Classes

For adults (ages 18 and up)

New to the world of theater? Hello and welcome! Start with one of our Exploratory classes, which are designed for all experience levels. If you’re a seasoned artist looking to grow your skills, we recommend our Performance Pathway, which offers multiple levels of training in a variety of theater disciplines.

View our adult classes FAQs here.

STAGE COMBAT
Learn the tools and techniques to craft safe and believable acts of violence onstage. From refining your uppercut to falling safely, this class focuses on the intricate choreography of stage combat and how to ensure crucial moments in a play are executed realistically and safely. Over the course of six weeks you will learn basic techniques as well as what goes in to creating a moment of violence onstage and how it differs from film. Enjoy knock-down-drag-out fun all while keeping yourself and your partner safe. All experience levels welcome. No prerequisite, Ages 18+, Capacity: 12 students.

Tuesdays, October 29 – December 10 | 6:30–8:30 p.m. (no class on November 26)
Class Fee: $225
Instructor: Aaron Preusse

PLAYWRITING I
Have you ever imagined characters and been inspired to bring them to life on the page? What does it take to write an engaging scene and captivate an audience? Discover the key ingredients of a great drama or comedy and work toward creating your own short play in this six-week class with local playwright Josh Tobiessen. All experience levels welcome. No prerequisite, ages 18+. Capacity: 14 students.

Wednesdays, September 4 – October 9 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Class Fee: $220
Instructor: Josh Tobiessen

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. Registration is ongoing so join at any time! Ages 18 +. Capacity: 30 students.

Mondays, September 16 – November 25 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (no class October 21, 28 or November 4)
Price: Single drop-in class: $20, 4-class package: $75, 8-class package: $150, all classes: $220
Instructor: Brian Bose

PLAYWRITING II
In this intermediate-level playwriting class, students will work on refining their style and technique. Participants will work on crafting their piece with the help and feedback of the 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 similar experience. Ages 18+. Capacity: 10 students.

Wednesdays, October 23 – December 18 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (no class November 27)
Class Fee: $255
Instructor: Josh Tobiessen

VOICE AND SPEECH FOR THE NON-ACTOR
This introductory class is for students who want to improve their pronunciation, articulation and intonation skills in American English. The emphasis will be on improving the skills that affect your ability to be understood; pronunciation of vowels and consonants, pitch, tempo, and stress patterns. This class is designed for all students who wish to improve their speech whether English is your first, second or third language. Students will receive individual correction and feedback, and will have time for conversational practice under guidance of the instructor. All experience levels welcome. No prerequisite, ages 18+. Capacity: 12 students.

Sundays, October 6–27 | 3–5 p.m.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Mira Kehoe

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 give you the confidence to be your best self and to respond in authentic, spontaneous and mindful ways. This on-your-feet class covers interviewing, presentation skills, meeting management and networking. All experience levels welcome. No prerequisite, ages 18+. Capacity: 14 students.

Sundays, November 3–24 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Class Fee: $185
Instructor: Michelle Hutchison and Jim Robinson

SOLD OUT: To join the waitlist, email classes@guthrietheater.org.

VOICEOVER I
Have you ever been curious about the world of radio and broadcast? Discover your vocal range and explore the necessary 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. All experience levels welcome. No prerequisite, ages 18+. Capacity: 12 students.

Option 1: SOLD OUT

Tuesdays, September 3–24 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Price: $225
Instructor: Jim Cada

Option 2: SOLD OUT

Mondays, October 14 – November 4 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Price: $225
Instructor: Jim Cada

To join the waitlist, email classes@guthrietheater.org.

VOICEOVER II
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. All experience levels welcome. No prerequisite, ages 18+. Capacity: 12 students.

Tuesdays, October 15 – November 19 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Price: $305
Instructor: Jim Cada

SOLD OUT: To join the waitlist, email classes@guthrietheater.org

MONOLOGUE PREP
Join Twin Cities actor Suzanne Warmanen as she guides you through the practice of breaking down a text and presenting a more fully developed performance in the audition room. This is an on-your-feet and pen-to-paper workshop with time to work individually and in groups. Students will work in-depth on one monologue of their choice and leave with tools and techniques to support future monologue prep.

What to prepare: Students are expected to bring one 60-second monologue, from a script they have read completely. The monologue should be memorized by the first class, but it does not need to be staged. Email the monologue to classes@guthrietheater.org and we will provide formatted copies on the first day. Prerequisite: Theater Basics or Physical Approaches For the Actor (or equivalent experience). This workshop is a great complement to Auditioning and the Business of Acting. Ages 18+. Capacity: 12 students.

