EDUCATION
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Acting From Where The Soul Sits: Learning To Live The Truth On Stage (18+)
Teaching Artist: Faith Bennett Russell Date: Saturday, March 14th Time: 12:00-3:00pm Location: 5815 Lakewood Towne Center Boulevard, Unit B2 (between Lane Bryant and Nothing Bundt Cakes) Ages: 18+ Participant Fee: $75 A workshop for actors of any level on their creative journey, who want to dive deeper into character and scene study and living believably and truthfully onstage as a storyteller.
Participants should bring something to write with and something to write on, and bring an activity that you do in your everyday life: laptop if you ever bring your work home or answer email, a book you're currently reading, if you do puzzles, a puzzle, the fixings to make your favorite sandwich, etc. Additional materials will be provided. Faith Bennett Russell, a Brooklyn, New York native, has been an actor, director, teaching artist, choreographer and playwright as well as an acting coach and theater consultant for the past 42 years. Before becoming a theater professional Faith was a radio personality for 13 years working for various radio stations in the greater Seattle area as a traffic reporter and then went on to become the host of a show on Spirit 105.3 called “Doin’ The Gospel Thing with Sister Faith”. Having been a preschool teacher as well as operating a daycare in her home while raising her 3 children, Faith felt called to Theater Education, where she has worked with many theater institutions including Village Theater’s KIDSTAGE program, training, supporting, directing and equipping young theater artists on their life’s journey to the stage and beyond as well as partnering with adult professionals as they continue to grow and sculpt their craft. Past directorial favorites include Pipeline, Crowns, In The Heights, Black Nativity, Until The Flood, Mamma Mia, and Once On This Island. |
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Vogue & Runway: Expression, Power And Performance (18+)
Teaching Artist: Christopher Davis Date: Wednesday, March 18th Time: 6:00-9:00pm Location: 5815 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd, Unit B2 (between Lane Bryant and Nothing Bundt Cakes) Ages: 18+ Participant Fee: $75 A high-energy 3-hour Vogue and Runway class designed to help you express yourself, build confidence, and feel fully empowered. This immersive experience uses foundational ballroom tools to explore movement, presence, and performance.
Participants will dive into two iconic runway styles - All-American and European - breaking down their technique, attitude, and flair. Participants will also learn the five essential elements of Vogue: Hands Performance, Duckwalk, Floor Performance, Catwalk, and Spin & Dip. Beyond movement, the class explores the history of Vogue and ballroom performance, with a focus on confidence, emotional expression, character development, and coordination. Learn how to emote with intention, command the space, and seamlessly connect the elements into a powerful performance. Whether you’re new to Vogue or looking to sharpen your skills, this class is a safe, affirming space to grow, shine, and celebrate your individuality. Christopher Davis is a dedicated public servant and equity-driven community leader with a strong background in civic engagement and LGBTQ2S+ advocacy. He currently serves as the Neighborhood Connections Program Coordinator for the City of Lakewood, Washington, where he builds partnerships between residents and city leadership to promote inclusive civic participation and neighborhood engagement. Christopher is the President of the Board for Lakewood Pride, focused on expanding safe, affirming spaces for the queer community beyond Tacoma, and serves as Chair of the Active Lifestyles Community Council for Metro Parks Tacoma, advising on equitable recreation and wellness initiatives. He previously held leadership roles at the Pierce County AIDS Foundation, advancing HIV prevention, public health programming, and health equity. He holds a degree in Planning and Environmental Policy from Western Washington University and brings a systems-thinking approach to community development, inclusive governance, and cross-sector collaboration. |
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Spring Break Revue: Finding Your Voice (Grades 3-10)
Teaching Artist: Courtnee Ramos Dates: March 30th-April 3rd Time: 9:00am-2:00pm Showcase: April 3rd at 2:00pm Location: Lakewood Playhouse Ages: Grades 3-10 Participant Fee: $300 In celebration of Lakewood Playhouse’s 87-year legacy of building community through theatre, Finding Your Voice is an original musical revue created especially for our young artists. This dynamic showcase features songs from musicals from Lakewood Playhouse’s past, present, and future seasons - honoring our history while inspiring the next generation of performers.
From beloved Broadway classics to contemporary favorites, students will discover not only performance, craft and technique, but also how to express themselves and use their own experiences to create well rounded and thoughtful performances. At Lakewood Playhouse, we strive to create a safer and braver environment where everyone is seen, heard, uplifted, and empowered. Throughout this week-long intensive, students will:
Students will also help shape the performance by creating original narrative and transitions based on what “finding your voice” means to them, stories about the history of Lakewood Playhouse, or personal insights about the power of theatre to build community. This process embodies our core values of Transparency, Accountability, Empathy, Collaboration, Respect, Resiliency, and Joy - values that will guide our rehearsal room and our stage. The week culminates in a showcase performance on April 3rd at 2:00pm. At Lakewood Playhouse we use the term showcase to focus on process rather than product. We believe learning theatre is about process and we can best support performers of all ages by letting go of performance and dedicating ourselves to a positive and collaborative process. Family and friends will experience an uplifting afternoon of music and heart as our young performers quite literally find their voices and share them with the community. At Lakewood Playhouse, theatre is more than performance - it is connection. Join us as we celebrate the next generation of storytellers. Courtnee Ramos is a natural born leader that organically makes people in the room feel respected, heard and appreciated. She has studied at Utah Tech University in St. George, Utah, and holds a Bachelors of Science in Theatre, Music, and Psychology! Her recent directing credits include an original, which she wrote and directed called Fantasy: The Musical, as well as 101 Dalmatians Jr., Little One, and many others! Courtnee has developed a diverse skill set and a passion for storytelling and producing connections with a wide range of ages and cultures. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, she is ecstatic to help your young performers learn and grow here at Lakewood Playhouse! |
At Lakewood Playhouse we believe finances should not be a barrier to participation. Please contact us for scholarship and assistance options.
If you would like to find out more about our education activities, you can sign up to our Education mailing list by clicking the link below.
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