In Person Classes :
Mondays 7:30 pm OR
Tuesdays 7:30 pm
To join a class for the session beginning the week of Jan. 8/9, 2025
email info@hattheatre.org or call 804-343-6364 to check availability.
* we are taking reservations for our waiting list at this time.
* PLEASE do not pay for a class until you have a space reserved.
Our 6 week classes are $95 for new students, $85 for returning students. We often get asked, "why such a low price?". Our classes are affordable because we believe high quality and high cost should not be synonymous. We offer high quality classes, while keeping our tuition affordable, so that each person can continue to study, grow, and learn.
Process takes time. And our classes are about process.
We are the only professional theatre in RVA that has offered adult classes year round for the past 30 years. We always have a waiting list because we do not have a high turnover rate. Our students are busy working on stage, on camera, several are voice over actors, and quite a few are using what they learn to successfully navigate their workplaces. (See student accomplishments below). We foster a collaborative atmosphere, with full production showcases (versus the usual monologue based "showcases".)
In our classes we treat you like the adults you are.
We know you are busy with life, so our classes are fast paced, inclusive week to week,
with a focus on being up and onstage, actively engaged as much as possible.
We do not have textbooks or journals required (though note taking is always encouraged).
We do not run our classes like "school". You have already been through school. What you need is a place to
learn and explore, a place to challenge and question, a place to decompress from the world and create freely.
Mondays 7:30 pm OR
Tuesdays 7:30 pm
To join a class for the session beginning the week of Jan. 8/9, 2025
email info@hattheatre.org or call 804-343-6364 to check availability.
* we are taking reservations for our waiting list at this time.
* PLEASE do not pay for a class until you have a space reserved.
Our 6 week classes are $95 for new students, $85 for returning students. We often get asked, "why such a low price?". Our classes are affordable because we believe high quality and high cost should not be synonymous. We offer high quality classes, while keeping our tuition affordable, so that each person can continue to study, grow, and learn.
Process takes time. And our classes are about process.
We are the only professional theatre in RVA that has offered adult classes year round for the past 30 years. We always have a waiting list because we do not have a high turnover rate. Our students are busy working on stage, on camera, several are voice over actors, and quite a few are using what they learn to successfully navigate their workplaces. (See student accomplishments below). We foster a collaborative atmosphere, with full production showcases (versus the usual monologue based "showcases".)
In our classes we treat you like the adults you are.
We know you are busy with life, so our classes are fast paced, inclusive week to week,
with a focus on being up and onstage, actively engaged as much as possible.
We do not have textbooks or journals required (though note taking is always encouraged).
We do not run our classes like "school". You have already been through school. What you need is a place to
learn and explore, a place to challenge and question, a place to decompress from the world and create freely.
"Play well, or play badly, but play truly" - Stanislavsky, actor, teacher
Adult acting classes run year-round in manageable 6 week blocks. Classes cover all aspects of performance and work-related skills including scripted scenes (all genres), devised scenes, improv., directing, intensive character work, physicality, monologues, audition prep, and more. Classes are suitable for both the novice and the more experienced actor wishing to stretch and maintain their acting muscles, as well as for those looking to increase their confidence levels in presentation and public speaking needs in their jobs. Please note that, although we do incorporate different kinds of improv into our classes (dramatic scenarios, comedic character building short form, and long form improv), this is not an improv class. This class is called "An Organic Approach to Acting" and solidly incorporates a multitude of acting methods and exercises.
An Organic Approach to Acting:
Our students are free to question, explore, take risks, and figure out their own technique. We do not have a demand for purity, which can limit the student to one method of preparation, but instead believe a well rounded base helps each actor figure out the process that helps them to best prepare for each role. As such, our classes use various elements taken from many well known acting techniques including Stanislavsky & Meisner, with additional nods to Uta Hagen, Stella Adler, Lee Strasberg, and Viola Spolin, with our main focus on an organic approach, which allows for a natural performance. In this way, each student learns about different techniques, then takes from them what works, in order to build their own unique toolbox of which to draw from.
We believe that preparation is completely individual and what works for one person may not work for another, and that what an actor may need to pull from in creating a character may also change from role to role. The point is to come on stage with something going on; with a full inner life. From there, the emotion will change depending on the circumstances of the scene.
