Teen Workshop Series Teen Workshop Series

Teen Workshop Series  | 

Ages 14 – 18

Take your passion for theater to the next level with our Teen Workshop Series—a collection of hands-on master classes led by working theater professionals. 

Whether you’re stepping into the spotlight or exploring the artistry behind the scenes, each workshop offers an immersive opportunity to develop new skills, gain industry insight, and connect with fellow young artists. Learn the professional side of the industry from Broadway’s Jared Gertner, discover the creative power of theatrical lighting with Jesse Soto, dive into sound mixing and audio production with Jonathan Burke, and unlock your artistic imagination through movement and devised storytelling with Jenni Barber.

Attend a single workshop or experience the entire series to build confidence, expand your theatrical toolkit, and learn from some of the industry’s most accomplished professionals.

SOUND MIXING AND AUDIO PRODUCTION WITH JONATHAN BURKE (Sep 13)

Go behind the scenes and discover how great sound brings live theater to life! In this hands-on workshop, students will explore the fundamentals of theatrical sound design and audio production with professional sound engineer Jonathan Burke. Participants will learn how microphones, speakers, and mixing consoles work together to create a seamless audience experience while gaining practical experience with signal flow, sound mixing, and operating professional audio equipment. Whether you’re interested in technical theater, music, or live event production, this workshop offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting aspects of performance. The session concludes with a Q&A, giving students the opportunity to learn about careers in live sound and the creative collaboration that powers every production.


The Business of Show Business with Jared Gertner (Oct 11)

Take the mystery out of pursuing a career in the performing arts! Taught by Broadway actor Jared Gertner (The Book of Mormon, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), this practical, discussion-based workshop gives aspiring teen actors an inside look at the professional side of the entertainment industry. Students will explore audition etiquette, professional communication, meetings, and what it means to be a great company member while learning the skills that help performers build successful, sustainable careers. The workshop also introduces the basics of unions, contracts, and industry best practices—equipping young artists with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the business of show business.


Lighting the Stage: An Introduction to Theatrical Lighting with Jesse Soto (Nov 15)

Step behind the scenes and discover how lighting transforms a performance! In this hands-on workshop, aspiring designers, technicians, and theater makers will explore the fundamentals of theatrical lighting while working in the Carrie Hamilton Theatre. Students will learn about the different lighting instruments used on stage, the basics of focus and lighting angles, how light shapes storytelling, and how to read a simple light plot. Participants will also gain hands-on experience programming cues and operating a professional lighting console. The workshop concludes with a Q&A featuring Boston Court Pasadena Technical Director Jesse Soto, offering students an inside look at careers in technical theater and the creative process behind bringing productions to life.


Movement & Storytelling Lab with Jenni Barber (Dec 13)

Unlock your creativity through movement, imagination, and collaborative storytelling with Broadway and Playhouse alum Jenni Barber (Beetlejuice, Sunday in the Park with George). This dynamic workshop invites young artists to explore their natural instincts as performers through improvisational movement, ensemble creation, and physical theater exercises inspired by music, rhythm, visual imagery, and space. Students will also incorporate meditation, breathwork, and reflective journaling to deepen their creative process and strengthen their connection to themselves and their fellow artists. Perfect for actors, dancers, and curious creators alike, this workshop encourages risk-taking, collaboration, and discovering new ways to tell stories beyond words.


PLEASE NOTE: We have a limited number of partial scholarships available for our classes. If you are interested in a scholarship, please apply using the link below.

Scholarship Application

Sessions:

Sound Mixing and Audio Production with Jonathan Burke
Date & Time: Sep 13, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

The Business of Show Business
Date & Time: Oct 11, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Lighting the Stage: An Introduction to Theatrical Lighting
Date & Time: Nov 15, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Movement & Storytelling Lab
Date & Time: Dec 13, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

TUITION: $610

member discount: $490

Take your passion for theater to the next level with our Teen Workshop Series—a collection of hands-on master classes led by working theater professionals. 

Whether you’re stepping into the spotlight or exploring the artistry behind the scenes, each workshop offers an immersive opportunity to develop new skills, gain industry insight, and connect with fellow young artists. Learn the professional side of the industry from Broadway’s Jared Gertner, discover the creative power of theatrical lighting with Jesse Soto, dive into sound mixing and audio production with Jonathan Burke, and unlock your artistic imagination through movement and devised storytelling with Jenni Barber.

