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Classes & Workshops

Theatre in the Round offers free workshops and seminars with veteran designers, guest artists, and others as part of its mission to develop the theatre arts in the community.

Upcoming events will be offered in costumes, lighting, stage management, and more. Details on these events will be posted as they become available. Seats are limited for many events; registration is required. 

PLEASE NOTE: Any registrant under 14 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. See individual classes for age restrictions.

For more information or to inquire about accessibility, email Toni@theatreintheround.org.

preparation of south wall mural

Theatre Policies

All company members must review and agree to our policies on Anti-Discrimination and Non-Harassment, Code of Conduct, Minors and Child Protection.

Costume Workshops

Want to learn how to use a sewing machine? Stitch a button? Research an era of fashion? Check out our Costume Workshops for a variety of skills levels and experience. Register for each date individually.

In this class we will cover a brief history of hand sewing, then we will dive into choosing thread, choosing a needle, additional tools for hand sewing, and a handful of helpful hand stitches. Students will have the opportunity to combine their sewing practice pieces into a broach to take home. All materials will be provided. Limit 10

REGISTER HERE!

Sewing Machine Essentials- Learn to operate a sewing machine. In this hands-on workshop you’ll learn the principal parts of a sewing machine and its functions. Students will be assigned to their own machines and will practice winding and inserting bobbins, changing needles and basic machine functions. Students will also learn about different kinds of threads and different types of sewing machine needles. Limit 8

REGISTER HERE!

Sewing Machine Essentials- Learn to operate a sewing machine. In this hands-on workshop you’ll learn the principal parts of a sewing machine and its functions. Students will be assigned to their own machines and will practice winding and inserting bobbins, changing needles and basic machine functions. Students will also learn about different kinds of threads and different types of sewing machine needles. Limit 8

REGISTER HERE!

Put sewing machine skills to work! In this follow-up to the introductory class, you’ll put your knowledge into action making a tote bag to take home. Each student will have their own machine, and supplies will be provided. PREREQUISITE: You must have attended one of our introductory classes or have approval of the Costume Shop Supervisor. Limit 8

REGISTER HERE!

In this beginner sewing class, we will explore sewing through the creation of a Silly Sock creature. These curious creatures – distant cousins of the celebrated sock-monkey – can be filled with attitude and include horns, wings, crazy teeth and silly names. This class will use old socks to create a body form, and your imagination will add to it using other old socks, scraps from the costume shop, buttons and other odds ‘n ends. This is a great way to use old socks that have holes or have lost matches. Please feel free to bring any materials you might like to use to make a new friend. We will use both hand and machine sewing techniques. This is a great class to practice basic sewing skills. Limit 8

REGISTER HERE!

Make your own corset!  In this 4-week series you’ll learn corset sizing as well as how to sew in boning, grommets, and a busk.  Each week will build on the last.  Attending all 4 classes will result in a period garment to take home – your choice of corset, waist cinch, or bodice.  Not all work will be completed during class hours, so access to a sewing machine outside of class is recommended.  Limit 10

Experience Level: Intermediate Sewing Skills Required

REGISTER HERE!

This class meets on Thursdays May 9, 16, 23, AND 30. Registering for the May 9th class registers you for the entire series.

Materials Fees: Multi-week courses that use a large amount of materials may require a tiered materials fee. If this fee is a barrier, contact Toni@theatreintheround.org.
 

Lost a button? Want to add a snap or a hook? Join us to learn hands-on how to attach buttons, snaps, and other fasteners. Discussion will include the different ways fasteners are used for costumes vs daily life, as well as unique and specialty fasteners. Students will practice hand and machine techniques related to fasteners, including sewing buttonholes.  Limit 10

REGISTER HERE!

In this class we will use garments from Costume Storage to practice different methods of machine and hand hemming, including blind hemming and roll hemming. Students in this class will work on repairing garments that belong to TRP. Hours in this class count as volunteer hours.  

REGISTER HERE!

Set Workshops

Want to learn more about building, painting, or designing sets? We have a variety of workshops for all levels of experience. Register for each date individually.

