Get access to ALL Conservatory classes for the summer of 2025 at up to a 33% discount!

It's a summer of learning at Blackfriars Theatre, and we want to make it as accessible as possible! With your Summer '25 Conservatory Passport, you have access to the full list of summer offerings for one low rate (that’s at least 2 courses for FREE)!

Characterization & Viewpoints: Exploring Chekhov

with Lindsay Warren Baker
Saturday, June 21st, 10am - 1pm

Discover new dimensions of character and ensemble work in this physical acting workshop led by Lindsay Warren Baker. Using Viewpoints and Composition techniques, participants will explore the characters from Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull to develop deeper, more embodied performances. Through structured improvisation, movement-based exploration, and collaborative creation, actors will gain fresh tools for unlocking text and transforming their craft. All experience levels are welcome!

Finding Your Inner Clown

with Nathaniel Niemi
August 9th, 10am - 1pm

This exploratory workshop focuses on the performance style of clown. Through play and improvisation clowns will learn to establish an audience relationship, develop clown duo relationships, find comedy in truth and connection, and celebrate failure! Utilizing physicality and a child-like state of wonder and curiosity, students will come to know their own unique clown and the joy and madness they contain. No prior experience necessary!

dance audition intensive

with Mandi Lynn Griffith
Saturday, August 30th, 10am - 1pm

This dance class for all levels will help you learn how to pick up choreo quickly, no matter what the style! Learn tips and tricks for beginners and pros alike while exploring the go-to moves you'll see in auditions of various genres. Please wear comfortable clothing and sneakers or dance shoes—no special clothing, training, or footwear required. All levels welcome!

ImprovISATION FOR EVERYONE

with Kerry Young
Saturday, June 28th, 10am - 1pm

New to improvisational theatre? Already have some experience with the basics of improv?  Looking to loosen up your performing skills? Learn to build off of “yes and” to explore improvisation skills. Through the concepts underlying long-form improv, we will explore how truth and honesty can feed into rewarding and fun improv experiences, performances, comedy writing, and even your life experiences. No prior experience necessary!

THE ACTOR’S VOCAL PLAYGROUND

with Rachel Solomon
Saturday, August 16th, 10am - 1pm

Join us for an embodied and playful exploration of your speaking voice to create character! Using techniques from and inspired by Kristin Linklater's vocal method, we'll search for the colors in vowels, textures in consonants, and light and shadows in volume, connecting the body, mind, and voice to paint pictures with text. Please wear shoes and clothing that you can move comfortably in. All levels welcome!

Ensemble Building for Directors & Educators

with Danny Hoskins
Saturday, July 12th, 10am - 1pm

Join former Blackfriars artistic director, Danny Hoskins, for a morning of theatre games and exercises to promote cast harmony and a true ensemble mentality. You’ll discuss the benefits of this approach to rehearsals and leave with a full toolkit with which to attack your next production or educational opportunity. Please come in comfortable clothing that allows free range of motion! No prior experience necessary!

The vocal health intensive

with Jessica Best
Saturday, August 23rd, 10am - 1pm

This course for vocalists will be a conscientious mix of vocal technique, healthy belting instruction, singing through emotion, and the best warm-ups to get you where you need to be! The second half of this workshop will be a casual master class working your own material—please plan to provide sheet music for a 32-bar cut of any song of your choice (strong acting pieces recommended). All levels welcome!

BODY POSITIVITY DANCE GOES CHILL!!

SATUDAY, JANUARY 25TH AT 10 A.M.

Have you had enough of the run-around of the holidays and New Year’s?! Then this class is for YOU!!

Join choreographer and BT Board President Mandi Lynn Griffith, for a 60-minute breathing and stretching session including a warm-up and chill-vibe tunes!

Want to read some great plays? Have some stimulating conversations? Meet some fellow theatre enthusiasts? Welcome to the Blackfriars Book Club! If you're like us, sitting at home looking for ways to connect and be inspired, here's one way to get involved. The Blackfriars Book Club is a monthly event curated by BT's artists, Eric Evans & Kenya Malcolm. It's ALL virtual and since we're a theatre, we'll be reading plays instead of books! BT Book Club a free program and open to anyone in our community. But space is limited - so register now and enjoy from the comfort of home!