For questions or to check prior experience, contact classes@guthrietheater.org.

Dates: Sundays, October 20 and 27 (two days, one week apart) | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Class Fee: $105
Instructor: Suzanne Warmanen

SPEAKING SHAKESPEARE: SONNETS
Explore the structure of the sonnet to increase your understanding of Shakespeare’s use of verse. You’ll learn how to examine a text for sense, rhythm, meter, imagery and the use of rhetorical and poetic devices as well as embody a text through physical and vocal explorations. Then you’ll dive into one of your favorite sonnets on your own and with a group. Prerequisite: Theater Basics (or equivalent experience). Ages 18+. Capacity: 12 students.

For questions or to check prior experience, contact classes@guthrietheater.org.

Dates: Monday and Tuesday, November 4–5 (two consecutive days) | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Class Fee: $105
Instructor: Mira Kehoe

SPEAKING SHAKESPEARE: MONOLOGUES
Want to gain more experience in selecting and preparing classical audition pieces? Explore scansion, musicality and figures of speech in Shakespeare’s monologues while freeing your voice through playful explorations. You’ll take away practical tools that will help you successfully mine a text for clear, powerful speaking and emotional truth. Prerequisite: Theater Basics (or equivalent experience). Ages 18+. Capacity: 12 students.

For questions or to check prior experience, contact classes@guthrietheater.org.

Dates: Monday and Tuesday, November 11–12 (two consecutive days) | 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Class Fee: $105
Instructor: Mira Kehoe

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. All experience levels welcome. No prerequisite, ages 18+. Capacity: 14 students.

Dates: Mondays, October 7–28 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Class Fee: $185
Instructor: Michelle Hutchison

To join the waitlist, email classes@guthrietheater.org.

PHYSICAL APPROACHES FOR THE ACTOR
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 prerequisites, Ages 18+, Capacity: 14 students. This class is a pre-requisite for Physical Approaches II.

Option 2:

Tuesdays, October 8–29 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Class Fee: $185
Instructor: Sarah Agnew

VOICE & SPEECH FOR THE ACTOR
This course introduces the student to the basic principles of voice and speech including breath, resonance, range, articulation, projection, phrasing and expression and release of excessive tension providing a foundation for the actor’s vocal practice. There will be assigned readings, experiential exercises, class discussions and practical application of skills. No prerequisites, Ages 18+. Capacity: 12 students. This class is a pre-requisite to move on to some Intermediate level classes.

Option 2: SOLD OUT

Sundays, November 3–24 | 3–5:30 p.m.
Class Fee: $185
Instructor: Mira Kehoe

To join the waitlist, email classes@guthrietheater.org.

DANCE TECHNIQUES I
Warm up your body, develop your dance vocabulary and understanding of 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, Ages 18+. Capacity: 18 students.

Mondays, September 16 – October 7 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Shinah Brashears

MUSICAL THEATER SINGING I
This class will help beginner-level singers develop a solid foundation in vocal technique. Students will sing both up-tempo songs and ballads, all suitable for auditioning, while discovering techniques for breath support, song interpretation and performance. No prerequisite, Ages 18+, Capacity: 10 students.

Option 1: SOLD OUT

Mondays, September 9 – October 14 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Betsy Benjamin

Option 2: SOLD OUT

Sundays, September 22 – October 27 | 6:30–8 p.m.
Class Fee: $125
Instructor: Betsy Benjamin

To join the waitlist, email classes@guthrietheater.org.

Develop your skills in this multi-level actor training program which includes workshops, introductory, intermediate, and advanced-level classes.

AUDITIONING AND THE BUSINESS OF ACTING
What makes a great monologue? What do casting directors look for? In this class, students will develop the skills and insight necessary to pursue a career in acting by focusing on audition prep. Students will gain tools to better prepare a resume, choose the right headshots, navigate talent agencies, and find work. This class is perfect for students who are ready to take their practice from the classroom to the stage and begin navigating the world of auditioning! Prerequisite: Theater Basics or Physical Approaches I and Voice and Speech I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12 students.

Wednesdays, September 18 – October 23 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Class Fee: $225
Instructor: Shirley Venard

VOICE AND SPEECH II — DIALECTS
In this workshop we will discuss the difference between dialects and accents, how to research and apply them to text, and when and why to sing in dialect. We will explore Standard British and Cockney, and will apply them to some spoken text and song. Required materials: The Dialect Handbook by Ginny Kopf. Prerequisite: Theater Basics or Physical Approaches I and Voice and Speech I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12 students.

