Adult Classes in Performance and Writing

ADULT THEATER CLASSES

Cultivating Artistry

DCP offers adult classes throughout the year. In a theater class, actors from 20 to 80 engage in a diverse range of activities aimed at honing their performance skills, deepening their understanding of dramatic art, and fostering collaboration with fellow classmates.

Introductory acting classes include exercises to improve impulses, listening, and intention, as well as exercises to enhance physical expressiveness and stage presence.

In scene study classes, actors will analyze and perform scenes from plays, working on character development, relationships, and blocking under the guidance of the instructor.

In improv classes, students learn to think quickly on their feet, develop spontaneity, and trust their instincts. These exercises are not only fun but also help actors become more adaptable performers.

Spring Semester Now Enrolling!

Featured

Acting Ensemble

with Skylar Schock

Wednesdays 7-9pm
Feb 19 - Apr 23

This unique class is a performance workshop. We will be selecting a full-length play based on the goals and enrollment of the class and will perform the play for an invited audience at the end of the session. The class will mimic a professional theater rehearsal experience and is designed for actors who wish to work in a more intensive workshop environment. Enrollment in this class is limited to 12.

Throughout the class, participants can expect the following:

Mock Auditions with audition feedback
Table Work and script analysis
Rehearsal expectations and exercises
Blocking and performance technique
Performance opportunity

TIMES: The course will take place on Wednesdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from Feb 19 - Apr 23, with 2 sessions off at the discretion of the class.

EXPERIENCE: This class is designed for actors who have intermediate to advanced experience with acting, technique, and performance or have taken at least one Adult Acting class with DCP.

REFUND POLICY: Class tuition will be refunded in full up to 7 days prior to the class start date. Refunds will not be granted after the deadline.

About the instructor

Improv 101 and Then Some

with April Kirby

Thursdays 7-9pm
Feb 20 - Apr 24

In this course we will be placing an emphasis on learning the basic building blocks of improv with a twist: a sneak preview of the way these concepts evolve the more you learn and practice. If you have ever found yourself curious about what it might be like to try improv or just want to better understand why the foundational principles of improv are so important, this is the course for you! In this course we will:

Cover basic improv principles such as “yes and,” game of the scene, and edits.
Draw connections between basic principles and their more advanced counterparts, such as giving a scene gravity, reworking the game or the scene, and what edits can look like across a wide variety of formats.
Learn warmups and exercises designed to hone these skills.
Perform short-form and long-form scenes as a team.

The course will culminate in a class show consisting of a number of short-form games and a 15-minute long-form montage.

TIMES: The course will take place on Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. from Feb 20 - Apr 24, with 2 sessions off at the discretion of the class.

EXPERIENCE: Perfect for anyone just starting to learn improv, as well as anyone looking for a refresher that’s more than just another 101 course.

REFUND POLICY: Class tuition will be refunded in full up to 7 days prior to the class start date. Refunds will not be granted after the deadline.

About the instructor

Voice and Speech: Free Your Voice and Tune Your Speech

with Brooke McCarthy

Mondays 12pm-1:30pm
Feb 17 - Apr 21

Discover the full potential of your voice in this transformative acting class, designed for performers of all levels to refine and elevate their most powerful instrument—the voice. Grounded in Kristin Linklater’s technique, this course focuses on freeing your natural voice by removing physical and mental blocks that inhibit expression while ensuring sustainable and healthy voice use. Over eight weeks, you'll:

Refine the connection between breath, sound, and emotion.
Develop skills in articulation, vibration, vowel placement, and resonance.
Explore how body movement dynamically influences vocal expression.
Learn techniques to help reduce tension in your voice and body.
Create a personalized vocal warm-up tailored to your unique instrument.

The course culminates in a performance of prepared monologues, where you’ll apply the tools and techniques learned in class to bring text to life with clarity, depth, and authenticity. (Memorization is not required).

TIMES: The course will take place on Mondays from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. from Feb 17 - Apr 21, with no class Mar 3 and 24.

EXPERIENCE: Perfect for actors, speakers, and anyone seeking greater vocal confidence and expressiveness.

REFUND POLICY: Class tuition will be refunded in full up to 7 days prior to the class start date. Refunds will not be granted after the deadline.

About the instructor

Acting Industry Prep Session: Jan 25

with Skylar Schock

A One-Off January Class

Ready to kick off 2025 by prioritizing your acting goals? This specialized intensive is designed to equip actors with the tools for choosing the right material for auditions, understanding the fundamentals of the industry, and defining career strategy. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just starting out, this class will help you navigate this year with confidence and clarity.

Key components of the intensive include:

Selecting the Right Audition Material: Learn how to identify and select monologues, scenes, and material that showcase your strengths and range. Explore how to tailor your choices to specific roles, genres, and casting breakdowns, ensuring you stand out in every audition.
Understanding “Typecasting”: Delve into the realities of typecasting and how it affects your career trajectory. Discover how to embrace and leverage your "type" while still challenging yourself with diverse roles.
Industry Realities and Career Strategy: Discuss everything from casting calls and agent relationships to navigating audition etiquette and networking. Learn the best practices for building and maintaining a sustainable career, including how to handle rejection and stay motivated.
Personal Branding & Marketing: Discover the importance of personal branding in the entertainment world. Learn how to build a professional portfolio, headshots, and resumé that highlight your unique strengths and stand out to casting agents.

Through practical exercises, personalized feedback, and mock auditions, this intensive will empower you to confidently pick material that showcases your best self while providing valuable industry insights.

TIME: Saturday, January 25 from 1:00-4:30

EXPERIENCE: Whether preparing for your next audition or strategizing long-term career growth, this workshop is for actors looking to enhance their professional prospects and make empowered choices.

REFUND POLICY: Class tuition will be refunded in full up to 7 days prior to the class start date. Refunds will not be granted after the deadline.

About the instructor