Advanced theatre training for teen artists ready to deepen their craft, challenge themselves, and take greater ownership of their work.
Serving Ages 13-18
This is where the seeds planted in Kids and Junior Company really begin to take root. Teen Company students move beyond the fundamentals, take greater ownership of their work, and begin developing the discipline and independence of serious young artists.
Move beyond simply learning lines and blocking to making specific, intentional acting choices grounded in character, relationship, circumstances, and text.
Learn to break down scripts, identify objectives and tactics, explore subtext and stakes, and use analysis to make stronger choices onstage.
Develop the actor’s speaking voice through breath support, projection, resonance, diction, articulation, and vocal expression.
Build body awareness, coordination, technique, and physical confidence while exploring how movement communicates character, relationship, emotion, and story.
Take greater responsibility for your own preparation while learning how your choices, focus, professionalism, and generosity affect everyone in the room.
Learn to take direction, apply notes, advocate for your artistic choices, give and receive feedback, and develop the discipline needed to take your work further.
More time to work, take risks, receive feedback, and be challenged.
Teachers who are personally invested in the artist in front of them—their strengths, challenges, interests, and goals—and help them grow from there.
Fall Family Sharing Days invite families into the classroom to see students at work, while the spring Conservatory Showcase gives students the opportunity to bring their developing skills to the stage and share their work with an audience.
Serious training doesn’t have to mean a competitive environment. We’re building a community where artists challenge one another, support one another, and take the work seriously without taking themselves too seriously.
Performing is one of the best ways to grow as an artist—but sometimes you need time to work on you.
Teen Company gives you a place to experiment, take risks, and strengthen your technique without worrying about casting, callbacks, or getting the part. You’ll work on material chosen specifically for you to help you grow, get individualized feedback, and build skills you can take back to your school productions, community theatre auditions, college programs, and wherever you perform next.
✓ Teen Company students are given the opportunity to audition for age-appropriate roles in Hillbarn Theatre’s Mainstage season. We can’t promise you a role, but we can promise you the chance to be considered.
✓ 10% off regular ticket price to any Hillbarn Mainstage production (not valid for season subscriptions, which are already discounted)
✓ Early registration & special pricing for camps & workshops
✓ Returning student tuition discounts
✓ Conservatory events designed to help foster a sense of belonging and community
✓ Opportunities to watch your student grow, thrive and perform, of course!
✓ Personalized recognition of your student’s growth each semester, with a special Growth Reflection and Conservatory Certificate for students who complete the full year.
✓ Students who complete one full semester in any discipline are eligible to audition for the Advanced Conservatory Summer Production. Placement is not guaranteed.
A: No. While we strongly encourage students to participate in both semesters for the most complete training experience, students are welcome to enroll for just the Fall or Spring semester.
A: No, we accept students at all levels from beginner to advanced.
A: Theatre is an active art. In general, we recommend comfortable clothes that allow your child to move and roll around. Closed toed shoes that stay on their feet are required. No crocs, slides, heels, or sandals.
A: Parents are welcome to wait in the lobby while class is in session but classes are not open for observation until the final day.
A: It happens! Just let us know in advance whenever possible. Because theatre is a team sport and every student matters to the ensemble, regular attendance is important. If absences become frequent, we'll reach out to talk about whether continuing in the class is the best fit.
A: Students are generally placed by age, but maturity, experience, and readiness matter too. Older students may spend time in a younger class while they build foundational skills, while younger students may move into an older class when they’re ready for the additional challenge.
All withdrawals are subject to a $50 enrollment administration fee. Refund eligibility is based on the date we receive written notice of withdrawal.
Requests for exceptions due to extraordinary circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Refund requests must be submitted in writing to conservatory@hillbarntheatre.org. Approved refunds will be issued to the original payment method within 10 business days. We are unable to offer refunds, credits, or prorated tuition for student absences.
If Hillbarn Conservatory must cancel a single class session, we will schedule a makeup class and notify families via email as soon as possible. If a makeup class cannot reasonably be scheduled, Hillbarn Conservatory will determine an appropriate alternative at its discretion.
All classes require a minimum number of enrolled students to run. If a class does not meet minimum enrollment, Hillbarn Conservatory will cancel the class and issue a full refund to all who registered.
Craft + Community + Lifelong Learning
A Pre-Professional Career Training
for Emerging Artists
Brigitte (she/hers) is a native Bay Area actress and theatre maker. When Brigitte is not on the stage she is taking your calls managing the Hillbarn Box office. Brigitte Is very excited to be back performing on the Hillbarn stage with such an incredible wealth of bay area talent. Some past roles include Ensemble/swing in Kinky Boots (ROLT), Kelly Manning in The Mad Ones & Heather Chandler in Heathers (PSP), Ali in Mamma Mia (San Jose Stage Co), Poppy in Noises Off (Hillbarn Theatre), Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods (LASC).
