Bethesda Workshops

Next Session: Mon, November 17th

*Workshop FULL. If you'd like to attend  as an observer, email shelby@bethesdarep.com

Where Bethesda Repertory all began. 

The Rehearsal is Bethesda’s free monthly workshop series designed for actors who are eager to grow, take creative risks, and expand the boundaries of their craft.

Each month, a single dramatic work serves as the focal point of exploration. Under the Direction of a visiting artist, participants delve into selected scenes and moments, revisiting the same roles through different perspectives and uncovering new layers of the  story.

This is a space where traditional casting expectations are set aside to encourage bold interpretation. Actors are invited to embody characters of any age, gender, or type. The goal is to strengthen the muscles of imagination, presence, and emotional truth.

All participants must arrive fully prepared and off-book, ready to collaborate and play. These are works that meant to challenge, inspire, and demand all of yourself. 

At Bethesda Repertory, we believe that boundary-pushing theatre deepens our humanity and strengthens our community. We are committed to maintaining an environment that honors the personal boundaries of every artist. Clear communication and mutual respect are essential. Growth takes courage, and The Rehearsal is a safe, supportive space for both.

The Rehearsal IS NOT a class.

• There is no fee to participate in The Rehearsal as Bethesda Repertory fiercely believes that if any artist is willing to further their curiosity in their craft, our sessions should, consequently, be accessible and free. 
• Each member of The Rehearsal is expected to come prepared with their text buried & interpreted, ready to work in a fully realized capacity, open to critique by discussion, and above all, willing to grow and push oneself.
• Participation in these workshops is limited to 10 actors, as smaller groups lead to more in-depth exploration, and ample time to work.
• The Rehearsal lasts from 3 to 4 hours, depending on group size.

All Actors are welcome regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or Actors' Equity status. We do require our artists to be 18 years or older to participate. 

• Actors: Sign up for the next session below.
   
• Directors & Writers: Interested in leading a session or proposing your material? Email us at info@bethesdarep.com with “The Rehearsal” in the subject line.

Next Session Coming Soon

Instructor--Company Member:

Zoë Papia

Actors will learn to deepen their work through a meaningful and explorative physical approach. Through movement-based exercises and tools, Zoë will help you find more confidence in your body and new paths to discovering your character. This 3-hour course will assist you in unlocking a newfound freedom and autonomy as a storyteller.

Those with all levels of experience are encouraged to attend. 

All Actors are welcome regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or Actors' Equity status. We do require our artists to be 18 years or older to participate.

Next Session Coming January 2026

Instructor--Company Member & Artistic Director

Andrew Rudy Galindo 

As artists, we are disruptors of the status quo and act as tangible reflections of our past, current, and future communities. We hold power to account through our work, which then, has to power to change the lives of those who absorb it. 

Being an artist, demands being susceptible to the human condition, without impediments. Those avenues, that abhor or make consumers shake their head and say, “I can’t imagine being in that circumstance,” or, “I don’t know how they can these characters can live with themselves! They're monsters!”, is what we do for a living—we go into the emotional fire and turmoil and not way. There is an inherent curiosity for understanding these messes and unmentionables that live within us…there should be—there must be. Are you truly prepared to step into these roles when called upon? Can you authentically live truthfully under the given imaginary circumstances that not only honor the text, but the countless lives and experiences they represent? 

Through exercises, paired scenes, and one on one scene work & monologues, we will explore these very notions and demand ourselves to be as truthful as we command ourselves to be.   

Those with advanced & professional levels of experience are encouraged to attend.

All Actors are welcome regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or Actors' Equity status. We do require our artists to be 18 years or older to participate.