at 3Below Theaters
288 S Second St, San Jose, CA
288 S Second St, San Jose, CA

Theatre Classes for All Ages

The Academy (formerly known as The California Academy for the Creative Performing Arts) is pleased to bring three decades of excellence in education to San Jose Playhouse at 3Below Theaters. 

The Academy is a nationally acclaimed and award winning professional school of theatre and related arts for students 5 through 105. The curriculum is designed so students of all ages may develop creative skills, discover new awareness of self-expression, and gain awareness of theatre as a profession.

We are beyond thrilled to announce that we are ready to move back into teaching theatre arts classes now that the pandemic is in its endemic stage. See below or join our e-list to receive notifications about upcoming classes.

Save the date for upcoming sessions:

Winter Session | January – March, 2023

Spring Session | April – June, 2023

Summer | July – August, 2023


Spring 2023: Theatre Arts a la Carte!

In this class for Adults and Seniors, students will have the opportunity to get a taste of multiple aspects of theatre arts by enjoying one class each in a number of subjects. We’ll start by covering Basic Stage Skills where you’ll learn the language of theater and then move into week after week of introductory workshops on a variety of theatre arts subjects, much like a tasting menu. Featured subjects may include Acting Basics, Singing Basics, Tap Basics, Broadway Dance, Improvisation, Makeup Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Page To Stage (scene study), and more. The goal is to help students discover untapped interests in any of the many fields of theatre arts before.

No experience necessary: this is an opportunity for interested adults and seniors to explore their creative talents as well as meet other people in a fun framework to explore the rich diversity and talents of the local community.

Ages: Adults | Age 18 and up

Dates: April 25 through June 27, 2023

Times: Tuesdays | 7:00pm-9:30pm

Workshops:

Class Schedule: This class meets once per week for 10 weeks on Tuesday evenings:

Tuesday, April 25, 7:00pm-9:30pm: Intro to the Class / Basic Stage Skills 

Tuesday, May 2, 7:00pm-9:30pm: Creative Dramatics (Acting)

Tuesday, May 9, 7:00pm-9:30pm: Theater Makeup

Tuesday, May 16, 7:00pm-9:30pm: Tap Basics

Tuesday, May 23, 7:00pm-9:30pm: Acting Basics

Tuesday, May 30, 7:00pm-9:30pm: Lighting Design

Tuesday, June 6, 7:00pm-9:30pm: Singing Basics

Tuesday, June 13, 7:00pm-9:30pm: Musical Theatre

Tuesday, June 20, 7:00pm-9:30pm: Audition Basics

Tuesday, June 27, 7:00pm-9:30pm: Broadway Dance

Location: 3Below Theaters, 288 S Second St | Includes free validated parking

Cost: $375 for 10 workshops | $45 a la carte

San Jose Playhouse Subscribers enjoy additional discount! Join us as a Playhouse or Clubhouse Subscriber and save 10% on classes. Click here for subscription info.

Click the enroll button below to start your registration which includes full payment, a registration form, and proof of vaccination against Covid-19.

Spring 2023: Adult Ensemble ~ Scene Study and Acting

Meet people with shared interests and make friends while gaining insight into the discipline of theatre. The session will end with a final showcase for friends and family to come explore all of the fun and hard work that was put into the quarter! 

The great actors of every day had to start somewhere. It’s time for YOU to begin your journey! Always wanted to act, but were too nervous or unsure of where to begin? Now is your chance to explore new techniques and enhance your skills in a comfortable and relaxed setting! Through theatre games, acting exercises, and scene work, you will gain confidence and an enriched understanding of the craft. Learn the vocabulary and techniques that every actor must know while meeting new people along the way!

Learn and discover the proper approach to scene work and character development by using what the playwright has given you on the page. Continue your self discovery as an artist while building your ability and vocabulary for further advanced study. Students will delve into one full-length scene throughout the quarter utilizing theatre exercises, coaching from the instructor, and reading discussions to bring the scene to life.

Special attention will be given to scenes and songs from the San Jose Playhouse current season, delving into the text and learning acting techniques that will help bring the words and lyrics to life. 

Ages: Adults | Age 18 and up

Dates: April 12 through June 28, 2023

Times: Wednesdays | 7:00pm-9:30pm

Class Schedule: This class meets once per week for 12 weeks on Wednesday evenings The last session will be a showcase open to friends and family:

Wednesday, April 12 | 7:00pm-9:30pm
Wednesday, April 19 | 7:00pm-9:30pm
Wednesday, April 26 | 7:00pm-9:30pm
Wednesday, May 3 | 7:00pm-9:30pm
Wednesday, May 10 | 7:00pm-9:30pm
Wednesday, May 17 | 7:00pm-9:30pm
Wednesday, May 24 | 7:00pm-9:30pm
Wednesday, May 31 | 7:00pm-9:30pm
Wednesday, June 7 | 7:00pm-9:30pm
Wednesday, June 14 | 7:00pm-9:30pm
Wednesday, June 21 | 7:00pm-9:30pm
Wednesday, June 28 | 7:00pm-9:30pm

Location: 3Below Theaters, 288 S Second St | Includes free validated parking

Cost: $450 for 12 workshops
San Jose Playhouse Subscribers enjoy additional discounts! Join us as a VIP Subscriber and save 20% on classes; join us as a Playhouse or Clubhouse Subscriber and save 10% on classes. Click here for subscription info.

Click the enroll button below to start your registration which includes full payment, a registration form, and proof of vaccination against Covid-19.

SCHEDULE ALERT: (03/25/23) As we ease back into regular programming post-pandemic, we will add more classes but for now, we have two classes in our Winter 2023 session for Adults and Seniors. This page will be updated when enrollment is open for the next session. Click here to request we contact you when enrollment opens.