We offer high-quality, individualized performing arts education to children and adults. Our program serves as a platform for cultivating creativity, compassion, and connection, empowering students to become creative thinkers, to find their voice, and to grow both on and off the stage.

Scholarships

BPA Theatre School is committed to inclusivity and equity. Our scholarship program offers free and reduced tuition, enabling all students to participate regardless of financial barriers. Click here to apply. For those who have the means, consider donating to our Theatre School fund to provide resources and scholarships for our students.

Upcoming Registration Dates

  • Winter Registration: November 12, 2024 @ 11 AM 

  • Spring Registration: Tuesday, Feb 4th @ 11 AM

If your desired class is sold out, please fill out our waitlist form. Submissions are placed in a time-stamped queue and contacted in the order they are received if space becomes available.


FALL CLASSES

Theatre Arts 1

Ages: 8-10

Schedule Options:

• Mondays, Sept 16 - Nov 18, 2 PM - 3:30 PM (Total of 8 classes, No class Oct 14 or Nov 11)
• Tuesdays, Oct 1 - Nov 19, 4 PM - 5:30 PM (Total of 8 classes)
• Wednesdays, Oct 2 - Nov 20, 4 PM - 5:30 PM (Total of 8 classes)

Our theatre school helps provide inventive exploration and advancement of creativity within. The curriculum is carefully crafted for all experience levels, including those who have never explored a theatre class. This fall, explore acting and performing through puppetry (with special guest teacher Ken Michels!) tackling stage awareness, improv, character and voice work! Our philosophy of inclusion in a safe, authentic and joyful space is at the core of every class.

Monday & Tuesday classes taught by: Josi Twigt featuring special guest teacher Ken Michels!

Wednesday classes taught by: Laurel Marlantes featuring special guest teacher Ken Michels! (Wednesdays)

Theatre Arts 2

Ages: 11-13

Schedule Options:

• Mondays, Sept 16 - Nov 18, 4 PM - 6 PM (Total of 8 classes, No class Oct 14 or Nov 11)
• Wednesdays, Oct 2 - Nov 20, 4 PM - 6 PM (Total of 8 classes)

Theatre Arts 2 will be investigating how curious and creative we can get, while being open to all skill levels and meeting every student where they are at. This fall, we will be widening and expanding our skill sets by dipping our toes in multiple areas. Explore acting and performing through examining the human experience, diving deeper into process and forgoing a final performance. By focusing on process and not product, we will be able to unearth our students’ potential. Our philosophy of inclusion in a safe, authentic and joyful space is at the core of every class.

Monday sessions taught by Josi Twigt, featuring special guests Matt Longmire, Laurel Marlantes, Tina Guldhammer Frei, and Aimee Hong!

Wednesday sessions taught by Amanda Yeoman Brooke & Tina Guldhammer Frei, featuring special guests Matt Longmire, Laurel Marlantes, & Lexi Warden!

Theatre Arts 3

Ages: 13-18

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Oct 1 - Nov 21, 4 PM - 6 PM
Total of 16 classes (No class Oct 31)

Theatre Arts 3 will be investigating how curious and creative we can get, while being open to all skill levels and meeting every student where they are at. Explore acting and performing through examining the human experience, diving deeper into process and forgoing a final performance. By focusing on process and not product, we will be able to unearth our students’ potential. Our philosophy of inclusion in a safe, authentic and joyful space is at the core of every class.

Taught by: Amanda Yeoman Brooke & Tina Guldhammer Frei, featuring special guests Matt Longmire, Laurel Marlantes, and a special guest!

Mainstage Link Class: Anastasia!

Ages: 10-14

Thursdays, Oct 24 - Nov 21, 4 PM - 6 PM

Total of 4 classes (No class Oct 31)

Our Mainstage Link class allows students to connect with our season of Mainstage shows and learn about the process of a full-scale production. Students will learn material from the show, work with guest artists from the production team, and observe rehearsals in the theatre. The Fall ’24 Mainstage Link class will introduce students to the second show in our 24-25 season - Anastasia!

Taught by: Laurel Marlantes

Youth Improv

Ages: 11+

Schedule Options:

• AM Classes: Tuesdays, Oct 1 - Nov 5, 10 AM - 11:30 AM (Total of 6 classes)
• Afternoon Classes: Thursdays, Sept 26 - Oct 17, 4 PM - 6 PM (Total of 4 classes)

This class provides a fun and supportive space to explore the exciting and collaborative craft of improvisational theater. Students will learn basic improv principles and acquire the tools they need to build spontaneous scenes and stories together completely from scratch!

