Adult Classes
Welcome to The Acting Studio at McCarter—your creative home for every level of performer, from curious beginners to seasoned professionals. Whether you’re seeking a fun way to connect with fellow theater lovers or in-depth, professional training for the stage and screen, we have a class for you.
Winter Session
Winter Adult Classes will go on sale on Monday, November 10th.
Advanced Scene Study
By Invitation Only. Ages 18+
Elevate your craft in this master‑level class that builds on Scene Study 1. Under the guidance of the instructor, students will apply advanced lessons in Meisner technique and text analysis to the preparation, rehearsal, and presentation of scenes from a range of contemporary and classic plays. Students are challenged to stretch themselves by working on a variety of diverse and complex roles. Emphasis is placed on applying technique to solve the acting problems inherent in each scene, thus gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the rehearsal process. Each session culminates in a polished showcase for an audience. Previous acting training is required and admission to the class is by invitation only.
Dates: January 5, 12, 26; February 2, 9, 23; March 2, 9, 16, 23
Time: Mondays 6:30-9:00 PM
Spring Session: Apr 6, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18; Jun 1, 8, 15, 22
Scene Study 1
Beginner/Intermediate Level. Ages 18+
The Adult Scene Study class offers students ongoing practice in their craft through a Meisner-based approach designed to develop the actor’s ability to use themselves truthfully, spontaneously, and actively. This class will combine acting exercises and scene study to explore technique, analyze scripts, and develop characters. Students will learn how to apply the actor’s technique to the rehearsal process and build a performance. This class encourages actors to stretch themselves by working on a variety of diverse and challenging parts in a safe, communal environment that balances rigor with fun.
Dates: January 6, 13, 20, 27; February 3, 10, 24; March 3, 10, 17, 24
Time: Tuesdays 6:30-8:30 PM
Spring Session: Apr 7, 21, 28; May 5, 12, 19; Jun 2, 9, 16, 23
Acting Collective
All skill levels welcome. Ages 18+
The Adult Acting Collective is a place for adult students to explore the craft of acting in a supportive environment that promotes creativity, community and friendship. Each session will teach the fundamentals of acting through themes such as improvisation, scene and monologue study, character development, the art of comedy, solo and ensemble performance, specialized acting techniques, and more! Each 10-week session will build on the session before but also allow for new students to enter the process. This class emphasizes group work and balances rigor and skill-building with fun! It is appropriate for the beginner student as well as those wishing to reconnect with their craft.
Dates: January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25
Time: Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 PM
Spring Session: Apr 8, 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20; Jun 3, 10, 17, 24
Improv
Ages 18+
Step into the world of improv and unlock skills that resonate far beyond the stage. McCarter's Adult Improv class offers a lively, supportive space to sharpen you listening skills, develop your truthful spontaneity and trust your creative instincts. Each week you will work closely with fellow students to learn how to perform classic short-form improv games as well as long-form scenes grounded in core improv principles like “Yes, and...”, “Don’t prepare!” and “Commit!” At the end of the session, students will have the opportunity to showcase their newly honed skills in a relaxed and fun sharing for the public! This class is perfect for anyone ready to stretch their creative muscles and discover the joy of saying “yes, and” to new opportunities!
Dates: January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12, 26; March 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: Thursdays 6:30-8:30 PM
Spring Session: Apr 9, 23, 30; May 7, 14, 21; Jun 4, 11, 18, 25
For the 2025-2026 season, adult classes will be led by:
Jacqueline Knox
Jacqueline Knox is a seasoned teaching artist, actor, and theater professional with over 25 years of experience teaching acting to students of all ages. Ms. Knox is a founder and former Producing Artistic Director of 12 Miles Theatre Company, a professional theater formerly in Montclair, NJ. While there she produced six seasons of award-winning mainstage and second stage productions; oversaw and nurtured a resident company of 50 actors, directors and playwrights; acted in and directed multiple productions; and taught teen and adult acting classes. She later founded an acting studio in Montclair focused on serious training for adult actors, where she taught Meisner-based classes in acting technique, scene study and character development, and hosted master classes with noted Broadway actors. Ms. Knox currently teaches the adult acting program at McCarter Theatre in Princeton, NJ. An accomplished actor, Ms. Knox has worked in theatre, film and television. She holds a BA in Speech and Theatre from Montclair State University and is a graduate of William Esper Studio advanced acting training.