Adult Programs (2025)

LEarn theatre, music, dance & more!

Join us at your Chester Playhouse for a memorable learning experience!
Our workshops provide an enriching platform for adults of all ages to explore the magic of performance.
Join us and discover the transformative power of self expression.

Adult Intro to Acting workshops

Adult Intro to Acting – Beginner

Have you ever wanted to perform on stage? Do you love theatre, but have never given yourself the opportunity to discover your natural acting abilities?

This is your invitation to come play at The Chester Playhouse!

In this weekly course for adults, we will explore the basics of acting and improvisation together. No previous experience is necessary – only a willingness to learn and play. Participants will build confidence and performance skills. Most importantly, we’ll have fun in a low-stakes exploration of acting!

This course is intended for adults aged 19 and up.

Classes are held on the Chester Playhouse stage. The Chester Playhouse is accessible by lift.

Classes run 8 weeks on Mondays beginning Oct 20 to Dec 8, from 7-9pm

Registration fee is $200 + tax per participant. A non-refundable deposit of $50 + tax is due upon registration. Balance is due by the first class.

Maximum registration is 14 participants, so don’t delay – click the button below and register today!

Adult Intro to Acting Workshop – Level Up!

Continue your journey in acting.

This class will joyously build upon the foundation created from your previous acting discoveries. Your curiosity, commitment and willingness to play are all that are required to deepen your acting skills and self-confidence. 

Prerequisite: completion of Adult Intro to Acting Level 1/Beginner, or with special consideration of the instructor.

This course is intended for adults aged 19 and up.

Classes are held on the Chester Playhouse stage. The Chester Playhouse is accessible by lift. 

Classes run 8 weeks on Mondays beginning Oct 20 to Dec 8, from 430-630 pm

Registration fee is $200 + tax per participant. A non-refundable deposit of $50 + tax is due upon registration. Balance is due by the first class.

Maximum registration is 14 participants, so don’t delay – click the button below and register today!

Discover Flamenco with Maria Osende

About Flamenco Dance

Fluid arms and percussive footwork are hallmarks of flamenco dance, woven together with the beautiful melodies and intricate rhythms of flamenco music. Originating in Andalusia, southern Spain, flamenco reflects the passion of its Gitano (Roma) roots alongside Arabic and folkloric influences. Steeped in centuries of tradition and cultural fusion, flamenco continues to evolve as both a soulful art form and a joyful expression of life.

Discover Flamenco with Maria Osende

Step on on to the dance floor. 

A lively, welcoming workshop for adults of all ages, genders, levels of fitness, and backgrounds. No experience is needed, and no special shoes or attire required—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to try something new!

This low-impact session is perfect whether you’re looking for a fun activity, gentle exercise, or simply want to explore the beauty of this Roma-inspired Spanish art form. Expect fluid arm movements, expressive posture, and a taste of flamenco rhythms—all in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere in a follow-along setting. All genders and ages welcome!

Feel like dressing the part? Long skirts for women, hair flowers, or lapel flowers for men are encouraged to help set the mood!

This class is intended for adults aged 19 and up.

This class will be held on the Chester Playhouse stage. The Chester Playhouse is accessible by lift. 

Date: Saturday, November 8th, 11am – 12pm. 

Registration: $15 + tax per participant. 

Maximum registration is 12 participants, so don’t delay – click the button below and register today!

Meet Your instructiors

Kristina Nicoll is only too happy to share the joys and teachings of her 40-year professional careeer as an actress of the Stage, Screen and VoiceOver in our Adult Intro to Acting Workshops.

Highlights include 5 years as leading lady at The Stratford Festival, as well as theatres coast to coast in Canada and on the world’s stages. Kristina’s world opened further when she was invited to be the Assistant Artistic Director at Tarragon Theatre in Toronto, where she embraced our national theatre community through her innovative approach to casting and her hands-on involvement in new play development as dramaturge, director and producer. 

Kristina is a graduate of The National Theatre School of Canada, a past nominee for the Gina Wilkinson Emerging Female Director Award, and recipient of the Christopher Plummer International Fellowship at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Kristina is a sought out teacher and mentor for sharing what she has learned from the remarkable teachers she herself was blessed with.

Maria Osende is an award-winning professional flamenco dancer and ballet dancer, choreographer, teacher and producer. Her professional career spans New York, Madrid, Berlin, and Halifax. She danced as a soloist with both the National Ballet of Spain and the Berlin Ballet before moving to Atlantic Canada.

Since moving to Canada and since 2005, Maria has directed Osende Dance Arts, the only flamenco school in Atlantic Canada, and she also runs an adult ballet program, Ballet Beyond. Alongside teaching, Maria continues to choreograph, perform, and tour, while leading outreach initiatives through her non-profit organization, Atlantic Flamenco, were she is artist director.

Now a part-time resident of Chester, she is excited to connect with the community!

Learn more at MariaOsende.com