Sundays, October 6 – November 10 | 6:30 – 9 p.m.
Class Fee: $260
Instructor: Mira Kehoe

DANCE TECHNIQUES II — AUDITION TECHNIQUES
This intermediate-level musical theater dance class provides an ongoing training opportunity in a studio format for dancers to sharpen their dance vocabulary. Students will sample a variety of dance styles; from tap to jazz to ballet, while focusing on connecting their acting motivation to their movement for musical theater style performance. This is the 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, ages 18+. Capacity: 18 students.

Mondays, October 21 – November 25 | 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Class Fee: $140
Instructor: Shinah Brashears

THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE FOR THE ACTOR
Developed over 120 years ago, the Alexander Technique has been used as 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. A psychophysical tool for body, breath and imagination, it teaches actors how to release habitual tension and instead bring freedom, poise and presence to performance. The focus of the class will be on the principles of the technique and learning the art of self-direction, using warm-up, monologues and partnering work. This class is experiential, designed to teach actors how to be comfortable in their own skin and create onstage intensity without the tension. Prequisite: Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 14 students.

Wednesdays, October 30 – November 20 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Class Fee: $155
Instructor: Eli Sibley

PHYSICAL APPROACHES II
Want to expand your artistic potential on stage? Explore how a fuller use of the body, understanding of theatrical space, and precise use of gesture can create more unique, engaging, and unexpected performances and stories for the stage. Participants will learn a proactive approach to physical theater making. Instructor will guide students through devising, improvisation and story theater techniques, all with an emphasis on physicality and visual as opposed to purely verbal storytelling. Prerequisite: Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience), ages 18+. For questions or to check prior experience contact classes@guthrietheater.org. Capacity: 12 students.

Sundays, November 3 – December 15 | 6:30 – 9 p.m. (no class December 1)
Class Fee: $260
Instructor: Seth Bockley

MUSICAL THEATER SINGING II
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 students.

Mondays, November 4 – December 9 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Class Fee: $225
Instructor: Betsy Benjamin

PHYSICAL COMEDY AND CLOWNING
Get serious about being funny. In this physical comedy course, participants will explore the elements of theatrical clowning, including slapstick, comedic conflict and timing. Designed to heighten a performers natural sense of play, "find the game," and create comedic business, this class focuses on turning off your inner critic’s brain in order to connect more deeply and honestly with the audience. Prequisite: Physical Approaches I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 16 students.

Sundays, November 10 – December 8 | 3–5 p.m. (no class December 1)
Class Fee: $155
Instructor: Alison Witham

SCENE STUDY: ANALYZING THE TEXT
Dive into the creative, complex and amazing world of the script – the starting place to prepare for roles in both contemporary and classic plays. Following a scene study format, where students will work in pairs or small groups using the text as the starting place to develop characters and better understand the story being staged. 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: Theater Basics or Physical Approaches I and Voice and Speech I (or equivalent experience). Capacity: 12 students.

Mondays, November 11 – December 16 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Class Fee: $225
Instructor: H. Adam Harris

CREATING THE CHARACTER
Strengthen your imagination, focus your concentration and hone your listening skills by delving into the creation of original and scripted characters. Building on the skills and conceptes introduced in Theater Basics, this class will explore a variety of approaches for character development and empowers the actor to find their unique approach to character work. Prerequisites: Intro to Acting Classes, Theater Basics (or equivalent experience), ages 18+. For questions or to check prior experience contact classes@guthrietheater.org. Capacity: 12 students.

Option 1:

Sundays, November 3 – December 15 | 6:30–9 p.m. (no class December 1)
Class Fee: $260
Instructor: Laura Esping

Option 2:

Mondays, November 11 – December 16 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Class Fee: $260
Instructor: Michelle Hutchison

THE ACTORS WORKOUT
Acting is a muscle. And an actor needs to work that muscle by exercising and pushing it to places uncomfortable and unknown in order to grow. Founded in 2011 by celebrated actor Raye Birk, The Actors Workout gives experienced local actors a place to work on a regular basis while supporting them to become more creative, open and courageous artists.

Each block of classes focuses on a different skill area that guides the in-class teaching and scene work. The Actors Workout exists to serve the community of artists in attendance, so participants are encouraged to help determine the focus of the class. They are also expected to propose scenes, provide peer feedback and rehearse outside of class hours. While the primary focus is scene work, time will also be spent on auditioning, career administration and professional ethics.

