THEATRE SCHOOL
We offer high-quality, individualized performing arts education to children and adults. Our program serves as a platform for cultivating creativity, compassion, and connection, empowering students to become creative thinkers, to find their voice, and to grow both on and off the stage.
BPA Theatre School is committed to inclusivity and equity. Our scholarship program offers free and reduced tuition, enabling all students to participate regardless of financial barriers. For those who have the means, consider donating to our Theatre School fund to provide resources and scholarships for our students.
Upcoming Registration Dates:
For those in need of a scholarship, please apply by November 8th for Winter Quarter.
Winter Quarter: November 12, 2024 @ 11 AM
Spring Quarter: Tuesday, Feb 4th @ 11 AM
YOUTH CLASSES
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Theatre Arts 1
Ages 8-10 (grades 3-5)
Schedule Options:
• Mondays, Jan 6 - March 3, 2 PM- 3:30 PM
(Total 7 classes, No class Jan 20 or Feb 17)
• Tuesdays, Jan 7- March 4, 4 PM- 5:30 PM
(Total 8 classes, No class Feb 18)In Theatre Arts 1, students will collaboratively produce a scripted play, learning skills like character creation and voice projection, while being supportive of one another and having a blast. The class will culminate in a performance tailored to the group’s strengths on the last day of class. (Full description in link)
Classes taught by Laurel Marlantes
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Theatre Arts 2
Ages: 11-13 (grades 5-7)
Schedule Options:
• Mondays, Jan 6- March 3, 4 PM -6 PM
(Total of 7 classes, No class Jan 20 or Feb 17)
• Wednesdays, Jan 8- March 5, 4 PM - 6 PM
(Total of 8 classes, No class Feb 19)In this round of Theatre Arts, students will rehearse and produce a 30-minute play, developing a critical understanding of theatre through character development, improvisation, and script analysis. Each class will culminate in performances in March, fostering growth in an encouraging and collaborative environment. (Full description in link during registration).
Monday sessions taught by Laurel MarlantesWednesday sessions taught by Tina Guldhammer Frei and Laurel Marlantes
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Theatre Arts 3
• Ages 13-15 (grades 7-9)
Mon and Wed, Jan 6- March 5, 4-6 PM
(Total 15 classes, No class Jan 20, Feb 17, Feb 19)
• Ages 14-18 (grades 9-12)
Tues (first 3) 4:15 PM- 6 PM
Tues (second 3) 4:30 PM- 7:30 PM
Thurs, 4:15 PM - 6 PM
(Total 16 classes, No class Feb 18 or Feb 20)In this round of Theatre Arts, we will immerse ourselves in play production! We will produce a short play with a runtime of about 30 minutes, allowing students to grow within a structured rehearsal schedule while discovering creativity and camaraderie.
During winter quarter, Theatre Arts 3 classes will each interpret the same play, showcasing artistic differences from young performers and diverse focuses. Students will develop a critical understanding of theatre through a multidisciplinary approach, including character development, improvisation, presence, and script analysis, as well as production elements. Being part of a cast will strengthen compassion and require hard work while ensuring everyone has a blast. Each play will culminate in performances tailored to each group’s growth.
This One Act Play will be showcased in early March on our new studio stage! We are committed to fostering a safe, joyful environment.
Taught by: Amanda Yeoman Brooke and Tina Guldhammer Frei
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Mainstage Link
Ages 10-14 (grades 5-8)
Thursdays, Jan 9 - Jan 23, 4 PM- 6 PM
AND
Jan 30, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PMTotal of 4 classes
Our Mainstage Link class allows students to connect with our season of Mainstage shows and learn about the process of a full-scale production. Students will learn material from the show, work with guest artists from the production team, and observe rehearsals in the theatre. The Winter ’25 Mainstage Link class will introduce students to the third show in our 24-25 season - Eurydice!
Taught by: Laurel Marlantes
ADULT CLASSES
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Intro to Musical Theatre
NOV 10, 10 AM - 2 PM
Don't be shy...learn how to fake a callback. Have you ever been curious about trying out musical theatre? Maybe interested in auditioning for one of our mainstage musicals? Come and take an introductory level workshop to try on requirements for musical theatre auditions. Or, if you already do this, come and refresh your skillset!
Led by: Lexi Warden
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Writing & Improv Combined
NOV 24, 10 AM - 4 PM
Another fantastic workshop with Matt Smith, but this one will center on writing and improv combined! This is for anyone who wants to look at new ways to free up memories and ideas, to explore, expand, deepen, layer, and organize them into poetry, prose, or stories. It includes narrative, spontaneity, character, and memory exercises that are both fun and informative. No prerequisite … just come ready to try something new.
Led by: Matt Smith
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Improv Foundations
Ages 18+
• Improv Foundations:
Sundays, Jan 5 - Feb 23, 5 PM- 8 PM
(Total 6 classes, no class Jan 26)
This class provides an engaging and supportive platform to begin exploring the exciting and collaborative craft of improvisational theater. Students will learn basic improv principles and acquire the tools they need to build scenes and stories together completely from scratch! Recommended for complete beginners, people who have had little experience, or for people who haven't participated in improv for a while. Includes optional final performance.Led by: Tina Guldhammer Frei
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Acting & Auditioning
WINTER DATES TBD
This workshop will focus on strengthening your actor abilities while also giving a ton of insight into auditioning. Those with no experience to seasoned pros are all welcome! Through connection and curiosity, we will explore emotion and character in a judgment-free and joyful setting. Illuminate that spark of creativity, unearth what is lying dormant or build on what is thriving! Come explore something new, or fine-tune what you already love.
Led by: Amanda Yeoman Brooke
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Long Form Improv
FEB 2, 10 AM- 4PM
Back by popular demand! Welcoming back Matt Smith, improv powerhouse. This particular class will be aimed towards any community members with improv experience. (See required preparation below). This will mold specifically to all who sign up. Plan A is to give an overview of Basic Long Form Improv, and practice a few formats and exercises that inform the development of themes that emerge from our improvised scenes.
Prerequisite: Purchase the book:“Truth in Comedy” By Charna Halpern, Del Close, and Kim 'Howard' Johnson. Please read the two chapters on Harold (preparing for a Harold- doing a Harold).
Led by: Matt Smith -
Improv Explorations
Ages 18+
• Improv Explorations:
Sundays, Jan 5 - Feb 23, 6 PM- 8:30 PM
(Total 6 classes, no class Jan 19 or Feb 2)
This class gives students the opportunity to continue their improv journey, develop skills, and grow as improvisers. Students will go deeper into concepts like character development, status, tilt, and storytelling, while building confidence and embracing trust with fellow players. Includes optional final performance.Prerequisite: Improv Foundations or equivalent experience. Reach out to Tina or Sandi to see the best fit.
Led by: Long time Improviser and Edge Member Sandi Spellman
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Improv Game Vault
Ages 18+
Wednesdays, Jan 15- Feb 19th
6 PM- 8:30 PM (skipping Feb 5th)Boost your improv repertoire in this class dedicated to expanding your game toolkit! Perfect for those who’ve completed Improv Foundations and Improv Explorations, this course dives into a wide range of improv games, from incorporating genre to guessing games to audience participation. Each week, you'll add new games to your roster, sharpen essential game skills, and explore different game categories. You'll leave each session with sharper instincts for any improv setting. Get ready to play, explore, and grow your game library!
Led by: Tina Guldhammer Frei
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Improv Performance Lab
Ages 18+
Tuesdays, Jan 7- Feb 11, 6 PM - 8:30 PM
(First 3 classes at BPA, second 3 classes at SideQuest Stage -Rolling Bay Hall)
Designed to help you create memorable shows, this course covers everything from emceeing and gathering audience suggestions to crafting engaging formats. You’ll learn how to connect with an audience, make them feel part of the action, and build shows that leave a lasting impression. With multiple opportunities to perform and apply what you’ve learned, you’ll gain confidence and polish your stage presence. This class is recommended for students who’ve completed Improv Foundations and Improv Explorations.Led by: Todd Erler