847-866-8049 info@piventheatre.org

Spring Youth Classes

Spring 2025 Classes Start February 1st!

February 1 – April 26, 2025

Please read class descriptions to learn about on-site offerings, as well as recommended age groups for each course. Email education@piventheatre.org with any questions or give us a call at (847) 866-6597.

“It has become clear to me that what the Pivens teach has as much to do with human development as it does with preparation for a life in the theatre.  I am not a teacher.  I am merely a father of five who has watched his children, and many other children, now adults, grow under the extraordinary values given them, in part, through their Piven Theatre Workshop experiences.”

Dick Cusack

Advisory Board Member

Elementary School
Middle School
High School

3rd Grade and Up

Register

3rd – 5th Grade Performance Ensemble

Saturdays, 9:00am to 10:00am

13 weeks
February 1, 2025 – April 26, 2025

$300

Perfect for the young student who wants to begin exploring theatre arts in a fun, supportive environment! Students stretch their creative muscles through theatre games while they begin to discover the art of storytelling and improvisation. This class provides the perfect introduction to the Piven training technique!

6th Grade and Up

Register

6th/7th/8th Grade Performance Ensemble – Improv, Story, and Scene

Saturdays, 10:00am to 11:30am

13 weeks
February 1, 2025 – April 26, 2025

$350

Designed for both new and returning students, this class explores all aspects of what the Piven method has to offer. Young actors develop essential acting and performance skills while preparing for an open performance. For returning and new students who wish to unlock their creative impulses and find new ways to collaborate.

High School Classes

Register

High School Performance Lab

Saturdays, 12:00pm to 1:30pm

10 weeks
February 1, 2025 – April 26, 2025

$350

This process-oriented class introduces the full Piven technique to young actors. Blending improvisation, theatre games, adaptation, and scene study opportunities, students develop essential collaborative skills and work with senior level instructors. This class requires a strong commitment from all participants and is open to new and returning high school students.

Directors’ Institute

Saturdays, 2:00pm – 5:00pm

Six weeks
April 12 – May 17, 2025
$300

YPC Director Morven Higgins will be leading six weeks of Directors’ Institute, from 2:00pm to 5:00pm on Saturdays (perfectly timed for students currently enrolled in High School Performance Lab). This collaboration-focused directing program is an invaluable learning experience for any aspiring theatre artist, where students will have the chance to work side-by-side to generate and workshop new material.

The class will be structured around different student-led workshops so the ensemble will get to explore a lot of new material and different directorial points of view with YPC ensemble members leading workshops. Not only will it be a lot of fun to be directed by a fellow actor, it’s excellent preparation for summer and college-level programs that often focus on student-led pieces and devised work. It’s a great resume builder!

Admission is by invitation or resume submission. For high school students.