Our Roots Studio Theatre and School was founded in 1927 by Jane Keeler and Lars Potter and is the oldest continually-operating Theatre School connected to a resident theatre in the country. In October 1965 Studio Arena Theatre opened as a professional Equity theatre with A Moon For The Misbegotten starring Colleen Dewhurst and James Daly, directed by Jose Quintero. In 1978 Studio Arena Theatre moved to its current location at 710 Main Street thanks to a Federal Economic Development Administration Grant. Our Mission The Mission of the Education Department and Theatre School is to offer learners of all ages the opportunity to explore their creativity through enhanced participation in the theatrical experience . Through a deeper involvement in the art, we strive to create and rejuvenate our audiences into more receptive, responsive, confident, discerning and interactive theatre-goers.
Classes vary each seven week session but tend to focus on acting skills.
Students as young as 7 years old through to adults have the opportunity to study with local theatre professionals. There is an emphasis on ensemble building and improvisation with our 7-13 year olds and character development, scene work, as well as voice and body work with our teens. Our adult classes range from beginning to advanced, with monologue and scene work at the theatre. Occasionally specialized classes are offered in Musical Theatre, Dance, Behind the Scenes and Audition Techniques. In 1998 we began our Continuity Classes Program for teens and adults.