Taught by: Tina Guldhammer Frei


ADULT IMPROV

Adult Improv 1

Ages: 18+

Sundays, Oct 6 - Nov 10, 5 PM - 8 PM

Total of 6 classes

This class provides an engaging and supportive platform to begin exploring the exciting and collaborative craft of improvisational theater. Students will learn basic improv principles and acquire the tools they need to build scenes and stories together completely from scratch! Includes optional final performance. Led by long-time improviser Tina Guldhammer Frei. No experience necessary. Recommended for complete beginners, people who have had little experience, or for people who haven’t participated in improv for a while and are just a bit rusty!

Taught by: Tina Guldhammer Frei

Adult Improv 2

Ages: 18+

Sundays, Oct 6 - Nov 10, 5:30 PM - 8 PM

Total of 6 classes

This class gives students the opportunity to continue their improv journey, develop skills, and grow as improvisers. Students will go deeper into concepts like character development, status, tilt, and storytelling, while building confidence and embracing trust with fellow players. Includes optional final performance. Led by long-time improviser and member of The Edge, Sandi Spellman. Prerequisite: Level 1 class or equivalent experience. If you have not taken BPA’s Level 1 class but feel this is the right fit for you, reach out to Sandi before registering.

Taught by: Long-time Improviser and Edge Member: Sandi Spellman

Adult Improv 3

Ages: 18+

Wednesdays, Oct 2 - Nov 13, 6 PM - 8:30 PM

Total of 8 classes

This class provides a space for experienced students to challenge themselves and hone their craft as improvisers. Students will dig deeper into the world of improv performance, and work on specific areas to individually expand and grow. Past topics have included pattern finding, monologues, longform, and narration. Includes optional final performance. Led by long-time improviser Tina Guldhammer Frei. Prerequisite: Improv Level 1 and 2. If you have not taken BPA’s Level 1 and 2 classes but feel this is the right fit for you, reach out to Tina before registering.

Taught by: Tina Guldhammer Frei

Adult Improv Drop-in

Ages 18+

Calling all improvisers! Join us for BPA's monthly improv drop-in! This is a safe and supportive opportunity to connect, play and experiment with fellow improvisors. The monthly drop-in is NOT a class, but a chance to play and work out those "yes, and" muscles!

Every 1st Saturday

1-3pm at Bainbridge Performing Arts

Led by either Tina Guldhammer or Sandi Spellman


ADULT THEATRE SCHOOL “SUNDAY SERIES”

Ages: 18+ / Sundays, Sept 15 - Nov 24 (skipping Sept 29, Nov 3, and Nov 17)

Special offer: If you enroll in 4 workshops, receive one ticket to a Mainstage show; if you enroll in 8, receive 2 tickets to a Mainstage show!

Oct 6: Exploring Classical Texts

10 AM - 2 PM

This workshop will center around playing with classical text and how to approach them as an actor and performer. Shakespeare enjoyed great popularity in his lifetime, and 400 years after his death, he is still the most produced playwright in the world. Come use a different part of your brain, have fun, and continue or join in for the first time with our adult acting workshop series! Shakespeare workshop part 1, please look for Shakespeare part 2 on Oct 27th.

Led by: Stephan Golux and supported by Amanda Yeoman Brooke

Oct 13: Acting Foundations

10 AM - 2 PM

For our next Adult Acting Workshop, we will be featuring a Meisner focus! The root of Meisner technique is all about helping you get out of your head as an actor and trust your impulses. Through Meisner’s classic Repeat Exercise, come and learn how authentic moment-to-moment human connection leads to truthful and alive scene work. Continue or start your adult acting journey with BPA! While this will build on the previous workshops, those with no experience to seasoned pros are all welcome! Illuminate that spark of creativity, unearth what is lying dormant or continue to grow and thrive!

Led by: Laurel Marlantes

Oct 20: Acting & Audition Skills

10 AM - 2 PM

Bringing back a favorite workshop and guest teacher Tony Doupé, this workshop will focus on strengthening your actor abilities while also giving a ton of insight into auditioning. Those with no experience to seasoned pros are all welcome! Through connection and curiosity, we will explore emotion and character in a judgment-free and joyful setting. Illuminate that spark of creativity, unearth what is lying dormant or build on what is thriving! Come explore something new, or fine-tune what you already love.

Led by: Amanda Yeoman Brooke and special guest teacher Tony Doupé

Oct 27: Advanced Shakespeare

10 AM - 2 PM

This workshop will be part two of a Shakespeare focus. Some knowledge of Shakespeare or if you had taken Shakespeare workshop part 1, then this is an excellent fit. We will continue our exploration with Shakespeare through a performer lens. Shakespeare enjoyed great popularity in his lifetime, and 400 years after his death, he is still the most produced playwright in the world. Come use a different part of your brain, have fun, and continue or join in for the first time with our adult acting workshop series!

Led by: Stephan Golux and supported by Amanda Yeoman Brooke

Nov 10: Introduction to Musical Theatre

10 AM - 2 PM

Have you ever been curious about trying out musical theatre? Maybe interested in auditioning for one of our mainstage musicals? Come and take an introductory level workshop to try on requirements for musical theatre auditions. Or, if you already do this, come and refresh your skillset!

Led by: One of our amazing choreographers!

Nov 24: Writing & Improv Combined

10 AM - 4 PM

Another fantastic workshop with Matt Smith, but this one will center on writing and improv combined! This is for anyone who wants to look at new ways to free up memories and ideas, to explore, expand, deepen, layer, and organize them into poetry, prose, or stories. It includes narrative, spontaneity, character, and memory exercises that are both fun and informative. No prerequisite … just come ready to try something new.

Led by: Matt Smith



FAQs

  • Each class description includes information about the age group, skill level, and focus of the class. If you need further assistance, our staff is happy to help you choose the best fit for your child.

  • Most of our classes are open to all skill levels. Some advanced classes may have prerequisites, which will be noted in the class description.

  • Students may only register outside of their age group with approval from our Theatre School Coordinator. To make a request, please email us with your child’s interest and experience level. Our Theatre School Coordinator will review the information and make a recommendation. Registering for a class outside of the student's age group without approval will likely result in a cancellation with tuition refund.

  • If your chosen class has sold out during a pre-sale period, there will be another opportunity at the time registration goes on sale to the public.

    If your chosen class has sold out after registration has gone on sale to the public, you may join our waitlist by filling out our waitlist form which places all students in a waitlist queue. You will be notified if space becomes available and you will be granted access to our pre-sale window for for the next quarter.

  • Pre-sale registration is a short period for students who have been enrolled in Theatre School within the last two quarters or waitlisted within the last quarter. During this time, 60% of our class spots are reserved exclusively for these students to support continuing education. A few days before public registration, students will receive a private code to access pre-sale registration. Sharing this password may result in cancellation of registration.

  • Students should wear comfortable clothing that allows for movement. They should also bring a water bottle, a snack (no nuts please), and a notebook and writing utensil.

  • We offer a full refund if you cancel your registration at least two weeks before the class starts. Please make all efforts to notify us as far in advance as possible, as we have a waitlist and many puzzle pieces to sort for each class.

    Cancellations made less than two weeks before the class starts are non-refundable, though emergency exceptions for a refund will be considered on a case-by-case basis after speaking directly with the Theatre School Coordinator.

  • Our instructors are experienced professionals in theatre and performing arts. Each class description includes information about the instructors and any special guest teachers.

  • Some classes include a final performance, while others focus on skill-building and process. Details are provided in the class descriptions.

  • Classes typically include warm-ups, skill-building exercises, and practical applications of techniques. Specific class structures may vary.

  • We prioritize the safety and well-being of our students. Our classes are held in safe, supervised environments, and we follow all relevant health and safety guidelines.

  • Yes, we offer scholarships and financial aid to ensure that all children have the opportunity to participate in our programs. Please contact us for more information on how to apply.

  • To ensure a focused and comfortable environment for the students, we typically do not allow parents to observe the classes. However, there are opportunities to see your child’s progress during open classes or performances. If your child has particular behavioral concerns or a diagnosis, it is important to inform the teachers. In such cases, parents may be asked to remain on the premises after a conversation with the Theatre School Coordinator.

  • In the event of a class cancellation, we will notify you as soon as possible and provide information on rescheduling or refunds.

  • We strive to be inclusive, and work hard to provide a welcoming and safe environment, accommodating as absolute best we can. While we are not specifically trained in therapy or various diagnosis, we work with individual families to come up with plans as needed.

    Please contact our Theatre School Coordinator directly, as open communication is essential for inclusivity and success for your student and others. As much information ahead of time is greatly appreciated and needed for a class to thrive.


THEATRE SCHOOL POLICIES & FORMS

Here, you can download and review our Theatre School policies and forms.