AFD: Theatre Lab
October 11-12
Black Box SB
Santa Barbara, CA
Step Into Your Story: A 2-Day Acting for Dancers Theatre Lab in Santa Barbara
This October, join Sarah Marie Picard for an intimate two-day workshop designed to ignite presence, confidence, and artistry.
What you’ll experience
Over 10+ hours you’ll train through movement, storytelling, and emotional intelligence practices to:
Perform with authentic presence
Express emotion and narrative with honesty
Build lasting confidence for class, auditions, and stage
You’ll work with: acting technique, contemporary movement, improvisation, mindfulness & breathwork, and story practices—plus guided reflections and coached runs.
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)
Schedule (sample)
Saturday 10:00a–3:00p — Studio immersion (mirrors for refinement)
Sunday 10:00a–3:00p — Black box runs (lights for presence)
Optional: 1:1 coaching available after group hours (limited)
Small snacks + water provided.
Tuition & registration
Early Bird: $375 (extended through Sept 22, 2025)
Regular: $425
Seats are limited to 15 dancers. Registration closes October 10, 2025.
Payment plans available on request. Email info@actingfordancers.com.
What to bring
All-black or neutral rehearsal wear (layers)
Sneakers + socks + kneepads
Water bottle, journal, pen
An open mind & a 60–90s improv track (optional)
“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.
