Theatre 55 Offers Creativity Classes for Seniors
Theatre 55 believes in the creativity and vitality of seniors, and is dedicated to offering opportunities for growth and learning.
This spring, we’ve got classes in Improvisation, taught by Theatre 55 regular Dane Stauffer, Broadway Dance, taught by Rik Kutcher, and a “Heroes & Villains” Monologue class taught by Jeffrey Goodson!
"Heroes & Villains" Monologues For Good & Evil
A five week course for actors to learn and gain confidence with two monologues each – one a hero of a play and one a villain of a play (the monologues assigned may not be from the same play).
Two hour sessions that consist of:
- An overview of the characters for each monologue and then practice, memorization and performance in class of the two chosen pieces.
- A focus on nuances of the characters that make their speeches more meaningful and understood
- An analysis of the play from which the characters come
- Who are they?
- Why are they speaking the speech?
- Do they get what they want?
- Do they not get what they want?
- Class participants thoughts about the speeches and characters chosen.
Monologues will be chosen and assigned in advance so participants can prepare by reading the plays of their characters before class begins
Heroes & Villains Info & Registration
Instructor: Jeff Goodson
Dates: Five Saturdays March 7–April 4, 2026
Time: 10:00am–12:00pm
Location: Center for Performing Arts, Minneapolis
Max Enrollment: 20
Cost: $165
(Click the + next to the 0 to add a registration before clicking “Get Tickets”)
Broadway Dance
Theatre 55’s Rik Kutcher is an accomplished performing artist and educator known for his versatility and expertise in musical theatre. He has taught dance classes in ballet, jazz, tap, and musical theatre performance, effectively instructing dancers of all skill levels while providing a safe and positive environment that promotes skill development and artistic growth. Rik’s notable credits with Theatre 55 include roles such as the Emcee in “Cabaret,” Tom Collins in “RENT,” Anthony in “Sweeney Todd,” and Orin Scrivello in “Little Shop of Horrors.”
If you’re looking to dive into musical theatre dance, this class is a fun way to get started, whether you’re a beginner or have some experience. We’ll cover the basics, help you become more coordinated and flexible, and give you plenty of opportunities to express yourself creatively, all in a supportive and upbeat setting.
No matter your age, it’s never too late to enjoy the benefits of dance.
- Socializing: Dance classes can be a great way to meet new people
- Flexibility: Dance can help improve flexibility
- Strength: Dance can help improve balance and strength
- Mood: Dance can boost your mood and reduce stress
- Energy: Dancing regularly can help increase your energy level
Broadway Dance Info & Registration
Instructor: Rik Kutcher
Dates: Six Saturdays March 7–April 11, 2026
Time: 10:00am–12:00pm
Location: A-Mill Lofts, Minneapolis
Max Enrollment: 20
Cost: $195
(Click the + next to the 0 to add a registration before clicking “Get Tickets”)
"Yes And…" An Introduction to Improvisation
In a playful atmosphere, you will step out of your comfort zone and into the “Flow of Imagination,” learning to create instant theatre, on the spot.
Enjoy the brain- boosting, spirit -lifting, day-brightening fun of IMPROVISATION! Through theatre games, ritual, insight and lots of laughter, we will build spontaneous stories together. Affirm your ideas and creative impulses. Deepen your listening skills with a hearty “What if?” and a rousing “ Yes, and !“
Open to all levels of experience, 55 plus!
Intro to Improv Info & Registration
Instructor: Dane Stauffer
Dates: Six Saturdays March 7–April 11, 2026
Time: 10:00am–12:00pm
Location: Center for Performing Arts, Minneapolis
Max Enrollment: 20
Cost: $195
(Click the + next to the 0 to add a registration before clicking “Get Tickets”)
About the Instructors
Jeff Goodson
After completing his degree in Theatre at a college in northwest Georgia, he performed in Atlanta for 9 years with companies like the Alliance Theater, Theatre in the Square, Onstage Atlanta and Peachtree City Theatre Festival before coming to Minneapolis in 1990. He has been a regular part of Theatre 55’s productions from the start including “Hair”, “Urinetown”, the Philip Marlowe Radio Plays, “Rent”, “Into the Woods”, “Rocky Horror Show”, “Cabaret” and “Sweeny Todd”. Other performances in the twin cities include productions at Park Square, Chanhassen Dinner Theater, Nimbus, Lyric Arts and Dudley Riggs’ Brave New Workshop. He has also authored several plays including the now published “Shakespeare Ate My Brain” and the soon to be presented, “Sweet Clone of Mine: A Neil Diamond Experiment” at the Hive Collaborative. Jeff can be heard any time you like as a primary voice actor/writer for “Space Croutons” a sci-fi storytelling podcast now in its sixth season.
Rik Kutcher
Rik is an accomplished performing artist known for his versatility and expertise in musical theatre performance having performed on national, international and local stages. With classical training in drama, dance, and voice, Rik epitomizes the quintessential “triple-threat” performer. His robust stage presence and dedication to the craft have earned him recognition in a wide array of productions.
Currently residing in Minneapolis, MN, Rik has performed in various productions at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, including “West Side Story,” “Anything Goes,” and “Oklahoma!”. He has also been involved with Theatre 55, where he played roles such as Emcee in “Cabaret,” Tom Collins in “Rent,” and the Dentist in “Little Shop of Horrors.” Additionally, Rik has choreographed and taught dance classes in ballet, jazz, tap and musical theatre to dancers of all skill levels, promoting a safe and positive environment conducive to learning and improving overall performance skills.
Dane Stauffer
Award winning Singer/Actor/Writer/Director/Playwright/ Theatre-Maker Dane Stauffer’s acting credits include a lead role in the recent “The Defeat of Jesse James” at History Theatre, followed by a return of the smash hit “Glensheen” (“Broadway world award: “Best Performance in a Musical”,)“ Scrooge” in Dolly Parton’s Smokey Mountain Christmas Carol/Ordway, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol /Park Square Theatre. “When A Man Loves A Diva / Lab Theatre in Minneapolis. Awards include: “Best Actor in a Comedy” LA Stage Scene/All in the Timing, Best Actor /Broadway World for “Glensheen.” When not onstage, with 40 years improvisation experience he can be found teaching empowerment through the arts to children and adults in all settings. More info at www.danestauffer.com