* Take as part of a Sustatinability Training Series or individually

~ Take as part of a Scenic Design Series or individually

Sustainability in theatre in a national conversation and you can be apart of it! Review the history of the Broadway Green Alliance, and other existing resources from other organizations that already exist. Feel free to bring resources you may also know about to share!

REGISTER HERE!

This class can be taken on its own or as part of a Sustainability Training Series :
               #1  8/10 Green Theater: How do I get started?
               #2  9/13 Broadway Green Alliance overview & other existing resources
               #3  11/22 Community and Sustainability
               #4  1/17 Designing with Disposal in Mind
               #5  3/14 Sustainability Written Statements
               #6  5/16 Sustainability Triple Bottom Line and Benchmarking

A presentation by scenic designer Sadie Ward on the basics of set design for all stage types – proscenium, thrust, and arena.

REGISTER HERE!

This class can be taken on its own or as part of a Scenic Design series: 
               #1  9/20 Intro to Scenic Design
               #2  10/11 Script Analysis for Designers
               #3  12/13 Paperwork for Scenic Designers
               #4  1/24 & 2/21 Model Making for Theater (2-class series)

Before you can design a show, you have to know the script you are working with. Join us for this session to understand how to break down a script and make informed design choices. To get the most out of this session, you can read the recommended reading prior to the workshop.

REGISTER HERE!

This class can be taken on its own or as part of a Scenic Design series: 
               #1  9/20 Intro to Scenic Design
               #2  10/11 Script Analysis for Designers
               #3  12/13 Paperwork for Scenic Designers
               #4  1/24 & 2/21 Model Making for Theater (2-class series)

Community is a critical tenant of sustainable theatre practices. Listen in on how community is created, and supports sustainable creative practices.

REGISTER HERE!

This class can be taken on its own or as part of a Sustainability Training Series :
               #1  8/10 Green Theater: How do I get started?
               #2  9/13 Broadway Green Alliance overview & other existing resources
               #3  11/22 Community and Sustainability
               #4  1/17 Designing with Disposal in Mind
               #5  3/14 Sustainability Written Statements
               #6  5/16 Sustainability Triple Bottom Line and Benchmarking

Paperwork, a necessary evil to ensure proper communication and details are executed. Review the paperwork and documentation that a set designer creates from the beginning to end of the design process.  Paper work is needed at all steps in the process. Attendees that also attend the script analysis workshop, to get in depth experience in starting with a script analysis and how other paperwork relates to the script and supports an overall design.

REGISTER HERE!

This class can be taken on its own or as part of a Scenic Design series: 
               #1  9/20 Intro to Scenic Design
               #2  10/11 Script Analysis for Designers
               #3  12/13 Paperwork for Scenic Designers
               #4  1/24 & 2/21 Model Making for Theater (2-class series)

Want to volunteer in the shop, but don’t feel confident around tools? This class is designed to give you the names and basic functions of some of the most commonly used tools in the scene shop as well as some hands on practice with some of the larger tools. We’ll cover common hand tools, hand held power tools, and larger stationary tools as well as some other common items used in the shop. No prior experience or knowledge is required. Safety glasses and hearing protection will be provided but feel free to bring your own if you prefer. Registration is limited.

REGISTER HERE!

Focused for designers, this session will talk about the mindset to develop to create sustainable designs that are built with a responsibly planned life cycle analysis.

REGISTER HERE!

This class can be taken on its own or as part of a Sustainability Training Series :
               #1  8/10 Green Theater: How do I get started?
               #2  9/13 Broadway Green Alliance overview & other existing resources
               #3  11/22 Community and Sustainability
               #4  1/17 Designing with Disposal in Mind
               #5  3/14 Sustainability Written Statements
               #6  5/16 Sustainability Triple Bottom Line and Benchmarking

A two-class series on creating scale scenic models. Learn by doing basics of model making with instruction and guidance by one of TRP’s scenic designers, Sadie Ward. The class will replicate an existing model to learn a variety of model making techniques. After this class, you should feel comfortable creating models  to communicate set design ideas. Limit of 10 participants. This class will meet 2 times:  1-3pm on JAN 24, and FEB 21.

REGISTER HERE!

This class can be taken on its own or as part of a Scenic Design series: 
               #1  9/20 Intro to Scenic Design
               #2  10/11 Script Analysis for Designers
               #3  12/13 Paperwork for Scenic Designers
               #4  1/24 & 2/21 Model Making for Theater (2-class series)

Once embarking on sustainability education, you may want to write a sustainability values statement and strategic plan. Attend this session to learn the nuances of internal and external documents to keep our sustainability plans accountable.

REGISTER HERE!

This class can be taken on its own or as part of a Sustainability Training Series :
               #1  8/10 Green Theater: How do I get started?
               #2  9/13 Broadway Green Alliance overview & other existing resources
               #3  11/22 Community and Sustainability
               #4  1/17 Designing with Disposal in Mind
               #5  3/14 Sustainability Written Statements
               #6  5/16 Sustainability Triple Bottom Line and Benchmarking

More info coming soon!

REGISTER HERE!

This class can be taken on its own or as part of a Sustainability Training Series :
               #1  8/10 Green Theater: How do I get started?
               #2  9/13 Broadway Green Alliance overview & other existing resources
               #3  11/22 Community and Sustainability
               #4  1/17 Designing with Disposal in Mind
               #5  3/14 Sustainability Written Statements
               #6  5/16 Sustainability Triple Bottom Line and Benchmarking

Acting Workshops

Curious about acting? Looking to practice your skills in-between shows? Want to learn a new technique? Check out our acting workshops. See below for dates and details. Register for each date individually.

Are you looking for ways to keep your skills fresh between auditions?  Are you new to acting and don’t know where to start? Are you a bit rusty and want to practice with other people? Do you want to connect with the theatre community?

Actor’s Workout is an informal, ongoing workshop for actors of ANY level of experience.  Get feedback on a monologue, practice cold reads, or just observe and learn from others. LIMIT OF 18 PARTICIPANTS.  Must be 16+ to attend.

REGISTER HERE!

This class will introduce new actors to various acting concepts through games and activities. LIMIT OF 18 PARTICIPANTS.  Must be 16+ to attend.

REGISTER HERE!

Are you looking for ways to keep your skills fresh between auditions?  Are you new to acting and don’t know where to start? Are you a bit rusty and want to practice with other people? Do you want to connect with the theatre community?

Actor’s Workout is an informal, ongoing workshop for actors of ANY level of experience.  Get feedback on a monologue, practice cold reads, or just observe and learn from others. LIMIT OF 18 PARTICIPANTS.  Must be 16+ to attend.

REGISTER HERE!

“Oh no! I need to prepare a Shakespeare Monologue!”

Unlocking the Bard: A Shakespeare Monologue Workshop exploring and performing monologues from Shakespeare’s plays. The workshop will focus on text analysis, character development, vocal/physical expression, and audition preparation, designed to help actors build confidence and develop their acting skills performing Shakespeare.

Instructor George Roesler will work through a structured process of monologue exploration, beginning with text analysis to final performance. Actors will have the opportunity to practice their monologues and receive constructive feedback.

The workshop goals and context are designed to help actors refine their craft through exploring Shakespeare’s language and characters.

LIMIT OF 15 PARTICIPANTS.  Must be 16+ to attend.

REGISTER HERE!

               February 28 – Actor’s Workout
               March 28 – Beginning Acting
               May 30 – Actor’s Workout
               June 27 – Shakespeare 2: Two-Person Scenes

Directing Workshops

Curious about what goes into directing? We offer rotating workshops for different directing levels.

Directing Roundtables offer a time for local theatre directors of any level of experience to share ideas, get support, and build community in what is often a lonely job. Topics change monthly. 

This workshop/roundtable will break down the communication process between directors and the design team – including set, lighting, costume, sound, and props. Topics covered will include duties and responsibilities of each, how a production team should work together, how a director leads the team and creates the vision, and how the designers can support that vision. We will also get into what to do when disagreements arise, and how to negotiate and navigate those disagreements before they become unmanageable. Participants are encouraged to share their own experiences working with directors and designers, what kind of communications worked well, and which created stress.

