AFD: Theatre Lab
Every dance artist who attended Acting For Dancers: Theatre Lab described the experience as transformative in ways they didn’t know were possible when they arrived.
Acting for Dancers | Theatre Lab 2026
February 14-15 | 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.
Payment plans available.
UP NEXT: February 13-14, 2026
What You’ll Experience!
Acting For Dancers Theatre Lab is a two-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 experience as a dance artist.
Over the course of the lab, dancers will train in the areas of:
Acting technique
Applied Acting Technique for Movement + Performance
Improvisation
Mindfulness and Breathwork
Poetry of the Body
Contemporary and Choreographic exploration
Guided reflections, coached runs, and individual feedback sessions
Every element is designed to help the dance artist dissolve self-doubt, find clarity in their choices, and bring honesty to their performance — on stage, on camera, and in life.
Dancers 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-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
Two-Day Immersion
Saturday–Sunday | 10:00a–4:30pm
Day 1: Foundations — emotional intelligence, acting technique, and guided improvisation
9:30am Check-in
10am-12:30pm Warm up, Movement/Improvisation, Acting For Dancers
12:30pm-1pm Lunch (we have a short turn around please bring your lunch)
1pm-3pm Poetry of the Body: Storytelling for Dancers
3pm-4:30pm Applied Acting for Dancers
Optional 1:1 coaching available after group hours (limited).
Day 2: Storytelling in movement — applying tools through choreography and narrative work
9:30am Studios open
10am-12:30pm Warm up, Movement/Improvisation, Acting For Dancers
12:30pm-1pm Lunch (we have a short turn around please bring your lunch)
1pm-2:30pm Acting For Dancers
2:30pm-4pm Applied Acting for Dancers
4-4:30pm Wrap up
Optional 1:1 coaching available after group hours (limited).
*schedule subject to change
Tuition & Registration
2-Day Intensive: Early Bird Rate: $485 ($575 after January 14th)
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)
We will have a short lunch break so please do bring your lunch each day.
Water bottle, journal, pen
APPLY FOR
AFD| THEATRE LAB
Thank you for taking the time to share. Each response helps us get to know the artist behind the application.
“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.