Prerequisite: Voice and Speech I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.
- Tuesdays, March 19 – April 23 | 6:30–9 p.m.
- Price: $255
- Instructor: Mira Kehoe
This class has been cancelled.
Musical Theater Singing II: Developing Your Vocal Audition
Singers with performance experience will focus on strengthening their vocal technique while preparing three pieces of music. Two songs will be provided by the instructor, and you’ll provide a ballad of your choice for one-on-one coaching sessions. Performances will be shared regularly in class. Prerequisite: Musical Theater: Singing I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 10.
Mondays, March 25 – April 29 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Price: $255
Instructor: Betsy Benjamin
Scene Study
Explore scenes from select plays in the Guthrie's current season that focus on character development, crafting the story and how to creatively engage with an artistic team. Delve into several roles while stretching your abilities and discovering new methods to approach scene work. Get your water bottle, pencil and movement clothes ready! Prerequisite: Theater Basics or Voice and Speech I and Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.
- Tuesdays, March 26 – April 30 | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
- Price: $280
- Instructor: Stuart Gates
Exploring the Text: Play Analysis for the Actor and Director
Dive into the creative, complex and amazing world of the script – the starting place to prepare for both contemporary and classic plays. Students will continue developing their skills as actors and theater makers by learning how to identify and activate textual clues to enhance storytelling, spark actions, build characters, define relationships and engage audiences. Prerequisite: Intro level class such as Theater Basics, Physical Approaches I or Voice and Speech I or equivalent experience. Capacity: 12.
- Dates: Tuesdays, March 19 – April 16 | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
- Price: $280
- Instructor: H. Adam Harris
This class has been cancelled.
Studio Intensive with Candace Barrett Birk
This advanced scene studies class will focus on ways in which character can be discovered, developed and played. Considering your individual goals and drawing on acting techniques created by great theater instructors throughout history, you’ll work intensively on a contemporary scene with one scene partner for eight weeks. The class will culminate in a showcase at the Guthrie for invited family and friends. You’ll rehearse with your scene partner outside of class, and rehearsal space will be provided (as available) at no additional cost. The instructor will grant admission based on level of experience. Capacity: 12.
- Tuesdays, January 8 – February 26 | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
- Price: $325
- Instructor: Candace Barrett Birk
To apply, email your resume to madelinea@guthrietheater.org. We’ll get back to you soon with additional details.
Musical Theater Studio with Lamar Jefferson
This advanced class will focus on acting for musical theater and work on connecting your movement and voice to the emotional arc of a character through singing and choreography. At the end of the class, there will be an open session for friends and family so you can invite them to view your work. You’ll be expected to rehearse outside of class as schedules allow, and rehearsal space will be provided (as available) at no additional cost. Prerequisite: Introductory and intermediate musical theater classes, equivalent experience or permission of the instructor by audition or interview. Capacity: 10.
- Mondays, January 21 – February 25 | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
- Price: $300
- Instructor: Lamar Jefferson
Audition Studio with Suzanne Warmanen
In this all-new audition studio class led by accomplished actor Suzanne Warmanen, you’ll have the opportunity to work on audition materials, including two prepared monologues and sides (the practice of having actors read script excerpts with a reader during auditions) chosen from productions in the Guthrie’s 2018–2019 Season. A guest director and Guthrie staff will provide individual feedback and discuss the audition process, and the class will culminate in a final audition. Students must come to the first session with two memorized monologues (one classical, one contemporary) that are no more than two minutes in length as well as a headshot and resume (professional headshots are not required). Rehearsal space will be provided (as available) at no additional cost. The instructor will grant admission based on level of experience. Capacity: 12.
- Sundays, March 17 – April 28 (no class April 21) | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
- Price: $300
- Instructor: Suzanne Warmanen
To apply, email your resume to madelinea@guthrietheater.org. We’ll get back to you soon with additional details.
FAQs
Whether you are pursuing a career in theater, looking to explore your creativity, or want to try something new, we welcome rookies, professionals and everyone in between! Our teaching artists and guest artists are industry professionals who are passionate about sharing their craft and fostering the artistic growth in others.
All classes take place at the Guthrie, allowing students to engage with our world-class facility.
Our multi-week adult classes have something for all levels of experience! Our Exploratory Classes are open to all levels and are designed to engage your creativity while learning something new.
The Performance Pathway classes provide individuals who are looking for actor training opportunities a variety of classes in three distinct levels designed to provide a holistic approach to performing on the stage. The core classes in the introductory level include a focus on voice, physical approaches, theater basics and a musical theater track. From there students can move on to continue building those skills in the intermediate and advanced level classes.
Nope! Most exploratory classes and all of the introductory classes do not require prior experience. Some students join us as rookies and others want to brush up their skills. These entry-level classes allow you explore multiple tracks to find what you like best and the opportunity to push your craft further through multiple levels.
That depends. You are welcome to start with the exploratory classes and the introductory classes, but if you feel that you have foundational skills, you may be ready to start at the intermediate or advanced level. If you are unsure, just e-mail us to ask.
Every student is different. Many students are taking classes because they are pursuing a career in theater and others sign up to improve their presentation skills or to try something new. Our teaching artists are prepared for all students regardless of their goals or experience.
It’s our priority to offer experiences that can be fully enjoyed by all. Please submit your accessibility request at least two weeks prior to the start of class. Services are subject to availability and provided at the discretion of management.
Complete your scholarship application here. All information provided will remain confidential.
Our payment plans are personalized to the individual needs of the student. Our only rules: you must pay at least $50 upon registration and you must complete payments by the final day of class.
For Adults:
- Multi-week classes in performance, professional development, playwriting, and more
- Master classes for professional artists
- One-day classes through Hennepin County Libraries
- Professional development courses to improve collaboration, presentation and communication skills
For Youth:
- Summer Camps and Intensives for youth in grades 3-12 to work alongside professional theater artists to explore their skills as young artists
For Businesses:
- Professional development courses for teams and individuals to utilize theater-based training to solve modern workplace challenges
Contact Madeline Achen at classes@guthrietheater.org or 612.225.6172.
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