11 Online Theatre Courses You Can Start Today
Whether you are a full-time student, theatre professional, or avid drama fan, it’s never a bad idea to develop skills in the area you are passionate about. And this list of online theatre courses is a great place to start. Additionally, some of the following are free and most of them are available for enrollment as of today. Happy learning!
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1. Helen Mirren Teaching Acting
Helen Mirren is an Oscar, Golden Globe, Emmy, and Tony-award winning actress who began her career with the Royal Shakespeare Company. And she is offering an amazing online course with MasterClass. This exclusive course contains 28 in-depth lessons designed to spring you ahead of the crowd as a professional actor or actress.
Where to find the course: MasterClass➝
2. David Mamet Teaches Dramatic Writing
David Mamet is a Tony-nominated, Pulitzer-Prize-winning playwright who was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 2002. And he has partnered with MasterClass to create an in-depth course on dramatic writing! So if you’re an aspiring playwright, this would be a smart place to start.
Where to find the course: MasterClass➝
3. The Beauty of Kunqu Opera
This course focuses on diving into the historical and cultural background of Kunqu, China’s classical opera. This Coursera course is led by scholars and renowned maestros in the field of Kunqu.
Where to find the course: Coursera➝
4. Theatre and Globalization
If you’ve been looking for an online course that will help you connect to bigger issues, this is a great option. With this course on Coursera, you’ll get to take a closer look at how theatre and globalization have had an impact on each other. Additionally, you can find out how to be a part of the global research.
Where to find the course: Coursera➝
5. Steve Martin Teaches Comedy
Mastering the subtle art of comedy is not an easy task. And there is just no better way to learn that than from the legendary Steve Martin! Not only is Steve Martin a world-class comedian, he’s an actor, writer, producer, playwright, and musician.
Where to find the course: MasterClass➝
6. Physical Theatre: Exploring the Slap
In this course by Future Learn, you will be given an inside look at the theory and technicality behind Meyerhold’s form of physical theatre – biomechanics. You will also learn how to perform “The Slap”.
Where to find the course: Future Learn➝
7. Inspiring and Motivating Arts and Culture Teams
This edX course is great for theatre leaders, educators, managers, directors, and producers. By taking it, you’ll develop critical leadership skills that are specific to the arts and culture context.
Where to find the course: edX➝
8. Ignite Your Everyday Creativity
This may not necessarily be a course on theatre. However, it’s definitely helpful for all the creatives out there! This course is hosted on Coursera, and it will help you to recognize, develop, and act upon your own creative passions and abilities.
Where to find the course: Coursera➝
9. Shakespeare’s Life and Work
If you’re looking for a solid introduction to Shakespeare, this edX course is a great place to start. Additionally, this course will help you reach more of an understanding of Shakespeare’s plays by learning about his biography and history.
Where to find the course: edX➝
10. Natalie Portman Teaches Acting
In this exciting Masterclass, Natalie Portman breaks down her acting process and shares it with you in 20 in-depth video lessons. These lessons include very important topics such as character development, dialect coaching, working with directors, and improvisation.
Where to find the course: MasterClass➝
11. Samuel Jackson Teaches Acting
If you’re interested in learning more about screen acting, academy-award nominee Samuel L. Jackson has put together 21 insightful lessons on acting. His lessons cover everything from creating characters and breaking down a script to auditioning and growing your acting career.
Where to find the course: MasterClass➝
Want a weekly list of stagey surprises?!
Know of any other great online theatre courses?
We’d love for you to share in the comments below! And if you are more interested in in-person learning, you can always check out our regularly-updated list of theatre degree programs!
Author: Stacy Karyn
Stacy Karyn is the founder of Theatre Trip, author of The Thespian’s Bucket List, and creator of The Cast Album List. She holds a BA in theatre, a TESOL drama certificate, and has worked and interned with Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters.