Theatre in the Round offers pay-what-you-can workshops and seminars with veteran designers, guest artists, and others as part of its mission to develop the theatre arts in the community.
Seats are limited for many events; registration is required. If a class is full, you can email Toni@theatreintheround.org to be put on the wait list.
For more information or to inquire about accessibility, email Toni@theatreintheround.org.
All instructors policies must follow theatre policies on Anti-Discrimination and Non-Harassment, Code of Conduct, Minors and Child Protection.
MINOR PARTICIPANTS: Any registrant under 14 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. See individual classes for age restrictions.
REFUND POLICY: Workshop registration fees can only be refunded if cancelled at least 48 hours before the class is scheduled. In the case of cancellations after 48 hours or no-shows, no refund will be given.
Classes designated with a rainbow are taught by instructors who are Safe Zone Trained and/or are members of the LGBTQIA+ Community. These classes are open to anyone, regardless of identity.
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.
Access Note: These courses are typically taught in our downstairs Costume Shop with no elevator access.
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
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
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
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
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
This class meets on Saturdays May 9, 16, 23, AND 30. Registering for the May 9th class registers you for the entire series.
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
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.
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.
Access Note: workshop rooms vary, contact Toni@theatreintheround.org for accessibility questions or requests.
* Take as part of a Scenic Design Series or individually
** Take as part of a Sustainability Training Series or individually
This Course Has been Moved to a virtual platform. A link will be sent to you after registration.
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.
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.
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.
In a capitalistic society, we have been taught the finances are the only way to measure the success of a business. The Triple Bottom Line allows us to define success by people, planet, and profits. Through this multi-pronged approach, learn how you can evaluate the success of a business beyond the financial wellbeing of an organization.
Curious about stage combat or weapons? Theatrical safety or intimacy? Look no further!
MASON TYER is a violence and intimacy director and a Certified Teacher for the Society of American Fight Directors who has worked on over 100 productions in those roles, including TRP’s True West and Sherwood. He has worked with Children’s Theatre Company, Duluth Playhouse, Paul Bunyan Playhouse, Full Circle Theatre Company, Journey North Opera Company, GREAT, Open Window Theatre, Children’s Performing Arts, Lakeshore Players, and numerous high schools and community theatres. Mason is also a stunt performer and coordinator for films and video content in Minnesota. masontyer@gmail.com
In the peak of conflict, someone may reach for a weapon. How can characters swing blades with commitment while actors stay safe? That’s what we’ll work on. No real stabbings will occur! Limited to 12 participants. Must be 18+ to attend.
While stage combat is a performance skill, it affects every creative department. In this discussion, we’ll go over the common considerations directors, stage managers, designers, and producers want to know when working on a show with violence. Must be 16+ to attend.
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.
Access Note: These classes are taught in spaces that are fully wheelchair accessible. For any other accessibility requests or questions, email Toni@theatreintheround.org.
“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.
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.
This class will introduce new actors to various acting concepts through games and activities.
LIMIT OF 18 PARTICIPANTS. Must be 16+ to attend.
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.
This workshop teaches a text-based approach to Shakespeare. These techniques allow the text and, therefore, the playwright to guide an actor’s performance. These techniques empower actors to take control of the language, gaining a clearer understanding of the text. When actors have a clear understanding of what they are saying and why, they are more effective in easily communicating that understanding to an audience. Additionally, learning how to use these techniques effectively is extremely helpful during auditions or when you need to learn complex language quickly.
During our time together, we will dissect one or two scenes as a group, then divide into partners and work on presenting our scene to the rest of the class. This will allow us to see that even whilst using the same language techniques, we will still create unique scenes.
LIMIT OF 15 PARTICIPANTS. Must be 16+ to attend.
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.
Access Note: These workshops are taught in fully wheelchair accessible areas. For any other accessibility requests or questions, email Toni@theatreintheround.org.
Led by Vanessa Brooke Agnes
In this collective roundtable discussion, we will reflect on the shift from outdated “colorblind” casting to making color-conscious choices in your casting. This brave, open space is a no judgement zone to bring your questions, perspectives, and resources. Leave this workshop feeling empowered to make diverse, intentional casting decisions that best serve the stories you want to tell.
LIMIT OF 20 PARTICIPANTS. Must be 16+ to attend.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
Listen to a library of podcasts on a variety of TRP theatre topics, including:
