The Theatre Lab

Transforming Lives Through Theatre Education

Transforming Lives Through Theatre Education

We work to make both the artistic and the real-life benefits of theatre training accessible to all. The Theatre Lab enrolls over 2,800 kids, teens, and adults a year. Offerings target beginners and veteran actors alike through a wide range of programs—summer camps for kids, Saturday acting classes, acting or playwriting classes for rookies, public speaking for non-theatre professionals, the rigorous Honors Acting Conservatory, and the community-driven Life Stories Program.

Get Involved: Drama for a good cause!

The Theatre Lab’s Dramathon—our evening of new plays, read by some of DC’s biggest stars and YOU in support of youth scholarships for kids in need—returns in person on Monday, April 29! 

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Register Now: Summer 2024

One of the 50 “top arts- and humanities-based programs in the country serving youth outside of school hours.”—President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

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New Spring Classes for All Ages

The greatest gift is an experience you’ll never forget. ’Tis the season to treat yourself or a loved one to a winter drama class (offered in-person and online). 

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What Our Students Are Saying

The Theatre Lab will not only make you a better actor, if taken seriously, it will make you a better person ”

Former Student
Apr 13

Anyone Can Act: April 13

Special One-Shot Class! Myth: Acting is about talent and talent is something you’re born with. Reality: Acting is a craft that anyone can learn—at any age. Take t...
Mar 23

Circlesongs Free Workshop!

RSVP to the upcoming workshop on Saturday, March 23. Everything is music if you're really listening. In CircleSongs we refine the delicate and increasingly rare art o...
Apr 29

Dramathon

The Theatre Lab’s annual Dramathon returns in person on the evening of Monday, April 29, 2024 at 7:30pm! This is the most exciting, exhilarating performance of the ...
Apr 04

Life Stories® Institute 2024

The Theatre Lab’s Life Stories® Institute is an award-winning “train-the-trainer” program where you’ll learn how to harness the transformative power of theat...
Mar 04

Where Are They Now? March 2024

Check out where our students, faculty, and alums are performing this month: Student alumni: Karin Rosnizeck is the Director of ExPats Theatre's Migraaaaants or Ther...
Feb 28

Meet the Cast of Proof

 Proof, by David Auburn, directed by Randy Baker. TICKETS ON SALE NOW! Tickets to see the Tony Award-winning Proof are on sale now! Join us March 14-16 for the seco...
Jan 31

The AICA Receives $50,000 in Funding from The National Endowment of the Arts

The Arts Institute for Creative Advancement to Receive $50,000 Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts Washington, D.C. — The Theatre Lab is pleased to ann...
Dec 05

Queer Stories

“This has been an incredible opportunity to create connections across generations to strengthen identity and build community through our individual and shared stori...
Sep 29

Where Are They Now: October 2022

Check out where our students, faculty, and alums are performing this month. Honors Alumni: Kellie Santos-DeJesus is Veil in Imagination Stage's S.P.I.E.S. 2:  Fligh...
Sep 01

Bring Other People’s Stories to Life with Your Creativity and Passion

Learn how to give voice to under-heard people and create art. Two training opportunities: Life Stories® Institute, October 13-16 On-demand Life Stories® Instit...
Mar 18

Community Highlight: AICA Class of 2024

Wondering what students in the Arts Institute for Creative Advancement have been up to this year? We sat down with three students in the 2024 cohort to discuss their ...
Jan 31

Where Are They Now: February 2024

Check out where our students, faculty, and alums are performing this month.  Student alumni: David Gross performs as Uncle John in Rockville Little Theatre's The G...
Jan 24

2024 Helen Hayes Nominations

We are honored to congratulate the following Theatre Lab alumni and faculty on their 2024 Helen Hayes Award Nominations! The Helen Hayes Awards acknowledge exceptiona...
Jan 16

Cheers to Ten Years!

"Theatre blends some the most pure and basic of our human needs; to explore, communicate, connect, and imagine. What I love about The Theatre Lab is that they harness...
Dec 22

Theatre Lab Co-Director Deb Gottesman Named a Washingtonian of the Year

Deb Gottesman and Life Stories Celebrated by Washingtonian Magazine
Dec 05

The Theatre Lab’s Life Stories® Program Featured Front Page in The Washington Post!

The Theatre Lab was honored to see our Life Stories Program featured on the front page of The Washington Post this past Sunday! In partnership with Making a Differenc...

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