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.

Mondays, September 17–24, October 8–29, November 12–26, December 10–17 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. (Registration is ongoing, so you can join at any time!)
Pricing: Single drop-in class: $20, 4-class package: $75, 8-class package: $150, all classes: $220
Instructor: Brian Bose

Playwriting 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.
No prerequisite. Capacity: 14.

Mondays, October 8 – November 12 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Price: $150
Instructor: Josh Tobiessen

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.

Saturdays, October 20 and 27 | 1–5 p.m.
Price: $180
Instructors: Michelle Hutchison and Jim Robinson

Voiceover I
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.

Dates: Tuesdays, September 25 – October 16 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Price: $220
Instructor: Jim Cada

Voiceover II: The Industry

Dates: Tuesdays, November 13 – December 18 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Price: $300
Instructor: Jim Cada

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, Audio Ruckus Recording Studio; Holly Collison, vocal coach; and Kate Lawrence, Moore Creative.
Prerequisite: Voiceover I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.

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 intermediate classes.

Option 1:

Sundays, September 4–30 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $180
Instructor: Laura Esping

Option 2:

Tuesdays, September 18 – October 9 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $180
Instructor: Michelle Hutchison

Option 3:

Mondays, October 15 – November 5 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $180
Instructor: Suzanne Warmanen

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 prerequisites. Capacity: 12. This class is a prerequisite for intermediate classes.

Option 1:

Sundays, September 9–30 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $180
Instructor: Mira Kehoe

Options 2:

Tuesdays, November 6–27 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $180
Instructor: Mira Kehoe

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 intermediate classes.

Option 1:

Mondays, October 8–29 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $180
Instructor: Seth Bockley

Option 2:

Sundays, November 25 – December 16 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $180
Instructor: Brian Bose

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.

Option 1:

Mondays, September 10 – October 15 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Price: $180
Instructor: Betsy Benjamin

Option 2:

Tuesdays, September 25 – October 30 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Price: $180
Instructor: Betsy Benjamin

Dance Styles I
Warm up your body, develop your dance vocabulary, understand body placement and sample a variety of dance styles from tap to jazz to ballet. You’ll be comfortable on your feet as fast as you can say, “Five, six, seven, eight!” This is a movement class only – no singing required.
No prerequisite. Capacity: 18.

Saturdays, September 22 – October 27 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Price: $150
Instructor: Shinah Brashears and Brian Bose

Dance Styles II
Sharpen your dance vocabulary in this intermediate-level musical theater dance class in a studio format. You’ll sample a variety of dance styles from tap to jazz to ballet while focusing on connecting your acting to your movement for musical theater performance. It’s a perfect class to work on your moves, prepare for auditions, get a workout and just have some fun.
Prerequisite: Dance Styles I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 18.

Dates: Saturdays, November 3 – December 15 (no class Saturday, November 24) 10-11:30 a.m.
Price: $150
Instructor: TBA

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.
Prerequisites: Theater Basics, Voice and Speech I, Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.

Mondays, October 8–29 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $180
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 actors to find their unique approach to character work.
Prerequisites: Theater Basics, Voice and Speech I, Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.

Option 1:

Sundays, October 7 – November 11 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $255
Instructor: Laura Esping

Option 2:

Mondays, November 12 – December 17 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $255
Instructor: Suzanne Warmanen

Exploring the Text
Building upon foundational skills established in our Explore classes, you’ll dive into the creative, complex and amazing world of the script. Learn how to identify and activate textual clues to enhance storytelling, spark actions, build characters, define relationships and engage an audience.
Prerequisites: Theater Basics, Voice and Speech I, Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.

Tuesdays, October 22 – November 26 | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Price: $300
Instructor: H. Adam Harris

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.
Prerequisites: Theater Basics, Voice and Speech I, Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.

Mondays, November 5 – December 10 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $255
Instructor: TBA

Voice and Speech II
This six-week course is a continuation of Voice and Speech I that focuses on breath, resonance, range, articulation, projection, phrasing, expression and body-mind exercises. You’ll set goals and be supported in developing a daily practice to improve your skills and expressiveness, including an opportunity to perform or present material of your choice.
Prerequisites: Theater Basics, Voice and Speech I, Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.

Sundays, October 7 – November 11 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $255
Instructor: Mira Kehoe

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!
Prerequisites: Theater Basics, Voice and Speech I, Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12.

Tuesdays, October 16 – November 20 | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Price: $300
Instructor: Stuart Gates

Musical Theater Singing: Developing Your Vocal Audition
Singers with performance experience will focus on strengthening 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, November 5 – December 10 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Price: $255
Instructor: Betsy Benjamin

The Alexander Technique
Developed more than 120 years ago, the Alexander Technique has been used as a powerful tool for actors to integrate voice, speech and movement. At its heart is the conviction that we are perfectly designed to express an impulse with honesty. Through this psychophysical tool for body, breath and imagination, actors learn how to release habitual tension and instead bring freedom, poise and presence to their performance. This experiential class focuses on the technique’s principles and the art of self-direction using warm-up, monologue and partnering work, all designed to help you be comfortable in your own skin and create onstage intensity without tension. Prerequisite: Must be 18+. Capacity: 12.

Sundays, November 11 – December 9 (no class November 25) | 6:30–9 p.m.
Price: $180
Instructor: Eli Sibley

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.

Wednesdays, October 17 – December 11 (no class on November 21) | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Price: $350
Instructor: Candace Barrett Birk

To apply, e-mail your resume to madelinea@guthrietheater.org.

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.

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

Explore more

Noises Off

Oct 27 – Dec 16
An ingenious backstage farce

Learn more about Noises Off

History of the Guthrie Theater

Explore our famed history and view photos from the archives

Read more about History of the Guthrie Theater

Frankenstein – Playing with Fire

PRIME Productions'

Noises Off

Classes

Exploratory Classes

Performance Pathway

FAQs

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