Classes pay equal attention to scripted scene work, monologues, audition skills (including cold reads), and improv. Additionally, we heavily use the creation of devised scenes, with organic development of character and dialogue. This affords students the opportunity to keep their hands free of a script. In doing so the scene comes alive in the moment, engaging the actors' minds and bodies fully. In all that we do, the goal is to explore different characters, understand varying means of expression, develop confidence, control, and focus, learn how to interact and move honestly onstage, how to transfer those skills to film, and to have, above all else, fun while doing so. Because if you are not enjoying it, your audience won’t either.
To register for any of our classes, please call (804) 343-6364 or email info@hattheatre.org for availability.
Student Accomplishments
We believe that preparation is completely individual and what works for one person may not work for another, and that what an actor may need to pull from in creating a character may also change from role to role. The point is to come on stage with something going on; with a full inner life. From there, the emotion will change depending on the circumstances of the scene.
Classes pay equal attention to scripted scene work, monologues, audition skills (including cold reads), and improv. Additionally, we heavily use the creation of devised scenes, with organic development of character and dialogue. This affords students the opportunity to keep their hands free of a script. In doing so the scene comes alive in the moment, engaging the actors' minds and bodies fully. In all that we do, the goal is to explore different characters, understand varying means of expression, develop confidence, control, and focus, learn how to interact and move honestly onstage, how to transfer those skills to film, and to have, above all else, fun while doing so. Because if you are not enjoying it, your audience won’t either.
To register for any of our classes, please call (804) 343-6364 or email info@hattheatre.org for availability.
Student Accomplishments
- Martin Mooradian: "Diary of Anne Frank" (Jan Dussel), @ Theatre Company at Fort Lee, Unsolved Mysteries (Ahmed), Indie Film "Shrink Wrapped" (Ethan), Haley Auto holiday commercial, Detective John Matthews on Episode 206 of Murder by Numbers, airing on Investigative Discovery (ID Channel), produced by Lusid Media, Knoxville TN., NBC 12 First Alert Weather commercial, AM
- Sandra Patterson Dyson: Created the voice for a new character on CW's "The Flash" in a 5 episode arc.
- Kimberly Strother: "Steel Magnolias" (GCT), "Honky Tonk Angels" Swift Creek Mill Theatre
- Alex Whitehead: Virginia Lottery Commercial, Cadence Theatre Company, "How to Bruise Gracefully" (Magenta), The Porch Plays (5th Wall Theatre),
- Marian Mills: Voice Artistry, announcer for The Debut: Dream Academy, episodes streaming on YouTube
- Linda Wettstone: The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Dinner Show
- Sami Tamimi: Stand-up Comedian often performing at Funny Bone (RVA and Va. Beach), and host of several comedy showcases including Révéler Experiences.
- Destiny Howard: Pharrell Movie (Background), Frankenstein
- Nicholas Stone: "Carrie, the musical" (Cadence Theatre), "Matilda" (BLT), "Fiddler on the Roof" (BLT), "Pippin" (Cadence Theatre)
- Sebastian Mathelier: NBC 12 First Alert Weather commercial, AM
- Joe Walsh: Animated Film-Voice Over ("Ecstasy of Desperation"), "The Mardi Gras Murder" dinner theatre at Maggiano's, Film (The Last Audience), musical (Let it Be), musical (Little Shop of Horrors), Film (The New Norm), Film (Diner 57), Dopesick, mini series, "Swagger", "Matilda" (BLT)
- Bronwyn Morgan: "Halfway There" (River City Community Players)
- Christopher Glick: Actor at King's Dominion, Actor for Disney Parks and Films, Orlando Florida
- Guy Ailam: Sentara Hospital (corporate video), Commercial (Kia), Commercial (Austin Heating & Plumbing), Commercial (CarMax), Film (Ghosted), Apple TV commercial (Phrma), TV Show (Kingstown), Commerical (Ferguson Plumbing), Commercial (VA Credit Union), Commercial (Men's HealthLifestyle), Commercial (Finance).
- Matt Russell: "Halfway There" (River city Coummunity Players), "Baby with the Bathwater" (GCT)
- Dwayne A. Daniels II: "First Responses" (Firehouse Theatre),
- Melanie Glick: The role of Snow Queen for The Children's Museum
- Will Wilson: Dinner Detective (cop), Lidl commercial, Hanes photoshoot and commercial, Film, Will Sidaros's "Blackout", Orator for the President of VCU at the Siegel Center, Performs freestyle rap,
- Mary Huhmann: "Sabotage by Sound Effects" OTARP, OTARP (Little Women and Herding Cats), "Nevermore, Edgar Allen Poe, The Final Mystery", Chamberlayne Actor's Theatre, The Outsider (HTC). "Savannah Sipping Society" River City Community Players
- Ashton Lee: House of Cards & Brightpoint College ("The Hillside Chronicles"), "The New Norm" (film), On the Air Radio Players: "Cue the Strange Sound Effects", "LaRhonda" Wishing Wind Creations and The Lynn Theatre, "Lost Boy found in Whole Foods" (5th Wall Theatre) "Black Bottle Man" Richmond Catholic Theatre (Acts of Faith Festival), "Rustbelt 1984" , a staged reading with 5th Wall Theatre, Actor for Kings Dominion Halloween Haunt, Voice Acting (Cast-A-Way), Children's Museum Holiday (Elf), "Truth Be Told" feature film.
- Arya Pazhwak: Film (Liquid Assets), "Tales of Faire Crossings" in collaboration with the Appalachian Renaissance Fair of Tennessee and Ceridwen Productions (Brinna).
- Michelle Lachapelle: "Dracula" at The Basement, Chamberlayne Actor's Theatre, "Clever Little Lies" (Jane), OTARP, A Hearthside Holiday, "Halfway There) (River City Community Players).
- Eric Bailey: VA Lottery commercial, commercial (Treasure Hunt) for Groundworks
- Grayson Burch one of the leads in a 48 Hour Horror Film production, Pharrell Movie (Background)
- Laura Finaldi: Clue (Miss Scarlett), The Homefront Players, one of the leads in a 48 Hour Horror Film Production
- Nathan Ramos (Assistant Stage Manager, Quill Theatre's "All's Well That Ends Well")
- Sophia Arabia: commercial Spang TV, Instagram (Shoe Show/Shoe Department), commercial (Carmax)
- Sara Jane Palmer: Barrister Nissan of Norfolk (commercial), Virginia Department of Health (commercial) , Good Lord Bird, Dopesick
- Patricia Alli: "ANGRY, RAUCOUS, & SHAMELESSLY GORGEOUS", Virginia Stage Company, "Passing Strange" (Firehouse Theatre), "Oedipus, a gospel myth" (Firehouse Theatre), Hillary in "Hillary & Clinton" (HATTheatre), Anne in "Bill W. and Dr. Bob" (HATTheatre), "Hamlet" (multiple characters) Quill Theatre,, The Nurse in The "Lyons", 5th Wall Theatre, Alma in Henley Street's critically acclaimed "Yellowman", Queen Elinor of Aquitane in Richmond Shakespeare's production of "King John"
- Chloe Williams Green: "Wonderful World, Beautiful People", (HATTheatre), , "Hair" (Firehouse Theatre),, "bare: a pop opera" (Richmond Triangle Players), "Breast in Show" a Carol Piersol production, "Company of Angels", Julie Fulcher-Davis production at Richmond Triangle Players, "Mame", Barksdale Theatre (now Virginia Rep), "Why Do Fools Fall in Love", (HATTheatre)
- Annie Zannetti: "Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England" (Richmond Triangle Players), "The Gentle Giant" (Whistle Stop Theatre), "The Fourth Wall" (Firehouse Theatre) ,"Design for Living", (Richmond Triangle Players), "The Whale", (HATTheatre) "New Century" (Richmond Triangle Players), Our Town (Whistle Stop Theatre)
- Charles Jones: Spang TV Instagram commercial for Shoe Shoe/Shoe Dept.
- Pat Bruckart: CSZ Improv Madness, long form improv show with Mandy Butler
- Bronwyn Gethins Morgan: NBC 12 First Alert Weather commercial, AM
- Donnie Brown : NBC 12 promo trailer showing on movie screens every day all over RVA (summer 2019), "Living Daylights". King Henry V's Army (Gloucester) Quill Theatre, 10th Anniversary Celebration of Dominion Energy Center, Good Lord Bird
- Gabriela Cartwright: Various NBC Channel 12 commercial promos
- Harrison Phillips: "A Midsummer's Night Dream" JTCC
- Ron Skinner: NBC 12 promo trailer showing on movie screens every day all over RVA (summer 2019), "Living Daylights".