Michael Ricci has been teaching and directing for over thirty years, and has directed over 120 production in his career, including big and small cast musicals, dramas, comedies, youth theatre, devised theatre, and theatre for the incarcerated. He has served on the theatre faculty of Florida State, Penn State, Univ. of Louisville, Winthrop Univ. and many others, as well as serving as Technical Director for Charlotte Repertory Theatre. He most recently held the position of Director of Theatre at North Hennepin Community College. He has studied acting in New York at HB Studios, Stella Adler, and American Academy of Dramatic Arts and holds an MFA in Directing from Florida State University. He continues to teach acting and directing workshops as well as mentor high school and college students.

REGISTER HERE!

Topic details coming soon!

Join us for a  Roundtable Discussion about topics related to directing. This is a time for local theatre directors to share ideas, get support, and build community in what is often a lonely job. Register for each date individually.

Blocking for the Arena Stage, (also known as theatre in the round) requires special considerations. The director must prioritize sightlines, ensure even distribution of action, and utilize the entire space to engage all audience members. This approach often involves minimizing furniture, encouraging actors to use their entire bodies, and carefully managing entrances and exits through the audience. This workshop will explore these, and other challenges and the excitement associated with directing in the theatre in the round. Must be 16+ to attend.

REGISTER HERE!

A theatre director handling classical texts must balance preserving the source material’s integrity with making it relevant and accessible to modern audiences. This process involves a combination of deep research, creative reinterpretation, and strong collaboration with the entire production team. At this Director Roundtable, we will be discussing these and other creative aspects a director should take into consideration when working on a classical text. 

REGISTER HERE!

Topic details coming soon!

Join us for a  Roundtable Discussion about topics related to directing. This is a time for local theatre directors to share ideas, get support, and build community in what is often a lonely job. Register for each date individually.

REGISTER HERE!

Topic details coming soon!

Join us for a  Roundtable Discussion about topics related to directing. This is a time for local theatre directors to share ideas, get support, and build community in what is often a lonely job. Register for each date individually.

REGISTER HERE!

Topic details coming soon!

Join us for a  Roundtable Discussion about topics related to directing. This is a time for local theatre directors to share ideas, get support, and build community in what is often a lonely job. Register for each date individually.

REGISTER HERE!

Stage Management Workshops

Ever wondered if you could be a stage manager or what they do? SMs are the communications hub for the company, must stay calm under pressure, and problem-solve constantly to ensure smooth and efficient rehearsals and performances. Attend our workshops to find out if a high-pressure, fast-paced environment with long hours and major organizing is for you.

Please check back for updates!

Other Workshops

Curious about stage combat or weapons? Theatrical safety or intimacy? Look no further! 

CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES!

REGISTER HERE!

Prop Workshops

Curious about prop design? Prop designers find and/or build all of the items used by actors onstage. Props are a great way to dip your toe into theater design. Register for each date individually.

Please check back for updates!

Thank you!

These activities are made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Podcasts

Listen to a library of podcasts on a variety of TRP theatre topics, including:

  • Leading a Volunteer Tech Crew on December 7, 2019
  • Directors’ Panel: Miriam Monasch & Dan Foss on October 19, 2019
  • The Mechanics of Stage Managing on January 12, 2019
  • Directors’ Panel: Kari Steinbach & Seth Kaltwasser on November 17, 2018
  • Directors’ Panel: Mary Cutler & Brian Joyce on October 13, 2018
  • Intro to Scenic Design on May 12, 2018
  • A Stage Manager’s Calling on March 3, 2018
  • Color Theory on November 18, 2017
  • Props to the Prop Designer (part two!) on October 28, 2017
  • Props to the Prop Designer on September 30, 2017
  • Lighting in the Round Panel Discussion on May 13, 2017
  • Auditioning Panel Discussion on September 26, 2016
  • Scenic Design and Direction Panel Discussion on May 9, 2016