Actors Lab | Imagine Performing Arts Center

We are so excited to announce our newest program for aspiring Actors for the 2026-2027 season! Lead by Miss Chelsea, and our new join to the Imagine Family, Mr Sean!

Imagine Actors Lab is an audition-based, conservatory-style theatrical production experience for actors ages 13 and up. The program combines the rehearsal and performance of a full-length play with actor training and hands-on experience in the theatrical production process.

The program runs from August 19 through November 22 and meets three days a week: Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:00–8:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

The tuition amount is $600, and that can be paid in monthly installments of $150 per month throughout the rehearsal period.

Performances will be held November 20 at 7:00 p.m., November 21 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and November 22 at 2:00 p.m. Mandatory Tech Week rehearsals will take place Monday, November 16 through Thursday, November 19 from 6:00–8:30 p.m. All actors are required to attend Tech Week unless a prior conflict has been approved by the directors.

Actors Lab reflects Imagine Performing Arts Center’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment where young artists are valued as individuals. Students with different backgrounds, experiences, strengths, and perspectives are encouraged to contribute to the ensemble and grow as artists in a collaborative space.

Actors Lab is designed to help young actors develop the skills, independence, and experience needed to continue their work in college, community, and professional theatre environments.

Students will work through the complete production process, beginning with script analysis and early character development and continuing through rehearsals, technical work, performances, and post production strike. Actor training will be incorporated throughout the rehearsal period, giving students opportunities to explore new techniques and apply them directly to their work on the production.

Members of the company will also participate in areas of production beyond performance, including props, scenic work, costumes, programs, advertising, and technical elements. This structure gives students a broader understanding of how theatre is created and the responsibilities shared by everyone involved in a production.

The goals of Imagine Actors Lab are to:

Develop confident, independent, and adaptable actors.
Build strong script analysis and character development skills.
Introduce professional rehearsal practices and expectations.
Strengthen communication, collaboration, and ensemble skills.
Encourage students to make thoughtful artistic choices and respond constructively to direction.
Provide practical experience in multiple areas of theatrical production.
Prepare students to navigate future theatrical environments with confidence and professionalism.

Actor training will be incorporated throughout the production process and adapted to the needs of the ensemble, individual actors, and the production itself.

Students will receive instruction and practical experience in:

Script analysis
Character development
Meisner repetition
Stanislavski imagination work
Tableaux work
Physical improvisation
Ensemble improvisation
Learning Vocabulary in its Context
Accent work
Vocal pacing and movement
Rehearsal techniques and etiquette
Receiving and applying direction and feedback

Students will be encouraged to explore different approaches to acting, take creative risks, and develop tools they can continue to use beyond Actors Lab. The goal is not to teach one correct method of acting, but to introduce students to a range of techniques and help them discover how those tools can support their individual process.

Imagine Actors Lab gives young performers the opportunity to grow as actors while experiencing the collaborative work required to build a theatrical production. By the end of the process, students will have strengthened their acting technique, rehearsal habits, artistic independence, and understanding of the many roles involved in creating theatre.

Actors Lab is built on the belief that strong theatre comes from artists who are curious, prepared, collaborative, and willing to continue learning. Through training, production experience, and participation in an inclusive ensemble, students will develop skills they can carry with them into future productions, educational opportunities, and college auditions.

We are starting our season with the hilarious and heartwarming comedy Harvey by Mary Chase! Harvey follows Elwood P. Dowd, a kind and charming man whose best friend happens to be a six-foot-tall invisible rabbit named Harvey. When Elwood’s family decides his unusual friendship has gone too far, their attempt to have him committed quickly spirals into mistaken identities, chaos, and one very important question: who gets to decide what it means to be normal? Full of eccentric characters, sharp comedy, and an unexpected heart, Harvey is a classic story about kindness, acceptance, and seeing the world a little differently.

Auditions will take place Saturday, July 25th 12-3 with Callbacks Sunday, July 26th from 12-3. Online submissions are accepted for initial auditions with Callbacks being in person. For this show season, 17 students will be accepted into the program. Linked on our website will be a list of three monologues that we would like our students to audition with, so they are already familiar with the world of Harvey prior to auditioning. Also linked on our website will be a character breakdown so students can plan for which roles they will be auditioning for. Please have monologues memorized, as it is a requirement for this program.

Please direct all questions to actorslab@imagineperformingartscenter.org!

We look forward to this year and can’t wait to see your performers grow!