Studio History
Our Studio offers a safe place where anyone and everyone can take risks. Freehold’s students are encouraged to move theatre forward—to transform, deepen, and clarify new ways of working. From introductory sessions for the curious to master classes for practicing artists, the Studio offers an extraordinary range of disciplines and styles to help students develop a comprehensive understanding of theatre craft and acting, and to develop an artist’s greatest gift—a sense of truth—while developing the means to express this gift specifically and viscerally.
1991
Freehold begins offering year round classes. From introductory courses for the beginner to master classes for working professionals, Freehold’s Studio offers comprehensive training which aims to develop an actor’s greatest gift – a sense of truth – while developing the means to express that gift specifically and viscerally. Freehold’s faculty are all professional actors, directors, and playwrights.
1994
Freehold’s Diversity Scholarship is created. The scholarship supports the artistic development of actors from under-represented populations who will generate performance material that speaks to a broad spectrum of our communities.
1995
First annual Studio Series, a mentored festival of new works presented by Freehold students. The Studio Series is an ensemble event intended to encourage Freehold’s students to further their work in the performance arena; It is a great opportunity for participants to take their craft - be it that of actor, director, writer, movement artist/choreographer, performance artist, spoken word artist - to the next stage.
1999
First year of Ensemble Training Intensive (ETI), Freehold’s 10-month conservatory program. Freehold’s ETI program was also offered in 2002, 2006, and in partnership with New Century Theatre Company and Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2011. The Ensemble Training Intensive (ETI) was designed for emerging artists who are ready to make a vocational commitment to the theatre.
2007
Freehold moves from Oddfellows in Capital Hill to Belltown.
2017
Freehold moves from Belltown to Chinatown/International District.
2020
After a four-year hiatus, the Studio Series is reinstated.
