The Crow's Nest

Step into the spotlight with The Upstart Crow at The Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, where The Crow's Nest transforms the Carsen Theatre into a thrilling stage for the stars of tomorrow! If you're between 10 to 18 years old and dream of capturing the heart of the audience or just love the language of the classics, this is where your adventure begins. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of theater arts with our dynamic classes that bring the magic of the stage right to your feet.

Start your journey with Morning Monologue Magic, where you're invited to explore classic texts with your unique spin, diving into the art of the monologue with a fun and adventurous spirit. Then, journey through our Scenic Explorations program, which offers a deep dive into the raw emotion of acting, the captivating art of scene work, and the intricate dance of character development.

But that's not all—introducing Classic Creations, our immersive afternoon program where you can bring your visions to life. Whether it's reimagining a traditional piece or collaborating on an entirely new work inspired by the greats, Classic Creations is your platform to shine, emphasizing movement and collaboration to forge unforgettable performances.

With something new to discover every day, your exploration through the realms of theater with Morning Monologue Magic, Scenic Explorations, and Classic Creations will be nothing short of extraordinary. At The Crow's Nest, we're not just learning about theater; we're creating it, experiencing it, and bringing it to life on stage.

The Program

Morning Class 1: Morning Monologue Magic

     June 17 through June 21

Dive into the spellbinding world of Shakespeare with Morning Monologue Magic. Whether you're stepping onto the stage for the first time or you’re a seasoned young performer, this class is your ticket to mastering Shakespeare's timeless tales. Through fun detective work and lively coaching sessions, students will find their unique voice and learn to express themselves with confidence. Plus, they'll get to move and groove as they bring these classic monologues to life, culminating in an energetic group performance that's sure to wow family and friends on the last day of class!

Morning Class 2: Scenic Explorations: Dynamic Scenes and Stages

     June 24 through June 28

Scenic Explorations: Dynamic Scenes and Stages in week 2 is where the excitement of acting meets the thrill of movement! Explore the fascinating worlds of Greek epics, Molière's comedic escapades, Chekhov's intriguing dramas, and, of course, the enchanting plays of Shakespeare. This class isn't just about reciting lines; it's about jumping into the shoes of history's greatest characters and moving as they would, making every scene pop with vibrancy. It’s perfect for everyone from the energetic 5th grader to the more sophisticated teen, leading to an end-of-session showcase that will be remembered for years to come.

Afternoon Class: Classic Creations: Stagecraft & Storytelling

     June 17 through June 28

Classic Creations: Stagecraft & Storytelling has a path for every young creator. offers two distinct paths in the world of theater production. Whether your child dreams of directing their own play or starring in a classic Shakespearean drama, this two week class has enough variety to be a creative journey for everyone. Based on the interests of the participants, the group will choose their own adventure:

• Path A: The Classic Ensemble - Dive into the heart of a traditional classic or Shakespeare play, where the fusion of text and movement crafts an unforgettable theatrical experience. Participants will immerse themselves in the art of classical performance, learning to navigate the stage with purpose and passion.
• Path B: The Playwrights' Guild - For those who love to create, The Playwrights' Guild is your canvas. This is a playmaking and devising course where collaboration meets innovation. Participants will craft a play from scratch, employing movement and creative methodologies to break free from traditional narratives. This pathway is a celebration of collective storytelling, where every step, gesture, and movement contributes to the creation of a groundbreaking piece.

These courses are designed to ignite your passion for classic theater while keeping the atmosphere fun, light, and engaging. Get ready to step into the spotlight with Morning Monologues, explore diverse theatrical landscapes with Scenic Explorations, and craft your masterpiece in Classic Creations. The stage awaits!

Our Staff

Behind the enchanting world of The Crow's Nest, where young talents are nurtured into the spotlight, stands a team of extraordinary mentors—our performing educators. These aren't just any staff members; they are seasoned performers and dedicated educators who bring a wealth of professional experience and passionate teaching to every class, workshop, and rehearsal.

Leading this talented team are Brandon Price and Lauren Russell, whose unique backgrounds in both performance and education set the stage for an unparalleled learning experience.

Brandon Price

Brandon brings over 15 years of teaching and directing theater to our program. His journey has seen him touring with the Missoula Children’s Theater, teaching at Westwood High School and North Middle School, and currently enriching young minds at Manhattan Middle School of the Arts in Boulder. Beyond teaching, Brandon has directed numerous productions with the Northglenn Youth Theatre. With a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Performance and International Theatre Production, coupled with a Master’s in Theater Education, Brandon's approach is deeply rooted in a profound understanding of theater's power to transform and educate.

Lauren Russell

Lauren is a veritable force in the performing arts, seamlessly blending her talents as an actor, singer, dancer, director, choreographer, and teacher. Her days are filled with teaching dance at Boulder Ballet, choreographing for the Northglenn Youth Theatre and Manhattan Middle School, and performing with the innovative Something Different acting troupe. Lauren’s dynamic approach to teaching and her diverse skill set in both dance and theater provide our students with a comprehensive and inspiring educational experience.

Together, Brandon and Lauren embody the essence of what it means to be performers and educators. Their dedication to the craft and commitment to teaching ensures that every student, whether just beginning their theatrical journey or seeking to deepen their artistry, receives guidance that is both enriching and transformative. Under their leadership, our young performers are encouraged to explore, create, and shine, supported by a wealth of knowledge and a true passion for the performing arts.

At The Upstart Crow, we believe in the power of theater to inspire and ignite passion. That's why we're dedicated to making our world-class dramatic instruction not just a learning experience, but an unforgettable adventure. With affordable summer camps, classes, workshops, and online resources, we ensure that everyone has a seat at our table.

Don't just dream about the stage—own it! Join us at The Crow's Nest for an exhilarating dive into the world of theater that promises not just skills, but memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Are you ready to take the leap and become the artist you've always dreamed of? The stage is set, and the spotlight is on you. Welcome to The Upstart Crow, where your theatrical journey begins.

The Upstart Crow is an ensemble community theatre company dedicated to staging the finest works of classical theatre and providing the community with affordable access to these works. We strive to produce works that speak to the contemporary experience from an historical perspective and give the audience the opportunity for self reflection that great works of drama provide. TUC Productions emphasize respect for the playwright’s intentions, the actor’s craft, and the audience’s intellect. Learn more at theupstartcrow.org