Adult Education Programs

Adult Education Programs at Hartford Stage

Whether you’ve never performed before, want to relive your days in the spotlight, or you’ve been in shows for years, Hartford Stage invites you to explore Adult Studio Classes designed for all levels. From voice and movement to audition skills and expressive performance you can find your way to be challenged and inspired all in one safe place.

Spring Studio

See you next year!

Fall Studio

Now Enrolling

Winter Studio

Coming soon!

Professional Development

Hartford Stage offers professional development for teachers and educators through hands-on workshops focused on arts-integrated learning and theater education.

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Activities such as Critical Eye and Teacher’s Toolbox give educators practical techniques—from improv and ensemble-building to playwriting and theater games—that can be brought directly into the classroom. Classroom residencies pair teachers with Hartford Stage teaching artists to model arts-integration strategies and support creative learning in schools.

Student Matinees

Bring students to see a student matinee followed by a talkback with members of the cast and creative team.

Shows and Dates

College Groups

College Groups are eligible for special discount rates. Complete this form to reserve your tickets online.

Interest Form

Connections

In-school residency education brings theater and literature to life right in your classroom.

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Meet the Instructors

Have a question?

Please contact Emely Larson for more info.

Email Emely

Call (203) 908-1832

Jan Mason

Jan Mason

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Jennifer Roberts

Director of Education

Jennifer Roberts is in her seventh year at Hartford Stage, having previously held the position of Education Associate for Literary and In-School Programs. Before coming to Hartford Stage, she worked as the Resident Teaching Artist at George Street Playhouse and served as the Artistic Director of the Papermill Children’s Theatre in Lincoln, New Hampshire. Her work as a director and playwright has been recognized by the Austin Circle of Theatres and the American Alliance for Theatre and Education. Her essay on the future of theatre and education, “Changing the How”, was published in the November 2008 issue of TCG’s American Theatre magazine. She received a Masters degree of Fine Arts in Drama and Theatre for Youth from the University of Texas at Austin.

Kevin Scott

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Nina Pinchin

Associate Director of Education

Nina is responsible for overseeing department curricula for all programs, recruiting and training teaching artists, implementing professional development, and assisting the Director of Education in forming new partnerships and increasing Hartford Stage’s visibility in the community. In her artistic work, Nina has directed the Hartford Stage Young Company in Breakdancing Shakespeare productions of The Tempest, Macbeth, The Comedy of Errors, and Antony and Cleopatra. Other local directing projects include productions at Central Connecticut State University, Anna Maria College, Classical Magnet High School, Hebrew High School of New England, the Hartford Public Library, and Hartford Stage’s Write On! festival. She has also directed at Chicago’s Bailiwick Rep., the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, the Vital and Access Theatres in New York, and the Studio Space at Portland Stage Company. Assisting credits include working alongside director John Dillon and playwright Ariel Dorfman on the world premiere of Picasso’s Closet and with Josh Fox – director of the Academy Award nominated documentary Gasland – on his debut film Memorial Day. Nina received her MFA from Sarah Lawrence and her BA from Bowdoin College. She is a member of the Lincoln Center Theatre Directors Lab, and an associate member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Nina also teaches evening courses at Capital Community College and Anna Maria College in Paxton MA where she is advisor to the Drama and Improv clubs.

Ryan Kessler

education_Emely-Larson

Emely Larson

Studio Manager

Emely has taught in the Connecticut area for many years – teaching such classes as Comedy Improv, Accents and Dialects, Audition Workshops as well as providing acting coaching to students of all ages and levels. Some of her students have gone onto study at Stamford University, Eastern CT State University and one student has appeared in the film Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. Emely has also directed several productions including The Hobbit, Bang Bang You’re Dead, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Under Jekyll’s Hyde, Sally Cotter and the Prisoner of Ala Katraz and How I Became a Pirate. As a performer, Emely has appeared in many productions with area theatres such as Hartford Stage, Hartford Children’s Theatre, The Spirit of Broadway, Capital Classics Shakespeare Festival and Newington Mainstage. Emely is a highly trained professional, having earned her BFA from Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, and also works as lead singer for her band “Hardwood.”

How to Become a Teaching Artist

I experienced freedom to try something new without the possibility of ‘getting it wrong.’

I enjoyed learning new things in a new way.

Nina Pinchin is one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. She respects student’s boundaries, while also knowing when/how to push them to find their strengths as actors. She is very receptive to requests on the types of scenes her students want to try out but is also fantastic at casting students in roles they never quite saw themselves playing. Her classes really feel like an ensemble.

I haven’t done any acting in 40 years. It is exciting to rediscover something I enjoyed so long ago. The experience has brought back a lot of good memories about people and times from my past.

With this class, I got the opportunity to play character types that I’ve always wanted to but never got the opportunity. I got to explore a different side of myself as a performer and that has really helped me get better.

I learned to be braver and to have fun. Really eye-opening and makes me curious to learn more.

Jan was very informative with structure in writing – and I really enjoy writing prompts!

Excellent instructor. Imparted knowledge in a fun and understandable way.

Very passionate and encouraging teaching style. Clearly knowledgeable and talented.

It was great being in a room with others who shared the same interest.

Follow Education @ Hartford Stage on social media to stay in the know for youth education program registrations and performances.