Emma Jean Scott (2023). Photo by Casey Gardner Ford
UP NEXT
SCRIPT ANALYSIS, Oct 12 – Nov 2
DESIGNER/DIRECTOR LAB, Oct 12- Nov 2
SEASON PLANNING, Oct 24
PRODUCING & DEVELOPMENT SERIES PART 1: DEVELOPING A SCRIPT, Oct 20
SCRIPT ANALYSIS
OCT 12-NOV 2, 2026
MON, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
This class is for anyone interested in dissecting a script from beginning to end and how to generate textually supported ideas for possible stage productions. Over the course of four weeks, participants will read four scripts focusing on: plot, character development, world-building, or play structure. Along with the script readings, supplementary materials will range from essays to short media clips to help participants explore the many ways to engage with a script.
DESIGNER/DIRECTOR LAB
OCT 12-NOV 2, 2026
MON, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
This four-week course delves into the collaboration between the director and designer. Starting with a robust conversation about how to collaborate, from the initial concept meeting to opening night, students will then move on to practical experience. Participants will walk away with tangible tools for what to bring to the collaboration process to set themselves and the entire team up for success. This class is for people who identify as designers and/or directors.
INTRODUCTION TO LIGHTING DESIGN
JAN 18-FEB 8, 2027
MON, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
In this four-week course, you will learn the fundamentals of lighting design. This includes understanding electricity when setting up a plot, how color affects a scene's mood, dissecting a scene, and knowing when lighting shifts need to happen. You will have hands-on activities that will encourage play and a sense of growth. This class is for individuals with basic knowledge of lighting design who want to learn more.
Audition Techniques
JAN 18-FEB 8, 2027
MON, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Range from theatre to film and TV, come to gain useful skills on how to have an effective and successful audition. Over the course of four weeks, students will practice what to expect when auditioning and information on how to navigate the Atlanta auditioning market. This class is for actors who want to establish a strong foundation in standard audition practices.
New American Plays
MARCH 15-APRIL 5
MON, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Get ahead of the curve on the hottest plays and playwrights in the American Theatre. Led by AE’s Artistic Director Freddie Ashley, this class reads eight new plays (either unproduced or produced within the last year) by a diverse lineup of early-career to established playwrights. Each class includes an in-depth discussion of two plays over four weeks.
Scene Study
MARCH 15-APRIL 5
MON, 8:30 PM-10:30 PM
An acting class specifically tailored to working with a scene partner. This course will explore dialogue from plays and ways to strengthen your connection to your scene partner while still maintaining your presence onstage. This course is primarily for intermediate actors looking to sharpen their skills.
STAGE MANAGEMENT
MAY 17-JUNE 7
MON, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
A virtual, four-week course geared for directors, stage managers, and anyone working in stage management. It will cover giving a descriptive outline of what is and is not in the purview of the stage manager, creating organizational tools that benefit the rehearsal and production process, going over tech week, and providing introductory information regarding calling a show, and an overview of union rules and regulations. This course will also delve into working with directors and leading effectively alongside them.
Musical Theatre
MAY 17-JUNE 21
MON, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
Ready to take the next step in your musical theatre journey? This workshop is designed to strengthen core skills in storytelling, voice, and performance. Through weekly instruction, students will explore song analysis, acting fundamentals, and musical interpretation. The session culminates in a final showcase, allowing participants to apply what they’ve learned in front of an invited audience of industry professionals and loved ones.
Introduction to Playwrighting
MAY 17-JUNE 21
MON, 8:30 PM-10:30 PM
A four-week course designed for novice writers or those seeking a refresher on the fundamentals of Dramatic Writing. Each week, you’ll engage in writing prompts and exercises, chat craft, and discuss plays by dramatists such as Hansol Jung, Rajiv Joseph, Charly Evon Simpson, and Karen Zacarías. By the end of the course, you’ll have a collection of original writing, stronger skills in dialogue, building the world of the play, and character development, and be equipped with curated resources to stay connected to the contemporary theatre community.
directing
JULY 26-AUG 16
MON, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
This course is built for people wanting to learn more about the art of theatre directing. Over the course of four weeks students will discuss analyzing scripts to create textually supported directing concepts, how to go about building a creative team including casting, what to include in a director's book, what to expect during the rehearsal process and how to get from rehearsal to technical rehearsal to opening night.
Principals of Stage Design
JULY 26-AUG 16
MON, 6:30 PM-8:30 PM
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and practices of theatrical stage design, exploring how visual elements communicate narrative, establish mood, and enhance storytelling on stage through a variety of design mediums. Students will explore design language, develop essential communication skills including drawing and rendering, and benefit from direct engagement with Actor's Express production and design teams who will share insights into real world production process, implementation, and build strategies.
Business of Show Business
JULY 26-AUG 16
MON, 8:30 PM-10:30 PM
This course is centered around the business of being an artist. The class will cover resume feedback, running a theatre from the perspectives of a managing director and an artistic director, theatre contracts, and tips on how to file your taxes as an artist.
Season Planning
Nov 7, 2026
10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Learn how a season is crafted and put together during this one day intensive . This four-hour masterclass guides you through the complete season planning process:
- defining artistic vision
- building balanced programming
- considering budgeting and other constraints
- connecting with audiences
Learn how to evaluate scripts strategically, balance accessibility with risk, navigate casting and creative processes, and how we align a season with mission and budget realities. The class will focus on real case studies and industry stories of successful seasons and cautionary tales. You’ll leave with a practical framework for building seasons. Best for emerging artistic directors, producers, board members and anyone interested in understanding how to shape a theatre’s future.
Art Critisism
Nov 14, 2026
10:00 AM-3:00 PM
This intensive develops critical analysis skills for evaluating and writing about theatrical work, making it ideal for students, critics, bloggers, adjudicators, and artists looking to sharpen their analytical mind. Participants will explore frameworks for constructive criticism, learn techniques for articulate and thoughtful commentary, and engage in discussion and practice that enhances their ability to engage meaningfully with the arts. The class runs from 10am to 3pm with an hour break for lunch, providing a full day of immersive learning and dialogue.
archetypes of shakespeare
Nov 22, 2026
10:00 AM-3:00 PM
Explore and discuss the different character models Shakespeare uses in his work. Look at how the literary text shapes character development and the play's plot, and how the foils in the scripts pop off the page to make stories that have lasted centuries. This class is for lovers of Shakespeare, as well as people who want a deeper understanding of the texts many have studied and performed over the ages.
Scenic Painting
Dec 6, 2026
10:00 AM-3:00 PM
This intensive teaches essential scenic painting techniques for theatrical productions, making it ideal for students, scenic artists, designers, and theater professionals looking to develop and refine their painting skills. Participants will explore various painting methods, materials, tools, and finishing techniques while learning how to translate design concepts into realized scenic elements on stage. Through hands-on practice and demonstration, students will gain practical knowledge to create professional-quality painted scenery that enhances theatrical design and production value.
Develop and perform your own one-person show in this three-course intensive. You will write, workshop, and rehearse and perform an original solo piece for the stage. Weekly Tuesday sessions (2 hours) focus on script development, character work, and performance technique. While weekly Zoom check-ins (1 hour) provide ongoing support and accountability. The series culminates in a public performance. Perfect for actors, writers, and solo performers ready to tell their story and build their portfolio.
*Get the whole series and save 20% on individual courses. Only Part 1 can be taken as an individual course
