2025 MPN Winter Classes at the HAT!

Want to get out of the cold this winter? Do something good for yourself and sign up for a stimulating and inspiring class in a warm, comfortable place at the Helena Avenue Theatre (HAT). Whether you want to be on stage or create scripts to perform, we have affordable courses taught by talented, effective instructors to guide you. For ages 18 and up. (No experience necessary.) Class sizes limited to 12 participants.

The Actor In Character with Bruce Hall 

January 21 - March 4: 6-8:30 pm

As an actor, how do you put on a character? How do you keep it real? Acting is fun, and it’s also serious business. Through monologs, scene work, and emotion-driven improv, this class explores how to personalize and commit to character as a way of becoming a more honest actor. (course fee: $150)

Bruce Hall: Bruce is a theatre director and educator with an MFA in Acting from Yale University, a BA in Drama from University of Montana, and an MA in Psychology from Antioch. He has taught Drama and Music in Seattle schools for twenty years and has produced works as a director, writer, and composer for regional theaters and Broadway.

Improv Foundations with LeAnn Books 

January 27 - March 17: 6:30-8:30 pm (No class: 2/17)

Learn fundamentals of improv in a fun, energetic, low-stakes environment! No improv background or experience required. This course will help improve listening and communication skills as we dive into uncertainty and uncover the humor. This course is a great opportunity to try something new with others who are also expanding their comfort zone. (course fee: $150)

Next Level Improv with LeAnn Books 

March 31 - April 21: 6:00-8:30 pm

(Prerequisite Improv Foundations or prior experience required.) Build on skills learned in Improv Foundations and explore long-form improvisation techniques in preparation for public improv and comedy performance. Students are eligible for participation in the new Comedy Club appearing this spring at the HAT. (course fee: $135)

LeAnn Books: LeAnn spent the last year and a half basically living at Last Best Comedy in Bozeman as an improv student, performer, and enthusiastic front-row audience member. She believes that laughing together is powerful medicine, and that improv is a compelling personal growth experience. She is excited to share her passion for improv and remind adults it can be great fun to be new at something.

Playwriting Basics with Pamela Jamruszka Mencher 

January 27-March 17: 6:30-8:30 pm (No class: 2/17)

Write compelling short plays & scripts. Classes explore techniques for writing plays & screenplays, as well as staging and production mechanics for live theatre and film. The last session may include readings of works completed in class.  (course fee: $150)

Pamela Jamruszka Mencher: As a playwright, actor, director, producer, designer and college professor, Pamela has received honors and awards in her playwriting, teaching and professional theatre careers.  She currently serves as the Montana Playwrights Network President and Executive Director of the Helena Avenue Theatre.