- Kashif Banks: King Henry V's Army (Exeter) Quill Theatre, 10th Anniversary Celebration of Dominion Energy Center
- James Persinger: King Henry V's Army (Quill Theatre) 10th Anniversary Celebration of Dominion Energy Center, NBC 12 promo
- Sierra-Marie Holvino: A Goofy Movie, Live! (Coalition Theater)
- Tristen Hall: Shadows of History, The American Petroleum Institute Commercial, Good Lord Bird
- Camille Mustachio: Shadows of History, NBC commercial for First Alert Weather, Mini Apps
- Suzanne Riker: Commercial for Bradley Mechanical, Shadows of History, Walking Dead, Good Lord Bird, Dopesick, "The New Norm" (film), "Swagger", Pharrell Movie (Background),
- Christopher Hewat: Shadows of History, Good Lord Bird, Walking Dead
- Brittny Davis: Donate Life America Commercial, Anthem Commercial, NBC 12 news commercial. NBC 12 promo trailer showing on movie screens every day all over RVA (summer 2019), "Living Daylights"
- Diana D'Amato: NBC 12 news commercial (6 month run), Mini Apps, Accepted into the 7 week intensive program at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, NY., Dark Enough to See the Stars (pitch trailer for film by Adam Lapallo)
- Kavon Gittens: NBC 12 news commercial, Mini Apps
- Susie Fugitt: NBC 12 promo trailer showing on movie screens every day all over RVA (summer 2019), "Living Daylights"
- Brendan Riley: VCU Brandcenter Video, NBC promo trailer showing on movie screens every day all over RVA, "Forecast of Fear" winner of best promo Emmy Award for WWBT 12, Has formed his own film company (writing and directing)
- Tyler Shifflett: Dopesick, JTCC Student Film
- Waleed Sami: The Other Guy in "Hillary and Clinton" (HATTheatre)
- Orrie Crews: "Oedipus, a gospel myth" (Firehouse Theatre) , "All Wrapped Up" HATTheatre , A multitude of voice-overs, directing and performing & directing with OTARP
- Joseph Lewis Nelson: "Oblivion" with TheatreLAB (nominated for Most Promising newcomer by the Richmond Theatre Critics Circle ) "Holiday Mix!", (HATTheatre)
- Katey Gulla, Linda Shepard, and Ron Skinner: Appeared in the 2018 VCU student films
- Alvino Medina: "Fireflies" Chamberlayne Actor's Theatre, Has worked as a member of ComedySportz, "Squabbles" Henrico Theatre Company
- Lindsay Sloan: "Turn" (cable)
- Kate McDaniel: Modern Family (guest star), Hot in Cleveland (guest star), The Office (featured)
- Linda Shepard: "Legends & Lies" (cable), VCU Ad Center Film "Starling", Dopesick
- Sidney Freeman: "Legends & Lies" (cable)
- Ryan Stanley: "Turn" (cable)
- Dale Leopold: In addition to live performances, Dale is a nationally recognized voice actor., "Roger B. Heard and the tight 45" (Free Jambalaya/HATTheatre), "Dessa Rose" (Firehouse Theatre) (Carol Piersol), "The War of the Worlds" (Orson Wells) Firehouse Radio Players
- Mike Dunn: "Popcorn Falls" (HATTheatre), Former Member of West End Comedy Improv. Troupe, , Shows with Richmond Triangle Players ("Sordid Lives"), Chamberlayne Actor's Theatre, Richmond Shakespeare, & several films with the 48 hour film project
- Jeannie Philips: "One Act Showcase" HTC
- Kyle Rudnick: "All Wrapped Up" (HATTheatre) ,"Onion Snow" (Firehouse Theatre), "Taking Liberty" Live Arts Theatre
- Brian Dismore: Former Member of West End Comedy Improv. Troupe, runs his own film company
- Stanley Cary: D.C.- Get Lost In It, video for Washington D.C tourism promotion, Many modeling and print ads
- Tim Harris: "Mahalia" (Swift Creek Mill Theatre), "Fences" (Sycamore Rouge), "Othello" (title character) Kimball Theatre, Williamsburg
- Veronica Parks: Lives and works steadily in video, film, print, trade shows and producing webisodes in Los Angeles
- Winstead Barnes: a multitude of independent films
- Darnell James: a multitude of independent films, videos, webisodes, commercials and hosting, based in Atlanta Georgia
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