Attend a single workshop or experience the entire series to build confidence, expand your theatrical toolkit, and learn from some of the industry’s most accomplished professionals.

SOUND MIXING AND AUDIO PRODUCTION WITH JONATHAN BURKE (Sep 13)

Go behind the scenes and discover how great sound brings live theater to life! In this hands-on workshop, students will explore the fundamentals of theatrical sound design and audio production with professional sound engineer Jonathan Burke. Participants will learn how microphones, speakers, and mixing consoles work together to create a seamless audience experience while gaining practical experience with signal flow, sound mixing, and operating professional audio equipment. Whether you’re interested in technical theater, music, or live event production, this workshop offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting aspects of performance. The session concludes with a Q&A, giving students the opportunity to learn about careers in live sound and the creative collaboration that powers every production.


The Business of Show Business with Jared Gertner (Oct 11)

Take the mystery out of pursuing a career in the performing arts! Taught by Broadway actor Jared Gertner (The Book of Mormon, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), this practical, discussion-based workshop gives aspiring teen actors an inside look at the professional side of the entertainment industry. Students will explore audition etiquette, professional communication, meetings, and what it means to be a great company member while learning the skills that help performers build successful, sustainable careers. The workshop also introduces the basics of unions, contracts, and industry best practices—equipping young artists with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the business of show business.


Lighting the Stage: An Introduction to Theatrical Lighting with Jesse Soto (Nov 15)

Step behind the scenes and discover how lighting transforms a performance! In this hands-on workshop, aspiring designers, technicians, and theater makers will explore the fundamentals of theatrical lighting while working in the Carrie Hamilton Theatre. Students will learn about the different lighting instruments used on stage, the basics of focus and lighting angles, how light shapes storytelling, and how to read a simple light plot. Participants will also gain hands-on experience programming cues and operating a professional lighting console. The workshop concludes with a Q&A featuring Boston Court Pasadena Technical Director Jesse Soto, offering students an inside look at careers in technical theater and the creative process behind bringing productions to life.


Movement & Storytelling Lab with Jenni Barber (Dec 13)

Unlock your creativity through movement, imagination, and collaborative storytelling with Broadway and Playhouse alum Jenni Barber (Beetlejuice, Sunday in the Park with George). This dynamic workshop invites young artists to explore their natural instincts as performers through improvisational movement, ensemble creation, and physical theater exercises inspired by music, rhythm, visual imagery, and space. Students will also incorporate meditation, breathwork, and reflective journaling to deepen their creative process and strengthen their connection to themselves and their fellow artists. Perfect for actors, dancers, and curious creators alike, this workshop encourages risk-taking, collaboration, and discovering new ways to tell stories beyond words.


PLEASE NOTE: We have a limited number of partial scholarships available for our classes. If you are interested in a scholarship, please apply using the link below.

Scholarship Application

Sessions

Sound Mixing and Audio Production Workshop with Jonathan Burke

Sunday, sep 13
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

VENUE: Pasadena Playhouse

Register

Lighting the Stage: An Introduction to Theatrical Lighting with Jesse Soto

Sunday, nov 15
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

VENUE: Pasadena Playhouse

Register

The Business of Show Business with Jared Gertner

Sunday, Oct 11
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

VENUE: Pasadena Playhouse

Register

Movement & Storytelling Lab with Jenni Barber

Sunday, dec 13
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM

VENUE: Pasadena Playhouse

Register

 

FAQs

You Have Questions? We Have Answers.

“What is Your Cancellation Policy?”

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  • If participants cancel at least ten (10) days before the start of that class or camp, they may receive a full refund.
  • Participants cancelling between 9 -1 days before the start of class or camp may receive a 50% refund.
  • No refunds for classes cancelled the first day of a class or camp, or anytime after the class or camp has started.
  • Students should have no more than 1 planned absence from their class or camp.
  • Refunds are issued through our Education Registrar by phone (626-344-8979) or email education@pasadenaplayhouse.org

For any other questions, please email the Education Department at education@pasadenaplayhouse.org

Pasadena Playhouse Educational Programming would not be possible without the generous support of the Helen and Will Webster Foundation, Rose Hills Foundation, L.L. Foundation for Youth, LA County Department of Arts and Culture, Dwight Stuart Youth Fund, East West Bank, Fitzberg Foundation, Jess & Palma Morgan Foundation, Apriem Advisors, U.S. Bank, Georgina-Frederick Children’s Foundation, and Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts.