Acting for Dancers Theatre Lab Launches in Santa Barbara: Emotional Intelligence & Storytelling in Performance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Megan Warnick
info@actingfordancers.com
www.actingfordancers.com
Acting for Dancers Launches Inaugural Theatre Lab in Santa Barbara
Featuring Guest Classes and Industry Q+A with Leading Dance Artists
Santa Barbara, CA — September 15— Acting for Dancers, founded by choreographer and educator Sarah Marie Picard, announces its first Theatre Lab in Santa Barbara, CA, on October 11–12, 2025. This intimate two-day workshop invites pre-professional and professional dancers to explore storytelling, presence, and emotional intelligence as a pathway to stronger, more authentic performance.
Sarah Marie Picard + Dancers at an in studio residency Acting For Dancers workshop, Charleston, SC
Held at Black Box SB, founded by choreographer and producer Kerrilee Gore (628 Olive Street), the Theatre Lab is limited to 15 dancers, offering both studio and theatre training. The program emphasizes emotional awareness, safe spaces, and artistry beyond technique.
In addition to the workshop, participants will join an Industry Q+A with acclaimed artists including:
Zoey Anderson (Ballet Jazz de Montréal)
Dana Wilson (Justin Timberlake, also teaching at the Lab)
Gilbert Small (Gibney Dance NYC)
Sarah Marie Picard (Founder, Acting for Dancers; Artistic Director, SMP Dance Company)
The Lab also features special guest sessions, including:
Dana Wilson teaching Jazz movement class at Theatre Lab
Madison Kainoa Barnett leading dancers in embodiment through meditation and more
Together, these artists will guide conversations and classes on “what it means for dancers to grow not only technically, but also as emotionally empowered and artistically expressive performers.”
“Theatre Lab is about giving dancers the courage and tools to connect with themselves and with an audience through story,” says founder Sarah Marie Picard. “We’re honored to bring this kind of training to Santa Barbara and to open the dialogue with some of the industry’s most respected voices.”
Event Details
📍 Black Box SB, 628 Olive Street, Santa Barbara, CA
📅 October 11–12, 2025 | 10:00AM–3:00PM
🎟 Early Bird Registration available through September 15
🎭 Limited to 15 dancers
👉 Registration + Info: [www.smpdancecompany.as.me/AFDTheatreLab]
About Acting for Dancers
Acting for Dancers, founded by Sarah Marie Picard, is a training methodology that integrates emotional intelligence, storytelling, and performance presence into dance education. Through workshops, mentorship, and international teaching, Acting for Dancers equips dancers with both practical tools and profound personal insight.
Sarah and Company Dancers in NYC, The Joyce Theatre
About SMP Dance Company
Directed by Sarah Marie Picard, SMP Dance Company is a project-based company rooted in story, presence, and vulnerability. The company bridges professional creation with education, giving dancers opportunities to explore process and performance at a professional level.
Press Contact:
Megan Warnick
info@actingfordancers.com