Class schedule: Mondays beginning October 14 | 1–4 p.m.

Prerequisites: The Actors Workout is not for beginner actors; participants must have actor training and/or experience and a developed creative process. An interview and audition is required to join.

Registration and cost: The Actors Workout occurs over four or eight weeks, and participants may select the number of classes and dates that work best for their schedule.

Four-class block: $140 ($35 per class)
Eight-class block: $228 ($28.50 per class)

Scholarships and payment plans available. Unused class blocks expire six months after the purchase date.

How to register: Email your resume and a short artist statement (one to two paragraphs) telling us why you’re interested to classes@guthrietheater.org.

About the Instructor: Nathan Keepers is producing artistic director of The Moving Company in Minneapolis, which has been creating original work since 2009, most recently including Speechless, The Four Seasons and Refugia (with the Guthrie Theater). He spent 11 seasons as a company member of the Tony Award-winning Theatre de la Jeune Lune and has performed locally at the Guthrie Theater, Jungle Theater, Ten Thousand Things Theater, Sod House Theater, Augsburg University Theater and Children’s Theatre Company. Nationally, Nathan works as an actor and director with Actors Theatre of Louisville and has traveled to Berkeley Repertory Theatre, American Repertory Theater, Alley Theatre, South Coast Repertory, La Jolla Playhouse, Shakespeare Theatre Company and Folger Theatre. Nathan studied at the Burlesk Center with Pierre Byland and at École Philippe Gaulier.

For youth (grades 6–12)

This fall, we are excited to offer several pilot classes and workshops designed to empower youth to be artists and lifelong learners while exposing them to the professional practices and community of the Guthrie. Unlike our summer camps and intensives, this programming occurs only on weekends and provides learning opportunities for youth throughout the year.

View our youth classes FAQs here.

ACTING FOR THE STAGE (grades 6–8)
Develop skills for on and off the stage in this introductory level acting class. Through a focus on ensemble building, improvisation and character development, students will build foundational acting skills they can take to the stage and beyond.

Dates: Sundays, October 27 – November 17 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Class Fee: $145
Instructor: C. Ryan Shipley

THE ACTOR’S TOOLKIT (grades 9–12)
Working with a professional theater artist, students will develop their foundational skills as young actors by focusing on voice, movement and scene study while being exposed to a variety of professional theater practices at the Guthrie.

Dates: Sundays, October 27 – November 17 | 1–3 p.m.
Class Fee: $145
Instructor: Katherine Pardue

STAGE MANAGEMENT 101 (grades 9–12)
Learn the ins and outs of the role that keeps a production together: the stage manager! Students will learn best practices, techniques and protocols to take back to their school and community productions.

Dates: Sundays, November 3–24 | 1–3 p.m.
Class Fee: $145
Instructor: Dylan Martin

INTRODUCTION TO MUSICAL THEATER: SINGING (grades 7–12)
Students will get to know their voice, develop their vocals and discover techniques for breath support, song interpretation and performance through an exploration of up-tempo songs and ballads that can be used for auditioning.

Dates: Sundays, November 3–24 | 3:30–5 p.m.
Class Fee: $120
Instructor: Julie Thoreen

ACTING THROUGH SONG (grades 10–12)
This one-day workshop will focus on connecting movement and voice to the emotional arc of a character through song. Students will focus on audition sides from popular musical theater ballads, break down the text and learn musical techniques to help them form fully developed characters and effectively communicate a story through song.

Date: Saturday, December 7 | 1–5 p.m.
Workshop Fee: $85
Instructor: Max Wojtanowicz

MONOLOGUES (grades 7–12)
Become audition-ready with this two-day monologue workshop. Students will bring a two-minute monologue of their choice (dramatic, comedic, classic or contemporary) and explore a variety of tools and strategies to bring the monologue to life and create an engaging, fun performance they’ll want to repeat again and again.

Dates: Saturday and Sunday, December 14–15 | 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Workshop Fee: $100
Instructor: H. Adam Harris

Explore more

The Glass Menagerie

September 14 - October 27
A poetic memory play

Learn more about The Glass Menagerie

Explore Our Season

Courageous new work with must-see classics you know and love.

See the lineup about Explore Our Season

Steel Magnolias

October 26 - December 15
A tenderhearted favorite

Learn more about Steel Magnolias