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Acting Classes

Milwaukee Rep Education & Engagement offers a variety of programming for students of all ages, interests and backgrounds, including adults.

Adult Acting classes at Milwaukee Rep are designed for adults ages 18+ who are interested in learning more about acting and stagecraft. Whether you are a total beginner looking to try something new, or a seasoned performer looking to sharpen your skills, we offer classes to fit your needs! Class sizes are limited to ensure one-on-one feedback for each student. Check back often as we continue to update our class schedule throughout the season!

For theater-based training for businesses and professionals, we offer Corporate Training workshops. Learn more on our Corporate Training page.

Contact
Register online or contact Xodia Choate, Education & Engagement Manager, at 414-290-0709 or xchoate@milwaukeerep.com.

Want to stay up to date on all Adult Acting offerings? Click here to join Milwaukee Rep Education & Engagement’s outreach list.


BASIC ACTING I: INTRO TO PERFORMANCE

Class schedule coming soon! Click here to join Milwaukee Rep Education & Engagement’s outreach list.
Class fee: $225.00 total for six class sessions

This course is for students of all levels to create and expand their actor's toolkit. Classes will encourage participants to use their imagination, body and voice to explore specific acting techniques. Special attention is given to preparing and presenting a monologue. This six-session course runs two hours per week at Milwaukee Repertory Theater.


BASIC ACTING II: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

Class schedule coming soon! Click here to join Milwaukee Rep Education & Engagement’s outreach list.
Class fee: $250.00 total for six class sessions

This course is for actors of all levels to continue exploring the essential skills learned in Basic Acting I. Students will create and develop unique characters through scenes and monologues. This six-session course runs two hours per week at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Prerequisite: Basic Acting I


BASIC ACTING III: SCENE STUDY

Section 1: Mondays, April 15 – May 20, 2024, 5:30-7:30 pm
Class fee: $275.00 total for six class sessions
Location: Safe & Sound, 4422 W Leon Terrace, Milwaukee, WI 53216

This course is for actors of all levels to continue exploring techniques learned in Basic Acting I and II. Students will continue developing complex characters through detailed scene work, culminating in a final showcase performance. This six-session course runs two hours per week at Safe & Sound (address above). Prerequisites: Basic Acting I & II


Specialty Workshops & Intensives

Throughout the year, Milwaukee Repertory Theater hosts specialty classes and one-day intensives. These classes are in-depth explorations of specific topics and performance techniques. Specialty course offerings vary from season to season depending on availability and student interest. Previous classes have included: Dialects, Voiceover Work, Audition Technique, Vocal Technique and more.


EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024, 10:00am-12:00pm (2 hours)
Class fee: $150 per student
Maximum students: 12
Teaching Artist: Jenny Toutant

Led by Milwaukee Rep Chief Education and Engagement Officer, Jenny Toutant, this workshop will draw on theatrical performance techniques to prepare you for your next public speaking event! Discover methods to engage your audience with confident storytelling, eye contact, intentional movement, and clear communication. This workshop is perfect for those working in the corporate or non-profit world looking to take their presentation skills to the next level.


INTERMEDIATE AUDITION INTENSIVE FOR THE ACTOR

Date: Saturday, April 6, 10:00am-2:00pm (4 hours)
Location: Milwaukee Rep Rehearsal Hall (FLEST)
Class fee: $150 per student
Maximum students: 12
Teaching Artist: Jonathan Hetler

So you had a great first audition…what happens next? Led by Jonathan Hetler, Milwaukee Rep’s Artistic Producer of Casting and Special Events, this 4-hour workshop will empower participants to confidently navigate a professional casting process and make positive choices that help them stand out from the crowd. Key topics include interpreting and performing cold readings, preparing for a callback (both the in-person and virtual varieties), and creating self-tapes. Recommended for participants with prior audition experience or those who have previously completed an Audition Intensive for the Actor workshop. Additional details will be provided after registration.


BASIC STAGE COMBAT STORYTELLING

Date: Saturday, April 13, 10:00am-12:00pm (2 hours)
Location: Milwaukee Rep Rehearsal Hall (FLEST)
Class fee: $125 per student
Maximum students: 12
Teaching Artist: Christopher Elst

How do different hits communicate character intentions and relationships? How does a fight escalate from moment to moment? Led by celebrated fight director, Christopher Elst, this 2-hour workshop will introduce participants to the basics of unarmed stage combat. Learn to safely execute foundational movements such as strikes, grapples, and falls and explore the complexities of clear and compelling storytelling in each moment of violence. Experienced fighters looking to brush up their skills are also encouraged to join! Participants should bring water, an energizing snack, and come dressed to move.


INTERMEDIATE STAGE COMBAT STORYTELLING

Date: Saturday, April 13, 12:00pm-2:00pm (2 hours)
Location: Milwaukee Rep Rehearsal Hall (FLEST)
Class fee: $125 per student
Maximum students: 12
Teaching Artist: Christopher Elst

How does the introduction of a sword or knife change the stakes of a scene? How does a fight director create clarity in the chaos of a mass battle? Build on the basics of stage combat storytelling by incorporating weapons, fighting styles, and additional combatants! With the assistance of celebrated fight director Christopher Elst, participants will continue to develop key skills for the execution of safe and believable stage violence. Recommended for experienced fighters or those who have completed Basic Stage Combat Storytelling. Participants should bring water, an energizing snack, and come dressed to move.


INTERMEDIATE VOICEOVER INTENSIVE FOR THE ACTOR

Date: Saturday, April 20, 10:00am-2:00pm (4 hours)
Location: Milwaukee Rep Rehearsal Hall (FLEST)
Class fee: $150 per student
Maximum students: 12

This 4-hour workshop, led by Emmy-award-winner Abby Thompson, will continue to foster the skills necessary for success in the world of professional voiceover performance. With a focus on commercial read coaching, self-branding, building healthy vocal habits, choosing the proper equipment, and navigating the complex business landscape, actors will build upon their understanding of voiceover acting for theater, television, film, and other modes of media. Actors of all experience levels are welcome!


Check this webpage often and sign up for our interest form to be the first to know when classes are added!