AFD: Theatre Lab
UP NEXT: JANUARY 3-4, 2026
Acting for Dancers | Theatre Lab 2026
January 3-4 | Santa Barbara, CA
A focused, honest, and transformational weekend designed for dancers ages 15+ who are ready to deepen confidence, connection, and expressive freedom.
Led by Artistic Director Sarah Marie Picard, Theatre Lab merges acting tools for dancers with emotional intelligence training—helping artists embody truth, tell authentic stories, and perform from a place of clarity and certainty.
Every dancer leaves the experience changed. Together, we create a space that feels like family—a place to come home to self, courage, and artistry.
✨ By application only. Limited spots available.
What You’ll Experience
Acting For Dancers is a three-day immersive training designed to help you perform with authenticity, confidence, and connection.
Through movement, storytelling, and emotional intelligence practices, you’ll learn to express from truth — not from habit — and rediscover the freedom that comes from being fully present in your artistry.
Over the course of the lab, dancers train through:
Acting technique and emotional truth
Improvisation and story-driven movement
Mindfulness and breathwork for presence
Contemporary and choreographic exploration
Guided reflections, coached runs, and feedback sessions
Every element is designed to help you dissolve self-doubt, find clarity in your choices, and bring honesty to your performance — on stage, on camera, and in life.
You’ll leave with tangible tools, renewed confidence, and a deeper sense of certainty in who you are as an artist.Who it’s for
Advanced teens (pre-pro), college, and professional dancers
Artists exploring deeper performance quality, vulnerability, and connection
Dancers interested in future SMP Dance Company creations/residencies (Theatre Lab is a primary touch-point)
Who It’s For
Advanced teens (pre-professional), college, and professional dancers
Artists ready to strengthen their performance quality, storytelling, and emotional connection
Dancers interested in future SMP Dance Company residencies or creative projects (Theatre Lab is the primary entry point)Schedule (sample)
Schedule
Three-Day Immersion (Full Experience)
Saturday–Sunday | 10:00a–5:00pm
Day 1: Foundations — emotional intelligence, acting technique, and guided improvisation
Storytelling in movement — applying tools through choreography and narrative work
Day 2: Storytelling in movement + Performance — black box environment, coached runs, and final reflections
Optional 1:1 coaching available after group hours (limited).
Tuition & Registration
2-Day Intensive: $575 ✨ Early Bird Rate: $485 if paid in full by December 1st
Payment plans available on request.
Email: info@actingfordancers.com
Spots are limited to maintain an intimate and personalized environment.
What to Bring
All-black or neutral rehearsal wear (layers recommended)
Sneakers + socks + kneepads
Water bottle, journal, pen
Payment plans available on request. Email info@actingfordancers.com.
APPLY FOR
AFD| THEATRE LAB
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“Sarah creates such a safe, inspiring space. I discovered layers of artistry and honesty in my movement I didn’t even know were there.”
- AFD Mentee + Student
About the Instructor
Led by Sarah Marie Picard—Founder of Acting for Dancers and Director of SMP Dance Company. Sarah has taught internationally for over a decade, with credits including So You Think You Can Dance, ABC’s Once Upon A Time, and students continuing on to Juilliard, Broadway, and beyond. Read her full bio here.
Please CLICK HERE for EVENT LOCATION DETAILS, transportation and accommodation links.
